Abstract: A clip for a siding panel includes a planar sheet of material, a first leg, and a second leg. The first leg extends outwardly from the planar sheet, and bends downwardly and inwardly toward the planar sheet to form a U-shaped flange defining a channel opening toward the planar sheet. The second leg extends outwardly from the sheet at a position below the first leg. The first leg is configured to mate with a channel nailing hem of a siding panel. The second leg is configured to mate with a channel formed in a top lock of the siding panel. In some preferred embodiments, another first leg is spaced apart from the first leg, with the second leg being positioned between the two first legs.

Abstract: Self-aligning shingle members and self-aligning laminated shingle members. The shingle members have at least an alignment strip on the bottom surfaces which mates and nests with the top edge or corresponding alignment strip on the underlying course of shingles. In one embodiment, each of the shingle members has an alignment strip on the bottom surface which nests with the top edge of the underlying course, creating a self-aligning roofing shingle system which is easier to align and install. In another embodiment, alignment strips are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the shingle member and the alignment strip on the bottom surface is adopted to mate and nest with the alignment strip on the top surface of shingle members in the underlying course of shingles. This provides a self-aligning shingle system with the appearance of a three-layer laminated shingle structure. The courses of shingle members can also be interlocked together with appropriately shaped interlocking alignment strips.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a siding unit which is adapted for installation. An exemplary embodiment of the siding unit has at least 1.5 courses of vinyl siding. The courses of vinyl siding are preferably formed by one or more facing panels which are comprised of polyvinyl chloride. A reinforcing panel is glued or otherwise laminated to the inside of each course of vinyl siding. The reinforcing panel is preferably comprised of expanded or extruded polystyrene.

Abstract: A mounting rail for siding and ceiling members featuring a locking member to maintain siding and ceiling members on the mounting rail. The mounting rail has (i) a siding support member having a horizontal leg extending forwardly with a vertical leg extending downwardly from its front edge as is typical in the art, (ii) a web member extending upwardly from the back edge of said horizontal leg, and (iii) a siding maintenance member extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the web member.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing member capable of reliably preventing rain water penetration and achieving easy and stable construction, and a siding boards attachment structure using the sealing member and a method of attaching siding boards in the siding boards attachment structure of a four side (left, right, upper and lower sides) shiplap structure.

Abstract: The roof shingle system of the present invention includes rows of shingle elements having parallel, slanting lower edges that are aligned to divert the flow of water away from areas where high flow volumes are not desired toward areas where high flow volumes will not cause harm. Because water flowing down a surface will tend to adhere to that surface, the water flowing down the surface of the shingle system of the present invention will tend to follow the slanting lower edges of the shingle elements in the direction of the slanted edges so as to provide a way to control the flow of water on the surface of a roof.

Abstract: A siding board attachment structure comprising a number of suspenders each having a hook portion and fixed to a building frame, and siding boards each provided on the back surface thereof with an engaging groove which is engaged with the hook portion of each of the suspenders, whereby the siding boards are maintained in a stably suspended state. The siding boards of neighboring stages can be suitably spaced apart to such an extent that sidewall surfaces of upper and lower siding boards are made visible.

Abstract: A roof construction uses a one-component adhesive to adhere roof tiles to a roof. The adhesive is formed in a U-shaped pattern in that the adhesive is dispensed in a bottom leg deposit on the tile's underside, a bight deposit extending about the tile's leading edge and a top adhesive deposit overlying the bottom deposit and extending on the outside surface of the tile. As the tiles are laid onto the roof in an overlying fashion, the U-shaped adhesive is sandwiched between the tile, the overlying tile and the roof forming sealing contact therewith and therebetween.

Abstract: A retaining clip for use in combination with building siding panels of the type which simulate wooden clapboard. The siding panels have two or more longitudinal outwardly and downwardly depending declination portions. The clips comprise thicker main body portions attachable to the building-side face of declinations of the siding panels, and thinner flexible arm portions. A protruding stop detent extends from the face of the flexible arm portion. The detent is spaced apart from the main body portion of the retaining clip. Building siding panels having retaining clips of the invention are also provided, as are methods of siding a building with the modified siding panels.

