Abstract: The invention provides a one piece shingle for use on roof ridges and hips. Shingles of the invention are preferably formed from synthetic materials and preferably comprise a blend of high and low molecular weight polyethylene resins. The unique blend of materials provides a shingle that is both strong while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit the shingle to bend to accommodate a variety of pitches at a ridge or hip. Unique features of the shape and structure of the shingle also make it particularly suited to hip and ridge applications. Furthermore, methods of manufacturing hip and ridge shingles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of strengthening a roof is disclosed. Preferably, the roof is first cleaned of at least some of any existing roofing materials to expose at least a portion of a roof deck, which is also preferably cleaned. A layer of high viscosity resin may then be rolled or brushed onto the roof deck. Once the roof has been adequately prepared, a plurality of strips of composite material may be provided and saturated with a low-viscosity saturating resin. Each such saturated strip is preferably long enough to fit along an entire first side of the roof, the first such strip hanging partially over the first side of the roof. Each end of the first strip also overhangs the roof. A second saturated strip is then placed generally parallel to and overlapping the first strip. The ends of this second strip likewise overhang two sides of the roof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments generally relate to a method and device for assembling a plurality of different roof-covering membranes, herein known as fitments. The particular fitment is preferably designed for the particular roof on which it is to be used. The roof measurements may be provided to a factory which may create a unitary membrane from separate pieces which may be hot air bonded together. A single machine may be utilized to quickly, and repeatably assemble a plurality of different fitments.

Abstract: A hip, ridge or rake shingle comprised of a plurality of panels sandwiched on each panel portion side of a layer of shingle material, such that each panel portion can be folded along a fold line, and wherein tabs are provided for each panel portion, adapted to be bent backwardly upon themselves, sandwiching thickening panels therebetween. The shingles can be laid up on a hip, ridge or rake of a roof, to yield desirable thickened features.

Abstract: A system for siding a building includes at least two siding pieces each including an end that abuts the other of the siding pieces, and a slip sheet. The slip sheet includes a lip that catches a top surface of at least one of the siding pieces. The slip sheet is positioned behind the at least two siding pieces and backing the abutting ends of the at least two siding pieces. The system also includes a trim flashing apparatus which further includes a trim portion that includes a visible surface and a surface to abut a portion of a siding piece, and a flashing portion attached to the trim portion. The flashing portion is sufficiently thin so that at least a portion of the flashing portion is covered by at least one of the two siding pieces.

Abstract: Shingle blanks including a first fold region, a second fold region, a third region, a lower edge and an upper edge are provided. The shingle blank has a length. The first and second fold regions extend substantially across the length of the shingle blank. The second fold region is positioned between the first and third fold regions. A first perforation line is positioned between the second and third fold regions. A second perforation line is positioned between the first and second fold regions. A reinforcement material is positioned over the first perforation line and configured to reinforce the first perforation line. The reinforcement material includes apertures configured to allow an asphalt coating to bleed through the reinforcement material. The first and second perforation lines facilitate folding of the first and second fold regions on top of the third region to form a three layered stack.

Abstract: A shingle blank is provided including a substrate coated with an asphalt coating and including a first fold region, a second fold region, a third region, a lower edge and an upper edge. The shingle blank has a length. The first fold region extends substantially across the length of the shingle blank. The second fold region extends substantially across the length of the shingle blank and is positioned between the first fold region and the third region. A first perforation line is positioned between the second fold region and the third region. A second perforation line is positioned between the first fold region and the second fold region. The first and second perforation lines are sufficient to facilitate folding of the first fold region and the second fold region on top of the third region to form a three layered stack configured to be applied across a ridge or hip.

Abstract: A fixing system (20) for securing cladding boards (28) to the framing (26) of a building in a partially overlapping relationship, each board (28) having front and rear faces with a recess (42) being provided in and along the rear face. The fixing system (20) comprises a plurality of fixing devices (30), supported by the framing (26), that are spaced apart relative to one another and arranged in rows, each row of fixing devices (30) being arranged to support a board or row of boards (28) and each fixing device (30) having an engagement portion (40) that is arranged to engage with a section of the recess (42) of a board (28) to, in co-operation with a number of other fixing devices (30) of that row also engaging with a section of the recess (42), support the board (28) in place on the framing (26).

