Abstract: An apparatus for applying lap siding including a main body chassis, a lap siding clamp member, an exposure rod, and a lap siding rest platform. The main body chassis includes a main body base plate with a siding clamp rod support member and a siding backing member positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the siding clamp rod support member. The siding clamp includes a threaded siding clamp rod which adjustably engages the siding clamp rod support member, and has a clamping head attached to its inner end. The exposure rod extends substantially perpendicularly upwardly from the main body base plate. The lap siding rest platform is substantially parallel with the main body base plate and is attached to the exposure rod in a manner adapted to allow for vertical adjustment thereof to a predetermined height above the main body base plate.

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: EPDM or other roof membrane with preapplied seam tape is formed into a roll by forming two sheets and placing one on top of the other. The seam tape of the first sheet is at one end and facing one direction whereas the seam tape of the adjoining sheet is at the opposite side and facing the opposite direction, either up or down. The two sheets are then rolled up together. Since the combined thickness of the two sheets is constant throughout, the diameter of the roll is likewise constant throughout.

Abstract: A roof shake which simulates a conventional wooden shake includes an exposure portion, a toplap portion, a headlap portion, a butt end, an upper edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The shake tapers from the butt end to the upper edge. The exposure portion of the shake includes at least one cavity which functions as an insulative chamber and may be filled with insulative material.

Abstract: A cap sheet for cold-applied adhesive roof installations includes a reinforcement mat saturated with and encapsulated within SBS modified bitumen. Bitumen layers above and beneath the mat have top and bottom major surfaces. The top surface of the top bituminous layer has a first edge portion extending inward from and along a first lateral edge. The bottom surface of the bottom bituminous layer has a second edge portion extending inward from and along a second lateral edge. The bitumen in the edge portions is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is covered by release liners for protection prior to installation. When the cap sheets are installed, the release liners are removed from the edge portions and overlapping edge portions of the cap sheets are pressed and adhesively bonded together to immediately form effective watertight, weather-secure seams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to veneered paneled elements such as doors. For example, a veneered raised panel door could include two vertically-oriented framing members (e.g., stiles) and two horizontally-oriented framing members (e.g., rails). These members are combined with a center panel to create a door frame. Each exposed edge of the door is layered with an edge banding. This edge banding (e.g., a wood or plastic veneer) covers any joints between the vertically-oriented and horizontally oriented framing members.

Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface. It is emphasized that this Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A thatch eave member formed of a plurality of individual thatch elements, either natural or synthetic, having a backing member retaining a plurality of individual thatch elements such that the free ends present a generally planar exposed face, wherein the backing member is adapted for attachment along the eave of a roof such that the exposed face matches the ends of a lowermost thatched roofing shingle or roll to give the illusion of a thicker roof, and the system comprising the combination of such eave members and roof members.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for installation within a garage door having front and rear exposed surfaces and one or more window openings. The assembly includes front and rear window frame members of injection molded plastic which are installed within the door opening on the front and rear exposed surfaces. The window frame members have engagement elements located about their peripheries which snap together in mating fashion to mount the frame members within the window opening. The engagement elements are also disenageable with a hand tool to separate the frame members and remove the members from the window opening.

Abstract: A shingle ridge cover is formed from an elongate sheet of shingle roofing material back folded on itself to provide a folded and thickened front lower edge of the shingle ridge cover. The shingle ridge cover provides upwardly disposed stripes of adhesive material providing for interbonding of successive ridge covers on a roof, and a rearwardly disposed strip of non-adherence material providing for the ridge covers to be stacked and shipped to a job site substantially without the stacked ridge covers adhering to one another.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous joint between and along the upwardly projecting side walls of a pair of channel-shaped panels each having a central web with first and second side edges. The first side wall of one panel initially comprises first and second vertical legs and a nail strip connected to the bottom of said first vertical leg. The opposing side wall of the other panel is a vertical leg with an upper, inverted U-shaped channel. The method comprises: a) locating a first panel with said nail strip to overlay a roof support surface, b) driving fasteners through the nail strip into the roof support surface, c) placing the second side wall of a second roof panel into engagement with the first side wall wherein the inverted U-shaped channel is interfitted over the first side wall, and d) deforming the interfitted side walls to form a deformed standing seam.

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: A roof tile support element that fits between roof tiles and a roofing surface to provide support for the roof tiles, which is compatible with a broad range of roof tiles, is adjustable during installation, and that allows individuals to walk confidently on a tile roof without breaking tiles.

