Abstract: A panel element for use as a roof tile or other building element, e.g. on a vertical surface, is molded in one piece and includes upper, lower and left and right marginal edge regions. To facilitate securing the panel in place, the upper edge region may include fastening apertures. The lower marginal edge region of each panel is secured to the upper edge region of another panel in a lower row of panels. For this purpose, interlocking formations are provided in the upper and lower marginal edge regions, with the locking formation in the upper marginal edge region being below the nail apertures. This locking formation can serve both to prevent water travelling up to the nail apertures and as a locking formation. Support ribs under the panels can provide both uniform support from an underlying planar surface, and can also form the locking formations. The panel can be molded in any suitable material to simulate a variety of known tiles or other building elements.

Abstract: A simulated shake shingle for replicating the random appearance of natural wood shakes is provided, the shingle including a generally rectangular top plate having forward and rearward ends, the top plate being rearwardly tapered. A generally rectangular bottom plate is also provided, being secured and partially underlying the top plate and being rearwardly and transversely offset therefrom. The bottom plate is of a size and shape for flush engagement against a flat roof surface and is adapted for side to side engagement with bottom plates of six identical adjoining shingles positioned with the top plates thereof in adjacent nonoverlapping relation. The shingle may also include a plurality of venturi grooves formed on the underside thereof for forming an air insulating barrier to reduce heating or cooling loses from a building interior through the roof.

Abstract: A modular building panel having an interlock mechanism for connecting building panels in series is disclosed, includes two metal sheets separated by an insulating foam core bonded to the sheets and a first interlocking member on one side and a second interlocking member on the other side. The male connector configuration as well as the female connector configuration in this invention are both formed of curvilinear surfaces. The male connector as well as the female connector extends outwardly from the side faces of the foam so that the foam is protected from damage. The male connector is formed by bending the metal edge almost back upon itself. The female connector includes a V-shaped valley to ultimately receive the male connectors when the male connectors are in a nested position. The male and female connectors provide a double gutter system to improve the prevention of leakage and condensation.

Abstract: A plate roofing material is divided into an exterior portion which is exposed when a roof is covered with a plate roofing material and an overlap portion which is concealed under an exterior portion of a plate roofing material superimposed on the overlap portion of the plate roofing material. At least one longitudinal groove is formed in the surface of the exterior portion. The longitudinal groove has wide side surface parts alternating with narrow side surface parts with sidewalls formed of a plurality of stepped portions. The longitudinal groove has a linear bottom part having an approximately constant depth and is approximately V-shaped in cross section.

Abstract: The present invention includes panels having longitudinal sides configured for lateral engagement of the panels an include a drainage channel hidden by a jut or wing of the panel arranged immediately beside the channel. The channel collects possible infiltrations through joints arranged between the laterally coupled panels. The panels also include a slot at one end and an extension at the other end which, when are coupled together by overlapping and axial sliding. The panels have a space in which a securing staple is arranged to secure the panels to a support structure. The staple is spaced apart from the channel and hidden by the jut of the next lateral panel, so that the securing devices are isolated from the outside. In a preferred embodiment, one of the sides of the panels has a cross section with a smaller cross section than the rest of the panel so that it can be coupled by longitudinal sliding into a slot of complementary form arranged at the other end of the panels.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic molded panels each having a relatively thin body portion formed with rows of simulated shake shingles. The panels are mounted on a support surface, such as a wall or roof, in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal courses with a lower marginal edge region of the panels in one course overlapping and sealingly engaging the upper marginal edge regions of the panels in the course immediately below and with side marginal edge regions of adjacent panels overlapping in sealing engagement. The side marginal edge regions of each panel are formed with a plurality of vertically spaced integrally formed hooks depending from the underside thereof for snap action insertion through respective hook receiving apertures formed in the underlying side marginal edge region of the adjacent panel for maintaining the overlapping marginal edge regions of the panels in engaged relation.

