U.S. patent application number 10/045152 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-29 for siding system.
Invention is credited to Leichtfried, Franz.
Application Number | 20030097810 10/045152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 4170651 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030097810 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leichtfried, Franz |
May 29, 2003 |
Siding system
Abstract
The present invention relates to a siding system for buildings
and other structures. Specifically, this invention relates to an
improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture
between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.
Inventors: |
Leichtfried, Franz; (Sardis,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Geoffrey R. Myers, Esquire
Hall, Priddy, Myers & Vande Sande
Ste. 200
10220 River Road
Potomac
MD
20854
US
|
Family ID: |
4170651 |
Appl. No.: |
10/045152 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/518 ; 52/543;
52/553 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0864 20130101;
E04F 19/02 20130101; E04F 13/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/518 ; 52/543;
52/553 |
International
Class: |
E04D 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 26, 2001 |
CA |
2,363,787 |
Claims
1. A siding panel assembly for attachment to an exterior wall of a
building, comprising: a) a siding panel having an inner surface and
an outer surface, and a wall engaging elongated edge and a siding
engaging elongated edge; i. said wall engaging edge terminating in
an elongated flange having a spacing element perpendicular to said
inner and outer faces, and a wall engaging element parallel to said
inner and outer faces, said spacing element having holes, said
spacing element operative, when said elongated flange is in place
against the exterior wall, to space said siding panel away from the
exterior wall and to permit air flow over the exterior wall; and
ii. said siding engaging elongated edge shaped to engage an outer
surface of another underlying siding panel.
2. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said wall engaging
element, said spacing element, and said inner face define a
U-shaped channel.
3. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said elongated
flange comprises a plurality of nail holes operative to permit the
passage of nails for attaching said siding panel to said exterior
wall.
4. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said siding panel
is made of vinyl.
5. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said elongated
flange comprises a plurality of flanges spaced apart along said
wall engaging elongated edge.
6. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein an obtuse angle is
formed between said spacing element and said inner surface.
7. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, wherein said spacing
element is between 1/4" and 1" wide.
8. The siding panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
starter strip, said starter strip comprising a wall engaging plate
having an elongated edge, said elongated edge terminating in an
elongated flange having a spacing element and a distal element,
said spacing element perpendicular to said wall engaging plate, and
said distal element shaped to engage the siding engaging elongated
edge of said siding panel, wherein said spacing element comprises a
plurality of holes operative, when said starter strip is in place
against the exterior wall, to permit air flow over the exterior
wall, said elongated flange operative, when said starter strip is
in place against the exterior wall, to space said siding panel away
from the exterior wall.
9. The siding panel assembly of claim 8, wherein said wall engaging
plate of said starter strip has a plurality of nail holes, said
nail holes operative to permit passage of nails for attaching said
starter strip to the exterior wall.
10. The siding system of claim 8, wherein said siding panel and
said starter strip are made of vinyl.
11. The siding panel assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a) a
double J-trim element, said double J-trim element comprising: i) a
wall engaging plate having a longitudinal edge; ii) a soffit
supporting plate having a first face and a second face, said soffit
supporting plate extending perpendicularly from said longitudinal
edge of said wall engaging plate; iii) a spacing flange extending
perpendicularly from said first face of said soffit supporting
plate such that a first U-shaped channel is formed between said
wall engaging plate, said soffit supporting plate and said spacing
flange; iv) a soffit supporting flange extending from said first
face of said soffit supporting plate, said soffit supporting flange
shaped such that a second U-shaped channel is formed between said
first face and said soffit supporting flange, said second U-shaped
channel operative to receive an edge of a soffit; wherein said
spacing flange and said soffit supporting flange are spaced apart
such that a third U-shaped channel is formed between said spacing
flange, said first face and said soffit supporting flange, said
third U-shaped channel operative, when said double J-trim element
is in place against the exterior wall, to receive an edge of said
siding panel; wherein said spacing flange is operative to space
said siding panel away from the exterior wall; wherein a region of
said soffit supporting plate between said wall engaging plate and
said spacing flange comprises holes, operative to permit air flow
over said exterior wall.
