COVERING SYSTEM FOR AN EXPANSION JOINT

A covering system for an exterior expansion joint may be integrated as a panel in a larger system, such as a roofing or siding system. The system generally includes a flexible membrane having a panel connected along each longitudinal edge and extending away therefrom. The system further includes at least one attachment strip having a cleat configured to slideably connect with a linking region on each of the panels. When the at least one attachment strip is installed parallel with and adjacent to an expansion joint, engagement of the panels with the attachment strip positions the flexible membrane substantially over the expansion joint so that the system may expand and contract with the expansion and contraction of the expansion joint.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to panels useful to cover an expansion joint, such as an expansion joint in a roof.

BACKGROUND

In many construction projects involving materials such as concrete and steel, gaps are left between adjacent structural elements to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, wind sway, settlement, live load deflection, and/or seismic movements of the structural elements. By permitting expansion and contraction, the gaps prevent the structural materials and/or building cladding elements from cracking or buckling. These gaps are referred to as expansion joints or movement joints and are typically sealed to prevent them from allowing the passage of water, dirt, debris, or snow, etc. into the structure and/or between portions of the structure.

Current systems for covering and/or sealing exterior expansion joints in the roofs of structures typically consist of a length of flexible material or membrane that spans the dimensions of the joint between adjacent elements and is attached to each side of the joint, such as by anchor bars that are screwed or bolted to the substrate. The membrane, usually a sheet of rubber or the like, is wider than the joint itself to seal the joint and to allow for movement of the membrane with the structural materials defining the joint. Certain configurations even include additional covers to protect the membrane and/or provide a more uniform and appealing presentation.

For example,FIG.1illustrates a prior art example of a roof expansion joint seal20that includes a metal cover24over a membrane22. As shown, the roof expansion joint seal20is affixed about the joint J by fasteners26through a lip or flange28of the roof expansion joint seal20. Such prior art systems often experience problems when the fasteners and seals, which are exposed to weather conditions, fail due to deterioration, and thus no longer effectively anchor the membrane22and/or cover24about the joint J or protect the underlying substrate from moisture damage.

Moreover, these prior art expansion joint sealing systems are generally designed as standalone components that are installed separately from the roofing panels, e.g., include separate attachment components, and often look different than the remainder of the roofing system. For example, in metal roofing systems, the roofing panels are generally terminated on either side of an expansion joint, and a bellows is installed over the expansion joint. This creates a small wall running along either side of the expansion joint that detracts from the visual appearance of a smooth roof. Thus, in additional to added labor, the prior art systems may reduce the overall aesthetic of the finished surface, e.g., roof.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for an expansion joint cover that is simple to install and reliable in operation, such as installed as part of a larger siding or roofing system. Additionally, there exists a need in the art for expansion joint sealing components and systems that may provide a water-tight seal on a building substrate while affording thermal expansion and contraction in multiple dimensions.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed invention overcomes many of the shortcomings of the prior art by providing covering systems for an expansion joint that are easily installed as part of a larger system, such as a roofing or siding system, and which provide a seamless appearance within the larger system.

Accordingly, the system comprises at least one attachment strip having a top side comprising a cleat along one longitudinal edge, wherein the at least one attachment strip is connectable to a substrate adjacent to and parallel with the expansion joint via connectors; and a flexible membrane having a first panel connected along a first longitudinal edge and extending away from the first longitudinal edge and a second panel connected along a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge and extending away from the second longitudinal edge. At least one of the first and second panels comprises a linking region configured to provide slidable connection with the cleat of the at least one attachment strip such that when the cleat is installed adjacent an expansion joint, the flexible membrane becomes positioned over the expansion joint.

The cleat of the at least one attachment strip may comprise a U-shaped clip that projects upward and curves inward, such as toward the center of the attachment strip, on the top side thereof.

The linking region of each of the first and second panels is parallel with and proximal to the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the flexible membrane. Moreover, the linking region may comprise an S-shaped curve configured to slidably engage the cleat of the at least one attachment strip.

The cleat and the S-shaped curve of the linking region may be sized and configured to allow lateral movement of the first and second panels when connected to the attachment strips.

