Simulated bark siding and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A synthetic composition panel having a surface which resembles a tree bark is provided. The synthetic composition panel defines a series of irregular grooves and indentations which extend varied distances into the thickness of the panel. The irregular pattern of the grooves, the angles of the grooves, and the depth of the grooves contribute to a panel having an appearance of a tree bark product. The panel has sufficient strength to be used as a roofing product, interior siding, exterior siding, and can be fashioned into decorative trim items such as door moldings, window moldings, and door frame moldings.

1 . A synthetic composition panel having a surface which resembles tree bark comprising:
 a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, said panel having a height of at least about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches;   said upper panel further defining a plurality of irregular grooves and indentations interspersed between a plurality of intervening ridge regions, said upper surface having a surface area at least about 50 percent greater than said lower surface.   
     
     
         2 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 1  wherein said plurality of grooves include grooves which extend a depth of at least about 50 percent of the panel height. 
     
     
         3 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 1  wherein said plurality of grooves include grooves which extend a depth of at least about 75 percent of the panel height. 
     
     
         4 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 1  wherein a plurality of said irregular grooves and indentations define an included angle of at least about 45 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 1  wherein said irregular grooves and indentations extend in substantially parallel fashion and are discontinuous from one edge of the panel to an opposite edge of the panel. 
     
     
         6 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 1  wherein substantially all of said irregular grooves and indentations are continuous from one edge of a panel to an opposite edge of said panel, thereby facilitating drainage of water from said upper surface. 
     
     
         7 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 1  wherein said ridge regions further define a simulated wood grain. 
     
     
         8 . A synthetic composition panel having a surface which resembles tree bark comprising:
 a panel having an upper surface and a lower surface, said panel having a height of at least about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches;   said panel further defining a plurality of irregular grooves and indentations interspersed between a plurality of intervening ridge regions, said upper panel surface having a surface area having a surface area of at least about 50 percent greater than said lower surface;   an adhesive seal layer applied to a lower surface of said panel, said adhesive seal layer comprising a sealable mixture adapted for providing a water tight seal around a nail used to install the synthetic composition panel.   
     
     
         9 . The synthetic composition panel according to  claim 8  wherein said adhesive seal layer comprises a mixture of an asphalt and an adhesive sealant selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene, polybutane, polybutalene and mixtures thereof.