Abstract: A composite roofing board is provided, including a layer of bituminous core material having pieces or particles of shingles, rolled roofing, etc. that have been broken-up or comminuted therein, with the core material having layers of mat material on opposite surfaces thereof, also in layers, and with an adhesive applied to an outer surface of one of the layers of mat material, with a peelable and removable release liner layer covering the adhesive. The various layers are provided as a sandwich, to make the composite board. A plurality of composite boards may be applied to a roof deck or other roof structure, and they can be butt-joined and taped together with a joint tape. The method of making the composite board can be continuous.

Abstract: This invention relates to an underlayment for use under a plurality of courses of roofing shingles. The underlayment includes a water impermeable membrane layer containing at least one flap extending horizontally across the membrane layer. The flap is movable between a flat position and a raised position. In the raised position, an upper edge of a roofing shingle can be positioned under the flap. The upper edge of the roofing shingle can then be subsequently overlapped by the flap when the flap is moved into the flat position. The flap can then subsequently be overlapped by another course of roofing shingles.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metal roofing shingle system comprising universal flashing installed as either a ridge cap, hip flashing, or valley flashing and including non-visible double-flanged interlock joints that extend beneath the underside surface of the flashing, the interlock joints are adapted to couple with metal shingles; each metal shingle having a planar segment, a first longitudinal edge segment opposite a second longitudinal edge segment that includes a non-visible double-flanged interlock joint that extends beneath the bottom surface of the shingle, and a first transverse edge segment opposite a second transverse edge segment that includes a non-visible double-flanged compression joint that extends beneath the bottom surface of the shingle; and shingle shaping tools.

Abstract: A method for installing siding panels to a building includes providing a foam backing board having alignment ribs on a front surface and a drainage grid on a back surface and then establishing a reference line at a lower end of the building for aligning a lower edge of a first backing board and tacking thereon. Tabs and slots along vertical edges of the foam backing board align and secure adjacent backing boards to each other. A siding panel is butted against one of the lower alignment ribs and secured thereto. Another siding panel is butted against and secured to an adjacent alignment rib to form a shadow line between the adjacent siding panels on the building.

Abstract: An improved siding panel has a fastening hem that includes an engagement member structured to extend outwardly from a building when the siding panel is mounted to the building. The engagement member is generally trapezoid-shaped in cross section and includes a first leg, a second leg, and an apex portion disposed therebetween, with spaced elongated openings being formed in the apex portion. The siding panel is cooperable with a fastener having an elongated shank and a head to mount the siding panel to the building. The siding panel is mounted to the building by receiving the shank through one of the openings. During certain wind loading, the apex portion is engageable with the head, which thereby deflects the first and second legs from a relaxed position to a deflected position where the edges of the opening can engage the shank of the fastener to provide a greater resistance to wind loading.

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: An apparatus for the seaming of roof assemblies for a building structure, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable panel guide for the initial alignment of panel edges to a position uniform to that necessary for engagement of horizontal rollers to perform the seaming procedure is provided. Such an apparatus thus permits the utilization of virtually any type of metal paneling to create the desired roof assembly, with the capability of providing a secure, reliable seal within the seam to increase the waterproofing and uplift protection potential thereof as well as to best ensure the seaming apparatus does not jam or otherwise fail during the seaming process itself. The versatility permitted with such an apparatus allows for utilization of imperfectly shaped and/or configured panels for elevated seamed roof assembly purposes. The method of seaming with such an apparatus is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: An Interlocking Continuous Roof Assembly and Method for Wind Resistant Roofing is presented, whereby continuous double lock seams are used exclusively to join panels together. This roof manufacturing methodology results in a roof that possesses improved resistance to wind and water during storm conditions and thereby decreases the chances of the roof being damaged or destroyed by severe weather.

Abstract: A siding panel for installation in courses, includes features that allow for proper panel to panel engagement, so that the divisions between the individual panels can not be seen. Panels are joined in a friction fit after being brought together by a free panel being moved vertically upward into a frictional engagement with an attached panel. Joining is complete based frictional engagement and frictional locking between portions of each panel.

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

Abstract: A roof structure and a method of installing a snow guard on the base of a roof is provided, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of synthetic shingles of thermoplastic materials, and where a snow guard is provided having an outwardly projecting snow-engaging platform and an oppositely provided hook at an upper end, wherein the hook is adapted to engage over and upper edge of a butt portion of one or more shingles in an underlying course of shingles, and wherein a tab portion of a shingle in a next-overlying course of shingles is disposed over the upper end of the snow guard, substantially covering its base, and wherein the snow-engaging platform is adapted to receive snow and ice that may slide down the roof, to intercept the same or break the snow or ice up into small harmless particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for waterproofing interior surfaces of parapet walls disposed on a roof, wherein the parapet walls include an interior surface counter flashing and a surface cap. The system includes at least one waterproofing membrane configured to allow moisture to escape from a space between the at least one waterproofing membrane and the interior surfaces of the parapet walls, wherein the at least one waterproofing membrane is disposed to extend at least a portion of a distance along the interior surfaces from the surface cap to the roof from which the parapet walls extend. The system also includes a flap valve defined by the at least one waterproofing membrane, the flap valve being positioned between the surface cap and the roof.