12. An element of a siding system comprising: a) a wall engaging
plate having a longitudinal edge, wall engaging face, and a siding
panel engaging face; b) a second plate extending perpendicularly
from said longitudinal edge of said wall engaging plate; and c) a
third plate extending perpendicularly from said second plate;
wherein a U-shaped channel is defined by said siding panel engaging
face, said second plate and said third plate, said U-shaped channel
operative to receive an edge of siding panel, and wherein said
siding panel engaging face comprises a raised bead parallel to said
second plate, said raised bead operative, when said element is in
place against an exterior wall and when the edge of the siding
panel is in said U-shaped channel, to prevent water, that
penetrates around the edge of the siding panel, from coming into
contact with the exterior wall.
13. The element of claim 12, wherein said element forms part of an
inside corner element.
14. The element of claim 12, wherein said element forms part of an
outside corner element.
15. The element of claim 12, wherein said element forms part of a
J-trim element.
16. The element of claim 12, wherein said second plate of said
element additionally comprises air holes operative, when said
element is in place against the exterior wall, to permit air flow
over the exterior wall.
17. The element of claim 12, wherein said raised bead is
rectangular in cross-section.
18. The element of claim 12, wherein said raised bead is 1/8"
high.
19. The element of claim 12, wherein said wall engaging plate
comprises nail holes.
20. An element of a siding system comprising: a) a wall engaging
plate having a longitudinal edge, a wall engaging face, and a
siding engaging face; b) a second plate extending perpendicularly
from said longitudinal edge of said wall engaging plate; and c) a
third plate extending perpendicularly from said second plate;
wherein a U-shaped channel is defined by said siding engaging face,
said second plate and said third plate, said U-shaped channel
operative to receive an edge of siding panel, and wherein said
second plate comprises air holes operative, when said element is in
place against an exterior wall, to permit air flow over the
exterior wall.
21. The element according to claim 20, wherein said element
comprises a J-trim element.
22. The element according to claim 20, wherein said siding engaging
face comprises a raised bead parallel to said second plate, said
raised bead operative, when said element is in place against the
exterior wall and when the edge of the siding panel is in said
U-shaped channel, to prevent water, that penetrates around the edge
of the siding panel, from coming into contact with the exterior
wall.
23. The element according to claim 22, wherein said raised bead is
rectangular in cross-section.
24. The element according to claim 20, wherein said wall engaging
plate comprises nail holes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to exterior
coverings for buildings. Specifically, this invention relates to an
improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture
between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.
[0002] The primary purpose of applying aluminum or vinyl siding is
to the exterior of a building is to protect the structure from the
elements. Most importantly, the exterior of the building is
protected from moisture, wind and UV. In addition, siding performs
an aesthetic function.
[0003] However, existing siding systems suffer from significant
drawbacks. Conventional siding consists of panels, which are nailed
directly to the wall of the structure thereby creating a barrier to
the movement of air behind the panels. Furthermore, the panels
interlock with one another, creating a seal therebetween and
effectively trapping air and moisture in a pocket behind each
panel. Although prior art siding systems do protect the structure
of a building from rain, rainwater, especially when driven by the
wind, is often able to penetrate behind the siding panels at
corners, around windows and doors, and at other points where
adjacent siding panels come together. Water may also collect behind
the siding by condensation.
[0004] Once water penetrates behind the siding or collects behind
the siding by condensation, the barriers formed between the panels
and the wall, and the seals formed between adjacent panels, prevent
the water from escaping. Water trapped behind the siding results in
damage to the structure of the building.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,488 B1 issued to Pelfrey et al.
discloses vented siding, having recessed vents that allow moisture
to escape from behind the siding. Unfortunately, the siding of
Pelfrey et al. is only applicable in drier climates. In wetter
climates the vented siding of Pelfrey et al. actually allows water
to penetrate behind the siding, thereby damaging the building
structure. This is clearly undesirable.