Abstract: A spacer for retrofitting corrugated metal roofs. The spacer includes a foam block having a notched bottom for receiving the corrugations of a metal roof. The opposite ends of the foam block are respectively provided with tongue and groove fittings. An adhesive layer is applied to the bottom surface of the foam block for securing the foam block to the metal roof. A high-density foam strip is affixed to the top of the foam block for supporting a corrugated, metal panel above.

Abstract: A patch for patching holes in roofs, particularly holes left when roof vents are removed, includes a polymeric tray having extending peripheral flanges and an attachment plug (preferably made of lignocellulosic material such as plywood) depressed within the tray so that its upper surface is flush (or nearly so) with the flanges. The attachment plug (and the portions of the tray floor below it) may be fit into a roof hole, with the flanges resting on surrounding areas of the roof. The flanges may then be affixed to the roof so that the tray forms a supporting web which maintains the attachment plug in the hole. Shingles or other roof coverings may then be fastened to the attachment plug, and to the surrounding flanges and the roof beneath them, so that the hole is patched and the prior presence of the hole is no longer visible.

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: A standing seam roof assembly in which adjacently disposed roof panels are supported by underlying support structure in overlapping edge relationship and connected with standing seams, the roof assembly resistant to sideslipping when subjected to uplift forces and having roof panels with female sidelap portions having male insertion cavities, while adjacently disposed roof panels having male sidelap portion lockingly engaged the female cavities. The sidelap shear capacity of the roof panels is increased in one embodiment by backer plates disposed in pairs on opposing sides of the standing seams and fastened together to sandwich together the female and male sidelap portions so the standing seams have increased resistance to side slipping under wind uplift. In another embodiment, cinch plates are supported on the roof panels between the standing seams and connected to an underlying backer member that extends to and is connected to the underlying support structure.

Abstract: A barrier, such as a PV module, is secured to a base by a support to create a shingle assembly with a venting region defined between the barrier and base for temperature regulation. The bottom edges of the barriers of one row may overlap the top edges of the barriers of another row. The shingle assemblies may be mounted by first mounting the bases to an inclined surface; the barriers may be then secured to the bases using the supports to create rows of shingle assemblies defining venting regions between the barriers and the bases for temperature regulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip for a building board (2), exhibiting a board body (S) which is formed with a gripping stud (24). The strip (10) extends from the body (S) and from which are formed gripping elements (26, 28), which are bent round the gripping stud (24) for mechanical fastening of the strip (10) to the body (S), as well as a locking element (12) for enabling mechanical joining of the board (2) to similar boards.

Abstract: A method for sealing a roof is disclosed herein. The roof is of the type comprising an inclined substrate and a first layer of shingles. The first layer of shingles has a first side and a second side wherein the first layer of shingles first side is attached to the substrate. The method comprises a first party selecting a second party to seal the roof. The first party provides a waterproof membrane having a first side and a second side to the second party. The second party positions the membrane first side adjacent at least a portion of the first layer of shingles second side. The second party attaches a second layer of shingles to the substrate, wherein the second layer of shingles is adjacent the membrane second side.

Abstract: There is provided a roof cladding consisting of elements (10) of recycled plastics, material comprising a body portion (11), a batten engagement portion (12) located at the leading edge (14) of the body portion (11) and a batten back stop (13) being a transverse rib located on the underside of the body portion (11) at a spacing from the batten engagement means (12) determined by the pitch or spacing of the roofing battens (15). The batten engagement portion (12) comprises a downward depending web (16) adapted to bear on the up-slope face of the roofing batten (15), and a lower web (17) extending therefrom to lay adjacent the under surface of the batten (15) in use. The edge of the lower web (17) toward the leading edge (14) is provided with a locking lug (20) in the form of a ridge adapted to pass the batten (15) against the resilient bias of the downward depending web (16) and the lower web (17), to engage the leading face of the roof batten (15).

Abstract: A body has a support surface for temporarily supporting a siding, trim, or other construction piece that is to be installed on a building wall. A suction cup is controllable to temporarily adhere by suction the support device to the building wall. An extendible spacer is used to accurately position the support device on the building wall. Notches in the body receive the ends of a tape measure or chalk line for accurately sizing and positioning the construction pieces. The support device can be used with existing compressors, vacuum pumps, or other suction-inducing devices. A venturi tube in the body generates the suction when an air compressor is used. A method of installing the siding, trim, or other construction pieces is also provided.

