LAP SIDING SYSTEMS

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to lap siding systems, methods, and apparatus for use on the exteriors of residential and commercial buildings. Lap siding systems generally provide aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance exteriors to a variety of buildings by attaching overlapping horizontal or vertical boards or planks to the exterior of a building. For simplicity, the term "plank" includes boards, slats, and panels. Planks may be made of wood, cement or other cementitious material, plastic, metal, glass, various types of fiber and filler material, composites of these materials and other materials known in the art. [0002] A common problem in construction is that of weatherproofing structural junctures in lap siding systems, such as between planks, at corners, at junctions between planks and other structural features such as windows and doors, and at junctions between planks and other decorative features such as trim, appliques, and similar features. Weatherproofmg serves the goal of protecting the underlying structure of the building from the damage associated with water seepage that can result in flourishing termite, pest, and mold populations. Damage resulting from water seepage may also result in rotting, swelling, and warping of the planks of the lap siding system, the trim, appliques, and other features, and/or the underlying structure. Water seepage may also result in a reduction of the effectiveness of insulation, cracks in the masonry, loosening of the siding system from the underlying structure of the building, and the like.

[0003] The standard practice in weatherproofϊng is to seal and back the juncture with flashing. Typically, such flashing is made of metal or vinyl and positioned under the juncture and affixed to the underlying structure. This type of flashing is normally placed along the entire seam created by the juncture.

[0004] The flashing is usually sealed against the underlying structure with caulk. However, caulk tends to shrink over time. Additionally, the weathering and dissimilar thermal expansion and contraction of the flashing, siding, and caulk often leads to failure of the seal so that water seeps behind the siding and may result in water damage to the lap siding system and underlying structure. Furthermore, the exposed junctions, caulk, and flashing may be unsightly.

[0005] Additionally, the bottommost horizontal planks and starter strips of currently available lap siding systems abut or contact a portion of the foundation or wainscot. Water often collects and sits in this juncture causing water damage to the bottommost planks and starter strips. Furthermore, the bottommost planks and starter strips are often disposed so close to the underlying structure of the building that water wicks up between the bottommost planks, starter strips, and the underlying structure of the building, which increases the likelihood that significant water damage will occur.

[0006] Another problem in the installation of a lap siding system on a building is the difficulty in evenly attaching each plank to the underlying structure. The conventional method of installation requires constant measuring of plank position and adjustment, which is time-consuming.

[0007] With some lap siding systems, a clearance between the roof and the lap siding system of at least two inches may be required. Flashing and counter flashing may be installed and caulked to protect the gap from wind and water. However, this gap may be unsightly and, like the junctions discussed above, the caulk and flashing may fail so that water is able to seep behind the flashing.

[0008] Most lap siding systems are secured to the underlying structure by top nailing, which is also referred to as blind nailing. The nail used in blind nailing is driven through the plank near the top of the plank such that the nail head would be covered by the next higher plank as it overlaps the top of the lower plank. Each progressively higher plank overlaps the top nail of the lower plank, thus rendering it a blind nail. Blind nailing secures the planks to the structure and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the lap siding. However, with the only fastening mechanism being applied at the tops of the planks, the lower portion of the planks is unsecured. In the event of moderate or high winds, it is common for wind to get under the lower edge of the plank and apply upward and/or outward pressure on the plank, causing it to loosen, bend, warp, or even separate from the building. Accordingly, it is common in many parts of the world to secure the planks with both blind nails and face nails. The face nails are driven through the lower or bottom portion of the planks and into the underlying plank and/or the underlying structure.