Abstract: The “S” storm shutter system is a new type of protection from wind storms and other weather phenomenon. It uses a series of low-profile “S”-shaped interlocking panels. These panels are secured by straps on either side which are then tightened by fixing them to the wall. This creates a protective system whose profile is significantly less than any other system on the market today. Because of this low profile, the wind resistance is drastically reduced. In addition, once the initial anchors are installed, this system requires no tools to assemble or disassemble. This is an important factor when considering the time constraints in preparing for an oncoming storm.

Abstract: A plurality of roof panels are used for covering a pitched roof. The roof panels are of a structural sheet metal, positioned and laid over the roof and provide a series of spaced apart longitudinal stiffening steps separated by at least one flat surface portion adapted for abutting the roof for enablement of attachment thereto. The top edge of each panel is convex and coved for use in covering a peak of the roof. A step is provided near the bottom edge of each panel for covering the covered top edge of a further one of the panels laid below it.

Abstract: A plurality of shingles and straps are installed in a manner effective for reinforcing and securing a roof to provide controlled separation of parts of the shingles while maintaining an intact roof surface covering. Appropriate placement of the shingle straps results in a roof which is able to withstand extreme forces, e.g. wind speeds up to about 150 MPH, such as those encountered in a strong hurricane. The method and device may be used to retrofit existing buildings, without requiring partial or total removal of the roof.

Abstract: An alignment and spacer apparatus includes an elongated body member that extends longitudinally along and laterally from a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has an arcuate surface and a flat surface facing opposite the arcuate surface. The arcuate surface curves about the longitudinal axis and has a longitudinally extending crown. Further, the body member includes at least one stop tab that projects from the arcuate surface to define a stop tab surface. The stop tab surface extends laterally and perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis and at least a portion of the stop tab surface protrudes above the crown. Also described is a siding panel installation system for installing siding panels on a support structure which includes a plurality of elongated body members. Each body member includes a sequence of stop tabs that are spaced equidistantly apart from one another and project from the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A roof construction uses a one-component adhesive to adhere roof tiles to a roof. The adhesive is formed in a U-shaped pattern in that the adhesive is dispensed in a bottom leg deposit on the tile's underside, a bight deposit extending about the tile's leading edge and a top adhesive deposit overlying the bottom deposit and extending on the outside surface of the tile. As the tiles are laid onto the roof in an overlying fashion, the U-shaped adhesive is sandwiched between the tile, the overlying tile and the roof forming sealing contact therewith and therebetween.

Abstract: A lightweight, preferably clay roofing tile, preferably having surface configurations to simulate the thick heavyweight of natural slate, or to simulate natural wood shakes, or other natural materials, is provided, constructed so as to be molded from materials with weight-reducing zones, and strengthening webs, integral with the tile, such that each tile is of unitary, molded, one-piece construction. The placement, type and number of webs enable the cutting of the tiles to form tile accessory pieces, at ends of laid-up courses, hips, ridges and the like, to minimize or eliminate the necessity of inventorying large numbers of special accessory pieces. The webs provide strengthening while the hollow zones reduce weight, with at least some of the webs being located to provide strength to the tiles along newly cut edges. An interlock design at tile edges facilitates reduction in weight by eliminating the need for a double coverage overlap.

Abstract: Siding panels and intermediate articles of their manufacture are provided. The siding panels include a central portion including an aesthetic pattern and a pair of lateral edge portions which are formed while the polymeric material is still above its heat deflection temperature, and preferably, when the central portion has been hot-formed and cooled. This invention improves the art for vacuum-forming siding panels, dentil molding and other building products made by continuous vacuum forming.

