Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is an exterior cladding panel including one or more courses of simulated shingles, a locking clip extending from a front face of the exterior cladding panel, and a locking leg extending from a rear face of the exterior cladding panel. The exterior cladding panel also includes a first plurality of tabs extending from a top edge of the exterior cladding panel, where each tab in the first plurality of tabs includes at least one projection extending approximately perpendicular to the front face. A respective top end of each tab in the first plurality of tabs extends a common distance from the top edge of the exterior cladding panel. A second plurality of tabs extends from the top edge of the exterior cladding panel, where a respective top end of each tab in the second plurality of tabs extends the common distance from the top edge.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is an exterior cladding panel including one or more courses of simulated shingles, a locking clip extending from a front face of the exterior cladding panel, and a locking leg extending from a rear face of the exterior cladding panel. The exterior cladding panel also includes a first plurality of tabs extending from a top edge of the exterior cladding panel, where each tab in the first plurality of tabs includes at least one projection extending approximately perpendicular to the front face. A respective top end of each tab in the first plurality of tabs extends a common distance from the top edge of the exterior cladding panel. A second plurality of tabs extends from the top edge of the exterior cladding panel, where a respective top end of each tab in the second plurality of tabs extends the common distance from the top edge.

Abstract: This prefabricated locking quoin block is used to construct the surface of buildings. The surface of the block has decorative portions resembling brick, stone, wood, or other construction materials. Preferably the surface of each block has both a raised and a recessed decorative portion, so as to form, when assembled, a quoin corner assembly resembling sawn or quarried stone blocks. Installers can attach the assemblies to conventional building structures and install cladding materials such as vinyl siding without needing to alter the blocks other than to adjust the base block for height. The block includes wedge locks to securely connect adjacent blocks matingly to each other. Installers thereby are able to assemble a secure stack of quoin corner blocks and attach it to a building with few additional steps, saving time, labor, and cost in construction.

Abstract: Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the building against wind, rain and solar energy by attaching each horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly that includes a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to the plank above it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top wall portion that fits snuggly into an “L-shaped” groove above it so that the panels can be firmly locked together vertically in a downwardly fashion to prevent any wind uplift against the siding or moisture intrusion. In the preferred embodiment, an adaptor strip is bonded to a conventional siding plank for trap lock engagement. Each adaptor strip has a longitudinal recess to reduce mass and volume and a mid panel support for strength.

Abstract: A wall cladding and wall cladding system each comprising a plurality of panels, wherein opposing ends of each panel are substantially aligned with corresponding opposing ends of adjacent panels to form respective edges of an array of panels. Each panel includes at least one first recess in its first major face adjacent a first major edge configured in use to resemble a recessed mortar joint.

Abstract: A roof panel (1) for use in forming a low pitch or flat roof comprises a profiled inner liner or decking sheet (2), an outer waterproof membrane (3) and a body (4) of insulation between the inner liner (2) and outer membrane (3). The membrane liner sheet (3) has a backing such as a fleece or scrim to aid adhesion of the membrane (3) to the foam body. The membrane (3) comprises a side lap (5) extending sidewardly of at least some of the marginal edges of the body (4). The inner liner (2) comprises joint formations for forming a nested side lap joint between adjacent panels. The joint formations comprise a first joint formation (20) at one edge of the liner (2) and a second joint formation (21) on an opposite edge of the panel. The first and second joint formations (20, 21) of adjacent panels are adapted to interengage on assembly and are clinched together using a clinching tool (22) to form a clinched joint (25). The first joint formation (20) comprises a liner extension which is shaped to define a recess.

Abstract: In polymer building products, such as polymer siding, polymer roofing, j-blocks, gable vents, etc., characterized by fastener apertures each comprising an elongate slot bounded by a peripheral wall defining the slot, the peripheral wall having a height, a fastener centering-guide comprising a layer of material extending into the elongate slot from the peripheral wall thereof, the layer of material having defined therein (a) an elongate opening that is generally parallel to, but of smaller transverse dimensions than, the elongate slot, and (b) a predetermined location, defined intermediate the length of the elongate opening, for receiving a fastener therethrough, and wherein further the layer of material is characterized by a thickness that is less than the height of the peripheral wall and sufficiently thin so as to permit relative movement between a fastener extending through the centering guide and the polymer building product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a honeycomb ceramic article that exhibits a primary crystalline phase of cordierite having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), wherein CTE<1.5×10?7/° C. over the temperature range of about 25° C. to about 800° C.; a total porosity, P, of at least 28%, a transverse I-ratio, IT, of less than 0.92; and a pore size distribution wherein at least 60% of the total pore volume is comprised of pores having diameters between 0.5 ?m and 5.0 ?m. Also provided is a ceramic honeycomb article comprising a phase of cordierite and exhibiting a mean CTE <1.0×10?7/° C. (from 25 to 800° C.) in at least one direction, and 28%?P?33%. Methods of manufacturing ceramic articles comprising the aforementioned cordierite compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exterior building siding for aesthetic and protection of the building against wind, rain and solar energy that includes attaching each horizontal plank from the top of the wall downwardly that includes a starting strip where each plank is interlocked to the plank above it. Each of the horizontal planks includes a top wall portion that fits snuggly into an “L-shaped” groove above it so that the panels can be firmly locked together vertically in a downwardly fashion to prevent any wind uplift against the siding or moisture intrusion.