[0006] Another drawback of prior art siding systems is that, when
exposed to strong sunlight and high outdoor temperatures, vinyl
siding can become so heated as to become warped and buckled. Warped
vinyl siding may no longer form an effective barrier against rain
and moisture and has diminished aesthetic qualities.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a siding system that prevents water from penetrating to the
wall behind the siding.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
siding system that allows moisture behind the siding to escape.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a siding system that is resistant to warping and buckling due to
high ambient temperatures and sunlight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention comprises a siding system for
attachment to an exterior wall of a building. The siding panel of
the present system comprises an elongated flange along the top edge
of the panel. The elongated flange comprises a spacing element
perpendicular to the body of the panel and a wall engaging element
parallel to the body of the panel. The spacing element comprises a
plurality of air holes operative to allow air move behind the
panels. The spacing element is additionally operative to maintain
the siding panel spaced away from the wall. The siding panel
additionally comprises a siding engaging flange along the lower
edge, operative to stabilize the siding panel by engaging an
adjacent siding panel.
[0011] The spacing elements may form an integral part of the siding
panels or may form separate components to which the siding panels
are connected. In the preferred embodiment described herein the
spacing elements form an integral part of the siding panels.
[0012] The present siding system additionally comprises starter
strips and double J-trim elements operative to maintain the siding
panels spaced apart from the supporting wall and to allow air to
enter and exit the space between the siding panels and the
supporting wall.
[0013] The starter strips and double J-trim elements of the present
siding system allow air to move through the space between the
siding panels and the supporting wall, thereby permitting
accumulated moisture to evaporate.
[0014] In addition, the movement of air behind the panels of the
present siding system acts to cool the panels when exposed to high
temperatures. The present siding system is therefore resistant to
heat-induced warping and buckling which may take place in hot
climates.
[0015] The present siding system additionally comprises J-trim,
gable line trim, inside corner elements, outside corner elements
and similar components incorporating a raised bead or ridge on the
surface directly behind the siding panels. By channeling water that
penetrates behind the siding panels, the bead prevents the
supporting wall from coming into contact with water thereby
protecting the supporting wall from water damage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Further features and advantages will be apparent from the
following detailed description, given by way of example, of a
preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a panel of prior art
siding;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a panel of siding of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a prior art starter
strip;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a starter strip of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of prior art J-trim;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a J-trim element of the
present invention for use along the gable line;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a J-trim element of the
present invention for use, for example, along the side of windows
and doors;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a prior art inside corner
element;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a inside corner element of
the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a prior art outside corner
element;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an outside corner element
of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a panel of prior art siding
and soffit trim;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a double J-trim element of
the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a panel of siding panel and
a double J-trim element of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art panel of vinyl siding 10 is
shown mounted on the wall 12. The panel 10 is supported by nails 14
which pass through nail holes 16. The panel 10 has a fold 20 and a
bottom flange 22. The bottom flange 22 of a first panel 10 is
received by the fold 20 of an adjacent panel 10 so as to secure the
bottom of the first panel 10. The body 18 of the panel 10 is in
contact with the wall at points 24. The fact that the panel 10
contacts the wall 12 means that air and moisture are trapped in
pockets behind the panel 10 and are therefore prevented from
escaping.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a panel of vinyl siding 30 of the
present invention is shown mounted on the wall 12. The panel has a
top flange 32 with a first vertical portion 34, a horizontal
portion 36 and a second vertical portion 38. The first vertical
portion 34 and second vertical portion 38 have nail holes 16
operative to pass nails 14 to support the panel 30 on the wall 12.
The horizontal portion 36 has a plurality of air holes 42. The
panel 30 has a fold 46 and a bottom flange 48. The bottom flange 48
of a first panel 30 is received by the fold 46 of an adjacent panel
30 so as to secure the bottom of the first panel 30. The separation
between the wall 12 and the body 50 of the panel 30 is the smallest
at points 44. However, in contrast to the panel 10 of FIG. 1, the
body 50 of the panel 30 does not come into contact with the wall
12. This feature, in conjunction with the air holes 42, allows air
to move behind the panel 30 thereby allowing moisture trapped
between the panel 30 and the wall 12 to evaporate. In a preferred
embodiment the horizontal portion 36 of the top flange 32 is of a
width such that points 44 of the body 50 of the panel 30 are
separated from the wall 12 by 3/8" to 3/4".