[0009] While the face nails can provide additional strength to the coupling of the plank to the structure, the face nails are known to cause several concerns. As one example, the face nails are often considered to be unsightly and attempts to paint over them are often unsuccessful for a number of reasons. In some circumstances, the face nails can be driven too

far into the plank exposing siding fibers. The exposed siding fibers are then open to the elements and, if the face nail is countersunk too far, the structural integrity of the siding plank may be impaired. Additionally, the face nails, whether driven too far or not, create another opening in the exterior siding and a possible channel for water to be wicked, or otherwise passed, from the exterior of the siding to the interior of the siding where it can cause one or more of the problems identified above. Proper installation of lap siding with face nails requires each face nail to be caulked and sealed to resist moisture from penetrating through the siding. Other than being incredibly time-consuming to caulk each face nail, the caulking also presents problems long term due to differences in materials between the caulk and the planks, different expansion and contraction rates, and different weathering patterns between the materials. Accordingly, even if the caulking and painting can be done initially to avoid the aesthetic problems and to prevent moisture from penetrating the siding at the face nail, the adequate of the seal generally deteriorates over time and the aesthetic issues generally arise as the color of the paint over caulk changes tone differently than the paint over the siding plank. [0010] Conventional lap siding relies heavily on attempts to weatherproof the structure by sealing the structure against the exterior elements, such as by caulking the joints between planks and at junctures where planks terminate at other structural or decorative features, such as windows, doors, trim, or changes in the contour of the underlying structure. However, time has shown that a perfect and complete seal of a structure against the elements is difficult and can have negative consequences for the structure and its occupants. As one example, it is generally accepted that homes need to breath. Allowing a home to breath is believed to improve the longevity of the structure and improve the living conditions in the home. In the attempts to seal a home against the exterior elements, siding planks are generally placed close together and caulking is applied between the siding planks and/or between siding planks and other materials forming the exterior of the structure. When these caulking seals are freshly applied, assuming the seals are done correctly, the home cannot breath. There is generally no air flow behind the siding planks or other features.

[0011] Additionally, when one of these caulked seals fails and allows moisture to penetrate the exterior shell of the structure, the moisture is effectively trapped between the exterior shell and the underlying structure. As suggested above, moisture can penetrate the exterior shell in a number of ways, such as through the face nails and/or the joints between planks, particularly when the caulking ages and weathers. Once the moisture is trapped between the exterior shell and the underlying structure, the moisture can lead to several

problems including rotting of the structure and/or siding planks, allowing mold to grow between the siding planks and the structure, and attracting a variety of pests. Because of the extremely limited airflow between the structure and the siding planks, the moisture will not dry out very quickly. In many circumstances, the moisture may not sufficiently dry out in time to prevent the negative consequences of the moisture.

[0012] As recognized as part of the claimed invention, the above and other problems encountered by traditional lap siding systems may occur when certain plank materials are used. For example, cement and cementitious planks may be difficult to attach to and assemble on an underlying structure. Because cementitious materials can be heavy, difficult to handle, and brittle, these particular materials may be subject to cracking, flaking, chipping, or other damage during installation. Further, traditional systems, methods, and apparatus beneficial to softer and more pliable building materials such as woods, fibers, composite materials, and certain metals and metal alloys may not be appropriate for different materials such as cement and cementitious materials. For example, blind nailing through the top of a wooden plank may cause no problems while blind nailing through the top of a cement plank may cause the cement plank to crack near the nail hole and later become detached or permit water to seep through the crack. Thus, either a nail guide or pilot hole will need to be pre- drilled or molded through the cement plank prior to driving the nail, or a hole will need to be carefully prepared during installation of the plank and just prior to attachment to the underlying structure. Since such precautions during manufacture and/or installation may cause additional and unnecessary increases in installation labor and difficulty and in manufacturing expenses, more efficient systems, methods, and apparatus are desirable. [0013] Thus, among other needs in the art, systems, methods, and apparatus are needed, with respect to all materials and certain materials, to maximize weatherproofing, increase ease and speed of siding system installation, and decrease siding system manufacturing costs. SUMMARY

[0014] The systems, methods, and apparatus of the present disclosure have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by currently available lap siding systems, methods, and apparatus. Thus, the present disclosure provides lap siding systems, methods, and apparatus that, among other benefits, may maximize weatherproofing, increase ease and speed of siding system installation, and decrease siding system manufacturing costs.

