U.S. patent application number 11/530960 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for cement and composite siding attachment and alignment system.
Invention is credited to Gregory P. Albracht.
Application Number | 20070056238 11/530960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37853637 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070056238 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Albracht; Gregory P. |
March 15, 2007 |
Cement and Composite Siding Attachment and Alignment System
Abstract
A siding attachment strip for and method to install siding
panels on a building structure are provided. The siding attachment
strip consists of an elongate body, a number of siding top edge
clips spaced along the elongate body, and a number of finger slot
channels adjacent to the siding top edge clips. Each siding top
edge clip is capable of holding the top edge of a siding panel. The
finger slot channels receive a fastener attached to the siding
panel to keep the siding panel in place.
Inventors: |
Albracht; Gregory P.;
(Omaha, NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NOVAK DRUCE DELUCA & QUIGG, LLP
1300 EYE STREET NW
SUITE 1000 WEST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
37853637 |
Appl. No.: |
11/530960 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60716376 |
Sep 12, 2005 |
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60772924 |
Feb 13, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/522 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 13/0864 20130101;
E04F 13/0821 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/522 |
International
Class: |
E04D 1/00 20060101
E04D001/00 |
Claims
1. A siding attachment strip adapted to retain a plurality of
siding panels on a building structure, comprising: an elongate
body; a plurality of siding top edge clips spaced along said
elongate body according to a predetermined siding panel size, each
siding top edge clip of said plurality of siding top edge clips
including a substantially orthogonal first portion extending from
said elongate body and a substantially parallel second portion that
is substantially parallel with said elongate body and is
substantially parallel with said elongate body and is substantially
orthogonal to said first portion, each siding top edge clip being
capable of holding the top edge of a siding panel between said
elongate body and said second portion; and a plurality of finger
slot channels formed in said elongate body and spaced from and
corresponding to said plurality of siding top edge clips, each of
said finger slot channels receiving a fastener attached to a siding
panel.
2. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, further comprising at
least one mounting hole on said elongate body for mounting said
siding attachment strip to said building structure using a mounting
fastener.
3. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, where in each siding top
edge clip further comprises a curved lip edge that curves away from
said body of said siding attachment strip.
4. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said siding top
edge clip is punched out of said elongate body of said siding
attachment strip.
5. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said siding
attachment strip is formed of a u-shaped sheet material and
includes a front face and two side portions.
6. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said siding
attachment strip is formed of a u-shaped sheet material and
includes a front face and two hemmed side portions.
7. The siding attachment strip of claim 2, wherein said at least
one mounting hole is recessed into said elongate body.
8. The siding attachment strip of claim 2, wherein said at least
one mounting hole is threaded.
9. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, further comprising one
or more lateral scoring marks on said elongate body, with said one
or more lateral scoring marks enabling said siding attachment strip
to be broken off at predetermined locations.
10. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said fastener
is a bolt threaded through the siding panel.
11. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said fastener
is a clip attached to the back of the siding panel.
12. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said fastener
locks into said finger slot channel.
13. The siding attachment strip of claim 12, wherein said fastener
is removable with a pry bar.
14. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, wherein said fasteners
are spaced at predetermined locations along the siding panel.
15. The siding attachment strip of claim 2, further comprising a
spacer block that attaches to the back of said elongate body
adjacent to said at least one mounting hole.
16. The siding attachment strip of claim 15, wherein said spacer
block further comprising a waterproof membrane that seals the hole
created by said mounting fastener when attaching said siding
attachment strip to said building structure.
17. The siding attachment strip of claim 15, wherein said spacer
block is adjustable to allow said elongate body to be placed at
varying distances from said building structure.
18. The siding attachment strip of claim 2, further comprising one
or more alignment bars that space said elongate bodies at
predetermined distances.
19. The siding attachment strip of claim 18, wherein said alignment
bars are capable of attaching to one or more said elongate bodies
at the same time.