The flexible membrane may be connected to each of the first and second panels via a U-shaped clip on each roofing panel, wherein opposing edges of the flexible membrane (i.e., first and second longitudinal edges) are inserted within the U-shaped clip of the first or second panel, respectively, and the U-shaped clip is closed over the flexible membrane, sealed with the flexible membrane via a sealant, glued to the flexible membrane via an adhesive, or a combination thereof. The flexible membrane may be connected to each of the first and second panels via a connection element comprising first and second 90-degree turns inward in the form of a spiral, and the flexible membrane may be inserted within the spiral.

The covering system may comprise two attachment strips, wherein each attachment strip is secured to the roofing substrate adjacent to and parallel with the expansion joint on opposite sides thereof.

The covering system may comprise connection elements that provide connection to additional panels of a roofing or siding system. As such, each distal longitudinal edge of the first and second panel may include a connection element of a standing seam, wherein the distal longitudinal edge of each of the first and second panels is opposite an edge that is connected to the flexible membrane, and wherein the connection elements provide connection between the covering system and additional panels of a roofing or siding.

The distal longitudinal edge of the first and second panel may include a male or female element of a standing seam, wherein the male or female elements provide connection between the covering system and complementary male or female elements of additional panels of a roofing or siding.

The covering system may comprise a clip connectable to the substrate and releasably attachable with distal longitudinal edges of the first and second panels, wherein the distal longitudinal edges are opposite an edge of the first and second panels that is connected to the flexible membrane. The distal longitudinal edge of the first panel may comprise either a hook configured to snap over the clip or a raised lip configured to fit within the clip, and the distal longitudinal edge of the second panel may comprise the other of the hook configured to snap over the clip or the raised lip configured to fit within the clip. For example, the distal longitudinal edge of the first panel may comprise a hook configured to snap over the clip while the distal longitudinal edge of the second panel may comprise a raised lip configured to fit within the clip. In general, the clip provides connection between the covering system and additional panels, wherein the additional panels would comprise either of the hook or the raised lip not provided by the first or second panels of the covering system.

Components of the covering system, exclusive of the flexible membrane may be formed of any malleable metal. For example, the at least one attachment strip, the clip, and the first and second panels may be composed of coated or uncoated sheet metal. Moreover, each of the connectors that provide attachment of the attachment strip(s) to a substrate or the clip to the substrate such as a roofing or wall may comprise staples, nails, screws, or a combination thereof. Such connectors may or may not be provided as part of the system.

According to certain aspect, the covering system may further yet comprise a bolster or backer rod positionable within the expansion joint beneath the flexible membrane.

The present invention further relates to a method for installing a covering system for an expansion joint. The method generally comprises positioning a first attachment strip comprising a cleat on a substrate adjacent to and parallel with a first side of an expansion joint and attaching it thereto using connectors; positioning a second attachment strip comprising a cleat on the substrate adjacent to and parallel with a second side of an expansion joint opposite from the first side, and attaching it thereto using connectors; and releasably attaching an expansion joint cover to the substrate by sliding a linking region of each of a first and second panel of the expansion joint cover over the cleat of each of the first and second attachment strips so that a flexible membrane attached therebetween is positionable over the expansion joint. The first panel of the expansion joint cover is attached to the flexible membrane along a first longitudinal edge and extends away therefrom, and the second panel of the expansion joint cover is attached to the flexible membrane along a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge and extends away therefrom.

The method may further include before releasably attaching the expansion joint cover to the substrate, positioning a backer rod at the expansion joint so that it lies beneath the flexible membrane.

The method may further yet include attaching distal longitudinal edges of the expansion joint cover to panels of a roofing or siding, wherein each distal longitudinal edge of the first and second panels of the expansion joint include a male or female element of a standing seam, wherein the distal longitudinal edge of each of the first and second panels is opposite an edge that is connected to the flexible membrane, and wherein the male and female elements provide connection between the covering system and complementary male or female elements of the roofing or siding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the present invention is set forth in the context of various alternative embodiments and implementations involving panels for an expansion joint, such as a covering system for an expansion joint on a building substrate. Exemplary building substrates may be exterior or interior surfaces, such as a roof or wall.

Various aspects of the covering system for an expansion joint may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary implementations or embodiments. As used herein, the term “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other variations of the devices, systems, or methods disclosed herein. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. In addition, the word “comprising” as used herein means “including, but not limited to”.