[0015] In accordance with the technology as embodied and broadly described herein, a lap siding system is provided. The lap siding system may include a plurality of planks having a first end and a second end. Additionally, one or more of the ends of each plank may be operatively associated with another exterior member of the building, such as another siding plank, a door trim member, a window trim member, a corner member, or other such members, one or more of which may also comprise part of the lap siding system of the present disclosure. When installed on a building, a portion of each plank may overlap a part of another plank. The planks may be installed on the building such that there is a space provided between at least a portion of the planks and the underlying structure of the building, which may also be referred to as the substructure of the building.

[0016] An apparatus for use on an exterior of a building may include an interlock clip having an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion may be substantially parallel to the internal portion. The internal portion may include an exterior surface and the exterior surface may define an interlocking structure.

[0017] An apparatus for use on an exterior of a building may additionally or alternatively include a positive connection clip having an internal portion and an external portion. The internal portion may be substantially parallel to the external portion. The external portion may define at least one positive connection hole and the internal portion may also define at least one positive connection hole.

[0018] An apparatus for use on an exterior of a building may additionally and/or alternatively include a body having an extension, a groove extension, a retention extension, and a portion of the body parallel to the extension. The extension may connect the body at a substantially 90° angle. The groove extension may be substantially perpendicular to the extension. The retention extension may be substantially parallel to the groove extension and may extend from the body in a direction that is opposite the direction of the groove extension. [0019] A system for use on an exterior of a building may include an underlying structure and a cementitious siding plank in communication with at least one positive connection clip and at least one interlock clip. The at least positive connection clip may define at least one hole through which at least one fastener may secure the positive connection clip to both the plank and the underlying structure. The at least one interlock clip may include an interlock member, the plank may include at least one groove, and the interlock member may communicate with the at least one groove.

[0020] A system for use on an exterior of a building may include a first cementitious trim member, a second cementitious trim member in communication with the first cementitious trim member, a first interlock member to secure the first cementitious member to the second cementitious member, and a second interlock member to secure the first cementitious member to another structure. The other structure may include an underlying structure, a third interlock member, a plank, and/or a complimentary member.

[0021] These and other features and advantages of the present description will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended numbered paragraphs or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the present systems, methods, and apparatus briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the systems and methods and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the present technology will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a building at least partially covered by a lap siding system;

[0024] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a lap siding system;

[0025] Fig. 3 is a cross section side view of a portion of a lap siding system;

[0026] Fig. 4 is a side view of a positive connection clip;

[0027] Fig. 5 is a front view of the positive connection clip of Fig. 4;

[0028] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the positive connection clip of Fig. 4;

[0029] Fig. 7 is a side view of an interlock clip;

[0030] Fig. 8 is a front view of the interlock clip of Fig. 7;

[0031] Fig. 9 is a rear view of the interlock clip of Fig. 7;

[0032] Fig 10 is a partial side view of a plank;

[0033] Fig. 11 is a partial rear view of the plank of Fig. 10;

[0034] Fig. 12 is a partial bottom view of the plank of Fig. 10;

[0035] Fig. 13 is a close-up view of a groove of the plank of Fig. 12;

[0036] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of multiple complimentary members and interlocking members;

[0037] Fig. 15 is another perspective view of multiple complimentary members and an interlocking member;

[0038] Fig. 16 is a side view of multiple complimentary members and an interlocking member; and

[0039] Fig. 17 is a side view of an interlocking member.

[0040] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a cementitious siding clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings. It will be readily understood that the components, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the lap siding system, methods, and apparatus, as represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, as described in the appended numbered paragraphs, but is merely representative of certain embodiments.

[0042] Fig. 1 presents a perspective view of a building or structure 100, which is representative of the large diversity of buildings or other structures with which the lap siding system of the present disclosure may be used. As used herein the terms building and structure will be used synonymously to identify an object to which a lap siding system may be applied.

For example, the structures and buildings may include residential homes, commercial buildings, schools and other non-residential buildings, sheds, garages, walls, boat houses, dog houses, etc. The structures to which the lap siding systems may be applied may comprise a variety of elements depending on the method of construction. For purposes of description, the structure 100 will be described as including a substructure at least part of which forms part or all of the exterior skeleton of a building. The terms substructure and underlying structure will be used herein to refer to that portion of the building to which one or more members of the lap siding system is attached.