20. The siding attachment strip of claim 19, wherein said alignment
bars attach to one or more of said elongate bodies via said
mounting holes.
21. The siding attachment strip of claim 18, wherein said alignment
bars consist of a plate, wherein said plate is the length of the
distance between adjacent said elongate bodies.
22. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, further comprising a
starter strip, wherein said starter strip comprises an elongate
body having a flange along one end thereof, wherein said starter
siding strip is mounted along a bottom edge of said building.
23. The siding attachment strip of claim 22, wherein said starter
strip further comprises a plurality of venting holes covered by bug
screens.
24. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, further comprising a
trim adaptor, wherein said trim adaptor connects to the top siding
panel.
25. The siding attachment strip of claim 24 wherein said trim
adaptor further comprises a plurality of venting holes.
26. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, further comprising at
least one holding tool, wherein said holding tools are adapted to
engage said finger slot channel and support said siding panel until
said siding panel is ready to be attached to said elongate
body.
27. The siding attachment strip of claim 1, further comprising at
least one support channel in said elongate body, wherein said
support channel is located adjacent to said finger slot channel and
is punched out of said elongate body.
28. The siding attachment strip of claim 27, further comprising at
least one support clip, wherein said support clips are attached to
said building structure and engage said support channel in said
elongate body.
29. The siding attachment strip of claim 28, further comprising at
least one support clip fastener, wherein said support clip fastener
secures said elongate body to said support clip.
30. A wall of siding panels to be installed on the wall of a
building structure, comprising: a plurality of parallel siding
attachment strips; one or more alignment bars orthogonally attached
to said siding attachment strips; and a plurality of siding panels
attached to said siding attachment strips.
31. The wall of siding panels of claim 30, further including a
starter strip.
32. The wall of siding panels of claim 30, further including a trim
adaptor.
33. The wall of siding panels of claim 30, wherein said one or more
alignment bars are attached to said siding attachment strips with
the use of a fastener.
34. The wall of siding panels of claim 30, further including a
plurality of support clips.
35. The wall of siding panels of claim 30, wherein said siding
attachment strips are adapted to engage a nailing slot of a vinyl
siding panel.
36. A method of installing siding onto a building structure,
comprising the steps of: fastening a plurality of siding attachment
strips to said building structure; inserting a siding panel into
siding top edge clips of said siding attachment strips such that
said panel is held between said strip and a section of said top
edge clip substantially parallel to said strip; and inserting
fasteners attached to said siding panel into finger slot channels
of said siding attachment strips.
37. The method of installing siding onto a building structure of
claim 36, wherein the step of fastening a plurality of siding
attachment strips to said building structure further comprises the
step of spacing the siding attachment strips at predetermined
intervals, wherein said siding attachment strips are perpendicular
to the ground and parallel to each other.
38. The method of installing siding onto a building structure of
claim 36, wherein the step of fastening a plurality of siding
attachment strips to said building structure further comprises the
step of using alignment bars to space said siding attachment strips
at predetermined intervals.
39. The method of installing siding onto a building structure of
claim 36, wherein the step of fastening a plurality of siding
attachment strips to said building structure further comprises the
step of inserting a spacer block between said siding attachment
strips and said building structure.
40. The method of installing siding onto a building structure of
claim 36, wherein the step of inserting a siding panel into siding
top edge clips of said siding attachment strips further comprises
the step of using a holding tool to support said siding panel until
it is ready to be inserted.
41. The method of installing siding onto a building structure of
claim 36, wherein the step of fastening a plurality of siding
attachment strips to said building structure further comprises the
steps of: installing at least one support clip to said wall;
engaging said siding attachment strips on said support clips; and
fastening said siding attachment strips to said support clips.