Abstract: A roofing system includes at least one row of tiles extending across a surface in a row direction, a first tile of the at least one row of tiles including a rain lock adapted to interlock with a second tile adjacent to and within the same row as the first tile, wherein the rain lock has a lower end, an upper end, and a weakened portion proximate the lower end to allow for removal of a predetermined portion of the rain lock. The second tile of the roofing system includes a corner at the upper end of the rain lock of the first tile, the corner including a notch and a second weakened portion to allow for lengthening of the notch.

Abstract: A shingle includes a body having an upper end, a lower end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side and a second side. The body has a width defined as the distance between the two opposing sides, a length defined by the distance between the upper end and the lower end. In a preferred embodiment, the shingle also includes a side wall that extends downward from the body adjacent one of the sides and extends the length of the shingle. The side wall preferably includes an angular projection disposed toward the upper end.

Abstract: Manufactured sections of a support collar which inter-engage to form the appearance of a continuous support collar and which are secured together and secured to ceiling joists form a support surface for a ceiling dome. Each of the collar sections include a grooved recess for receipt of a lighting element. End portions of the collar sections having inter-engaging male and female portions to secure the collar sections together and provide the appearance of the continuous support collar. The collar sections additionally have a weight displacement pan mounted on top of the dome to distribute weight forces of an attachment suspended from the dome.

Abstract: A shingle includes a shingle neck, and a shingle body. A raised engagement and guide element (5) is disposed at the bottom side of the region of the shingle body (2) disposed remote relative to the shingle neck. The raised engagement and guide element (5) exhibits a raised engagement guide element (5) in the lower region of the shingle body (2). The raised engagement and guide element (5) exhibits a female mold like undercut zone (6) in the direction of the body (2) and disposed remote from the shingle neck. Correspondingly dimensioned male mold like undercut zones (7) are disposed at the two shingle shoulders (4). The width of the two shingle shoulders (4) corresponds in each case to about one half of the width of the raised engagement and guide element (5). Preferably, the shingle is a roof shingle.

Abstract: A metal shingle system which is resistant to leakage, even under severe weather conditions. The key attribute of the new system to the design of the side edge of the shingle such that water that seeps between adjacent shingles cannot be blown upward. Briefly, the top edge is overturned and the bottom edge is underturned such that they can be interconnected as is well known in the art. One side edge is folded to form a gutter area into which water that seeps between laterally adjacent shingles is collected and drained onto the lower row of shingles. The top of the gutter area is blocked by the overturned top edge, which extends into the gutter region. Also disclosed is an improved tool for cutting the shingles, such as is needed around obstructions and at the end of the roofline.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for enhanced wind/rain durability embodies two transverse lines of adhesion. A first discontinuous line of adhesive joins the butt edge of an overlying shingle to the underlying shingle. Secondly, a band of sealant adjacent the top edge of an underlying shingle seals against an overlying shingle to prevent penetration by wind driven rain to the roof deck. A reduced headlap is thereby permitted, thereby either reducing shingle size or extending shingle coverage. Exposed portions of the sealant band improve the erosion resistance of underlying shingles.

Abstract: A starter strip shingle of a given vertical width is provided, having a severance line, from which a severance portion of the starter strip shingle may be removed, somewhat reducing the vertical width of the starter strip shingle, such that the installer of roofing material has an option to use full width starter strip shingles, or reduced width starter strip shingles, from the same package of uniform width starter strip shingles, to thereby enable a feathering of roofing shingles applied thereover, by means of a gentle transition zone, to avoid tears and punctures of the roofing shingles. Sealant areas on the starter strip shingles may be synchronized with the spacing and sizes of tabs of roofing shingles applied thereover, such that the sealant areas will always be under tabs of roofing shingles that are applied thereover, and not fall between the tabs into slots thereof.