[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates that the exposed exterior 102 of the building 100 may include a variety of components. As exemplary components, Fig. 1 illustrates a door 104, a window

106, a foundation 108, and soffit and fascia elements 110. Additionally, the exposed exterior

102 includes a lap siding system 112. The lap siding system may include several component parts, many of which are described hereinbelow and the remainder of which are consistent

with the principles described in the present disclosure. The door 104 and the window 106 illustrated in Fig. 1 are representative of the variety of doors and window that are or may become available for use. The foundation 108 is representative of the variety of circumstances in which a lap siding system may adjoin a different exterior material. For example, lap siding systems 112 may be applied on the exterior of a second level of a building while the first level of the building is covered by brick, stucco, or some other material. The soffit and fascia elements 110 are similarly representative of the variety of circumstances in which an upper portion of a building may extend further than the lower portion of the building. Such a situation is most common at the roofline, but may also occur when an upper level room includes a bay window or is otherwise configured to provide an overhang, such as to form a covered porch or similar feature.

[0044] The lap siding system 112 of the present disclosure may provide numerous benefits to the building it covers. For example, the present lap siding system may promote the weatherproofing of the building through the use of flashings at junctures between planks and between planks and other elements of the plank siding system 112. Additionally, the present lap siding system may facilitate the installation of the planks and other elements through the use of interlocking members between the planks. Interlocking members may include interlocking clips, biscuits, plates, splines, or other structures. Some aspects of these features will be described herein; other aspects have been previously described in United States Patent Application Serial Number 11/271,633, entitled WEATHERPROOF LAP SIDING SYSTEM, filed November 10, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0045] With continued reference to Fig. 1, lap siding systems 112 according to the present disclosure may include planks 114, which may be horizontal planks 116, vertical planks 118, or planks configured otherwise. The exact configuration of each plank 114 and its association with neighboring planks may vary based on its intended orientation and usage. Additionally, plank siding systems 112 may include one or more complimentary members 120 adapted to cooperate with the planks 114 to cover the exposed exterior 102 of the building 100. The complimentary members 120 may include such elements as corner trim members 122, door trim members 124, window trim members 126, soffit members 128, and fascia members 130. In some installations, it may be preferable to use a joint member 132 for decorative and/or functional purposes, which joint member 132 may be configured as a complimentary member 120. The lap siding system 112 may include additional complimentary members 120, additional planks 114, and/or additional interlocking members.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of a lap siding system 112. The lap siding system 112 includes multiple planks 114 such as horizontal planks 116 interlocked with each other by means of interlocking members. The interlocking members include multiple positive connection clips 134 and multiple interlocking clips 136 spaced throughout the lap siding system 112 between two planks 116. The positive connection clips 134 include multiple countersink guide holes 138. A screw, nail, or other means of attachment may be inserted through the multiple guide holes 138 in order to secure the positive connection clip 134 to a plank 116, and to secure the positive connection clip 134 and plank 116 to the surface of an underlying structure. The interlock clips 136 include a button 140 or other means of structural attachment on the exterior surface of the interlock clips 136. [0047] The button 140 slides into a groove 142 carved into the bottom rear surface of a plank 116. The positive connection clips 134 and interlock clips 136 hang from the top edge of each plank 116 such that an external portion of each clip is exposed to the bottom back surface of a neighboring plank 116. As each neighboring plank 116 is laid over the top of another plank 116 having clips 134 and 136 hanging therefrom, the bottom surface of the neighboring plank 116 covers the exterior surface of the external portion of the clips 134 and 136. The positive connection clips 134 are thus hidden from view in a fully assembled lap siding system 112. Likewise, the interlock clips 136 are also hidden from view in a fully assembled system 112 as the buttons 140 are placed within the grooves 142, permitting planks 1 16 above the interlock clips 136 to rest upon the buttons 140 of the interlock clips 136 by force of gravity and/or friction. A lap siding system 112 may include any number, orientation, layout, or configuration of clips 134 and 136 along a single plank 114, 116, and/or 118 and within a system of multiple planks 114, complimentary members 120, and/or interlocking members.