42. A method of creating and installing a wall of panel siding in
one unit, comprising of the steps of: arranging a plurality of
siding attachment strips parallel to each other at predetermined
distances; placing at least one alignment bars orthogonally across
said siding attachment strips; aligning a pre-drilled hole in said
alignment bars with said mounting holes of said siding attachment
strips; inserting a fastener through said pre-drilled holes in said
alignment bars into said mounting holes of said siding attachment
strips; installing said panel siding onto said siding attachment
strips; placing said unit against a wall in the final location; and
fastening said unit to said wall.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of installing said
panel siding onto elongate bodies comes after the step of fastening
said unit to said wall.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of installing said
panel siding onto said siding attachment strips further comprises
the step leaving the bottom edge of at least one of said panel
siding unattached until the step of fastening said unit to said
wall is complete.
45. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of placing said unit
in final location further comprises the step of leveling said
unit.
46. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of fastening said unit
to said wall further comprises the step of removing said alignment
bars.
47. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of placing said unit
against a wall in the final location further comprises the step of
placing a spacer block between said siding attachment strips and
said wall.
48. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of placing said unit
against a wall in the final location further comprises the steps
of: installing a plurality of support clips to said wall; and
engaging said unit on said support clips.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the step of fastening said unit
to said wall is accomplished by fastening said unit to said support
clips.
50. A system for a rainscreen moisture management system on the
exterior of a building structure, comprising: a plurality of siding
attachment strips adapted to be attached to said exterior of said
building structure comprising: an elongate body, a plurality of
siding top edge clips spaced along said elongate body according to
a predetermined siding panel size, each siding top edge clip of
said plurality of siding top edge clips including a substantially
orthogonal first portion extending from said elongate body and a
substantially parallel second portion that is substantially
parallel with said elongated body and is substantially parallel
with said elongate body and is substantially orthogonal to said
first portion, each siding top edge clip being capable of holding
the top edge of a siding panel, a plurality of finger slot channels
formed in said elongate body and spaced from and corresponding to
said plurality of siding tope edge clips, each of said finger slot
channels receiving a fastener attached to a siding panel, at least
one mounting hole on said elongate body for mounting said siding
attachment strip to said building structure using a mounting
fastener, and a spacer block that attaches to the back of said
elongate body adjacent to said at least one mounting hole; and a
plurality of siding panels attached to said siding attachment
strips wherein said siding panels have a gap between adjacent
siding panels.
51. The system of claim 50, further comprising a starter strip,
wherein said starter strip comprises an elongate body having a
flange along one end thereof, said flange having a plurality of
slots, wherein said starter siding strip is mounted along a bottom
edge of said building.
52. The system of claim 50, further comprising a trim adaptor,
wherein said trim adaptor connects to the top siding panel and
further comprises venting holes.
53. The system of claim 50, further comprising a plurality of
support clips, wherein said support clips are fastened to said
building at predetermined locations, said siding attachment strips
engage said support clips, and a fastener secures said siding
attachment strips to said support clips.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefits under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) of copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/716,376 filed on Sep. 12, 2005 and No. 60/772,924 filed Feb. 13,
2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to siding for a
building structure, and more specifically to siding attachment
devices for a building structure.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Many types of buildings include some form of siding. Siding
is generally used as an exterior surface to keep out moisture and
prevent decay, protect the building, and also to provide an
attractive or durable appearance of the building structure.
[0006] In the prior art the siding is generally supplied as panels
that are applied starting from the bottom of the building
structure, and are generally nailed onto studs of the building.
Generally, one nail is used per stud.
[0007] However, there are several problems in the siding
application according to the prior art. First, the siding must be
applied in a manner that is substantially level. This is done to
insure that the siding is installed evenly. It is also important
for an appearance aspect. In addition, the prior art siding process
is relatively slow and some carpentry expertise is needed. Further,
the nailing of siding panels directly to the exterior wall of a
structure has the tendency to trap wind-blown moisture against the
wall, thereby creating a condition for rot and decay to develop.
Finally, the use of numerous nails in the prior art siding process
creates numerous opportunities for water to enter the holes and rot
the walls.