Abstract: An interlocking roof tile which can be made by extrusion, pressing or moulding has an upper edge; a lower edge which is visible in use when the tile is laid in overlapping relationship with at least one tile of a next adjacent line of the tiles; an upper surface; a lower surface; a supporting understructure; two oppositely facing side edges; an underlock extending along one of the side edges and an overlock extending along the other of the side edges, the underlock having a lower end and an under surface which forms part of the under surface of the tile, and a lower edge portion having an under surface which includes a part of the under surface of the underlock, and which overlaps, in use, at least one tile of the next adjacent line of the tiles, characterized in that the upper surface of the tile extends continuously from the lower edge to the upper edge, in that the upper and lower surfaces are cambered from the lower edge to the upper edge and are substantially flat when considered in cross-section taken a

Abstract: Pan-like aluminum panels are formed for finishing the exterior of a building. Secured to the flanges or outside edges of the panels are extruded male and female channel members; the male members secured at a pair of adjacent flanges and the female members secured at the other pair of adjacent flanges. To install the panels, the female edges are first screwed to the wall of the building. Then the male members of panels are slidably received and interlocked within the female members of adjacent panels. Female members of the adjacent panels are then screwed to the wall of the building, thereby exposing them for male members of yet another panel; and so on. Rows and columns of panels are thus secured to the building. An X-shaped gutter member provides mechanical and fluid continuity for the channels formed between the male and female members of adjacent panels, to eliminate moisture from becoming trapped inside.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tongue and groove product which comprises a first and second major surface and a first and second longitudinal edge. The first longitudinally edge including means defines a longitudinally-extending groove. The second longitudinal edge includes a longitudinally-extending protruding tongue for interlockingly engaging a complimentary grooved longitudinal edge of an adjacent tongue and groove board. The protruding tongue has an upper and a lower longitudinally-extending surface. The major design feature of this invention is that the protruding tongue has at least one substantially vertically-extending opening formed therein. Each of the openings extends through the protruding tongue from said longitudinally-extending upper surface to said longitudinally-extending lower surface for providing at least one drain path for water to drain by gravity from said first major surface downwardly through each said vertically-extending opening.

Abstract: The improved roofing shingle has a body portion of generally flat, four-sided polygonal configuration and relatively thin in thickness. The body portion is provided with a plurality of irregular corrugations or otherwise deformed to give the roofing shingle the appearance of natural wood or other natural material such as slate. The body portion has a channel formed in the under surface so that the upper surface forms a ridge extending substantially parallel to the upper edge of the body portion. The body portion is also provided adjacent each of the opposite side or vertical edges with raised portions which are so shaped and dimensioned as to have one raised portion nest within the raised portion of a next adjacent like roofing shingle. The ridge and nested raised portions forming barriers to water infiltration between the overlapping shingles.

Abstract: A decorative wall covering and method of installation. The wall covering includes a plurality of identically molded panels each having first and second predetermined laterally spaced vertical cutting lines and being formed with horizontal rows of laterally spaced simulated shake. The first panel of each alternate course in the vertical direction is cut along the first cutting line and the first panel of every other course is cut along the second predetermined cutting line, whereby the lowermost row of simulated shake of the panels of each course are automatically offset from the uppermost row of the panels in the course immediately therebelow.

Abstract: An architectural tile is made of a panel capable of overlapping a laterally adjacent panel as well as a longitudinally adjacent panel. The panels include a first part for being secured to a wall or roof and which includes a locking ridge for engaging a second part of an overlapping panel. The locking ridge terminates below the upper edge of the panel to allow a longitudinal overlap of the panels.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic molded panels each having a relatively thin body portion formed with rows of simulated of shake shingles. The panels are mounted on a support surface, such as a wall or roof, in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal courses with a lower marginal edge region of the panels in one course overlapping the upper marginal edge regions of the panels in the course immediately below and with side marginal edge regions of adjacent panels also overlapping. The overlapping marginal edge regions each are formed with a plurality of parallel water barrier ridges for impeding movement of water outwardly over the peripheral edges of the underlying marginal edge region, as well as into nail mounting holes. The water barrier ridges are discontinous so as to impede outward water movement, while allowing drainage of water in a downward direction.