Abstract: A method of using an assembly and a method of finishing an uppermost course of siding installed at a corner of a building with a cornice molding. A cornice molding cap is provided as an accessory to cover or eliminate gaps created where cornice molding meets at a corner of a building. The cap covers gaps where cornice molding meets at a corner structure formed by two walls. The cap is particularly useful in exterior siding installations at corners not employing corner posts having receiver pockets for cladding material end edges.

Abstract: A flooring, for example for pitches for soccer, five-a-side football, American football, rugby, etc. which includes a polyolefin-based impermeable layer and an elastic mattress laid on top of the impermeable layer which includes a core layer having an agglomerate granular material and an envelope that envelops the core layer. A structure of synthetic-grass covering is laid on top of the elastic mattress and includes a sheetlike substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate to simulate the grassy sward of natural turf, as well as a particulate filling material or infill dispersed between the filiform formations to maintain the filiform formations themselves in a substantially upright condition. The flooring is suited to being laid directly on the previously flattened laying foundation so as to bestow a camber thereon to facilitate draining, such as a pitched camber.

Abstract: A roof assembly in which overlapping edges of adjacent panel members are joinable in an assembled mode to provide a seam having resistance to sidelap shear, the roof assembly comprising panels having a female sidelap along one edge and a male sidelap along the opposite edge, the female sidelap having a male insertion cavity and a leg member with a female retaining groove. The male sidelap, engageable in the male insertion cavity of an adjacent panel, has a tang lockingly disposed in the female retaining groove in folded tight adjacency to form a standing seam between panels. The panels are interconnected via backer plate fasteners to increase resistance to side slipping under wind uplift.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: A roofing shingle (20) comprises a web (22) having a shingle major dimension (24) and a shingle minor dimension (26). The web (22) in turn comprises a headlap portion (30) and plural tabs (32). The headlap portion (30) extends along a web first edge (34) which is parallel to the shingle major dimension. The plural tabs (32) are formed along a web second edge (36) which is parallel to the web first edge. Adjacent ones of the plural tabs (32) are separated by a cut out (40). The cut out (40) extends in the shingle minor dimension (26). As formed, each of the plural tabs (30) has a greater extent along the shingle minor dimension (26) than along the shingle major dimension (24).

Abstract: A siding installation system uses a clip that mounts on a course of siding and a removable tool that engages the clip and acts as a temporary support for a next course of siding. After the next course of siding is installed, the tool may be removed and the clip left in place. The clip may have several different embodiments, including versions that slide behind a lower course of siding and other embodiments that are fastened to an exterior wall. The clip may rest on the top surface of the lower course and have an engagement mechanism for the removable tool. The removable tool may clamp or otherwise engage the clip and have a support surface for the next course of siding. In some embodiments, the removable tool may have a changeable support surface so that different overlap distances may be used.

Abstract: A method of securing an installed metal roof deck covered with at least one layer of insulation and/or sealer. The metal roof deck is supported by a plurality of parallel metal beams. Access holes are drilled through the insulation and/or sealer at opposite ends of a beam. Self-drilling, self-tapping screws are positioned through the pilot holes and turned through the metal roof and beams. A guide is used to drill additional access holes aligned with valleys in the metal roof deck. Self-drilling, self-tapping screws are drilled through the metal roof and beams.

Abstract: A roofing shingle with a laying line that facilitates the alignment of an overlying course of shingles with respect an underlying course of shingles is provided. The laying line is located on a front surface of the shingle and has a width such that the laying line is exposed when an edge of another shingle is placed in contacting proximity with the laying line. The shingle may also have a scale and one or more nibs that protrude from the sides of the shingle that assist in aligning the shingles in the second course with the shingles in the underlying course. The shingle may also include nailing zones located on the front surface of the shingles provide a location for fastening the shingles to the roof. A method of laying the shingles of the present invention on a roof is also provided.