[0048] During assembly of a lap siding system 112, an individual may first start at the base or foundation 108 of a structure 100 by placing a first plank 116 at the base or foundation 108. At the top edge of the plank 116, the individual may then hang multiple clips 134 and/or 136. The positive connection clips 134 may then be secured by means of a screw, nail, or other fastener or means of attachment to the plank 116 and to the underlying structure. The interlock clips 136 may remain free to slide along the length of the top edge of the plank 1 16. [0049] A second plank 116 may then be placed above the initial plank 116 such that grooves 142 in the second plank 116 are placed into alignment with free floating interlock clips 136. The second plank 116 may then be slid downward, causing the buttons 140 of the

interlock clips 136 to slide into the corresponding grooves 142. The second plank 116 should then be interlocked with the interlock clips 136, causing the second plank 116 to be suspended under the force of gravity above the initial plank 116 and against the underlying structure 100. The user may then install, or may have previously installed, additional clips 134 and/or 136 on the second plank 116 and proceed to secure the second plank 116 to the underlying structure and to suspend an additional plank 116 or complimentary member 120 in a manner similar to the installation of the initial plank 116. hi this manner, an individual may install a lap siding system 112 using the interlocking members and planks 114 described herein.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a cross section side view of a portion of a lap siding system 112 similar to the lap siding system 1 12 described with reference to Fig. 2. The lap siding system 112 illustrates multiple horizontal planks 116 interlocked with each other by means of an interlock clip 136 and secured to the underlying structure 100 by means of a positive connection clip 134. The bottom portion of an upper plank 116 is interlocked with the upper portion of a lower plank 116 where the button 140 of the interlock clip 136 has been slid into the corresponding groove 142 of the upper plank 116. The interlock clip 136 is suspended from the top edge of the lower plank 116. The top portion of the upper plank 116 is secured to the underlying structure 100 by means of two screws 144. The exterior surface of the interlock clip 136 is concealed by the lower portion of the upper plank 116. [0051] As shown in the example of Fig. 3, the planks 116 may be 8.1875 inches wide and may overlap at their lower portion with the upper portion of a neighboring plank 116 by 1.25 inches. The groove 142 extends 0.5 inches into the width of each plank 116 at the bottom surface of each plank 116. Each plank 116 has a thickness of 0.3125 inches, and the depth of the groove 142 may extend approximately halfway into the thickness of the planks 116. With two planks 116 interlocked by means of an interlock clip 136 and adjacent to a structure 100, the most distant surface of a plank 116 will be approximately one inch or 0.9498 inches away from the exterior surface of the underlying structure 100. Unlike the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 2, the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 illustrates a positive connection clip 134 aligned directly above an interlock clip 136 on the top surface of neighboring plank 116. [0052] Figs. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate multiple views of a positive connection clip 134. Fig. 4 is a side view of a positive connection clip 134. The example of a positive connection clip 134 of Fig. 4 shows that the positive connection clip 134 includes two holes 138 drilled through both the external portion 146 and the internal portion 148 of the positive connection

clip 134. The holes 138 drilled through the external portion 146 of the positive connection clip 134 show a tapered edge or entry 150 that corresponds with the tapered head of a screw, nail, or other fastener 144. The tapered edges 150 may permit the fasteners 144 to be countersunk within the holes 138 such that the exterior surface of the head of a fastener 144 is flush with the exterior surface of the external portion 146. Thus, with fasteners 144 secured within the holes 138, there should be a smooth continuous surface along the exterior surface of the external portion 146. The edges 150 may be countersunk at a distance of 0.0625 inches within the thickness of the external portion 146.