Abstract: Modular roofing panel comprising a substantially flat or corrugated or fretted body, two opposite longitudinal profiled edges. One of the edges has a continuous leg inclined with respect to the body so as to rise above the top of the corrugations or frets, and defines, at its own base, a drain channel. The other edge extends in an overlapping fashion so as to cover, in use, the leg and the respective drain channel of an adjacent modular roofing panel to delimit therewith a drain duct.

Abstract: An interlocking roof tile (1) of which the leading end portion (12) at least as far as the lower end of, and including the underlock (6) is tapered in the direction of the leading edge (5) of the tile (1).

Abstract: A roofing tile which has a corrugated thin top wall (11) with an upper shelf (17). The tile is slopingly angled and contains an overhang on the lower edge such that overlapping is accomplished when layed contiguously on a roof (13). One lateral edge includes an upwardly facing shelf or pocket (71) having a pair of beads (77) defining a rain trough (79). An overhang flange (41) on the opposite edge allows the tiles to nest forming a water resistant joint. A support grid (15) is formed by a number of intersecting longitudinally diagonally and transversely extending wall segments integrally formed with the top wall provide a sturdy support. The shelf further contains a number of sockets (21) and the overhang (19) contains a matingly shaped flange member (23) which join together when layed one on the other creating an indexing interface aligning the tiles together and preventing slipping apart. A pair of nails are driven into the roof through holes (69) to further attach the tiles.

Abstract: A shingle or shake panel having a plywood backing and a facing composed of two single-layer courses of shingles or shakes bonded to the backing sheet, the upper edge of the panel being formed as a standing bevel facing away from the front face of the panel and forming an acute angle withthe panel's front face and the lower edge of the panel has an acute-angled groove complemental to the tongue of the upper panel edge, which groove is formed by an under bevel making an acute angle with the back of the panel substantially equal to the acute angle between the standing bevel and the front face of the panel, and the under bevel is recessed to provide an overhang for extending a substantial distance below the standing bevel of a next lower panel with which such panel lower edge portion is assembled to cover a line of nails securing the upper edge portion of such next lower panel to wall structure.

Abstract: A roof structure having a frame including lower elongate frame members arranged in spaced parallel relation and supporting upper elongate frame members arranged in spaced parallel relation along and extending transverse to the lower members, a roof supported on the upper members, and a condensate collection system for collecting and disposing of condensate running along the underside of the roof including upwardly opening condensate collection channels extending along the upper frame members disposed in condensate collecting relation to the underside of the roof, upwardly opening condensate drainage channels extending along the lower frame members, and means which both secure the frame members to one another at their intersections and conduct condensate from the collection channels to the drainage channels.

Abstract: A barrel-shaped solar roofing element consisting of a portion of a conical-shaped panel of a material such as PVC plastic formed by injection molding adapted for receiving an impingement of solar energy upon an outer surface thereof and constructed of insulative material having a relatively thin dimension, a passway extending throughout the panel for conduiting a heat exchanger fluid, the passway having a male coupling at one edge of the panel and a female coupling at a generally distal edge of the panel and constituting a fluid circuit, or at least a portion thereof, each of the male coupling and female coupling formed for interlocking with a complementary or mating kind of coupling of an adjacent panel.

Abstract: A roofing tile has a platelike but sinuous body which includes an upwardly concave and downwardly convex valley part and an upwardly convex and downwardly concave ridge part, both of which are smoothly, continuously rounded. The valley part and ridge part are located on respective sides of the sinuous body and adjoin one another substantially at the center thereof. A support part located near a first end of the sinuous body projects downwardly from a bottom surface of the valley part and terminates at a downwardly facing bonding surface which is adapted for adhesive bonding directly to a roof. A sidewardly extending wall upstands from a top surface of the sinuous body at the first end thereof, and a sidewardly extending groove is formed in the bottom surface of the valley part adjacent a second end of the sinuous body. The groove is adapted to receive the upstanding wall of another identical roofing tile for adhesive bonding of the wall therein.

