In the past and at present, the use of backer insulation material on panel siding, particularly vinyl siding, has not been available. Also, there has been no way to fasten a backer of insulation to a panel other than by the use of adhesives. Use of adhesives (gluing) has proven unsuccessful because of the tendency of the panel to expand and contract. Adhesives will not permit free expansion and contraction and will cause the panel to buckle. The panels of the present invention are designed to provide built-in receivers on the back to accommodate insulation. No adhesive is required and hence the panels are free to expand and contract. Moreover, the panel-insulation units may be installed in a single step, reducing labor costs.
The panel siding of this invention has specially designed panels with a unique tongue and groove interlock between panels. The tongue and groove interlock is engaged simply and easily during installation. The tongue and groove interlock provides a seal without restricting expansion or contraction of the panels.
The panel siding of this invention may be installed from the bottom up or from the top down. In addition to vertical application on a wall, the paneling may be used as horizontal siding or for soffits. Preferably, the panels are prenotched at the ends to allow for overlapping of the panels, have built in weep holes for moisture control, and have a projected in place "R" factor of between 3 and 5, whereas panels in other known systems have only a 0.80 "R" factor or something less than 1.
The object of this invention is to provide panel siding having some or all of the above features. Other objects will become more apparent as the following description proceeds, especially when considered with the accompanying drawings.