[0008] Therefore, a need remains in the art for improvements in
siding attachment devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A siding attachment strip is provided according to one
embodiment of this invention. The siding attachment strip may be
adapted to retain a plurality of siding panels on a building
structure. The siding attachment strip may consist of an elongate
body, a number of siding top edge clips, and a number of finger
slots.
[0010] The siding top edge clips may be spaced along the elongate
body at regular intervals, according to the size of the panel to be
installed. The siding top edge clips may either be attached to the
elongate body or may be punched out of the elongate body.
Furthermore, the siding top edge clips may protrude from the face
of the elongate body and then may curve to be parallel to the
elongate body. This shape may allow the siding top edge clips to
grip the top edge of a siding panel.
[0011] The finger slot channels may be at predetermined locations
along the elongate body and may be located directly above the
siding top edge clip. Each finger slot channel may be capable of
receiving a fastener, such as a bolt or a clip that may be attached
to the siding panel.
[0012] Furthermore, a wall of siding panels that may be installed
on the wall of a building structure is provided according to
another embodiment of this invention. The wall of siding panels may
be made up of multiple parallel siding attachment strips, one or
more alignment bars attached perpendicularly to the siding
attachment strips, and a number of siding panels attached to the
siding attachment strips.
[0013] A method of installing siding onto a building structure is
also provided in this invention. The method of installing siding
may consist of the steps of fastening siding attachment strips to a
building structure, inserting a siding panel into the siding top
edge clips of the siding attachment strips, and inserting a
fastener attached to the siding panel into the finger slot channels
of the siding attachment strips.
[0014] A method of creating and installing a wall of panel siding
in one unit is also provided in this invention. The method of
creating and installing a wall of panel siding may consist of the
steps of arranging a number of siding attachment strips parallel to
each other at equal distances, placing one or more alignment bars
perpendicularly across the siding attachment strips, aligning a
pre-drilled hole in the alignment bars with the mounting holes of
the siding attachment strips, inserting a fastener through the
pre-drilled holes in the alignment bars into the mounting holes of
the siding attachment strip; installing the panel siding onto the
siding attachment strips, placing the unit against a wall in the
final location, and fastening the unit to the wall.
[0015] A system for a rainscreen moisture management system on the
exterior of a building structure is also provided in an embodiment
of this invention. The system may include a number of siding
attachment strips as described above. The siding attachment strips
may have a spacing block placed behind the mounting holes that may
be used to adjust the distance the siding attachment strips are
placed from the wall. The system may further include a number of
siding panels that may be attached to the siding attachment strips.
The siding panels may be spaced so that there is a gap between
adjacent siding panels. Finally the system may include a starter
strip that may have a number of slots, and may be mounted along a
bottom edge of the building.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a siding
attachment strip according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 shows various cross-sectional shapes of the body of
the siding attachment strip.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side fragmentary view showing the siding panels
attached to the siding attachment strip according to one embodiment
of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of the holding tool
supporting a siding panel;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of a portion of a completed panel
support structure;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cut away side view of a portion of a siding
attachment strip attached to a wall via a support clip;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of a support clip in use;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of a siding starter strip according to
one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side view showing the complete
system installed on the wall of a building, including the
rainscreen according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of one embodiment of the trim
adaptor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] FIG. 1 is a fragmented perspective view showing a siding
attachment strip 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.