Abstract: A sheet of shingles for application to the ridge or hips of a roof. Two or more shingles are arranged in a generally straight line with the tops of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another, with the bottoms of adjacent shingles generally aligned with one another. The second edge of a prior shingle overlaps and is above the first edge of any immediately subsequent shingle. Two or more mechanical fasteners are placed in the overlapping area of adjacent shingles to connect such shingles, leaving the corners unattached so that the upper, overlapping corners can be lifted to nail the lower, overlapped corners to the roof. Tar is placed between the overlapping and the overlapped corners in order to utilize solar energy to seal the corners of the adjacent shingles to one another after the nails have been inserted.

Abstract: A combined waterproofing sheet and protection course membrane has a water resistant film and a protective layer. The protective layer protects the film from being punctured and otherwise compromised. An adhesive layer, with a free adhesive side for adhesion to a foundation, is adhered to the film, so that the membrane can be applied to a subterranean foundation in a single step. While the foundation is being back filled, the protective layer keeps the water resistant film intact thereby maintaining the water resistant capabilities of the membrane.

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

Abstract: An assemblage of sheet metal roof covering pieces is utilized in a novel process to recover and stiffen a deteriorated roof without the necessity for extensive removal of the original roof covering, the deteriorated roof structure further stiffened by spaced stiffening ribs that also serve to fix in interlocked engagement the sheet metal roof covering pieces. Included in the assemblage are interlocking valley pans that are sequentially compressed between the ribs and then fastened with the valley pans then bridged by curved sheet metal caps that are also interlocked. The resulting structure has the pleasing appearance of an Oriental tile roof.

Abstract: A method of installing differently colored roofing shingles to create the appearance of a substantially random colored pattern. The method includes the selection of at least two colors of roofing shingles. The shingles are installed in a plurality of rows on a roofing substrate in a repetitive pattern. Advantageously, the method creates a visually aesthetic roof at a desirably low cost.

Abstract: A protective trim strip having an “M”-shaped lateral cross-section is provided with a lengthwise channel along one edge and a lengthwise flange edge extending outwardly from the strip. A plurality of the trim strips are attached, using nails or screws, in a side-by-side and overlapping fashion onto the joists of a deck to direct water run-off away from the building to which the deck is attached, thereby protecting the deck joists and area under the deck from standing water. The flange edge of each strip is placed into the channel of the neighboring strip to improve the overlap. A foam adhesive can be used to adhere the flange edges of each strip into the corresponding channel of the neighboring strip.

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

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

Abstract: A zone based roofing system for roofing a building, the roof of the building identified by demand zones of the roof, the type of seaming process used for each demand zone varied to connect the standing seams of the panels to meet the minimum requirements of the demand zones. The panels are secured to the roof support structure and adjacently disposed panels are interlocked such as by seaming according to demand zone requirements to achieve demand quality for each zone and thereby minimizing the cost of the roof.

Abstract: A dendritic web solar cell shingled array comprises at least two dendritic web solar cells. A first cell overlaps a portion of a second cell such that a back contact of the first cells interconnects with a top contact of the second cell. The cells are less than 150 microns thick, allowing a direct connection between the back contact and top contact of the two cells without the use of a visible busbar. The cells may be shingled together using soldering material and/or electrically conductive adhesives.

Abstract: A passive fire protection system for the protection of vertical walls against flames and heat in a severe total environment type fire, the system including a multi-layered, flexible material containing at least one layer of intumescent material. This multi-layered material is configured such that it provides a containment system for the carbonaceous foam resulting from the expansion of the intumescent. The system further includes an installation process whereby the attachment of this multi-layered material to vertical surfaces is protected from the extreme heat of a fire.

Abstract: Unitary modular shake panels and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: An integral, one-piece, multi-layered shingle and method of fabrication from a planar sheet of shingle material, e.g., asphalt. The planar sheet comprises a base portion having first and second, parallel, lateral edges, with plural elongated tabs extending from the first lateral edge. The plural elongated tabs are uniquely different but each features a side edge midportion perpendicular to the first lateral edge. Extending from the second lateral edge are a like plurality of short tabs, where the short tabs are laterally offset from the elongated tabs. In a roof placement mode, the elongated tabs are first folded onto the base portion at a midpoint thereof, then reversely bent back upon themselves to form a three layer section. To complete the fabrication, the base portion is folded toward the folded elongated tabs such that the short tabs are positioned adjacent at least one elongated tab to form a second section of two layers.

Abstract: A sealed roof and a method of sealing a roof is disclosed. The sealed roof is of the type having a inclined substrate with a first layer of shingles attached thereto. A sealing means is positioned adjacent at least a portion of the first layer of shingles. A second later of shingles is placed over the sealing means and attached to the roof.

Abstract: A method of installing differently colored roofing shingles to create the appearance of a substantially random colored pattern. The method includes the selection of at least two colors of roofing shingles. The shingles are installed in a plurality of rows on a roofing substrate in a repetitive pattern. Advantageously, the method creates a visually aesthetic roof at a desirably low cost.

Abstract: A method of forming a watertight plank section including sawing green planks and securing a plurality of these planks in such a way that when dried, the planks shrink together in a fashion that forms a watertight seal.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards, in which immediately juxtaposed upper parts of taco adjacent joint edges of two joined floorboards together define a joint plane perpendicular to a principal plane of the floorboards, the locking system providing a joining of the two joint edges perpendicular to the joint plane, the locking system including a locking groove which is formed in an underside of and extends in parallel with a first of the two joint edges at a distance from the joint plane and a portion projecting from a lower part of a second of the two joint edges and below the first joint edge and integrated with a body of the board, the projecting portion supporting at a distance from the joint plane a locking element cooperating with the locking groove, the projecting portion being located entirely outside the joint plane seen from a side of the second joint edge, and the projecting portion having a material composition other than that of the body of the board, tie projecting portion inc

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

Abstract: A tool and a method for cutting and installing roofing shingles. The tool includes a base with a work surface and a cutter for cutting shingles placed on the work surface. The work surface include at least one limiting pedestals which includes an edge at a distance from the work surface, so that several shingles stacked over one another and placed over the work surface and slid against the edge of the limiting pedestal to expose different proportions of the shingles to the cutter to produce shingle sections of different sizes. The different sized shingle sections are then used to start the rows of shingles placed on the roof to be covered with shingles.

Abstract: A polymeric roofing shingle composition is shown which includes (a) a rubber component present in the range from about 10-95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition and (b) a polyolefin component present in the range from about 5-50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. A SBR/EVA closed cell rubber composition can be formulated which has a weight of less than 150 pounds per roofing square for ⅛ inch thickness and which is flame retardant at thicknesses of ⅛ inch and higher without the addition of separate flame retardant components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laying and mechanically joining panels, especially floor panels. In a first step a first panel is already located in a first row. A second panel is positioned in a second row in a first position in relation to the first panel. A third panel is now brought into the second row and into the first position in relation to the first panel. In this position, there is a mutual distance between the adjacent edges of the second and third panel. In a second step the second and third panel are angled into the third mutual position in relation to the first panel. Thereby, the second and third panel each achieve the possibility of easy displacement in the third direction in relation to the first panel. In a third step one or both of the second and third panel are moved in relation to the first panel. By this displacement the second and third panel get in a second position in relation to each other.

Abstract: A method of installing differently colored roofing shingles to create the appearance of a substantially random colored pattern. The method includes the selection of at least two colors of roofing shingles. The shingles are installed in a plurality of rows on a roofing substrate in a repetitive pattern. Advantageously, the method creates a visually aesthetic roof at a desirably low cost.

Abstract: A sealed roof and a method of sealing a roof is disclosed. The sealed roof is of the type having a inclined substrate with a first layer of shingles attached thereto. A sealing means is positioned adjacent at least a portion of the first layer of shingles. A second later of shingles is placed over the sealing means and attached to the roof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for reinforcing and securing the roof of a building by particular placement of a plurality of shingle straps in a manner effective to provide controlled separation of parts of the shingles while maintaining an intact roof surface covering. In a particular embodiment a reinforcing strap is installed upon or formed integral with a roofing shingle of non-uniform thickness. 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: A polymeric roofing shingle composition is shown which includes (a) a rubber component present in the range from about 10-95% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition and (b) a polyolefin component present in the range from about 5-50% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. A SBR/EVA closed cell rubber composition can be formulated which has a weight of less than 150 pounds per roofing square for 1/8 inch thickness and which is flame retardant at thicknesses of 1/8 inch and higher without the addition of separate flame retardant components.