Various aspects of the covering system for an expansion joint may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, and/or “joined” are interchangeably used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, and/or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements shown in said examples.

Relative terms such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of aspects of the covering system for an expansion joint in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. By way of example, if aspects of the covering systems shown in the drawings are turned over, elements described as being on the “bottom” side of the other elements would then be oriented on the “top” side of the other elements as shown in the relevant drawing. The term “bottom” can therefore encompass both an orientation of “bottom” and “top” depending on the particular orientation of the drawing.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “connector” is a reference to one or more connectors and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Words such as “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the methods.

Referring now to the drawings, systems according to the present disclosure are shown inFIGS.2-6. The systems, generally designated by the reference numeral10, include panels and flexible membranes for covering and/or sealing an expansion joint on a building substrate, such as a roof or wall. Exemplary building substrates include any known in the art, such as wood, concrete, metal, synthetic materials (e.g., polymers, composites, etc.), and the like.

With specific reference toFIG.2, a covering system10according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, wherein the system10is shown to be covering building substrates11aand11bon either side of an expansion joint J.

The covering system10includes first and second panels (12a,12b) and a flexible membrane M. The covering system10is generally configured so that when installed on a building substrate (11a,11b), the flexible membrane M is alignable with and spans the width W of the expansion joint J (i.e., spanned region). The spanned region may comprise substantially the full width W of the expansion J, such as shown inFIG.2, or may be comprise more or less than the full width W of the expansion joint J. Importantly, as installed, the flexible membrane M will have a diameter L that is greater than the width of the spanned region so that the membrane may expand or contract as the expansion joint expands or contracts.

The flexible membrane M may be formed of any malleable natural or synthetic material that is weather resistant or weatherproof (e.g., waterproof, heat resistant, UV resistant). Exemplary materials include natural and synthetic polymers, such as natural and synthetics rubbers, e.g., ethylene propylene diene monomer, silicone, and the like.

The flexible membrane M may be connected to the first and second panels (12a,12b) via a connector (16a,16b, respectively). As shown inFIG.2, the connector may be a U-shaped clip that allows insertion of respective longitudinal edges of the flexible membrane, wherein the U-shaped clip may be closed over and optionally compressed to securely capture the flexible membrane therein. Additionally, or alternatively, the flexible membrane may be glued via an adhesive, sealed with a sealant, stapled, screwed, or otherwise permanently affixed within the connector.

The covering system10may be designed and configured to be integrated within a larger covering system, such as a roofing or siding system. The roofing or siding may be part of any standard roofing or siding system, such as a hidden fastener system as shown inFIGS.2-5, or an exposed fastener system. As such, ends of the first and second panels (12a,12b) distal from the flexible membrane M may include attachment elements that may allow connection between the panels of the covering system and panels of the roofing or siding system. For example, the distal longitudinal edge of the first panel12ais shown to include a female connection element of a standing seam, wherein the panel of the roofing or siding system is shown to include a male connection element of the standing seam14. As such, distal ends of the first and second panels (12a,12b) each comprise a male or female element of a standing seam that may provide connection between the covering system and complementary male or female elements of additional panels of a roofing or siding.

When installed on a building substrate over an expansion joint, the presently disclosed covering system may expand and contract as the expansion joint expands and contracts. Moreover, during installation of the covering system10on a building substrate (11a,11b), no specific means for attachment of the first and/or second panels (12a,12b), such as bonding agents, glue, sealants, or the like, may be needed or used. When installed as such, environmental changes, e.g., changes in the temperature or humidity, that may cause the panels to expand or contract may be accommodated by the covering system (i.e., small amounts of movement may be allowed to occur). This reduces the wear and stress on the panels and improves the weather-tightness of the covering system of the presently disclosed invention.

Another covering system of the present disclosure is illustrated inFIG.3, wherein the system100is shown to be covering building substrates11aand11bon either side of an expansion joint J.

The covering system100includes first and second panels (112a,112b) and a flexible membrane M. The first panel112ais connected along and extends away from a first longitudinal edge of the flexible membrane M while the second panel112bis connected along and extends away from a second longitudinal edge of the flexible membrane that is opposite the first longitudinal edge. Such connections may be achieved by a connector116, such as a U-shaped clip on each of the first or second panels. The first and second longitudinal edges of the flexible membrane M may be inserted within the U-shaped clip on the first or second panel (112a,112b), respectively, and the U-shaped clip may be compressed or closed over the flexible membrane, glued to the flexible membrane via an adhesive, sealed with the flexible membrane via a sealant, or a combination thereof, to securely capture the flexible membrane therein.