Abstract: A roofing module provides weather protection generates electrical power. The module comprises a base having a plurality of curved crests and curved pans. The crests and pans have contours sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the contours and pans of conventional clay or concrete S-tiles to enable the base to interlock with the conventional clay or concrete S-tiles. The base is made from lightweight plastic material. Each crest of the base includes a depressed portion. A photovoltaic panel is positioned in the depressed portions of at least two curved crests and span across at least one curved pan between the at least two curved crests.

Abstract: A roofing module provides weather protection generates electrical power. The module comprises a base having a plurality of curved crests and curved pans. The crests and pans have contours sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the contours and pans of conventional clay or concrete S-tiles to enable the base to interlock with the conventional clay or concrete S-tiles. The base is made from lightweight plastic material. Each crest of the base includes a depressed portion. A photovoltaic panel is positioned in the depressed portions of at least two curved crests and span across at least one curved pan between the at least two curved crests.

Abstract: A web of roofing material (20) is perforated for segmentation into plural trapezoidal-shaped shingles (22). In view of the perforation (24) of the web (20), the trapezoidal-shaped shingles (22) are pre-configured for use as hip and ridge shingles advantageously having edges pre-shaped to align upon installation to present an essentially straight line of edges of contiguous shingles. The hip and ridge shingles are detachable from the web at the perforation to facilitate use of the shingles on a roofing obliquity (40).

Abstract: A generally rectangular siding panel having a front and rear faces is provided. The siding panel has at least one protrusion disposed along at least one of the faces, wherein the at least one protrusion provides an air gap between the siding panel and a face of a second siding panel when the siding panels are installed in a siding panel assembly. A generally rectangular siding panel having a front and rear faces is also provider where the siding panel has at least one recess or cut spaced along at least one of the faces, wherein the at least one recess or cut provides an air flow path between the siding panel and a face of a second siding panel when the siding panels are installed in a siding panel assembly.

Abstract: A system for attaching a siding panel to a wall uses tubular fastener guide pins supported in spaced relationship by a fastener guide strip. The guide pins extend from the guide strip and through elongate slots in the securement flange of the siding panel. The spacing of the guide pins corresponds to the spacing of centers of elongate slots in the siding panel such that fasteners driven through the tubular guide pins are evenly spaced and allow the panel to slide relative to the guide pins. A layer of insulating foam may be positioned behind the siding panel and with pins sized to extend through the siding panel and foam.

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: A shingle installation device comprises a body that maintains an alignment stop and a positioning stop that are parallely spaced by a predetermined distance to provide suitable overlap of successively installed shingles. The body also maintains a retainer that forms a gap that is configured to receive and retain the position of a shingle that is being installed. Thus, when the installation device is positioned such that the alignment stop rests against an edge of an installed shingle, an edge of the shingle to be installed is placed within the gap where it is retained in its correct position until the shingle is fastened to the surface being covered.

Abstract: A roof having slate attached by battens and hangers. The hangers have a short member and a long member. The long member has a hook on one end and the remaining end is adjacent to a first outward extending arm. The first outward extending arm is adjacent to a central connecting member. The central connecting member is adjacent a second outward extending arm. The second outward extending arm is adjacent to the short member. The first and second outward extending arms are removably secured to the battens. The slate roof is installed by positioning and attaching the battens to a roof deck. The hangers are then secured to the battens by squeezing the short member and long member together and inserting the first and second outward extending arms into the adjacent hanger holders on the batten.

Abstract: A roof having slate attached by battens and hangers. The hangers have a short member and a tong member. The long member has a hook on one end and the remaining end is adjacent to a first outward extending arm. The first outward extending arm is adjacent to a central connecting member. The central connecting member is adjacent a second outward extending arm. The second outward extending arm is adjacent to the short member. The first and second outward extending arms are removeably secured to the battens. The slate roof is installed by positioning and attaching the battens to a roof deck. The hangers are then secured to the battens by squeezing the short member and long member together and inserting the first and second outward extending arms into the adjacent hanger holders on the batten.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tools for removing shingles, nails and other materials from a roof or other surface. A tool of the invention, in certain embodiments, comprises blades that move in preferably a reciprocating manner to pry up shingles, nails and other materials. A tool of the invention, in certain embodiments, can be powered through a remote power source to move the blades. In certain other embodiments, a tool of the invention comprises a drive-wheel which is rotated through force form a remote power source.

Abstract: A density baffle assembly for use in a water treatment system is disclosed. The density baffle assembly includes a plurality of density baffles where each density baffle comprises a corrugated panel member having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, with a corrugated pattern running across the corrugated panel member. Each density baffle also comprises a support flange integrally connected to the upper edge of the corrugated panel member. The support flange may be affixed to a wall of the water treatment system using a fastening means. Adjacent corrugated panel members may be nested together at their lateral sides and secured to each other using a fastening means.

