Abstract: A roofing material having the appearance of decorative shingles and/or roofing tiles. The roofing material comprises a bulk polymeric foam material which includes additional structural support which provides increased strength and durability at the front surface of the roofing material. The roofing material includes a mesh material which is disposed near the front surface of the roofing material. The roofing material may additionally include a barrier layer which further protects the surface of the roofing material.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: A cementitious fiberboard sprayed with an acrylic sand composition and enamel spray paint which is then tooled to a brick-looking face. Variations in the brick-like color and texture are provided by varying the acrylic paint color and sand particle size and density.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising plastic molded wall panels and corner moldings each formed with simulated cedar shake shingles. The corner molding shingles are mountable in partially overlying relation to the shingles of adjacent wall panels and a previously mounted corner molding. The corner moldings further each have upper marginal edge regions that are positionable into tight fitting underlying relation to the wall panels in a course immediately above the corner molding for providing a more natural hand cut shake appearance. The corner moldings have mounting latches and hooks which are longitudinally severable to permit mounting on all surfaces that define corners substantially greater than 90°, and the corner moldings preferably are formed with different patterns of simulated shake for further contributing to their natural appearance.

Abstract: A roofing panel, a roof, an array of roofing panels, and a method of manufacturing a roofing panel by transporting a capstock layer of the roofing panel through a moving belt mold, and forming a polymeric material in situ against the outer layer while in a mold cavity of the moving belt mold. The capstock layer is vacuum formed to shape and form a plurality of roofing shingles and to impress the shingles with surface topography features simulating natural materials.

Abstract: Self supporting roofing plate for pitched roofs having purlinless roofing construction is disclosed. This particular roofing plate allows for the rafters of the purlinless construction to be spaced apart as twice as allowed when using best known prior art products, thus significantly reduces costs and labor of the complete roofing construction.

Abstract: A relatively rigid roofing shingle or tile is provided, having relatively flexible stress relief nail zones, that may comprise variations in thickness relative to the remainder of the shingle or tile, or variations in materials, such as will allow for relative movement of the shingles or tiles due to temperature variations resulting in expansion or contraction, or due to other forces, such that the movement will be between the shingles or the tiles and the nails or other fasteners that are used to secure the shingles or tiles to a roof or other surface, and is preferably within the elastic limits of the fastening zones of the shingles or tiles.

Abstract: A method of forming a building panel is provided, with the building panel including facer and liner sheets surrounding a foam core. The method includes the steps of pre-notching the facer sheet at each false joint, roll forming the side joints of the facer sheet, bending the facer sheet, via a press operation, at the pre-notched area to form the false joint, such that the facer sheet is a continuous sheet across the false joint, and bonding the facer sheet having the false joint and the liner sheet to the foam core to form the building panel.

Abstract: A laminated shingle has a rendered shadow design when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlamp portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more tabs separated by cutouts. The overlay member is also coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form horizontally-oriented overlay shading areas on the upper and lower edges of the tabs. The underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form vertically and horizontally-oriented underlay shading areas. In one embodiment, one or both vertical edges of each tab are generally parallel to the vertically-oriented longitudinal axis of the vertically-oriented shading area to expose a portion of the shading area.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sidings and methods for securing those sidings to structures are disclosed. Additionally, this disclosure teaches embodiments of sidings that can be secured to structures. For some embodiments, the siding comprises an insulation and a panel. The insulation and the panel are coupled to each other prior to installation of the siding. This coupling is achieved by non-adhesive coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A composite roofing tile with multiple tile images is adapted for presentation of the individual tile images in a non-repeating manner, and for interlocking with adjacent stacked and installed tiles.

Abstract: A wall covering comprised of a plurality of panels formed with a simulated hand laid brick and mortar design. The panels are mounted in horizontal courses with a lower marginal edge region of one panel being in overlying relation to the upper marginal edge region of a panel in a previously mounted course. The upper and lower marginal edge regions have a tapered seating design which enable close positioning of the brick and mortar of two mating panels with the mortar lines between the brick being in substantially coplanar relation with each other and with the simulated brick each protruding a uniform distance from the mortar lines with an esthetic and natural appearance. The junction between mating panels is substantially unnoticeable and the uniformity of the brick and mortar design does not incur unsightly shadowing that can detract from the natural appearance.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of making it is provided in which the rear surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.