The portion of the siding attachment strip 100 shown in FIG. 1
includes an elongate body 101, one or more siding top edge clips
130, one or more finger slot channels 110, and one or more lateral
scoring marks 120. The siding attachment strip 100 preferably
includes a plurality of siding top edge clips 130 and a plurality
of finger slot channels 110 disposed in a regular pattern on the
body to accommodate one or more standard siding panels thereon. In
one embodiment, the siding top edge clip and the finger slot
channel may be about three-quarter inch to about one and a half
inches apart, and repeat every 8, 9, or 10 inches along the siding
attachment strip 100, for example. Other spacings may be used,
according to the type and size of siding panel desired to be
attached to a building structure.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows various cross-sectional shapes of the body 101
of the siding attachment strip 100. The siding attachment strip 100
may include hems, flanges, and/or ribs in order to provide rigidity
and strength. The body of the siding strip 100 is preferably
U-shaped in cross-section including a front face 105 and two side
portions 106, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] The siding attachment strip 100 is preferably made of a
sheet material such as aluminum or steel sheet metal, for example,
but also may be made of vinyl, fiberglass, etc. In one embodiment,
the siding attachment strip 100 is formed of a 22 gauge sheet
metal. In addition, the siding attachment strip 100 may include a
weather-protecting coating, such as galvanization, for example. The
siding attachment strip 100 may further include one or more lateral
scoring marks 120 (optional) that may be used by an installer to
snap or break off the siding attachment strip 100 at predetermined
locations.
[0029] Each siding top edge clip 130 is formed to achieve a rounded
and substantially right-angled bend, and engages the top edge of a
siding panel 340 (see FIG. 3 discussed below). The siding top edge
clip 130 may include a curved lip edge 131 that curves away from
the body 101 of the siding attachment strip 100 and eases entry of
the top of the siding panel 340 into the siding top edge clip 130.
The siding top edge clip 130 may be punched out of and formed of
the same material of the siding attachment strip 100. The siding
top edge clip 130 may be partially punched out, and a non-punched
connection portion may retain the siding top edge clip 130 to the
elongate body 101 of the siding attachment strip 100.
[0030] In an alternate embodiment, the siding top edge clip 130 may
be fastened to the siding attachment strip 100 by one or more
spot-welds, by adhesive, or by a fastener such as a nail, screw,
rivet, or snap-in fastener attachment that engages a hole (not
shown) in the siding attachment strip 100.
[0031] The siding attachment strips 100 may also have one or more
mounting holes 514 (see FIG. 5 discussed below). The plurality of
mounting holes 514 pass through the siding attachment strip 100 and
may be used to mount the siding attachment strip 100 to a building
structure (not shown). The plurality of mounting holes 514 may be
counter sunk or otherwise recessed, and may even be threaded for
receiving any manner of threaded fastener. Alternately, fasteners
can be formed as part of the strip.
[0032] In use, a plurality of siding attachment strips 100 may be
mounted to a plurality of studs, to an underlying sheeting, or to
other support members of the building structure. The siding
attachment strips 100 are preferably mounted in a substantially
vertical orientation, but can also be oriented horizontally. After
a plurality of siding attachment strips 100 are mounted so as to be
substantially parallel and level, a plurality of siding panels then
may be installed without concern for leveling and aligning each
individual siding panel.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a cut away side view showing an embodiment of the
siding attachment strip 100 in use. The siding attachment strip
body 101 is preferably mounted against the building structure with
the side portions 106 being directed toward the structure so that
the front face 105 is spaced away from the building structure.
Siding panels 340, such as fiber cement siding panels, wood siding
panels, or other type of composite material siding panels, may be
then installed on the building structure. The siding panels 340 may
be slid into the siding top edge clips 130, which then grip the top
edges of the siding panels 340. A fastening device 350, which may
be inserted through the siding panel 340 or may be attached to the
back of the siding panel 340, may be inserted into the finger slot
channel 110. The fastening device 350 prevents the siding panel
from moving vertically, horizontally, or lengthwise with respect to
the siding attachment strip 100 (i.e., it substantially prevents
the siding panel 340 from moving toward or away from the siding
attachment strip 100).
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a holding tool
484. The holding tool 484 is preferably made of a sheet material
such as aluminum or steel sheet metal, for example, but also may be
made of vinyl, fiberglass, etc. The holding tool 484 has an upper
portion 474 that is adapted to engage the finger slot channel 110.