Abstract: A drainage system for draining rain water and internal moisture from the rear of exterior wall panels so as to effectively drain such rain water and moisture outwardly to the outside of the wall panels. The system inlcudes a vertical sealant joint behind adjoining exterior wall panels to sealingly space the wall panels from their support. The space includes foam back-up tapes, vertical sealant, drain tubes, and gutters so arranged as to effectively drain, outside the walls, through weep holes, rain water as well as moisture that tends to accumulate behind the walls. The present system drains both the vertical and horizontal joints of exterior wall panels.

Abstract: An improved roofing tile with side flanges, one overlying and one underlying, providing an interlock between adjacent tiles. The flanges have two ridges and two grooves each. The inner ridge of the underlying flange is higher than the outer ridge thereof, and the outer groove of the overlying flange is deeper than the inner groove thereof. Optionally a cutout is provided on the overlying flange permitting a tile to be held with a hurricane clip on the underlying flange. Optionally a cavity is provided on the bottom face toward the lower edge to prevent a tile coming in contact with nails driven through tiles in a lower course.

Abstract: A log for use in log construction is disclosed. The log comprises upper and lower, opposed major faces, a surface adapted to be an exterior, vertically extending surface in such a log construction, cooperating means provided on the upper and lower major faces for aligning a stack of plurality of such logs in a substantially vertical array and a flange comprising interior and exteriors surfaces adapted to be substantially vertically oriented in such a log construction. The flange is connected to and depends downwardly from the lower major face and is positioned so that its exterior surface constitutes an exterior surface in such a log construction. A channel surface is provided on the log, adjacent to the upper major face, and is adapted to be oriented substantially vertically, in such a log construction, opposite the interior surface of a flange of a corresponding log stacked on top of the log and forming therewith a channel.

Abstract: A structural member and a method of construction employing same, wherein the structural member comprises two boards held in spaced apart relationship by a pluarlity of spacers fixed at intervals between said boards and each board has a tongue along one edge and a complementary groove along the other, and wherein said structural members can be readily joined edge to edge to construct walls and partitions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a roof construction, preferably intended to be arranged on a roof of a slight fall and comprising a plurality of supporting plate profiles (1:1') which are put on crossbars (6) or the like, said plate profiles (1:1') being placed in a certain spaced relationship.At roofs having a slight fall, so-called plane roofs, it has so far been impossible in principle to use outer roof covering, as inleakage of water has been a great problem.The invention is characterized in that channeled plates (8) are laid on the supporting plate profiles (1:1') and that a condensate bar in the form of a disc (15) is arranged under each plate (8) at some distance from this, the disc (15) connecting with the plate profiles (1:1').

Abstract: An elongated, substantially V-shaped roof panel and a roof panel interlocking method using the V-shaped roof panel, having the inclined sides of the V-shaped roof panel provided with elongated stair-stepping reinforcement ribs for purposes of producing a more rigid and stronger roof panel. At the terminating ends of each of the inclined sides there is provided a complementary mechanical lock design that produces a roof panel lock when a first terminating end member, of a plurality of identical roof panels, is mated with an adjoining second terminating end member of a plurality of identical roof panels. Each terminating end mechanical lock design is comprised of various bends in material, shaped such that when adjoining ends of a plurality of identical roof panels are interlocked, the various bends of each lock design are in a closely coupled relationship.

Abstract: This invention relates to the water tight performance of exterior panel wall systems erected in the horizontal mode. A water tight exterior wall system is accomplished by providing a pressure equalized chamber and a water drainage groove in front of the primary sealant lines without using an internal drainage system.

Abstract: A roofing structure including tiles preferably molded of a lightweight fire resistant cement product and having grooves at their underside adapted to receive upwardly projecting flanges of coacting elements attached to a roof support structure, to locate the tiles, and with those elements desirably being shaped to extend between two adjacent tiles at a location to intercept rain falling between the tiles and direct that rain downwardly toward lower ends of the tiles. The molded bodies of the tiles contain short tubes embedded in those bodies and defining passages within the tube through which nails can be driven to secure the tiles in place.