[0053] All portions including the external and internal portions 146 and 148 of the positive connection clip 134 are approximately 0.125 inches thick. The positive connection clip 134 has been bent, molded, or otherwise formed in a shape including two 90° corners such that the external portion 146 is parallel with the internal portion 148. The exterior surface of the external portion 146 is approximately 0.5625 inches from the interior surface of the internal portion 148. The internal portion 148, and also the entire clip 134, is approximately 2.5 inches long. The external portion 146 is approximately 1 inch long. [0054] Either the external portion 146 or the internal portion 148, and/or any other feature of the positive connection clip 134, may be adjusted in dimension, size, shape, and/or orientation. For example, the internal portion 148 may increase its length from 2.5 inches to 6.5 inches in order to extend more fully along the length of the backside of a plank 116, thereby providing additional support for the plank 116. Alternatively, the length of the internal portion 148 may be decreased from 2.5 inches to approximately 1 inch in order to provide a positive connection clip 134 which is more easily initially placed on the top portion of the plank 116. In the present example shown in Fig. 4, the internal portion 148 is deliberately longer than the external portion 146 in order to enable an individual installing the positive connection clip 134 on the top portion of a plank 116 to slide a surface of the plank 116 against the exterior surface 152 of the internal portion 148, to align the exterior surface 152 with the back surface of a plank 116, and thus guide the positive connection clip 134 over the top portion of a plank 116 with convenience and ease.

[0055] Fig. 5 is a front view of the positive connection clip 134 described with reference to Fig. 4. The front view of the positive connection clip 134 reveals both holes 138 and their tapered surfaces 150. The positive connection clip 134 is 1.25 inches wide and the holes 138 are centered along the width of the external portion 146 of the positive connection clip 134. The holes 138 are also vertically spaced along the external portion 146 to provide adequate

structure between the holes 138 to support a connection between a fastener 144, the clip 134, a plank 116, and an underlying structure 100. The holes 138 are centered horizontally along the external portion 146 of the clip 134 such that the center of each hole 138 is 0.625 inches from either edge 154 of the clip 134. The radius of each hole 138 is approximately 0.1306 inches in length.

[0056] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the positive connection clip described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The rear view of the positive connection clip 134 illustrates that both holes 138 extend through the internal portion 148 of the clip 134. The top hole 138 is approximately 0.3281 inches from its center to the top edge 156 of the clip 134. The center of the top hole 138 is approximately 0.4063 inches separated from the center of the bottom hole 138. The radius of both holes 138 through the internal portion 148 is less than the radius of the countersunk holes 138 described with reference to Fig. 5. That is, the radius of the circle at its widest point shown in Fig. 5 is 0.1306 inches and the radius of both holes 138 shown in Fig. 6 is approximately 0.0781 inches.

[0057] Figs. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate multiple views of an interlock clip 136. Fig. 7 is a side view of an interlock clip 136. The interlock clip 136 is shaped similar to the positive connection clip 134 in that it includes two 90° turns along its body, includes an external portion 158, and includes an external portion 160. The external portion 158 has a button 162 protruding from the exterior surface of the external portion 158. The button 162 includes a head 164 secured by a neck 166 to the exterior surface of the external portion 158. The example of a interlock clip 136 of Fig. 7 also includes multiple fins 168 secured to the interior surface of the internal portion 160. The fins 168 provide an angled surface to the interior surface of the internal portion 160, and the angled surface of the fins 168 will communicate with the underlying structure 100 such that the interlock clip 136 will be angled in a manner corresponding the angle of the lap siding planks 116 used in connection with the clip 136. The fins 168 will thus provide additional structural support between the interior surface of an angled plank 1 16 and the exterior surface of an underlying structure 100. [0058] The dimensions of an interlock clip 136 may be similar to the dimensions of a positive connection clip 134. For example, the body of the interlock clip 136 is 0.125 inches thick. The length of the internal portion 160, and thus the overall length of the clip 136, is approximately 2.5 inches long. The length of the external portion 158 is approximately 1.3281 inches long. The center of the button 162 is approximately 0.9531 inches away from a top surface 170 of the clip 136. The exterior surface of the head 164 of the button 162 is