In one embodiment, the upper portion 474 of the holding tool 484
has a first section that bends away from the main body of the
holding tool 484 and a second section that bends away from the
first section so that the second section is substantially parallel
to the main body of the tool 484. The upper portion 474 of the
holding tool 484 may be adapted so that when the first section
engages the finger slot channel 110 the main body 484 stays clear
of the siding top edge clip 130. The holding tool 484 also has a
lower portion 494 that may support the lower edge of the siding
panel 340 before the siding panel 340 is ready to be installed onto
the siding attachment strip 100. The lower portion 494 in a
preferred embodiment is bent substantially perpendicularly away
from the main body of the holding 484. The lower portion 494 and
the upper portion 474 are both bent away from the main body of the
holding tool 484 in the same direction from the main body.
[0035] The holding tool 484 may allow one person to install a heavy
siding panel 340, i.e. fiber cement, composite or wood siding
panels. Multiple holding tools 484 may be utilized to support
varying sized panels. Furthermore, the length of the holding tool
484 may vary depending on the size of the siding panels 340. The
holding tool 484 may also have a pre-drilled hole (not shown) that
allows a fastener 350 to pass through the holding tool 484 and
engage the siding panel 340.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a portion of the skeletal
structure of a completed wall of siding attachment strips 100 to
support the siding panels 340 in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention The structure may consist of two or more siding
attachment strips 100 arranged parallel to one another at regularly
spaced intervals. One or more alignment bars 504 may be placed
perpendicularly to the siding attachment strips 100 to facilitate
equal spacing and alignment. The alignment bars 504 may have holes
524 drilled through them spaced at regular intervals corresponding
to desired distances between the siding attachment strips 100. The
holes 524 in the alignment bars 504 may be lined up with mounting
holes 514 in the siding attachment strips 100. Fasteners, such as
screws, clips, nails, bolts, etc. may be placed through the holes
524 in the alignment bars 504 and engage the mounting holes 514 in
the siding attachment strips 100 to hold the alignment bars 504 to
the siding attachment strips 100. In one preferred embodiment, this
structure is assembled on the floor and then lifted by hand or
machine and attached to a wall by screwing the siding attachment
strips 100 to the wall via the mounting holes 514. By screwing the
siding attachment strips 100 to the wall only in the locations of
the mounting holes 514, the number of holes made in the wall is
limited, thereby reducing the chances of water penetrating the wall
and rotting it. In one embodiment, the structure is installed onto
the wall in its final location before the siding panels 340 are
attached. In another embodiment, the siding panels 340 are attached
before the structure is installed in its final location.
[0037] In another embodiment (not shown), the length of the
alignment bar may be the distance between adjacent siding
attachment strips 100. The alignment bar may engage the siding top
edge clip 130. The alignment bar may also have one or more built in
levels to assist in aligning adjacent siding attachment strips 100
on a wall.
[0038] In another embodiment (not shown), the alignment bar may
consist of a plate preferably made of a sheet material such as
aluminum or steel sheet metal, for example, but also may be made of
vinyl, fiberglass, etc. The alignment bar may have one or more
holes drilled through the plate corresponding to different spacing
of the siding attachment strips 100. The holes may be large enough
to allow a screw or other fastener to pass completely through them
and engage the mounting hole 514 of the siding attachment strips
100. The alignment bar may also have a built-in level.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of a siding attachment strip
in use according to one embodiment. Support clips 626 are attached
to a wall 606 via a fastener 656 through a mounting hole 727 (see
FIG. 7 discussed below) in the support clip 626. The support clips
626 may consist of a flat back portion that abuts a wall and a
lower support portion that holds a siding attachment strip 100. The
lower support portion may consist of a first section that is
substantially perpendicular to the back portion and a second
section that is substantially perpendicular to the first portion.