[0033] In an alternative embodiment, in place of a single elongated
top flange 32 containing air holes 42 and extending the length of
the panel 30, the panel 30 may incorporate a plurality of
spaced-apart flanges. The spaced apart flanges would not require
air holes as such. Rather than moving through the air holes 42, air
would move between the spaced apart flanges.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment the method of
the present invention the nails 14 that support the panels 30 of
the present siding system are nailed into the wall 12 so that the
head of the nail is lower than the point. Water condensing on or
contacting nails oriented in this way is caused to move down and
away from the wall 12 by gravity. Damage to the wall 12 is thereby
minimized. More specifically, it has been found that nails 12 are
optimally oriented at an angle of 10-15 degrees.
[0035] In an alternate embodiment of the present siding system, a
prior art panel 10 may be used in combination with a spacer
element. The spacer element is similar to the top flange 32 of
panel 30 in that it comprises a first vertical portion, a
horizontal portion and a second vertical portion. The horizontal
portion of the spacer element additionally comprises air holes to
allow the passage of air. The spacer element is nailed to the wall
12 and then the panel 10 is attached to the spacer element by nails
or otherwise. In this way the panel 10 is spaced from the wall 12
and air is permitted to move behind the panel ten, in a manner
similar to that of the embodiment described in FIG. 2.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 3, a prior art starter strip 60 is shown.
Starter strips 60 are secured at the bottom edge of a wall area
that is to be covered by vinyl or aluminum siding. The starter
strip 60 is supported on wall 12 by nails 14 which pass through
nail holes 16. The starter strip 60 has a folded flange 64 which is
operative to receive the bottom flange 22 of a panel 10 (see FIG.
1). The folded flange 64 performs a similar function to that of the
fold 20 of panel 10.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a starter strip 70 of the present
siding system is shown. The starter strip 70 is attached to wall 12
by nails 14 which pass through nail holes 16. The folded flange 72
of the starter strip 70 comprises a horizontal portion 74 and a
folded portion 76. The horizontal portion 74 is perforated by air
holes 78. The starter strip 70 forms the bottom edge of the siding
system of the present invention and therefore the air holes 78
allow air to enter the space between the panels 30 and the wall 12.
The bottom flange 48 of a first panel 30 is received by the folded
portion 76 so as to secure the bottom of the first panel 30 (see
FIG. 2). In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal portion 74 of
the folded flange 72 is of a width such that points 44 of panel 30
are 3/8" to 3/4" from the wall 12.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, a prior art J-trim element 80 is shown.
The J-trim 80 is used to form a border and to seal and protect the
edge of siding panels around windows, doors, and gable lines. The
J-trim 80 is connected to the wall 12 by nails 14 that pass through
nail holes 16. The J-trim 80 has a flange 82 comprising a
horizontal portion 84 and a vertical portion 86. The U-shaped
channel 90 formed by the flange 82 and the body 88 of the J-trim 80
is operative to receive the edge of a panel 10 (see FIG. 1).
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, a J-trim element 100 of the present
invention for use along the gable line is shown. The J-trim 100 is
attached to the wall 12 by nails 14 which pass through nail holes
16. The J-trim 100 has a flange 104 comprising a horizontal portion
106 and a vertical portion 108. The U-shaped channel 112 formed by
the flange 104 and the body 102 of the J-trim 100 is operative to
receive the edge of a panel 30 (see FIG. 3). The J-trim 100 is
distinguished from the prior art J-trim 80 in that the horizontal
portion 106 is perforated by a plurality of air holes 110. The
J-trim 100 forms the bottom edge of the siding system along the
gable line and therefore, in a manner similar to that of the
starter strip 70 of FIG. 4, the air holes 110 allow air to enter
the space between the panels 30 and the wall 12.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, a J-trim element 120 of the present
invention for use along windows, doors, etc., is shown. The J-trim
120 is attached to the wall 12 by nails 14 which pass through nail
holes 16. The J-trim 120 has a flange 122 comprising a horizontal
portion 124 and a vertical portion 126. The U-shaped channel 132
formed by the body 128 of the J-trim and the flange 122 is
operative to receive the edge of a panel 30.