Abstract: The present invention is a siding panel and a method of making the siding panel. The siding panel comprises a planar portion extending the longitudinal length of the siding panel. The planar portion comprises a first edge and a second edge. The width from the first edge to the second edge is at least about 4.0 inches. The planar portion has a surface variance of less than about 0.05 inches relative to an imaginary straight line connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the radius curvature between the first edge and the second edge is at least about 85 inches.

Abstract: Siding panels for mounting on a wall surface. Each siding panel includes a plurality of decorative elements integrally formed with the panel and disposed in at least one row, the decorative elements defining a front face of the siding panel; a top edge disposed above the decorative elements; a plurality of apertures formed in and extending through the siding panel disposed below the top edge and above the decorative elements; a bottom end; a plurality of downwardly depending tabs located on the front face of the siding panel, each tab having a plurality of projections; and an upwardly facing channel formed on a side of the siding panel opposite the front face, the channel configured for receipt of the tabs of an adjacent panel. In one embodiment, there are four rounded projections on each tab. The siding panel includes first and second side edges, and a horizontally extending tab.

Abstract: A laminated shingle has a rendered shadow design when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more tabs separated by cutouts. The overlay member is also coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form horizontally-oriented overlay shading areas on the upper and lower edges of the tabs. The underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form vertically and horizontally-oriented underlay shading areas. In one embodiment, one or both vertical edges of each tab are generally parallel to the vertically-oriented longitudinal axis of the vertically-oriented shading area to expose a portion of the shading area.

Abstract: A panel for polypropylene injection molded siding, and for similar materials and/or uses, is mounted in lapped courses with panels attached at butt joints in a direction of elongation. Complementary tabs and slots at the panel ends can be engaged by end-to-end approach of the abutting panels. Additionally, openings for the tabs permit engagement from a position in which the panel ends are already overlapped, which reduces or eliminates the need for endwise assembly space. The slots can be discontinuous on one or both sides, openings permitting lateral insertion of the tabs at gaps, whereupon movement of the tabs along the slots engages the joint. The panels can simulate wood siding and include a step between simulated courses. A gap is provided in the edge of the panel at the step, thus forming an opening for the tab to enter and move along the slot.

Abstract: The present invention is a vinyl siding panel and a method of making the vinyl siding panel. The vinyl siding panel comprises a planar portion extending the longitudinal length of the vinyl siding panel. The planar portion comprises a first edge and a second edge. The width from the first edge to the second edge is at least about 4.0 inches. The planar portion has a surface variance of less than about 0.05 inches relative to an imaginary straight line connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the radius curvature between the first edge and the second edge is at least about 85 inches.

Abstract: A wall covering and method of installation using corner moldings formed with a plurality of tiers of simulated building elements and a plurality of panels each formed with a plurality of rows of simulated building elements. The corner molding includes flanges along opposite sides formed with both (1) elongated fastener-receiving apertures for receiving fasteners which permit adjustable positioning and alignment of the tiers of building elements of the corner molding with rows of building elements of a panel to be mounted adjacent thereto and (2) circular apertures for receiving fasteners that precisely secure and retain the corner moldings in mounted position with the building elements of the corner molding and adjacent panel in predetermined aligned relation.

Abstract: The roof tile system of the present invention includes parallel patterns of channels or features which when viewed in a large pattern of identical tiles create the illusion of a surface made using a costly three dimensional roofing material such as Spanish tile. The patterns of channels or features may also function to direct the flow of water in a manner that is consistent with the apparent contour of the surface. The patterns of channels or features may also be arranged to direct the flow of rain water from a first area of a roof to a second area of a roof. An added water directing feature in the tiles of a bottom course of tiles can be used to direct rain water into an enclosed rain gutter.

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 roofing system having a multiplicity of courses of roofing shingles and interply material having at least one course of interply material overlapping at least about ten percent of a first course of shingles and a second course of shingles overlapping at least a portion of the interply material and the first course of shingles. More than about 40% of the first course of shingles is exposed after installation. The roofing system has a class A fire resistant rating. Roofing shingles having particular utility in the roofing system of the present invention are also disclosed. In preferred embodiments the shingles have an exposure width of at least about 60% of the shingle, more preferably at least about 64% of the width of the shingle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite panel for use in construction, and particularly for shingling, which comprises natural fiber and a polymer. Due to its composition and layout the construction panel provides all of the advantages of natural materials and high end roofing materials, particularly an attractive appearance, while at the same time allowing for ease of installation, little or no maintenance requirements, and providing superior impact and fire resistance when compared to other roofing materials. The construction panels can also be installed using conventional equipment and methods similar to the installation of 3-tab asphalt shingles with little or no learning curve.

Abstract: An interlocking rectangular sheet of simulated shakes for lock-up assembly upon a structure in an upwardly directed fashion having a thermo-formed base sheet with an exposure surface and a top and bottom surface. The bottom surface terminates in a cross-sectionally “U” shaped, clipping member. The top surface has a plurality of punched key portions, certain of which having apertured, flanged, assemblies thereon. All of the key portions allow for receiving securing members for attachment of the sheet to the structure, including the flanged portions. The apertured, flanged assemblies and the clipping members cooperate positively to interconnect in the upwardly directed fashion to provide, when secured to the structure by the securing members, a substantial inability to be removed or displaced by weather conditions. The flanged assemblies have an extended “S” shaped configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved wind lift resistant self-sealing shingles having an adhesive-to-adhesive seal between courses of shingle installation.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic panels each having a body portion formed with rows of simulated building elements. The panels are mounted on a support surface with a lower marginal edge region of one panel overlying an upper marginal edge region of a previously mounted panel in a lower course and with a side marginal edge region of one panel overlying the side marginal edge region of a previously mounted adjacent panel in the same course. The marginal edge regions are provided with interlocks which engage and secure both the overlapping upper and lower marginal edge regions and the overlapping side marginal edge regions as an incident to upward movement of the panel relative to the underlying previously mounted panels.

Abstract: An exterior weather shielding panel assembly for fitting against an external side wall of a building, comprising a rigid back board for anchoring engagement with the building side wall, a waterproofing membrane applied against the back board, an air ventilating screen applied against the waterproofing membrane opposite the back board, and a plurality of shingles disposed against the screen outer face in slopewisely cascading fashion. Nails concealed by the overlapping sections of upper rows of shingles fixedly anchor the panel assembly components to the residential building side wall. The panel assembly is manufactured in factory before installation on the building.

Abstract: A fastener-free composite roofing product comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material, wherein the interply material includes an adhesive coating on one side. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The adhesive is effective to secure the roofing product to the roof without the use of nails or other fasteners. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing, and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.

Abstract: A three-layer asphalt composition shingle where the top layer is of a full width, a middle layer is less than the full width, and a bottom layer has a width shorter than the middle layer. The middle and top layers of the shingle have tabs and cutouts. The tabs of each such layer generally differ in some feature. Moreover, the corresponding tabs between the middle layer and top layer also differ with respect to some feature, such as a lengthwise size, a widthwise size, shape or in color. Each of the three layers includes color zones, and often plural color zones. The different tab features and the different color features of the various layers provide a high degree of randomness to enhance a visual appearance to a roof shingled with such type of shingles.

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 molded while the polymeric material is still hot or molten. One exemplary aesthetic pattern provided is a cedar shake siding pattern. Adjacent cedar shake shingle impressions have substantially the same lengths, but a plurality of bottom edges of the individual shingle impressions are beveled to give the appearance of shingles having different lengths.

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 laminated shingle has a rendered shadow design when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more tabs separated by cutouts. The underlay member is coated with a layer of relatively dark granules to form vertically and horizontally-oriented underlay shading areas. In one embodiment, one or both vertical edges of at least one tab are generally parallel to the vertically-oriented longitudinal axis of the vertically-oriented shading area to expose a portion of the shading area.