approximately 0.1563 inches from the exterior surface of the external portion 158, and the neck 166 of the button 162 extends approximately 0.0625 inches from the exterior surface of the external portion 158. The fins 168 are approximately 2.4274 inches long and approximately 0.165 inches wide at the widest cross section of the fins 168. The fins 168 slope at a 3.89 degree angle from the interior surface of the internal portion 160. [0059] Fig. 8 is a front view of the interlock clip 136 described with reference to Fig. 7. The front view of the interlock clip 136 reveals the button 162. The head 164 of the button 162 has a radius of approximately 0.1406 inches and the neck 166 of the button 162 has a radius of approximately 0.0625 inches. The center of the button 162 is horizontally spaced in the center of the width of the clip 136 such that the center of the button 162 is approximately 0.0625 inches from either edge 172 of the clip 136 that is approximately 1.25 inches wide. Although not shown, the interlock clip 136 may include positive connection holes similar to the holes 138 on the positive connection clip 134. Correspondingly, the positive connection clip 134 may include a button 162 or similar engagement structure or attachment means. [0060] Fig. 9 is a rear view of the interlock clip 136 described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. The rear view of the interlock clip 136 reveals two fins 168 secured to the interior surface of the internal portion 160 along the length of the clip 136 and near the edges 172. As previously mentioned, the fins 168 are approximately 2.4274 inches long, and the fins 168 are approximately 0.125 inches wide. The fins may be replaced and/or supplemented by any other structure capable of adding an angle to either the interlock clip 136 or the positive connection clip 134. For example, the entire internal portion 148 and/or 160 of either clip may be formed at a solid, angled wedge. Alternately, a single fin may be placed within the center of the horizontal width of either clip 134 and/or 136 on the interior surfaces of the internal portions 148 and/or 160. Alternatively, a single column or structure may extend from the interior surface of either internal portion 148 and/or 160 near the bottom portion of either clip 134 and/or 136.

[0061] Figs 10 through 13 illustrate multiple views of a plank 114, such as a horizontal plank 116. Fig. 10 shows a side or end view of a plank 116 having a groove 142 located within the bottom portion of the plank 116. The plank 116 is approximately 0.3125 inches thick. The groove 142 extends from a bottom surface 174 of the plank 116 into the plank 116 approximately 0.5 inches along an expanded groove portion 176 of the groove 142 and approximately 0.4219 inches along a narrow groove portion 178 of the groove 142. As

previously mentioned, the plank 116 may be formed of any material, including cementitious material.

[0062] Fig. 11 is a partial rear view of the plank 116 described with reference to Fig. 10. The partial rear view illustrates that the plank 116 may include multiple grooves 142 along the bottom surface 174 of the plank 116. The two grooves 142 are separated at their centers from each other by approximately twelve inches. The expanded portions 176 of the grooves 142 extend approximately 0.5 inches into the plank 116, whereas the narrow portions 178 of the grooves 142 only extend 0.4219 inches into the plank 116. Further, the narrow portions 178 are narrower than the width of the expanded portions 176. Thus, the expanded portions 176 are capable of accommodating the larger head 164 of the button 162 and the narrow portions 178 are capable of accommodating and receiving the narrower neck 166 of the button 162 on an interlock clip 136.

[0063] Fig. 12 is a bottom view of a portion of the plank 116 described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11. Fig. 12 shows the grooves 142 within the plank 116 and exposed an opening to the interior surface 180 of the plank 116.

[0064] Fig. 13 is a close-up view of a portion of the bottom view of Fig. 12 showing a groove 142 of the plank 116 described with reference to Figs. 10 through 12. The close-up view of the groove 142 reveals that the narrow portion 178 is approximately 0.0625 inches deep, the expanded portion 176 of the groove 142 is approximately 0.0938 inches deep, and the entire groove 142 is approximately 0.1563 inches deep. At its widest portion, that is the portion of the expanded portion 176, the groove 142 is approximately 0.25 inches wide. Thus, the dimensions of the groove 142 are capable of ensuring that the groove 142 may receive the button 162 of the interlock clip 136.