Abstract: A single metal sheet roofing panel having a plurality of alternatively raised and lowered patches longitudinally arranged in three rows. The panel 30 comprises a side clip connection system for laterally connecting adjacent panels. The panel is coated with the stone based coating and has a unique patterned appearance of multiple colors and shades. A method for manufacturing of the panel.

Abstract: A roofing shingle for enhanced wind/rain durability embodies two transverse lines of adhesion. A first discontinuous line of adhesive joins the butt edge of an overlying shingle to the underlying shingle. Secondly, a band of sealant adjacent the top edge of an underlying shingle seals against an overlying shingle to prevent penetration by wind driven rain to the roof deck. A reduced headlap is thereby permitted, thereby either reducing shingle size or extending shingle coverage. Exposed portions of the sealant band improve the erosion resistance of underlying shingles.

Abstract: A wind-resistant shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer, which resists upwardly wind-applied bending torque when the shingle is installed on a roof, such that the failure of the shingle when it is bent beyond its elastic limit, is resisted until the shingle has absorbed a high percentage of applied torque.

Abstract: A plastic panel for attachment to an exterior wall of a building includes a body, an attachment hem attached to the body and defining at least one aperture for a fastener, and a side flange extending laterally outwardly of the body. The side flange defines a fastening slot for attaching the panel to a building wall. The fastening slot extends at a predetermined acute angle relative to horizontal, preferably about 10-20° relative to horizontal, and about 15° in a particularly preferred embodiment. The fastening slot is preferably elongated and narrow so that the head of a metal fastener extends over opposed upper and lower edges of the slot.

Abstract: Building panels are provided, for applying panels, such as siding, roofing or the like to studs, to roofing rafters, or the like, wherein indicia is provided along a panel, giving spaced-apart markings, for guiding one who is applying panels to a building surface, to the location of a next support capable of supporting the panel when a fastener is applied thereto, a fixed or pre-set distance from a support such as stud, roofing rafter or the like. Thus, when adjacent studs, rafters, or the like, are spaced apart a known distance, the indicia will serve to guide the installer to a location where a fastener will engage a support to which the panel is to be applied, even if the visual location of the underlying support is visually obscured, such as by means of a sheet building material between the structural support and the panel. The indicia may take on various forms.

Abstract: A rubber composition having satisfactory processability and dimension stability, exhibits excellent tensile strength and wearing resistance when vulcanized and comprises (1) a crosslinked rubber particle containing as repeating units (a) 39.89 to 79.89% by weight of a conjugated diene unit such as 1,3-butadiene or the like, (b) 20 to 60% by weight of an aromatic vinyl unit such as styrene, (c) 0.01 to 10% by weight of a monomer unit having at least two polymerizable unsaturated group such as divinylbenzene, and the like, and (d) 0.1 to 30% by weight of a monomer unit having one polymerizable unsaturated group and an amino group such as vinylbenzylmethylamine, and the like and (2) a conjugated diene/aromatic vinyl copolymeric rubber such as styrene-butadiene copolymeric rubber and the like.

Abstract: A plastic panel for attachment to an exterior wall of a building includes a body, an attachment hem attached to the body and defining at least one aperture for a fastener, and a side flange extending laterally outwardly of the body. The side flange defines a fastening slot for attaching the panel to a building wall. The fastening slot extends at a predetermined acute angle relative to horizontal, preferably about 10-20° relative to horizontal, and about 15° in a particularly preferred embodiment. The fastening slot is preferably elongated and narrow so that the head of a metal fastener extends over opposed upper and lower edges of the slot.

Abstract: A molded plastic panel for covering an exterior building wall includes a laterally directed lead fin, a laterally extending groove below the lead fin, and a rearwardly directed middle wall between rows of simulated shingles, all for joining laterally adjacent panels. A side flange extending outwardly of the panel may also be included. The molded plastic panel preferably also includes at least one row of simulated shingles separated by a plurality of gaps each having a randomly varying width in order to camouflage spacings between adjacent panels that change because of thermal contraction and expansion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the panel body includes a locking tab and a folding flange. The folding flange includes a locking lip for engaging a locking tab on an adjacent panel and a flexible hinge connecting the locking lip to the panel body. The flexible hinge allows the folding flange to be disconnected from the locking tab when replacing a single panel.