The back portion and second section of the support portion may be
substantially parallel to each other and may be both on the same
side of the first section of the support portion.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a front view of a support clip 626 in use. The
support clips 626 are preferably made of a sheet material such as
aluminum or steel sheet metal, for example, but also may be made of
vinyl, fiberglass, etc. The siding attachment strip 100 may have a
support channel 767 punched out of the elongate body 101. The
support channel may be located adjacent to the finger slot channel
110. The support clip 626 may engage the siding attachment strip
100 via the support channel 767. A support clip fastening device
(not shown) may be used to secure the siding attachment strip 100
to the support clip.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a side view of a siding starter strip 851
according to one embodiment of the invention. The starter strip may
include a flange 864 and a siding fold 861. The flange 864 may
include one or more venting holes 831 covered with bug screens (not
shown). The siding starter strip 851 may also include a foundation
cap (not shown). The siding starter strip 851 may be a first
component installed onto two or more siding attachment strips 100
during a siding installation process. The siding starter strip 851
therefore is a bottom-most component, and preferably rests on or
contacts a foundation or sill of the building structure. When
installed, the siding fold 861 of the starter strip 851 engages and
locks onto the bottom-most pair of siding top edge clips 130 at the
bottom of the siding attachment strips 100.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of a portion of one embodiment
of a rainscreen system 900 in accordance with another aspect of the
invention. The siding attachment strips 100 may be attached
directly to the wall 909 of the building structure, or may be
attached at a predetermined distance to the wall 909 of a building
structure with the use of one or more spacer blocks 919. The spacer
block 919 is preferably attached to the back of the siding
attachment strip 100 via adhesive, but may be attached by any means
known in the art. Alternately, the spacer block 919 may be formed
integrally with the siding attachment strip 100. The spacer block
919 may have a waterproof self-sealing membrane. When a fastener
929, such as a screw is used to attach the siding attachment strip
100 to the wall 909 it may pass through a pre-drilled hole in the
spacer block 919 that is covered with the waterproof self-sealing
membrane. The waterproof self-sealing membrane may seal the hole
caused by the fastener 929 in the wall 909 thereby making it less
likely that water or other elements will penetrate the wall
909.
[0043] The spacer block 919 is preferably made of plastic or foam
but can be made of metal, fiber, etc. The spacer block 919 may be
adjustable up to three inches or may come in different sizes to
create different size spaces 960 between the wall 909 and the
siding attachment strip 100. The space 960 contains dead air and
may equalize the pressure on the exterior walls and may stop wind
driven rain from entering the exterior and interior walls of a
structure. Furthermore, when the siding panels 340 are attached to
the siding attachment strip 100, there may be a gap of
approximately one thirty-second inch to one eighth inch between
adjacent siding panels 340. The gap between siding panels 340 may
equalize the pressure caused by wind driven rain and, thus, may
cause capillary action of the rain to flow downward and out through
the holes 831 in siding starter strip 851.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a side view of a trim adaptor 1000 in accordance
with another aspect of the invention. The trim adaptor 1000 may be
comprised of a back portion 1001, a slot 1041 for receiving the top
of the siding attachment strip 100, and a front portion 1021. The
trim adaptor 1000 may also have venting holes (not shown) to allow
vapor to escape from interior walls. The trim adaptor may be used
at the top of walls or under window sills.
[0045] The devices and method described above are particularly
applicable to fiber cement, wood or composite siding but may be
used for building structures using vinyl, steel, fiberglass, or any
other type of siding. The invention differs from the prior art in
that the prior art siding installation is typically done by a
single nail through a slot in the top of the siding, with one nail
being used per stud. Therefore, the installer must have some skill
in alignment and nailing and must pay attention to maintaining a
proper alignment for each siding panel that is installed.
Furthermore, the large number of nails used in the prior art allows
for numerous opportunities for water to enter the nail holes and
rot the wall or allow mold to grow. The lack of a space between the
wall and the siding in the prior art allows the water to pool and
rot the wall.
[0046] While the invention has been described in detail above, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments
as described. It is evident that those skilled in the art may now
make numerous uses and modifications of and departures from the
specific embodiments described herein without departing from the
inventive concepts.
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