Abstract: An improved roof and method wherein each course of slate is underlain with an interlayment material layer such that the interlayment material acts as a base to the through joints, resulting in a reduction in the amount of slate used by approximately 40% to 50%. The slate meets side to side (the through joint), the underlaying interlayment material providing sufficient waterproofing to protect the roof as well as being of lighter weight and a more economical slate roof than the slate which it replaces.

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: A fastenable composite roofing shingle is made from a composition comprising an organic, resinous material and an inorganic filler material, the shingle having a structure comprising a top surface forming an upper, headlap portion and a lower, butt portion, with the headlap portion having one or more targets suitable for indicating a desired fastener location to a shingle installer. The targets include a recessed area in the top surface of the shingle to enable a head of a fastener to be sheltered below the top surface. The recessed area has a hollow dimple defining an area of additional indentation, whereby the thickness of the shingle in the recessed area is greater than the thickness of the shingle in the dimple.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: A two-part fastening mechanism employing (1) a continuous metal strip having attachment slots whose axes are oriented parallel to the length of the strip, and (2) a single preformed metal connector piece having a longitudinally-oriented hook for gripping one end of a tile and a stem portion insertable into one of the slots in the metal fastening strip and bendable over the slot and back upon itself for retaining the connector piece attached to the continuous metal strip. When installed, the fastening mechanism holds each tile in two places: at a first end via the hook, and at an opening in the tile where the connector piece passes through.

Abstract: A method of adhering roof tiles to a roof utilizes a one-component adhesive and in particular, a one-component polyurethane adhesive foam applied to the undersurfaces of the roof tiles in a discontinuous patterns. The adhesive is applied in the form of separate deposits at opposing corners of the undersurfaces of the roof tiles and the roof tiles are laid on the roof in serial fashion and overlapping courses.

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 roof tile tie down clip for securing a roof tile to the surface of a roof. The roof tile tie down clip includes a base portion configured to rest against the surface of a roof, body portion extending away from the base portion such that a joint is formed between the base portion and the body portion, and a clip portion configured to engage the top surface of a roof tile and extending away from the body portion distal of the joint. Two claws extend outward from a tip of the base portion for securing the roof tile tie down clip to the surface of a roof in an upright position prior to inserting a nail through the clip. A gusset is formed at the joint between the base portion and body portion of the roof tile tie down clip. The gusset functions to reinforce the joint against bending or warping.

Abstract: Siding panel for installation on the walls, soffits or other exposed surfaces of a structure having a nailing hem folded back upon itself to form a lateral edge of the siding panel and terminating in a first lip projecting outwardly from the front side of the siding panel and away from the lateral edge. A U-shaped channel is formed on the front side of the siding panel and is connected to the nailing hem. A U-shaped projection extends along the siding panel and terminates in a second lip projecting away from the back of the siding panel and the U-shaped projection. The U-shaped channel receives a U-shaped projection of an adjacent panel and the first lip engages and interlocks with the second lip of the adjacent panel.

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 new roof panel mounting system for securing to an underlying roof support structure to preclude leaking. The inventive device includes a sheet of plywood secured to a support structure of a house. A sheet of insulation material is positionable on the sheet of plywood. A sheet of paneling is positionable on the sheet of insulation material. The sheet of paneling has a plurality of ridges extending upwardly therefrom. The sheet of paneling is coupled with respect to the sheet of plywood and the sheet of insulation material.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing shingle is disclosed that includes a substrate including at least one composite having a scrim bonded to a mat, coated with filled asphalt and granules. The scrim has woven or non-woven fiberglass or polyester strands arranged in a crossing pattern, such as a 10.times.10 thread crossing pattern per square inch, and the mat has a layer of organic, fiberglass or polyester materials, the scrim and mat being joined together with a rubberized binder or other suitable bonding material. The shingle may be used, for example, in a residential roofing application, in which a portion of a roof deck is covered by providing the shingle including the substrate and a fastening device such as a nail having a head; positioning the shingle on the roof deck portion; and driving the nail through the shingle and into the roof deck to secure the shingle to the roof deck.