Abstract: Information as to the location, date and shift of manufacture of roofing shingles is cut into an edge of the shingles as a coded sequence of slits. Preferably, the slit sequence is coded using a binary coding scheme, with a separate binary number group defining each of the shift, the month, the day and the year of manufacture, in addition to plant site identification information. Based on the easily-cut, binary-coded slit sequence, used in conjunction with the plant site identification information, a manufacturer can quickly isolate the time and place of a manufacturing defect. The method of providing a roofing shingle with a coded indication of the shingle's time of manufacture involves arranging a physically-ordered sequence of slit cutting knives, based on a sequence of binary digits, in which a slit cutting knife is provided in the physically-ordered sequence when a corresponding binary digit in the sequence of binary digits is a first value (e.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by means of nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, such as a strip of relatively flexible material, generally rubber-like or fabric-like in nature. A strip of relatively flexible material may be secured to the relatively rigid building panel by any suitable means, such as adhesive securement, welding, heat fusing, etc., such that it becomes an integral part of the building panel, or the relatively flexible attachment hem may comprise a separate component which, when applied to a building surface, such as a wall or the like, by a suitable nailing, stapling, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, preferably fabric-like in nature, and having a visually distinct fastener zone defined by one or more generally horizontal lines and/or horizontally spaced-apart locater spots, with said lines and/or spots being preferably different by color from the remainder of the attachment hem and from some or all of each other, to provide an installer with a preferred indication of where fasteners should be applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vinyl siding panel for building exteriors that covers an increased surface area and is configured such that the time, effort and complexity of its installation is greatly reduced in comparison to that of conventional vinyl siding products. The siding panel consists of large rectangular panels that are used in conjunction with a variety of trim and corner moldings to cover the building surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by means of nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, such as a strip of relatively flexible material, generally rubber-like or fabric-like in nature. A strip of relatively flexible material may be secured to the relatively rigid building panel by any suitable means, such as adhesive securement, welding, heat fusing, etc., such that it becomes an integral part of the building panel, or the relatively flexible attachment hem may comprise a separate component which, when applied to a building surface, such as a wall or the like, by a suitable nailing, stapling, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rectangular roofing shingle defined as a shingle unit having front and rear stepped edges and having (a) an undivided headlap portion and (b) a butt portion horizontally divided into at least 4 dissimilarly shaped, space-separated, snaggle-toothed tabs which are integral with, and extend from the bottom portion of said headlap and which are recessed from the side edges of said headlap; said shingle unit, having an overall length in inches approximately equal to from about 9 to about 12 inches multiplied by the number of tabs, is secured to a reinforcement strip which is positioned to underlay said tabs, and from about 0.75 to about 5 inches of said adjoining headlap and which has a length equal to the overall length of the shingle unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, preferably fabric-like in nature, and having a visually distinct fastener zone defined by one or more generally horizontal lines and/or horizontally spaced-apart locater spots, with said lines and/or spots being preferably different by color from the remainder of the attachment hem and from some or all of each other, to provide an installer with a preferred indication of where fasteners should be applied.

Abstract: A roofing system and shingle for a roof having sides and an apex is provided. A stripping is attached to the roof near the apex of the roof. A first shingle is attached to the stripping. A panel has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the top edge is positioned along the stripping. A bottom flange is attached to and extends along at least a portion of the bottom edge. A plate is attached to the bottom flange distal to the panel. An upper side flange is attached to and extends along at least a portion of the first side edge. A lower side flange is attached to and extends along at least a portion of the second side edge.In accord with another aspect of the invention, a shingle for a roof is provided. A panel has a having a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. An upper side flange is integrally formed with and extends along at least a portion of the first side edge.

Abstract: Wall siding for installation on the walls of a structure comprising a plurality of panels, each comprising a nailing hem, a flange member, upper and lower declinations being substantially planar and extending downwardly and slightly outwardly from the nailing hem, and a downwardly opening U-shaped channel formed between and interconnecting the flange member and the upper declination. Upper and lower shoulders extend inwardly and substantially horizontally from lower edges of the upper and lower shoulders, respectively. A lip extends upwardly and curves slightly outwardly from an innermost edge of the lower shoulder. An inverted U-shaped projection extends substantially along the length of the upper shoulder and a slot extends from a vertical edge of the siding panel along a portion of the upper shoulder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for applying building panels, such as siding panels, to building surfaces, such as walls. The panels are of a type which undergo expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature, and they are applied to a building surface, such as a wall, by means of nails, screws, staples or the like. In order to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the panels, the panels are provided with an attachment hem, such as a strip of relatively flexible material, generally rubber-like or fabric-like in nature. A strip of relatively flexible material may be secured to the relatively rigid building panel by any suitable means, such as adhesive securement, welding, heat fusing, etc., such that it becomes an integral part of the building panel, or the relatively flexible attachment hem may comprise a separate component which, when applied to a building surface, such as a wall or the like, by a suitable nailing, stapling, etc.