Abstract: A roofing plate (10), such as a corrugated, interlocking tile, is at its upper side surface provided with a proofing strip (27) arranged extending across the corrugations of the roofing plate at the upper edge thereof. The proofing strip (27) is constituted by a strip of upright synthetic fibres, such as a combination of polyamide fibres of a length of 3 mm and of a length of 5 mm and of thickness of 0.05 mm (22 dtex). The strip (27) is adapted to provide a barrier when its is clamped between the upper side surface of the roofing plate and the lower side surface of an adjacent roofing plate, and the barrier permits the passage of air from the inside of a loft defined below the roofing plates and out and form the outside and into the loft and further permits the passage of water from the inside of the loft and out, and blocks the passage of water and dust form the outside and into the loft.

Abstract: A skylight system for providing an all plastic skylight in a barrel tile roof without the use of a curb. A sheet of plastic has a pair of longitudinal edges bent upward at a right angle to form a standing seam edge. A dome is formed in the center portion of the plastic sheet. The upper edge of the sheet is provided with a riser and is fastened to the roof sheathing adjacent an opening in the roof. A horizontal row of tiles rests on the riser. The lower edge is formed to match the contour of a horizontal row of tiles and is attached thereto. Anchor clips are attached adjacent the longitudinal edges of the opening and abut the standing seam edges. A plurality of step flanges also abut the standing seam edges to form a standing seam engaged by the anchor clips. The step flanges are formed to the contours of a vertical row of tiles and attached thereto. A batten strip is placed over the standing seam.

Abstract: A tile formed from a relatively thin sheet is adapted to cooperate with similar tiles to form a tiled surface. When the tile is installed, the central axis thereof coincides with a line defining free water flow down the tile between upper and lower tile portions. The tile has first and second raised ribs extending symmetrically as mirror images of each other on each side of central axis. Each rib has upper and lower rib portions which are interconnected so as to extend continuously between the upper and lower tile portions to increase stiffness of the tile. The upper rib portions are generally complementary to the lower rib portions so that the lower rib portions of an upper tile can fit over upper rib portions of a lower tile. Thus rib axes of upper and lower rib portions are also mirror images of each other about a lateral axis disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The tiles are effectively secured in four places to increase resistance to movement.

Abstract: A prefabricated roofing panel has two opposite parallel edges bevelled at an angle to the top and bottom flat surfaces, and a portion of each bevelled edge is blunt cut adjacent one of the flat surfaces to enable interlocking of the panels. Each panel has a sidelap on one side extending across a bevelled edge, and a headlap at one end. The panels are installed with adjacent bevelled edges in interlocking engagement.

Abstract: A wall is provided with an outer facade comprised of a cladding element which contains an insulating core. The cladding element includes a central band having flanges extending from opposing edges, on the same side of the plane defined by the central band. Each of the flanges includes a row of venting holes and a ratchet blade protruding from the flange and adapted for interlocking connection with the ratchet blade of a corresponding, adjacent cladding element. The insulating core is made from a rigid insulating material and includes a series of embossed blocks distributed evenly over its outer surface so that the inner surface of the central band rests on the embossed blocks of the insulating core. Also provided are a number of mounting and finishing elements including end and intermediate rails for enclosing the flanges of the cladding element, as well as special coverings for cable edges and salient or re-entrant angles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal plate curtain wall structure. The joints of the metal plate structure are sealed weathertight without exposed caulking. A second line defense against water infiltration is formed by a concealed internal drainage system without exposed weep holes eliminating the water stain problem under the weep holes and enhancing the architectural appearance.A plate connection system securely fastened to the structural support is slidable in the direction parallel to the plate surface allowing free thermal expansion of the plate without weakening the resistance against wind load acting normal to the plate surface. The connection system is also designed to absorb any conceivable dimensional tolerance of the support frame facilitating the easiness of field erection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roofing element, in particular a concrete roofing panel, at whose underside extend a suspension ledge and a base rib, while at least two cross ribs of lesser thickness than the base rib extend in the covering or overlapping region next to the base rib and parallel thereto, with the basic surface of the base rib extending parallel in relation to the outer surface of the roofing element. For increasing the tightness of the roofing element, the thickness of the roofing element of optionally S-shaped or wave-shaped cross section in the apex of the cross rib farthest removed from the base rib is slightly, up to 6 percent at the most, less than the thickness of the roofing element in the base rib and the height of further cross ribs disposed between the base rib and the cross rib farthest removed from the base rib is less than the height of the cross rib farthest removed from the base rib.