Abstract: Self-heating roofing construction elements containing a heating element embedded therein. Each construction element has at least one tab extending laterally, the tab enclosing one or more electrical conductors so that one construction element may be connected by snap fit to an adjacent construction element. Preferably, the elements are provided as a kit including a right side end module, one or more center modules, and a left side module. Individual construction elements may be ceramic tiles, wood shake shingles, or asphaltic shingles, preferably reinforced with recycled glass, recycled rubber, or both. Whether one or plural modules, the construction element is controlled by an electrical controller responsive to subfreezing temperatures and to presence of precipitation.

Abstract: A roof arrangement includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel adjacent battens arranged on increasing higher levels and a plurality of rows of roof slates supported on the battens. Each row of roof slates comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged slates with a gap being defined between two adjacent slates. Adjacent rows of slates are off-set. A support strip is located below the gap between two adjacent slates and extends laterally beyond the gap to a location underneath the two slates defining the gap, and further extends from one batten to a next higher batten. A waterproof strip extends below a row of slates from close to the lower end of the slates of the row of slates and is bent over the upper end of the slates of the row of slates to rest on to the upper end of the row of slates. First attachment elements pass through each slate near its upper end and through the waterproof strip below the slate into a batten located below the slate.

Abstract: A clamp for controlling uplift on a metal roof. The clamp includes a unitary mounting body having a slot extending therethrough. This slot may be positioned over/about a standing seam on a metal roof and be appropriately secured thereto, such as by the use of blunt-nosed screws which engage the seam material.

Abstract: An angled roofing shingle for a roof ridge line is made from an organic, resinous material and a filler material. The shingle has a first elongated portion and a separable, second elongated portion. These two portions each have a longitudinal edge provided with a mating edge surface and are joined together at an angle less than 180 degrees so that the shingle can cover and conform to the ridge line. Means are included for moving the first and second elongated portions relative to each other to change the angle of the shingle to accommodate a variety of angles of ridge lines.

Abstract: A tile obtained from recycling worn rubber tires of automobiles. The tire is chopped into lengths of about 10" to 16" and then about 4" is lopped off the two side rim parts. The outer surface of the remaining central rolling tread part is run down to make it smooth and even and the tile is heated to between 210 .degree. and 300 .degree. F. for about one-half hour to straighten the longitudinal curvature. The cross curvature is maintained for a colonial type tile aspect.

Abstract: A plastic siding panel which includes an upper connector, a medial main portion, and a lower connector. The connectors are complementary in shape so that they interlock with other siding panels of like construction. At least one of the connectors include a strip of high strength material for rigidifying the siding panel. The siding panels are fabricated by extruding a monolithic, substantially planar sheet composed of three different materials. Two of the materials are formed as layers which extend over the entire sheet. The third material is a high strength material adapted to rigidify the siding panel. After extrusion, the sheet is formed into a siding panel having a main portion, an upper connection and a lower connection.

Abstract: A plastic construction strip in the form of a coil of overlapped convolutions has a composition comprised primarily of polyolefin material. It is between about 20 and 80 mils in thickness and has a width of at least one-half inch. It has high resistance to tearing and a tensile strength in excess of 1,000 psi, plus sufficient stiffness to support at least a 6-inch length of itself in upright, substantially vertical condition from a holding point and sufficient flexibility to be wound upon itself in overlapping convolutions as small as 1 inch internal diameter. The coil is ideally marketed as part of a dispenser package having a peripheral wall with exit and re-entry openings, and the outermost end of the coiled strip is threaded through the exit and then back into a re-entry opening so as to lie loosely within the container but be easily withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: An attachment clip is formed from a generally rectangular blank of bendable material and includes a pair of depending legs bent forwardly and upwardly so as to engage the slots found in the nailing flange of standard horizontal siding panels. The clip includes a nail slot having a length greater than the length of an individual slot formed in the nailing flange of the panel, thereby permitting greater expansion and contraction of the panel on the wall to which it is attached. The clip is formed from a rectangular blank of bendable material, with a notch extending upwardly in the lower edge to form the depending legs which are journaled through individual slots in the nailing flange of the panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a panel clip for siding. The clip is especially useful for installing a top siding row on a next to top siding row. The clip has a first face and a second face. The clip is formed from a continuous metal strip. The clip has a generally J-shaped portion and a generally inverted V-shaped portion. The generally J-shaped portion has a first end corresponding to an upper end of the J and a second end corresponding to a tail end of the J. The generally inverted V-shaped portion has an apex, a first end, a first leg extending between the apex and the first end, a second end, and a second leg extending between the apex and the second end. Each leg has a first face and a second face corresponding to the first face and the second face of the continuous metal strip. The first end of the generally inverted V-shaped portion is connected to the second end of the generally J-shaped portion to form a generally S-shaped bend with the second leg of the generally inverted V-shaped portion.