[0065] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of complimentary members 120 within a lap siding system 112. As shown in Fig. 14, the complimentary members 120 may be corner trim members 122. The corner trim members 122 may be formed of any material, including cementitious material, and may include additional components for interlocking members connecting the corner trim members 122 to each other and/or to additional complimentary members 120 or planks 114. For example, the two corner trim members 122 may be joined together by means of a biscuit, spline, or other interlocking member 182. The interlocking member or biscuit 182 may reside within a pocket cut within each of the corner trim members 122 and/or within a trench or channel cut along the full length of either of the corner trim members 122. The biscuit 182 may be a 0.25 inch spline. An additional interlocking

member, such as a flashing 184, may be secured to one or both of the corner trim members 122. The flashing 184 may include an ABS extension which may be secured to the corner trim member 122 by means of a fastener 144. Additional complimentary members 120, planks 114 and/or interlocking members may in turn communicate or be attached to or with the flashing 184.

[0066] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of a corner trim member assembly similar to that described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 15 shows complimentary members 120 such as the corner trim members 122 secured to each other by means of interlocking members such as biscuits 182. Further, an additional interlocking member such as flashing 184 is secured to one of the corner trim members 122. A portion of the flashing 184 extends into a groove 186 formed within the interior surface of the corner trim member 122 to which the flashing 184 is attached.

[0067] Fig. 16 is a side or end view of two corner trim members 122 secured together by means of an interlocking member, such as a biscuit 182. A one inch wide biscuit extends 0.5 inches into both of the corner trim members 122. The corner trim members 122 are both one inch thick. A smaller corner trim member 122 is approximately 4.5 inches wide, and a larger corner trim member 122 is approximately 5.5 inches wide. The larger corner trim member 122 may include a groove 186 formed along the length of the corner trim member 122 and within the interior surface and center portion of the corner trim member 122. The groove 186 is 0.5156 inches deep and 0.0938 inches wide. The groove 186 is approximately 0.9844 inches from an external edge 188 of the larger corner trim member 122. [0068] Fig. 17 is a side or end view of an interlocking member such as the flashing 184 described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15. The flashing 184 includes an extension member 190 extending four inches from the remaining body of the flashing 184. The extension 190 and all other portions of the flashing are approximately 0.0625 inches thick. The extension 190 connects to the remaining portion of the flashing 184 at a 90° angled corner. The body of the flashing 184 then continues in a direction perpendicular to the extension 190 for approximately 1.625 inches to form a groove extension 192 at the end of the body opposite the extension 190. The groove extension 192 is approximately 0.5 inches long and may be placed within the corresponding groove 186 previously described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. The groove extension 192 terminates halfway through the body between the groove extension 192 and the extension 190 as the body of the flashing 184 continues in a direction parallel to the extension 190 for approximately 1.4375 inches. At a portion along the

remainder of the body parallel to the extension 190, a retention extension 194 extends in a direction opposite the groove extension 192. The retention extension 194 is approximately 0.25 inches long and serves to retain a space between the flashing 184, the larger corner trim member 122, and the exterior surface of an underlying structure 100. The retention extension 194 also provides additional support between the corner flashing member 122 and the underlying structure 100. In this example, the retention extension 194 is approximately 0.375 inches from the end of the remaining portion of the body that is parallel to the extension 190. Thus, the total width of the flashing 184 may be 5.4375 inches wide and the total thickness of the flashing 184 may be 1.625 inches thick.

[0069] Figure 18 illustrates a further embodiment of a cementitious siding clip. The siding clip includes an adhesive layer as indicated in Figure 18. This allows for easy attachment and use of the siding clip and installation of the siding system. [0070] Although specific dimensions, orientations, shapes, and/or configurations have been used with reference to Figs. 1 through 18, such dimensions, orientations, shapes, and/or configurations may be modified in order to meet the requirements of a specific material, apparatus, and/or lap siding system 112. The previous dimensions, orientation, shapes, and/or configurations are merely given to provide examples of embodiments that may be employed under certain circumstances within the industry.

[0071] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. The principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended numbered paragraphs, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the numbered paragraphs are to be embraced within their scope. Similarly, where the description and/or the following numbered paragraph recites "a" or "a first" element or the equivalent thereof, such description should be understood to

include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0072] Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in that or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.