Abstract: An insulated siding panel comprises a panel of hardboard attached by adhesive to a polystyrene foam layer. The rear surface of the foam layer is parallel to the front face of the hardboard panel. The upper and lower faces have parallel V-shape with the upper face having the V inward for collection of moisture. The panels are installed by overlapping the hardboard of two adjacent panels to allow the foam layers to interlock leaving a space for a sponge layer. Channels are formed in the foam downwardly between the hardboard and the foam and across the bottom of the foam to provide an intercommunicating network to transmit moisture vapor. The panels can be nailed to the front face of a building using a spacer device to set the distance of the upper edge of the panel from the front face of the building to prevent compression of the foam.

Abstract: A roof tile is provided with a pair of batten lugs and a pair of stacking lugs protruding from the bottom side thereof. The batten lugs are positioned very close to and taper to the edge at the head end of the tile so that the thickness of the tail end of the tile may be relatively thin and may be equal to the thickness at the edge of the tile head end. The stacking lugs are positioned longitudinally away from the tail end of the tile so as not to interfere with tile overlapping. The thickness of the tile from the front surface thereof to the tip of each batten lug is substantially equal to the thickness of the tile from the front surface thereof to the tip of each stacking lug such that the tile may be stacked with other similar tiles without need to rotate every other tile by 180.degree..

Abstract: The insulating element is formed by a rectangular panel (1) composed of insulating material, such as extruded polystyrene foam whose edges (4, 6) include a longitudinal groove forming a rabbet (8) or a center groove (10). A pasty coating (2) containing mineral particles covers one of the sides of the panel (1) and a flat sealing element (14) is formed on two adjacent edges of the element and permits a rapid and simple assembly of the element with two other respectively juxtaposed and superimposed elements. This sealing element maintains the edges of the elements spaced apart on the outer side of the assembly but closes in a fluidtight manner the side facing the wall to be insulated.

Abstract: A self flashing skylight for installation on the downwardly sloping roof is disclosed, in which a central portion is convexly curved and the side edges are provided with channels adjacent the convexly curved portion so that rain water impinging on the skylight will tend to be diverted into the channels which direct the water to the bottom of the skylight.

Abstract: A roof tile made of a composition of matter comprising cement, silica sand, iron oxide pigment, acrylic polymer resin, an antifoaming agent and water, and formed into a shape having a top surface, a bottom surface, a top end, a butt end, and with a longitudinal side edge having a longitudinal flange, and another longitudinal side edge having a longitudinal concavity, with a plurality of ribs formed in the bottom surface, and reinforcing wire embedded in said ribs and the bottom perimeter of the tile.

Abstract: Panels are formed and mounted in an exterior structure covering assemblage exteriorly simulating a standard exterior structure covering panel assemblage while simultaneously providing a fluid flow network within the panel assemblage for solar heat collection while not substantially disturbing the standard panel assemblage simulation. Generally, the panels have a relatively thin, freely heat transferring exterior layer portion with directly underlying fluid flow channels interconnected between panels for the overall assemblage fluid flow network without substantially disturbing the exterior standard panel simulation. The panels may be formed to simulate any standard roofing or siding panels and the solar heat collecting assemblage may be integrated with adjacent panel assemblages not including the solar heat collecting features with the overall assemblage still maintaining the same standard panel simulation.

Abstract: A flat shingle style concrete roofing tile adapted to be laid over an underlayment in a series of courses on a roof and secured to the roof by mechanical fasteners and a sealant is provided. The tile has thickened edges along the front, back and sides molded to the underside of the tile, the front edge and the front portion of the side edges forming a step of reduced thickness relative to the adjacent part of the side edge which is adapted to resist a tile in an upper course from sliding down an inclined roof when engaged with the course immediately below it. The rear portion of the side edges and the back edge being shaped so as to provide an extended bearing surface along the back edge and the rear portion of the side edges of the tile when the tiles are lapped in successive courses. Complementary flanges extending from each side of the tile each form a ridge and a groove, the groove of each tile being adapted to receive and lock the ridge of an adjacent tile.