Abstract: A shingle is formed with a first, or trailing, side edge folded over toward the top surface of the shingle to catch moisture and direct it down to the top surface of the next lower shingle. A second, or leading, side edge of the shingle is not folded. An "S" shaped fold, spaced apart from the trailing edge fold, receives the unfolded leading edge of an adjacent shingle. The trailing edge and S fold form a gutter under the leading edge of the adjacent shingle. The top edge of the shingle is folded-over toward the top surface of the shingle for engagement with the folded-under lower edge of the next higher shingle. The folded-over top edge extends to the right or leading edge of the shingle and slides under the left edge of the folded-over top edge of the next adjacent shingle to the fight side. The folded-under lower edge extends along the lower edge of the shingle but leaves a gap relative to the folded-under lower edge of the lateral adjacent shingle.

Abstract: A decorative shingle has a first element including a reinforcing web, a first asphaltic binder, and a first adherent surfacing material. A second element including discontinuous sections is overlaid on the first element. The second element includes a layer of a second asphaltic binder and a second adherent surfacing material to provide a decorative effect. The second asphaltic binder has greater elongation at low temperature than the first asphaltic binder, providing greater resistance to environmental stresses.

Abstract: An expansion joint for forming an adjacent seal between concrete slabs includes a foot for holding the joint in place during pouring of one slab and resilient longitudinal reinforcing elements for maintaining contact between the joint and the ends of the slabs during thermal expansion and retraction of the slabs.

Abstract: A building panel of laminated construction having a flat, four-sided polygonal shaped hardboard sheet to one surface of which is bonded a thin, flat, plastic sheet having weather resistant properties and a rigid foam plastic layer having heat insulating properties bonded to the other surface of the hardboard sheet. The foam plastic layer has a tapered shape in cross section with the taper extending from a lower edge portion to a narrow upper edge portion. The hardboard and plastic sheets have an integral flanged lower edge portion in partial abutment with the lower edge portion of the foam plastic layer. A notch in the lower edge portion of the foam plastic layer adjacent the flanged lower edge portion, which notch is constructed and arranged to receive the upper edge portion of an adjacent lower building panel and thereby anchor the lower edge portion of the building panel and provide a seal at the joint.

Abstract: A roofing shingle having its lower edge portion vertically slotted to divide it into a series of tabs, the shingle being configurated to permit easy breaking of the tabs from the upper part of the shingle, and having a horizontal strip of heat-sensitive adhesive applied to its upper surface on a line above the upper ends of its slots, the upper portions then being usable to form a course of starter shingles along the eave edge of a roof deck to provide an uninterrupted shingle beneath the slots of a course of standard shingles applied over the starter course, with its adhesive strip positioned to seal down the tabs of the first course of standard shingles, and the separated tabs being usable to simulate a course of topping-out shingles adjacent the ridge of the roof. The top surface of the shingle is also configurated to drain water away from the nails used to secure it in place, to inhibit leakage of water through the nail holes in the shingle.

Abstract: A building system includes an assembly of vertical beams and base rails which are clad with panels. The beams are hollow section metal members having tongues at their extremities for seating in cutouts formed in the base rails. The panels for use with the beams comprise rectangular sheets which have slits for mating with overlapping panels in an edge to edge and overlapping relationship. The building system enables a structure to be readily built in modular form.

Abstract: An asphalt composition roofing piece having a unique geometry and simplicity of form which enables such piece to be used as a starter piece, edge covering rake covering, and ridge or hip cover.

Abstract: A two-piece interlocking siding or roofing slat assembly for covering a surface of a building. The slat assembly includes a central panel having a lower anchoring configuration and an upper hook-like slide configuration integral therewith. A separate attachement strip is provided for securing the panel to the building surface to be covered so as to prevent "oil canning" which is caused by the expansion and contraction of the exposed surfaces. The attachment strip includes a nailing tab adapted to be fixedly secured to the surface of the building to be covered by fastening elements.

Abstract: A shingle is formed with a first, or trailing, side edge folded over toward the top surface of the shingle to catch moisture and direct it down to the top surface of the next lower shingle. A second, or leading, side edge of the shingle is not folded. An “S” shaped fold, spaced apart from the trailing edge fold, receives the unfolded leading edge of an adjacent shingle. The tailing edge and S fold form a gutter under the leading edge of the adjacent shingle. The top edge of the shingle is folded-over toward the top surface of the shingle for engagement with the folded-under lower edge of the next higher shingle. The folded-over top edge extends to the right or leading edge of the shingle and slides under the left edge of the folded-over top edge of the next adjacent shingle to the fight side. The folded-under lower edge extends along the lower edge of the shingle but leaves a gap relative to the folded-under lower edge of the lateral adjacent shingle.