According to certain aspects, the connector116may comprise a spiral shaped connector on the first and second panels (112a,112b), i.e., the connection element comprises first and second 90-degree turns inward in the form of a spiral as shown inFIG.6(see distal end134bof the second panel112bcurved inward in a spiral). In such an arrangement, the first or second longitudinal edge (M-b ofFIG.6) of the flexible membrane M is inserted within the connection element on the first or second panel, respectively, and the connection element is closed over the flexible membrane, e.g., compressed, glued to the flexible membrane, sealed with the flexible membrane, or a combination thereof, to securely capture the flexible membrane therein.

As shown inFIG.3, the covering system100may further include one or more attachment strips (120a,120b) that are attachable to the building substrate (11a,11b, respectively), such as adjacent to and parallel with the expansion joint, by connectors (122a,122b). Exemplary connectors include and one or more nails, screws, staples, and the like, or any combinations thereof. The attachment strips (120a,120b) provide a means to attach the flexible membrane M and attached panels (112a,112b) to the building substrate so that it is secured thereon, such as secured against uplift due to wind and other weather conditions. Moreover, when the flexible membrane M and attached panels (112a,112b) are slideably connected with the attachment strips (120a,120b), all fasteners are hidden, thus avoiding the issues noted hereinabove with exposure of visible fasteners to moisture and possible deterioration.

With continued reference toFIG.3, the attachment strips (120a,120b) include a cleat136aalong one longitudinal edge while the first and/or second panels (112a,112b) comprise a linking region (118a,118b, respectively). The linking region is configured to provide slidable connection with the cleat. Accordingly, when the at least one attachment strip is connected to the building substrate (11a,11b) parallel with and adjacent to the expansion joint J, the linking region (118a,118b) of the first and/or second panel (112a,112b, respectively) may be connected with the cleat136aof the attachment strip (120a,120b) so that the flexible membrane M is alignable with and spans the width W of the expansion joint J (i.e., spanned region). The spanned region may comprise substantially the full width W of the expansion J, such as shown inFIG.3, or may be comprise more or less than the full width W of the expansion joint J. Importantly, as installed, the flexible membrane M will have a diameter L that is greater than the width of the spanned region so that the membrane may expand or contract as the expansion joint expands or contracts.

A cross-sectional view of the covering system100is shown inFIG.4, and a close-up of the linking region of the second panel112band the cleat136bof one attachment strip120bis shown inFIG.6(region B ofFIG.4). As illustrated, the attachment strip120bis attachable to a building substrate11bvia connectors122b. While screws are shown, other connectors are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, each attachment strip may include holes or slots that provide passage of the connectors. The holes or slots may be provided in a variety of positions, such as spaced at standard distances known in the art. The holes may be sized to accommodate various dimensions of connectors. Further, the holes may allow for movement (expansion/contraction) of the building substrate in the course of environmental changes once installed thereof. That is, the holes may be shaped as slots so that movement may occur in at least one direction or may be larger than the size of the connectors so that movement may occur in multiple directions. In the latter case, if the hole is sized larger than the head of the connector, such as the head of the screw or nail, a washer may be used to secure the connector on the attachment strip. Such variation in connectors would be known by one having ordinary skill in the art. In certain embodiments, washers may be included to provide additional moisture protection. For example, washers may be metal washers, control seal washers, self-sealing washers, rubber or neoprene washers, and the like. Washers may be used in combination with any of the indicated fasteners, such as with nails or screws.

With continued reference toFIG.6, the cleat136bof the attachment strip120bis shown as a U-shaped clip that projects upward and curves inward, e.g., toward a middle of the attachment strip, on the top side of the attachment strip. The linking region118bof the second panel112bis shown to comprise an S-shaped curve135bconfigured to slidably engage the cleat, i.e., U-shaped clip of the at least one attachment strip112b. Moreover, the linking region and cleat may be designed and configured to so that engagement therebetween may allow for movement (expansion/contraction) of the building substrate resulting from environmental changes while maintaining connection, i.e., allow for lateral movement of the panel within the attachment strip while maintaining connection thereto.