Abstract: A roofing shingle including a weather resistant strip that has an exterior side and an interior side. The weather resistant strip has a top portion and a plurality of tabs that are divided by a plurality of slots. Each tab extends longitudinally between at least two slots. Included is an elongated metallic strip. The metallic strip has a face side and an underside that is attached to the exterior side of the weather resistant strip. The metallic strip is attached between the top portion and above each slot. Lastly, an elongated tar strip is attached to the face side of the metallic strip.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mounting clip for siding. The clip has a first face and a second face. The clip is formed from a continuous metal strip having a first generally straight portion, a first U-bend portion, and a second U-bend portion. Each portion has a first face and a second face which correspond to the first face and the second face of the clip. Each portion has a first end and a second end. The second end of the first generally straight portion is attached to the first end of the first U-bend portion. The first U-bend portion bends toward the first face of the strip. The first end of the second U-bend portion is attached to the second end of the first U-bend portion. The second end of the second U-bend portion is positioned between the first end of the first U-bend portion and the first face of the first generally straight portion. The second U-bend portion forms an angle in the range of from about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees with respect to the first U-bend portion.

Abstract: A nail and a method using the nail for securing two materials together spaced by an interposed resilient material. The nail has a shaft having a first end and a second end. The nail has a head extending radially around the shaft at the first end. The second end of the shaft has a point. A sleeve has generally a cylindrical shape and a pair of ends. The sleeve has a cylindrical center portion and a pair of frusto-conical tapered portions. Each of the frusto-conical tapered portions extends from the center portion to one of the ends forming a cutting edge. The sleeve surrounds the shaft and has a length in excess of the thickness of the resilient material and less than the length of the shaft. The method comprises the steps of laying the first material against the second material spaced by the resilient material, driving the nail through the first material, the resilient material and into the second material with the point of the shaft piercing the resilient material and the second material.

Abstract: A molded roofing material tile that forms a five-sided rectangular box-like structure with a central support spine running on the underside of the tile from the back side to the front side, that permits virtually free drainage of sub-tile water through an elongated weep aperture running along the back side of the tile, thereby to drain water away that would otherwise deteriorate the tile and the underlayment. The tile has rabbeted sides that permit overlapping with side adjacent tiles laid in a roofing course. The tiles are fastened by conventional fasteners that run through reinforced fastener posts at the rear corners of the tile, and do not require application of special adhesive. No special alternative embodiment is required as an initial course of tile nearest the eaves of the building.

Abstract: A nail for securing two materials together spaced by an interposed resilient material. The nail has a shaft having a first end and a second end. The nail has a head extending radially around the shaft at the first end. The second end of the shaft has a point. A sleeve has generally a cylindrical shape and a pair of ends. The sleeve has a cylindrical center portion and a pair of frusto-conical tapered portions. Each of the frusto-conical tapered portions extends from the center portion to one of the ends forming a cutting edge. The sleeve surrounds the shaft and has a length in excess of the thickness of the resilient material and less than the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A corrugated metal plate comprises a metal plate provided at two opposite sides thereof with an insertion cap and an insertion seat. Two or more corrugated metal plates are joined together side by side by fastening the insertion cap of one corrugated metal plate with the insertion seat of another corrugated metal plate. The corrugated metal plate is further provided with a predetermined number of ridges located between the insertion seat and the insertion cap.

Abstract: A planar roofing made of folded metal sheets which comprises a plurality of metal sheets in which two nonadjacent edges are complementarily folded or otherwise shaped so as to allow the coupling of two adjacent metal sheets by partial overlap, and a plurality of supporting retainer blocks which can be anchored to a purlin for the roofing. Each supporting retainer block comprises a base portion for resting on the purlin and two lateral parallel raised portions that rise from the base and are individually externally flanked by a respective recess which is meant to accommodate a fold which is provided proximate to, and along, a folded edge of a respective metal sheet.

Abstract: In a metal roofing system in which a plurality of overlapping horizontal courses of metal shingles are secured to a roofing substructure, each course being formed from a horizontal row of metal shingles that overlap and interlock with other metal shingles in a course disposed directly therebelow, and wherein a joint pan is positioned below abutting metal shingles within each course, the improvement comprising: a deformation at a top of each joint pan, the deformation indicating proper placement for a short edge of a metal shingle.

Abstract: A roofing panel for use on inclined roofing support structures wherein the panel is formed of sheet material and is configured in section from its higher to its lower end such as to define at its upper end a downwardly depending foot arranged in use to enable securement to the roof support structure at or adjacent its higher end and then an upwardly extending ridge lower than the foot and having in its side facing the lower end of the panel, a slot; the lower end of the panel including a downwardly directed ridge arranged in use to overly the ridge of the next succeeding lower panel and including a tongue directed towards the higher end of the panel and lying beneath the under surface of the panel and arranged in use to engage with the slot in the upwardly directed ridge of the next succeeding lower panel for positive location therewithin, whereby the panel in use lies over the downward depending securement foot of the next succeeding lower panel.

Abstract: A system for protecting the exterior surface of a static structure, such as a roof, a wall, a fence or other structure, especially those exterior surfaces that are exposed to the ultra violet rays of the sun, to the elements, to ice damning, and to external mechanical stresses. The system is a laminated construction module including a waterproof substrate material which is substantial completed coated on at least its top surface with an adhesive to which the bottom face of one or more exterior protective elements are secured. The protective element is substantially continuously secured, so that should it become cracked, broken or splintered, the fractured portions of the protective element will remain secured to the top of the substrate material without being displaced, thereby protecting the substrate from the elements, from ice damning, and from ultra violet deterioration.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a metal roof formed of overlapping R panels having major ribs and panel flats spaced therebetween includes the steps of removing fasteners disposed along the overlapping margins of adjacent R panels; plugging the holes formed when the fasteners are removed from the R panels; positioning a RETRO R panel having dual-tiered major ribs and panel flats spaced therebetween over the metal roof; aligning the major ribs of the RETRO R panel with major ribs of the underlying R panel; and fastening the major ribs of the RETRO R panel to the major ribs of the underlying R panel. An apparatus for retrofitting a metal roof includes a plurality of dual-tiered major ribs and a plurality of panel flats spaced therebetween, such that when installed over an existing metal roof, the major ribs of the new roof panel are aligned with the major ribs of the underlying roof panel.

Abstract: A siding positioner/fastener that consists of a strip 40 with a continuous length, with inserts 50 coupled to it, at spaced intervals along the length of the strip. The strips are positioned and coupled to a substrate, aligning the strips perpendicular to the channel 70 length, which is parallel to the siding length, with a strip at each interval along the siding length, and with the inserts inline and parallel across each strip interval. A sloped channel is coupled to the back of the siding length. At each end the channel can slide on, or be pressed onto the inserts. The remaining inserts are pressed on. Each time an insert is locked onto the channel this aligns the following insert. When all the inserts are locked onto the channel, the siding can be moved parallel to the its length, or expand and contract its width. The insert length will allow two pieces of siding to be butted against each other on one insert.