Modular panel system and method

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for an exterior covering capable of withstanding extreme wind loads. In one embodiment, a wind resistant exterior covering includes a first panel fastened to a substrate and a second panel fastened to the substrate. The second panel engages the first panel, and a clip fastened to the substrate is adapted and located to laterally restrain movement of the second panel with respect to the first panel. In another embodiment, a method of engaging panels of a modular exterior covering system includes coupling a protruding portion of a first panel with a respective receiving portion of a second panel. The coupling is such that the first panel is laterally restrained by the second panel and a clip, and the first panel is outwardly restrained by the receiving portion of the second panel.

1 . A method for installing an exterior covering to a building so as to resist wind loads exceeding 200 miles per hour, comprising:
 securing a first panel to a substrate of the building, the first panel including a receiving portion and a flange extending therefrom;   securing a clip to the substrate;   inserting a tongue portion of a second panel into the receiving portion of the first panel wherein the second panel is restrained from moving in a direction normal to the substrate by the receiving portion, wherein the tongue portion protrudes laterally away from an interference face, and wherein the second panel is restrained from moving in a lateral direction by the interference face contacting the clip.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein securing the clip to the substrate comprises positioning the clip on the flange of the first panel and securing the clip to the substrate. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fitment of the tongue portion in the receiving portion comprises a friction fit. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first panel and the second panel each further comprises an outer face, an inner cavity, and an inwardly oriented substantially planar interference face defined within the inner cavity, the interference face being generally perpendicular to the outer face and including a first end depending from the outer face and a second end, the tongue portion extending outwardly away from the second end of the interference face. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising aligning the second panel to be proximate to and laterally offset from the first panel. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the clip includes a base portion and a pair of wings protruding upward from the base portion, and wherein the second panel is restrained from moving in a lateral direction by the interference face contacting the wings of the clip. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the clip and the second panel are configured such that the clip is in contact with the inner cavity and the tongue portion of the second panel is biased against the receiving portion of the first panel. 
   
   
       8 . A method of installing an exterior covering, comprising:
 positioning a first panel on a substrate, the first panel including a receiving portion and a flange extending therefrom;   positioning a clip on the flange and securing the clip to the substrate;   releasably coupling a tongue portion of a second panel with the receiving portion of the first panel, such that the second panel is laterally restrained by the clip and is outwardly restrained by the receiving portion of the first panel.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the fitment of the tongue portion in the receiving portion comprises a friction fit. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein each panel comprises a generally planar outer face, an inner cavity, and an interference face defined within the inner cavity, and wherein the interference face of the second panel is configured to contact the clip to laterally restrain movement of the second panel. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein each panel comprises a generally planar outer face; an inner face opposing the outer face; first, second, third and fourth sidewalls extending generally in the direction of the inner face; an inner cavity defined by an intersection of the inner face and the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls, the inner cavity including an inwardly oriented substantially planar interference face on one of the sidewalls, the interference face including a proximal portion depending from the outer face, the interference face being generally perpendicular to the outer face; wherein the tongue portion extends outwardly from a distal portion of the interference face and away from the inner cavity; wherein the receiving portion is defined in a sidewall opposite the tongue portion; and wherein the interference face of the second panel is configured to contact the clip to laterally restrain movement of the second panel.