Abstract: Laminated hip and ridge asphalt shingle having a first, a second and a third layer laminated together by a lamination adhesive. The first layer is of two L-shaped configurations, each having a horizontal head portion and a vertical butt portion. The horizontal head portions are superimposed on each other, while the vertical butt portions are placed adjacent to each other and form a gap which allows bending of the first layer thereby preventing stress and breaking. The second layer overlaps the firs layer. The third layer only overlaps the head portion of the second layer. The top surface of the shingle is coated with mineral granules, while portions of the undersurface of the shingle are coated with a self-seal adhesive to secure the shingle to the hip or ridge of a roof.

Abstract: In a rectangular composite shingle unit including (a) a top sheet having a lower butt portion which is longitudinally divided into spaced tabs and an upper undivided headlap portion having a horizontal line of markings immediately above the butt portion indicating nailable sites for attachment of the shingle unit to a roof deck and (b) a continuous, elongated backer strip underlying the tabs and nail markings of the headlap which is aligned in offset or flush position along the longitudinal margin of the butt portion and which extends from the bottom edges of the tabs to the top area of the nail line markings; the improvement which comprises a backer strip having a plurality of extended projections on the top longitudinal margin of said backer which projections are spaced apart and vertically extend upwardly beyond the nail line markings and underlay the headlap portion of the top sheet.

Abstract: A multi-layer laminate shingle has a base layer and at least a second layer above the base layer. At one end of the shingle the base layer projects beyond the second layer while at the other end the second layer projects beyond the base layer. When the shingles are laid in a course along the roof, the projecting end of the second layer overlaps the projecting end of the base layer of the next shingle, forming a shiplap joint over all or substantially all of the width of the shingle, protecting the joint against rain penetration. This shiplap feature allows the headlap to exposure ratio of the shingle to be reduced to less than 1 and even to 0.5 or less, thus reducing the cost of shingles per unit of roof coverage area. If desired, a narrow strip can be adhered to the top of the headlap portion of the shingle or beneath the butt portion of the shingle to emulate the appearance of a costly triple laminate shingle.

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 molded while the polymeric material is still hot or molten. One exemplary aesthetic pattern provided is a cedar shake siding pattern. Adjacent cedar shake shingle impressions have substantially the same lengths, but a plurality of bottom edges of the individual shingle impressions are beveled to give the appearance of shingles having different lengths.

Abstract: A wall covering comprising a plurality of plastic panels each having a body portion formed with rows of simulated building elements. The panels are mounted on a support surface with a lower marginal edge region of one panel overlying an upper marginal edge region of a previously mounted panel in a lower course and with a side marginal edge region of one panel overlying the side marginal edge region of a previously mounted adjacent panel in the same course. The marginal edge regions are provided with interlocks which engage and secure both the overlapping upper and lower marginal edge regions and the overlapping side marginal edge regions as an incident to upward movement of the panel relative to the underlying previously mounted panels.

Abstract: Prefabricated, light-weight, columnar or rectangular, convertible to fencing or stand-alone columns resemble solid brick and masonry structures built by skilled masons. Modules comprise heavy duty durable plastic liners with corner reinforcements comprising heavy duty square plastic tubing, faced with concrete, mortar and exterior brick and mortar. Modules are erected on concrete footings equipped with (1) raised studs that mate with square plastic tubing and (2) embedded anchor bolts which mate with bottom apertures. Ends of rectangular modules are bolted together and columnar faces. Capitols are of same plastic faced with concrete or mortar and brick veneer. Black plastic tubing simulating wrought iron may be disposed along wall tops. Module inner spaces may be ballast-filled.

Abstract: A trilaminate a trilaminate shingle, having a horizontal longitudinal orientation, includes an overlay sheet having series of tabs and cutouts extending horizontally across the shingle. The shingle also includes a middle sheet having a series of tabs and cutouts extending horizontally across the shingle. The middle sheet cutouts are narrower horizontally than the overlay cutouts. The shingle also includes an underlay sheet beneath the middle sheet. The middle sheet is laminated beneath the overlay so that portions of the middle sheet, including at least some of the middle sheet cutouts, are exposed through the overlay cutouts. The underlay is laminated beneath the middle sheet so that portions of the underlay are exposed through the middle sheet cutouts and through the overlay cutouts. The exposed portions of the underlay sheet are generally darker than the middle sheet.

Abstract: A multiple-layer laminated shingle and a method of making the shingle are provided, in which at least one adhesive of high temperature resistance is applied for securing the shingle layers together, to reduce reliance on a roofer having to fasten (via nails, staples or the like) through a narrow headlap zone of a posterior shingle layer in order to secure the posterior shingle layer to a roof, such that a vertically wide portion of the headlap area of the anterior shingle layer is presented to the roofer as a nailing zone.

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 jig adapted for easily positioning, properly orienting and installing a molding. The jig includes a body having a positioning portion configured to receive a molding. The body also includes a first positioning margin and a second positioning margin each emanating from the positioning portion, the positioning margins being configured so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. The jig facilitates placement of the molding at a proper installation angle at a juncture of two surfaces, such as a ceiling and wall.

Abstract: A decorative simulated thatch unit includes a clamp, flexible decorative cords, and a press strip. The clamp includes a top wall, two side walls confronting each other, and spaced teeth provided longitudinally along at least one of the side walls and distally from the top wall, and extending toward the other one of the side walls. The top wall cooperates with the side walls to define a receiving space. The decorative cords have U bent portions received in the receiving space and clamped by the side walls, and two end portions extending out of the clamp from the U bent portions through gaps among the teeth. The press strip is received in and is straddled by the U bent portions. The press strip presses the U bent portions against the top wall, and is retained in the receiving space by the teeth.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

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: In a rectangular composite shingle unit including (a) a top sheet having a lower butt portion which is longitudinally divided into spaced tabs and an upper undivided headlap portion having a horizontal line of markings immediately above the butt portion indicating nailable sites for attachment of the shingle unit to a roof deck and (b) a continuous, elongated backer strip underlying the tabs and nail markings of the headlap which is aligned in offset or flush position along the longitudinal margin of the butt portion and which extends from the bottom edges of the tabs to the top area of the nail line markings; the improvement which comprises a backer strip having a plurality of extended projections on the top longitudinal margin of said backer which projections are spaced apart and vertically extend upwardly beyond the nail line markings and underlay the headlap portion of the top sheet.

Abstract: A roofing composite comprising a roofing material and an interply material attached to the roofing material. The interply material is attached adjacent to an edge of the roofing material and is scored to permit a major portion of the interply material to be folded away from the roofing material for application to a roof. The roofing material may be a roofing shingle or roll roofing and the interply material is comprised of a water resistant material.

Abstract: A laminated shingle simulates a tiled roof when placed with other similar shingles on a roof deck. The laminated shingle includes an overlay member and an underlay member fixedly attached to each other. The overlay member includes an upper or headlap portion and a lower or exposed butt portion with one or more substantially identically shaped tabs with a cutout between each tab. The lower edge of the tabs may have a curving or negative contour. The tabs may taper in width from the butt edge to the lower edge of the headlap portion. The upper edge of the cutouts may have a generally straight contour or a generally curved contour. The lower edge of the underlay member may have a generally straight contour or a portion of the lower edge may have a generally curving contour. The overlay member and/or underlay member may include a darker shading area to enhance the tile simulating aspect of the shingle.

Abstract: A method of making shingles includes coating a shingle mat with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt-coated sheet, and covering the asphalt-coated sheet with granules to form a granule-covered sheet along a longitudinal axis, the granule-covered sheet having a shadow patch thereon, the shadow patch having a first width along the longitudinal axis. The granule-covered sheet is divided into an overlay sheet and an underlay sheet, the shadow patch being on the underlay sheet. A pattern of tabs and cutouts is cut in the overlay sheet, one of the tabs of the pattern being a select tab having a second width along the longitudinal axis, the second width of the select tab being less than the first width of the shadow patches. The relative longitudinal positions of the shadow patch and the select tab are synchronized.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the continuous manufacture of shingles, for producing a plurality of laminated shingles.