Abstract: A panel siding assembly adapted to be mounted to an outside surface of a wall in a manner to provide an air space between the siding assembly and the wall so that moist air in the air space is able to escape from the air space. The assembly comprises a plurality of laterally aligned panels having upper and lower panel edge portions and outside and inside surfaces. The panels are located at vertically spaced locations so that each pair of upper and lower adjacent panels are positioned so that an upper front surface portion of the lower panel of the pair is adjacent to a lower rear surface portion of the upper panel of the pair at a laterally extending juncture location. There is a plurality of spacing and locating devices which are positioned at spaced locations along the juncture location.

Abstract: A system of placement of adjacent roofing shingles on a roof is provided, whereby the horizontal spacing of adjacent shingles, the vertical placement of shingles, and the proper angular orientation of shingles is provided, due to a system of indicia on a visible upper surface of the shingles. A plurality of adjacent appropriately oriented shingles and appropriately placed shingles are provided, as is a roof having a plurality of shingles laid up thereon in courses.

Abstract: An assembly, and method for constructing the assembly, to aid in the proper installation of shingles by providing panels of shingles and assembly guides that when followed, result in the installation of shingles that meet keyway width requirements, keyway alignment requirements, provide an aesthetically pleasing distribution of the shingles, and provides adequate ventilation.

Abstract: A roof ventilation for a roof having roof tiles with air channels is disclosed. The roof includes a roof supporting structure, a plurality of roof tiles, and at least one vent tile. The plurality of roof tiles reside over the roof supporting structure. The roof tiles include air channels formed therethrough which are in ventilating communication with one another. The least one vent tile resides over the roof supporting structure. Each of the at least one vent tile includes a first upper plate, a second upper plate, and a lower plate. The first and second upper plates are spaced apart from each other, forming a ventilating access. The second upper plate has a first opening and the lower plate has a second opening. The first opening is in ventilating communication with the second opening and with at least one of the air channels. The ventilating access and the first and second openings together permit airflow between regions above and below the roof.

Abstract: A roofing component adhering assembly includes a bitumen layer having first and second major surfaces and at least a first release sheet substantially coextensive with the first major surface of the bitumen layer. The first release sheet is separable from the first major surface of the bitumen layer so that the bitumen layer of the roofing component adhering assembly can be used to adhere together overlapping surfaces, such as end and/or lateral edge portions, of first and second roofing components. The roofing component adhering assembly is especially well suited for adhering surfaces together where one of the surfaces is a granule surface, such as an end edge portion of a cap sheet. Preferably, styrene-butadiene-styrene modified bitumen is used to form the bitumen layer.

Abstract: A roof transition system is provided for supporting and ventilating roof tiles near a roof transition such as a valley or a side wall. The system includes a corrugated flashing and an eave riser extension containing one or more openings for ventilation and drainage. The eave riser extension supports the lowermost row of roof tiles along the eaves at the pitch desired for the roof transition. The eave riser extension completes the closure of the entire eaves and provides support, ventilation, and drainage, while also providing a barrier to wind-driven precipitation, bird nesting, and animal invasion.

Abstract: A flashing and method for installing a window or other portal in a wall opening is provided. The flashing includes a base member with first and second portions that are angled so that an outer surface of the first portion can be disposed against a sill of the opening and an outer surface of the second portion can be disposed against one of the jambs of the opening. A front face plate of the flashing extends perpendicularly from the first and second portions of the base member, and a plurality of channels in the base member are structured to direct water toward and through the front face plate.

Abstract: A plywood laminate having dimensional stability and resistance to warping and delamination is formed from a plurality of higher quality plies and a plurality of lower quality plies. The higher quality plies may be of hardwood and the lower quality plies may be of softwood or lower quality hardwoods, or the higher quality plies may have a veneer grade of better than ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2000 veneer grade C and the lower quality plies may have a veneer grade of no greater than ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2000 veneer grade C. The exposed plies are of the higher quality. In most embodiments, at least two adjacent interior plies are of the lower quality. In those embodiments having a tongue and groove or click-lock edge configuration, the tongue comprises portions of at least two plies and at least one of the plies is a higher quality ply.

Abstract: A solid adhesive for use in roofing construction comprising an asphalt, a polymer, a tackifier, and a plasticizer.

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.