Abstract: A solar heating roof shingle roof structure which combines the functions of a roof and a fluid conducting solar heating panel. Each shingle is a hollow body of the general size and configuration of a conventional shingle, and is provided with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. Shingles are assembled in a normal overlapping array to cover a roof structure, with interconnections between the inlets and outlets of successive shingles to provide a fluid path through the complete array. An inlet manifold is contained in a cap used at the peak of the roof and an outlet manifold is connected to the lowest row of shingles.

Abstract: A building panel having inner and outer faces on a body outlined by opposite ends and by upper and lower edges with opposite ends of the panel adapted to closely face the end of an adjacent panel in the same course or row. The outer face of the panel includes a lower portion of substantially larger surface area adapted for weather exposure and an upper portion of relatively smaller surface area adapted to underlie a lower portion of the back face of one or more panels positioned in a next higher course. A flashing element is mounted on the outer face of the panel for precise pivotal movement between a first position wherein the element lies entirely within the outline of the panel body and a second position wherein the element extends outwardly beyond the body of the panel for flashing a joint between adjacent panels.

Abstract: An external revetment panel for the thermal insulation of buildings. The panel comprises a shell having upper and lower edges in parallel stepped relationship with the surface, the depth of the lower step being smaller than that of the upper step, the edge of the upper step being bent into a channel section, and the web thereof being formed with holes; gapping means provided on at least one of the stepped edges of the panel; at least one bracket fixed to the free flange of the channel section; and a layer of insulating material fixed to spacing means which are in turn secured to the internal surface of the shell.

Abstract: An improved insulated vinyl siding system for houses and other buildings is disclosed. A sheet of foam insulation is disposed and held in place in the back of the siding panels in such a way to leave two air spaces, one between the insulation and the siding panel and the second between the insulation and the house surface. Openings are provided in the siding panels and act in cooperation with openings in the house to allow escape of trapped moistured air from the second air space.

Abstract: A solar panel including a base within which are mounted transversely extending conduits. A heat collector plate in the base is in heat conductive relationship with the conduits for the heating of a fluid medium. The base additionally supports a transparent cover outwardly spaced from the heat collector plate to provide a protective insulative air space over the plate. A manifold communicates one series of panels with those of an adjacent series. A modified base dispenses with a collector plate and is formed so as to define integral lengthwise extending passageways for the solar heated medium. Inserted nipples interconnect the passageways of adjacent panels.

Abstract: A moulded concrete roofing tile has at least two projecting nibs on the underside of the tile which nibs are spaced apart along the length of the tile. The tile may therefore be hung on a batten from either nib. An edge portion of the tile is cut away to receive a portion of a second tile in a vertical row adjacent a vertical row occupied by the said tile and staggered with regard to the said tile. In this way a horizontal row of tiles may be hung on a single batten with adjacent tiles in the row being displaced vertically in relation to one another and a roof may be constructed with the tiles in adjacent rows staggered but using only the same number and spacing of battens as would be required for rows which are not so arranged.

Abstract: A shaped metallic roofing plate having a plurality of tile-shaped metallic rectangular elements adapted to be superposed at their upper and lower edges and side edges. Each rectangular element has a substantially S-sectioned bend formed along the upper edge thereof and a downward bend formed along the lower edge. The upper bend has a plurality of nailing surfaces extending in parallel with the roof surface and occupying a common plane. In assembling, the elements are nailed at their nailing surfaces to the roof surface such that the lower bend of the overlying element is placed and superposed to the upper bend of the underlying element. At one side edge portion of the element, there is formed is at least one groove extending in the direction of slope of the roof.

Abstract: A siding panel and siding panel assembly. Each panel has a pair of ridges near the top edge so that the top edge of the panel can be nailed to a substrate while remaining spaced therefrom. The bottom edge of each panel is provided with a flange terminating in an inverted U-shaped opening adapted to engage the upper edge of an adjacent panel.