The covering system (10,100) may be configured to be integrated with a larger system, such as a panel that may be attached to panels of a roofing or siding system. As such, each of the first and second panels may include connection elements that allow distal ends thereof (i.e., ends opposite connection with the flexible membrane) to be connected to existing roofing or siding panels. Panels of the roofing or siding systems may be connected to each other and/or the building substrate via any visible fastening system, e.g., face fastened panels, etc., or hidden fastening system, e.g., standing seams and the like. For example, as shown inFIGS.2and3, the covering system may be integrated with a standing seam14roofing or siding system. As such, each distal longitudinal edge of the first and second panel may include a connection element of a standing seam.

With specific reference toFIG.3, the distal longitudinal edge of the first and second panel may include a male or female element of a standing seam, wherein the male or female elements provide connection between the covering system and complementary male or female elements of additional panels of a roofing or siding panel or system.

According to certain aspects, the covering system may integrate with a roofing or siding system via a clip. As shown inFIG.4, the standing seam connection system includes a clip140attachable to the building substrate (11a,11b) via connection elements130, such as nails, screws, staples, or the like. In such construction, the end of one panel may include a hook or raised lip that fits within the clip140while the end of an adjacent panel may snap over the clip140and remain secured thereon, such as via a lip at an end of the hook. In this way, the two panels remained secured to the clip over the building substrate, i.e., roof or wall.

With specific reference toFIGS.4and5, the distal longitudinal edge of the first panel112aof the covering system100is shown to comprise a hook (see117aofFIG.5) configured to snap over a catch141on the clip140. The distal longitudinal edge of a second panel112bof the covering system100is shown to comprise a raised lip or inner hook (see119bofFIG.5) configured to fit within the catch141of the clip140(in use, the panel112awould likely be a panel of the roofing or siding system, i.e.,112a′). Accordingly, the presently disclosed covering system (10,100) may be easily integrated into a larger roofing or siding system, such as those comprising a standing seam connection. For example, once the raised lip119bof a second panel112bis positioned within the catch141of the clip140, snapping the end117aof a roofing or siding panel of the larger system (i.e.,112a′) over the catch141of the clip140acts to securely connect the two panels together (i.e., indent ‘a’ at the end117aof panel112a′ will secure the panel over the catch141of the clip140). Likewise, once the end of a roofing or siding panel of the larger system (i.e.,112b′) is positioned within the catch141of the clip140, snapping the hook117aat the end of the first panel112aover the catch141of the clip140acts to securely connect the two panels together.

While shown and described as having a raised lip119bat a distal edge of the second panel112band a hook117aat a distal edge of the first panel112a, an opposite arrangement is possible. Moreover, while the distal ends of the panels112aand112bare indicated to include a specific type and arrangement of connection means inFIGS.2-5, others are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the covering system (10,100) may be integrated with a snap-lock systems such as shown inFIGS.4and7A. With specific reference toFIG.7A, a first panel212aincludes a male element while a second panel212bincludes a female element. The male element of the second panel212bis positioned against a hook240, and the female element of the first panel is snapped over the hook240/male element. The hook240is attached to a building substrate via any of the connectors230described herein. In this design, the male element includes a catch ‘a’ that secures the end of the first panel of the end of the second panel.

Alternatively, the covering system (10,100) may be integrated with a nailed/fastened flange system, such as shown inFIG.7B, wherein a first panel212aincludes a male element at an end that has an extended flange region configured to lie flat on a building substrate211b. The flange may be attached to the building substrate211bvia any of the connectors230described herein. The second panel212bincludes a female element at an edge that snaps over the male element to secure the two panels together and to the building substrate. In a further example, the covering system (10,100) may be integrated with a mechanically seemed roofing system, wherein each of the first212aand second212bpanels are abutted on opposite sides of a hook240, and a mechanical seem roller is used to fold the ends of the panels one or more times (e.g., single lock and double lock systems). The hook240is attached to a building substrate via any of the connectors230described herein.

While certain connection systems have been described herein, others are possible and within the scope of the present invention. For example, the connection between panels may be via a tee panel system that includes a cap that locks two panels together, or systems that are attached directly to the building substrate via connection elements positioned through the panels (i.e., exposed fastener systems).