[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5, in prior art siding
systems, rain water can penetrate around the edge of the panel 10
that is situated within the U-shaped channel 90. In this manner
water is able to reach the wall 12 behind the panel 10, thereby
damaging it.
[0042] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7, the body 128
includes a bead 130, which is operative to prevent water from
reaching the wall 12 behind the panel 30. Water is able to
penetrate around the edge of the panel 30 that is situated within
the U-shaped channel 132 in the same manner as with the prior art
J-trim 80, however, it is prevented from reaching the wall 12 by
bead 130. Water is effectively channeled between the bead 130 and
the horizontal portion 124 of the flange 122, and is drained down
and away by gravity.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the siding system of the present
invention additionally contemplates a J-trim element for use, for
example, along gable lines and above and below doors and windows,
which combines the air holes 110 of FIG. 6 and the bead 130 of FIG.
7. Such a J-trim element would allow air to enter the space behind
the siding panels and prevent water from penetrating behind the
siding panel.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, a prior art inside corner element 200
is shown. The inside corner element 200 is symmetrical, comprising
two terminal flanges 202, each comprising an inner face 204, an
intermediate face 206, and an outer face 208. Two cavities 210 are
formed between the inner, intermediate and outer faces 204, 206,
208. Each of the cavities 210 is operative to receive the edge of a
siding panel 10 (see FIG. 1). The inside corner element 200 is
supported on wall 12 by nails 14 which pass through nail holes
16.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 8, in a manner similar to that
described above with respect to the prior art J-trim 80, water is
able to penetrate around the edge of panel 10 that is situated in
the U-shaped channel 210, thereby contacting the wall 12 and
causing damage thereto.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, an inside corner element 220 of the
present invention is shown. The inside corner element 220 is
symmetrical, comprising two terminal flanges 222, each comprising
an inner face 224, an intermediate face 226, and an outer face 228.
Two cavities 230 are formed between the inner, intermediate and
outer faces 224, 226, 228. Each of the cavities 230 is operative to
receive the edge of a siding panel 30 (see FIG. 2). The inside
corner element 220 is supported on wall 12 by nails 14 which pass
through nail holes 16. The inside corner element 220 is
distinguished from the inside corner element 200 of FIG. 8, in that
each of the outer faces 228 of terminal flanges 222 comprises a
bead 232. The bead 232 prevents water that penetrates around the
edge of panel 30 that is situated in the U-shaped channel 230 (see
FIG. 2) from coming into contact with the wall 12. The water to be
channeled between bead 232 and intermediate face 226 and is drained
downward by gravity.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, if used in conjunction with
the panels 30 of the present invention, inside corner element 220
must have intermediate faces 226 wider than the intermediate faces
206 of the prior art inside corner elements 200 in order to allow
the body 50 of the panel 30 to be spaced from the wall 12.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 10, a prior art outside corner element 240
is shown. The outside corner element 240 is symmetrical, comprising
two terminal flanges 242, each comprising an inner face 244, an
intermediate face 246, and an outer face 248. Two cavities 250 are
formed between the inner, intermediate and outer faces 244, 246,
248. The cavities 250 are operative to receive the edge of a siding
panel 10 (see FIG. 1). The outside corner element 240 is supported
on wall 12 by nails 14 which pass through nail holes 16.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 10, in a manner similar to that
described above with respect to the prior art J-trim 80 and inside
corner element 200, water is able to penetrate around the edge of
the panel 10 (see FIG. 1) that is situated in the U-shaped channel
250, thereby contacting the wall 12 and causing damage thereto.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 11, an outside corner element 260 of the
present invention is shown. The outside corner element 260 is
symmetrical, comprising two terminal flanges 262, each comprising
an inner face 264, an intermediate face 266, and an outer face 268.
Two cavities 270 are formed between the inner, intermediate and
outer faces 264, 266, 268. Each of the cavities 270 is operative to
receive the edge of a siding panel 30 (see FIG. 2). The outside
corner element 260 is supported on wall 12 by nails 14 which pass
through nail holes 16. Each of the outer faces 268 of terminal
flanges 262 comprises a bead 272. The bead 272 prevents water that
penetrates around the edge of panel 30 from coming into contact
with the wall 12. The bead 272 causes the water to be channeled
downward such that it is drained away.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 2, 10 and 11, if used in conjunction with
the panels 30 of the present invention, outside corner element 260
must have intermediate faces 266 wider than the intermediate faces
246 of the prior art outside corner elements 240 in order to allow
the body 50 of the panel 30 to be spaced from the wall 12.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, beads 130, 232, 272 may be
of any profile, however, a bead 130, 232, 272 of square profile, as
is shown in FIG. 7, has been found to be most effective in
preventing water from penetrating to the wall 12.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 12, a prior art siding system is
shown where the top of the siding meets meets the soffit. Soffit
trim 280 is supported on the wall 12 by nails 14 that pass through
nail holes 16. Nails 14 additionally pass through siding panel 10.
Rarely is the size of the area to be covered with siding equal to
an integer multiple of the size of the siding panels 10. In other
words, panels 10 must often be cut in order to conform them to the
area being covered. For example in FIG. 12 the siding panel 10 has
been cut along its length below the fold 20 (see FIG. 1) in order
to reduce its height to conform to the size of the area being
covered with siding. Soffit 282 is shown in in dashed lines and is
supported by soffit trim 280. The soffit 282 has air holes that
allow air to move to and from the attic of the building. However,
as is obvious from FIG. 12, since soffit trim 280 is nailed
directly over panel 10, panel 10 comes into direct contact with the
wall 12, thereby trapping air between the panel 10 and the wall 12.
Therefore any moisture that penetrates behind panel 10 is unable to
escape, resulting in damage to the wall 12.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 13, a novel trim element of the present
invention, comprising a double J-trim element 290 is shown. The
double J-trim element 290 comprises a lower portion 292 and an
upper portion 294. The double J-trim element 290 is supported on
wall 12 by nails 14 that pass through nail holes 16 in the lower
portion 292. The upper portion 294 has a plurality of air holes
296, a flange 298, and a J-flange 300.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 14, an installed double J-trim element
290, siding panel 30, and soffit 282 are shown. The panel 30 is
supported between flange 298, and J-flange 300. Panel 30 may, for
example, fixed between flange 298 and J-flange 300 by glue or
sealant. Flange 298 also acts to maintain the panel 30 spaced away
from the wall 12 so that air can escape from behind the panel 30
through the air holes 296, thus preventing the buildup of moisture
between the wall 12 and the panel 30. Air escaping through the air
holes 296 can reach the outside of the building through the air
holes 284 in the soffit 282.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 13 and 14, the air holes 42, 78,
110, 296 may be of any shape.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, 13 and 14, air is permitted to
enter the space between the wall 12 and the panels 30 through the
airholes 110 in the starter strip 100. Alternatively, air can enter
the space between the wall 12 and the panels 30 through air holes
in the gable line J-trim as described above with reference to FIGS.
6 and 7. The air is able to move past successive panels 30 through
the air holes 42 of the panels 30 and out through the air holes 296
of the double J-trim element 290, thereby allowing moisture
accumulated between the panels 30 and the wall 12 to evaporate.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, 13 and 14, the movement of air
between the panels 30 and the wall 12 that is made possible by this
invention additionally performs a cooling function when the siding
system is exposed to strong sunlight and high ambient temperatures.
This renders the siding system of the present invention resistant
to heat induced buckling and warping.
[0059] Accordingly, while this invention has been described with
reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not
intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications
of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of
the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon
reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that
the appended claims will cover any such modifications or
embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention.
* * * * *