The covering system (10,100) may further include a bolster or backer rod123positionable within the expansion joint J and supported by structural elements124therein. The bolster or backer rod123may maintain the flexible membrane M in a somewhat extended position so that it doesn't collapse inward.

The covering system (10,100) may be positioned over a moisture barrier material, insulation, or underlayment that is attached directly over the building substrate (see90inFIG.7B). For example, the covering system (10,100) may be positioned over asphalt saturated-felt, i.e., felt paper, rubberized asphalt, or non-bitumen synthetic underlayment, such that the backer rod123is positioned between the underlayment and the flexible membrane M. When the building substrate is a vertical side of the building, the underlayment may be a foam insulation, moisture barrier such as TYVEK, and the like.

The covering system (10,100) disclosed herein may have panels (12a,12b,112a,112b), attachment strips (120a,120b), and clips140formed of any malleable metal, such as sheet metal construction. For example, the sheet metal may be stainless steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, titanium, or any alloy or combination thereof (e.g., aluminum-zinc alloy coated sheet steel). Other metals such as, for example, galvanized steel or brass, or any synthetic resin material are also within the scope of the present invention.

The panels (12a,12b,112a,112b) and attachment strips (120a,120b) are preferably of generally rectangular shape; however, the ends or sides nearest an end or edge of a building surface may be tapered to various other shapes such as, for example, a trapezoidal shape, for special architectural applications. The panels may be roll formed in any length as required for the project. In preferred embodiments, the various panels, strips, and clips are of unitary construction, although spot welding of components may be employed. According to certain aspects, the panels may be roll formed on site.

While discussed herein as a covering system for an exterior surface such as a roof or siding, the presently disclosed components and systems may be useful for covering any surface having an expansion joint. The surface may comprise a substrate11such as plywood, sheetrock, or any other material to which the covering system10may be attached. Alternatively, the building substrate11may be a series of exposed beams, studs, or trusses to which the covering system10may be attached.

The covering system (10,100) may be provided as components that are assembled on site, such as supplied as a kit comprising a flexible membrane, and first and second panels. The kit may optionally include at least one attachment strip, a backer rod, at least one clip, a plurality of connectors, or any combination thereof.

Alternatively, the covering system (10,100) may be provided pre-assembled wherein the first and second panels are securely attached to the flexible membrane as shown inFIGS.2and3. In this latter case, the covering system may comprise a panel (i.e., panel composed of a flexible membrane and first and second panels), and optionally one or more attachment strips. According to certain aspects, the covering system (10,100) may optionally also include at least one clip, a backer rod, a plurality of connectors, or any combination thereof.

Referring now toFIG.4, a method of installing the covering system100will be described. If provided as a kit wherein various portions, i.e., the flexible membrane and first and second panels, are not assembled, an early step in the method would include securely attaching each of the first and second panels to the flexible membrane as described herein. The method generally comprises preparing the building substrate (11a/11b) according to standard practice. For example, when the building substrate is a roof, the building substrate may be covered with a water resistant or waterproof barrier or membrane. An attachment strip (120aand/or120b) may be positioned on the building substrate on either or both sides of an expansion joint J parallel with and adjacent thereto. The attachment strip (120aand/or120b) may be secured to the building substrate (11a,11b) by connectors (122a,122b). The clip140may be secured to the building substrate parallel with and distanced from the attachment strip(s) and/or the expansion joint J. The linking region (118a,118b) of the first and/or second panel may be slideably engaged with the cleat136aof the attachment strip(s).

Before, after, or simultaneously with slideable engagement of the linking region with the cleat, the raised lip (e.g.,119b) of the first or second panel may be inserted under the catch141of a first clip (140). As described, it is assumed that this step occurs before an adjacent panel from the roofing or siding system is engaged with the clip (i.e., hook of the roofing or siding panel is already positioned over the catch of the clip).

Finally, the hook (e.g.,117a) of the other of the first or second panel may be pushed over the catch141of a second clip140. As described, it is assumed that this step occurs after an adjacent panel from the roofing or siding system is engaged with the clip (i.e., a raised lip of the roofing or siding panel is already positioned within the catch of the clip).

Moreover, while specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternations and applications could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements, systems, apparatuses, and methods disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention.