WO2006063333A2

WO2006063333A2 - Heat and mosture disipating building cladding

Info

Publication number: WO2006063333A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/044877
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregor Fischer; David Rockwood
Original assignee: University Of Hawaii
Priority date: 2004-12-09
Filing date: 2005-12-08
Publication date: 2006-06-15
Also published as: WO2006063333A3

Abstract

A building cladding panel (60) comprising an exterior unit (61) which absorbs undesirable heat from an exterior of a building and which conducts said undersirable heat and moisture to air inside an interior and an interior portion (62) which conducts a portion of said undesirable heat and moisture to air located adjacent to said interior portion, which further allows said air to flow to said exterior of said building thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat and moisture.

Description

S P E C I F I C A T I O N

TITLE OF INVENTION HEAT AND MOSTURE DISIP ATING BUILDING CLADDING

[0001] This application claims priority from U. S. Provisional Application 60/634,975 entitled Ventilating Roofing System, filed on December 9, 2004 and U. S. Provisional Application 60/670,397 entitled Weather Protecting Cladding System filed on April 11, 2005, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to protective building cladding. The primary function of building cladding is the protection of an interior of building from exterior elements such as weather (generally in the form of rain or snow) and solar energy (generally in the form of heat and light). Building cladding can take the form of roofing (protecting an exterior top of a building) or siding (protecting exterior walls of a building).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There a number of methods for forming a protective layer on the exposed surface of buildings. For smaller, typically residential buildings, such methods are typically comprised by an assembly of smaller modular units including overlapping or interlocking elements capable of maintaining a protective barrier against precipitation, wind, and solar energy. Examples of such elements include shingles, lap siding, and vertical siding. These elements are traditionally made of wood, and use a protective layer of oil, stain, or paint. Later developments include the use of materials such as aluminum, hydrocarbon impregnated materials, and synthetic materials which are promoted as having greater longevity and to require less maintenance. [0004] A wide variety of cladding panels composed of various materials have been devised to cover the walls of larger buildings. Cladding panels are typically characterized as being hung on a structural backing which may include the frame elements or bearing walls of a building. In some instances the panels may provide a degree of resistance to thermal transfer. However, typical cladding panels serve only to provide a first weathering surface to the building. Such buildings will typically employ a wall assembly comprised of the cladding panels, mounting clips, moisture barrier, insulation, structural backing, and interior finish. Of the various types of cladding panels, the prior art may be divided into two principle categories. The first category may be characterized as a rain barrier system in which edge interlocks, sealants, or seals are used between panel joints on the exterior surface in the attempt to keep water from penetrating beyond the outermost panel surface. Unfortunately, the degradation of these barriers, in conjunction with high wind pressures, will inevitably result in failure of the barriers, and water being driven into the wall assembly at high pressure. The second category may be characterized as a rain-screen system. The joints between cladding panels in a rain-screen system are left open, and cavities behind the panel are designed to equalize the exterior wind surface pressure. Due to the mitigation of wind pressure, water is less likely to be driven into the wall assembly. In addition, rain-screen systems typically require less maintenance, due to elimination of the many panel joint sealant means employed in barrier systems. Despite the generally superior performance of rain-screen cladding systems over rain barrier systems, they have not gained a large share of the market due to the greater complexity of fabrication, and the difficulty in adapting the system to the various materials that are commonly employed, including stone, concrete, tile, masonry, metal, and plastic.

[0005] Of the existing building cladding, it may be seen that typical residential siding types are less than optimal with respect to maintenance, longevity, and fire-resistance. Rain barrier cladding systems are prone to failure, and require high maintenance. Rain-screen cladding systems are relatively expensive to fabricate, and typically provide a very low maintenance surface only if a relatively heavy material is used, such as stone or masonry. [0006] However, in areas subject to high solar energy levels, the majority of the existing systems fail to adequately mitigate the thermal transfer of solar-induced heat by radiation and conduction into the underlying wall assembly. As a result, relatively high thermal loads are placed on the conditioned interior space, thus requiring a variety of countermeasures to maintain occupant comfort; e.g., increasing the cooling capacity of air-conditioning equipment or adding insulation.

[0007] One method of reducing solar heat gain through a wall assembly is to use cladding materials that have low thermal conductivity. Wood is one such material which is typically used in the form of lap siding or shingles. Unfortunately, wood is quite vulnerable to fire, and is therefore limited to certain building types.

[0008] Another method of reducing solar gain through a wall assembly is to employ a highly reflective surface on the cladding. Polished metal panels, or panels having a white or light color surface may provide such reflectance. However, such reflectance may produce unwanted glare. In addition, the material choices for panels having such reflective surfaces is relatively limited. [0009] Perhaps the most effective means of providing reduced solar heat gain through a wall assembly is to provide a ventilating space between the cladding and the remaining parts of the wall assembly. While a number of cladding types and systems do incorporate space between the cladding and the remaining parts of the wall assembly, this space is not typically designed to provide a ventilating system effective in reducing solar heat gain. [00010] Prior art wall cladding systems have additional drawbacks. For example, cladding systems that provide greater surface durability and to require low maintenance are typically made of stone, tile, or masonry. However, because of the difficulty in providing internal reinforcement with these materials, the cladding panels must be made relatively thick in order to prevent cracking or breaking during transport and installation. In addition, stone, tile and masonry materials are quite brittle, and are therefore vulnerable to cracking due to building movements or impact loads, and therefore may require special fastening systems to help mitigate these effects. The typical durable cladding panel is quite heavy, and is therefore relatively difficult to transport and install. In addition, the weight of the panels may necessitate a wall structure which is stronger than would be otherwise necessary.

[00011] Another problem with existing building cladding systems is that when moisture penetrates the outmost cladding layer, such as a roofing tile or wall siding, if the moisture is allowed to remain between outermost layer and moisture barrier layer, degradation of these various cladding layers can occur, such as oxidation of metallic members, mold and other material damage and degradation.

[00012] Thus, there is a need for a building cladding system which allows for the dissipation of undesirable heat and moisture which has penetrated the building cladding system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00013] ^' One of the best methods of dissipating undesirable heat and moisture which has penetrated a building cladding system is to use a flow of air on the internal side of the cladding system to carry away undesirable heat and moisture. The present invention can be used on both the top exterior (roof) or side exterior (walls) of a building.

[00014] The present invention provides for building cladding which allows the flow of air across the interior surface of the cladding to dissipate heat and moisture which has penetrated from the exterior of the building cladding. The building cladding is formed with air vents on the interior side which allows air to enter along a lower edge. The air is allowed to flow along the interior surface of the building cladding, where it picks up both undesirable heat, that has been conducted through the building cladding from solar energy impacting the exterior surface of the building cladding, and evaporated moisture, from moisture that has penetrated the edges and seams of the building cladding. Air movement is caused by a combination of convection and wind. Since warmer air rises, air that has been heated on the interior of the building cladding rises, either up the roof from the lower edge to the top edge, or from the bottom of an exterior wall to the roof line. Additionally, wind impacting the lower open air vents on the building cladding will enter the building cladding and will push air though the building cladding and out the upper, protected, air vents.

[00015] Additionally, the present invention provides for an assembly comprised of modular panel units containing internal cavities to provide venting channels, and capable of interconnecting to provide a plurality of contiguous interconnecting vent channels from a lower portion of the assembly to an upper portion of the assembly, and to provide protection from wind-blown rain by employing pressure equalization according to the rain-screen principle, in which building cladding panels are not sealed against wind and rain, so as to prevent higher exterior air pressure from driving moisture into the building cladding.

[00016] In accordance with the present invention, a building cladding system comprises a plurality of modular cladding panel units capable of being connected together, and to conform to a wide variety of wall shapes, and to serve as a protective barrier for the exposed walls of buildings. The cladding panel units may be formed from a variety of materials including concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, plastics, and structural composites. The modular cladding panel units are secured to the underlying wall backing with selectably-detachable fasteners, allowing ease of assembly and disassembly of the building cladding system. The cladding panel units have internal vent channels, and may incorporate a thermal break situated between the outer and inner portions of the panel units. The modular cladding panel units may be placed in a generally planar configuration and provide in such configuration a series of contiguous interconnecting vent channels that may begin at the lowermost portion of the wall and end at the uppermost portion of the wall. The series of vent channels form a passive ventilation system within the cladding panels and throughout the building cladding system, thus reducing the temperature of the cladding panels and decreasing the conductance and radiation of solar- induced heat from the cladding system into the underlying conditioned building space. The present invention may further be configured with open joints between cladding panels, and incorporate pressure equalization channels, and to thereby incorporate rain-screen principles such to mitigate the intrusion of wind-borne water through the wall assembly. [00017] Accordingly, it may be seen that a building cladding system of the present invention may be utilized for a variety of wall and roof configurations. The present invention efficiently resists impact loads, and provides a relatively fast, cost effective, and safe means of assembling and disassembling the assembly. The present invention allows the principal components to be connected together using a limited set of readily-available hand tools, and utilizes a small number of components. These attributes promise to allow relatively unskilled persons to assemble, disassemble, or replace components of the building cladding system quickly and easily.

[00018] The building cladding system is comprised principally of a plurality of cladding panels having modular dimensions to allow the units to be assembled into a generally planar configuration, and in such configuration provide a series of contiguous interconnecting ventilating channels that begin at the lowermost portion of the wall and end at the uppermost portion of the wall. The series of vent channels form a passive ventilation system within the cladding panels, thus cooling the temperature of the cladding panels and decreasing the conductance of heat into the underlying conditioned building space.

[00019] The building cladding system may employ rain-screen principles to mitigate intrusion of wind-borne water into and through the wall assembly. Such rain-screen principles may cooperate synergistically with the incorporated passive ventilation system.

[00020] The cladding panel units may be formed from a variety of materials including concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, plastics, and composites, selected for the desired properties including insulating value, strength, impact-resistance, surface durability, weight, light reflection, and color. In addition, the cladding panels may be economically formed to provide shapes offering a high strength-to-weight ratio.

[00021] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely as illustrating some embodiments of this invention. The various components can have other shapes and sizes, material composition, include particular numbers of elements, and be assembled in a variety of sequences, etc. For example, many cladding panel modules having the same or differing embodiments from those shown presently may be placed together in varied patterns thus producing relatively large and complex assemblies. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

[00022] Accordingly, some of the objects and advantages of the building cladding system are to provide:

[00023] A cladding system applicable to a wide variety of building walls of different shapes and configurations by providing a variety of panel shapes and fastening methods.

[00024] A cladding system applicable to a variety of wall form conditions allowing assembly by relatively low-skilled persons by providing a simple, rationalized construction method.

[00025] A cladding system whereby the cladding panel units may be formed from a variety of materials, including recycled materials, with such materials having separately or in combination desired properties including high strength, low weight, thermal resistance, durability, and degrees of light reflectance.

[00026] A cladding panel capable of being formed such to provide high resistance to impact loads while remaining relatively lightweight by employing durable materials formed in structurally efficient shapes.

[00027] A cladding system that may be easily disassembled to allow re-use of the modular components, or for the material comprising the components to be recycled. [00028] A cladding system providing a high degree of thermal and moisture protection, and to be able to incorporate a thermal break such to mitigate thermal conductance through the unit.

[00029] A cladding system providing a high degree of moisture protection through the incorporation of rain-screen principles in the design of joints and pressure equalization channels.

[00030] A cladding system providing a high degree to resistance to fire by employing appropriate non-combustible materials.

[00031] A cladding system capable of being joined in such manner, and to be comprised of such materials, in order to provide ductile behavior when resisting dynamic loading produced by earthquakes or winds.

[00032] A cladding system incorporating internal ventilating channels to provide passive ventilating air flow such to mitigate heat transfer to underlying building elements and interior spaces.

[00033] This invention improves upon existing wall protection systems and methods by providing: (1) recyclability and reusability of components, (2) ductile resistance to structural and natural forces, (3) fire resistance, (4) ease and speed of assembly and disassembly by relatively low-skilled persons, (5) resistance to environmental conditions, particularly solar radiation heat transfer and wind-blown rain.

[00034] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

10 BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00035] Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following description thereof when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[00036] Fig. IA shows, in an exploded isometric view, a first preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system.

[00037] Figs. IB₃ and 1C show, in respective isometric views, a first preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system.

[00038] Fig. 2 shows, in a isometric view, the first preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

[00039] Fig. 3 shows, in a partial vertical section view, the first preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

[00040] Figs. 4A and 4B show, in respective exploded isometric views, a second preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system.

[00041] Fig. 4C and 4D show, in isometric views, the second preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

[00042] Fig. 5 shows, in a isometric view, the second preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

[00043] Fig. 6 shows, in a partial vertical section view, the second preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

[00044] Figs. 7A and 7B show, in isometric views, a third preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the cladding panel of the building cladding system.

1 1 [00045] Fig. 8 shows, in a partial isometric view, the third preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

[00046] Fig. 9 shows, in a partial vertical section view, the third preferred embodiment of the building cladding system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00047] Fig. IA shows, in an exploded isometric view, a first preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system. One cladding panel 60 is shown comprised by one of an outer unit 61 , and one of an inner unit 62. Outer unit 61 and inner unit 62 are to be connected together using adhesive, or other suitable means. Outer unit 61 and inner unit 62 may be made of a variety of materials including , fiber-reinforced concrete, glass, plastics, and structural composites, and may be formed from a variety of methods including casting, molding, stamping, and milling. In the present illustration, outer unit 61 and inner unit 62 are assumed to be formed using molded fiber-reinforced concrete. The use of this material in this application has certain advantages, for example, a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio, ductility, weather resistance, moldability, and impact resistance.

[00048] The preferred formula for the fiber-reinforced concrete is one part cement, one part sand, one part fly ash, 44/100 part water, 2/100 part HRWA (high range water-reducing admixture) and 2% by volume PVA (poly vinyl alcohol) fibers less than a inch in length. [00049] A plurality of a fastener hole 68 is formed on the respective upper edges of outer unit 61 and inner unit 62.

[00050] Figs. IB and 1C illustrate, in isometric views, a first preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system. Cladding panel 60 is shown in its form of

12 complete manufacture comprised by outer unit 61, inner unit 62, and adhesive 63. Outer unit 61 and inner unit 62 are permanently bonded together using adhesive 63. Adhesive 63 may be made of a variety of materials including rubber, plastics, and structural composites. Adhesive 63 serves to attach outer unit 61 and inner unit 62 and to serve as a thermal break to mitigate thermal transfer from outer unit 61 to inner unit 62. A plurality a fastener hole 68 is located near the upper edge of cladding panel 60. Each fastener hole 68 continues through the thickness of cladding panel 60. The outer exposed surface of outer unit 61 is relatively planar, whereas the inner surface is formed to contain a plurality of ridges. The inner surface of inner unit 62 is relatively planar. As a result of the respective shapes of outer unit 61 and inner unit 62 when connected together as shown in Figs. IB and 1C, a plurality of a vent channel 65 are formed into cladding panel 60. Vent channel 65 is preferably ¹A inch to ¹A inch tall and 4 inches wide. Outer unit 61 is shaped in such manner to provide one of a edge interlock 69 on each side of cladding panel 60. A plurality of a fastener hole 68 is formed in the upper edge of outer unit 61 and inner unit 62.

[00051] The overall form of cladding panel 60 is similar to what is commonly referred to as a hollow core concrete slab, and shares the advantages of such element in that the series of interior ribs serve to reinforce and stiffen the overall form of cladding panel 60 to provide a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio.

[00052] It should be noted that in the present preferred embodiment each cladding panel

60 is comprised by three primary elements: outer unit 61, inner unit 62, and adhesive 63. In another embodiment of cladding panel 60, outer unit 61, inner unit 62 could be adhered using a variety of applied self-adhering gasket types which would eliminate the need for adhesive 63. In yet another embodiment cladding panel 60 could be formed in one piece which would eliminate

13 the need to form outer unit 6 land inner unit 62 as separate pieces, and to subsequently join the two^'pieces into a single unit. In another embodiment of cladding panel 60, outer unit 61 could be used as the only unit comprising cladding panel 60.

[00053] Fig. 2 illustrates, in a isometric view, a first preferred embodiment of the building cladding system. Fig. 3 illustrates, in a partial vertical section view, a first preferred embodiment of the building cladding system. A plurality of cladding panel 60 are shown arranged in a shingle pattern. The shingle pattern is formed by a first course of cladding panels 60 set in a substantially planar relation to each other. Each vertical edge of cladding panel 60 contains one edge interlock 69, and each cladding panel 60 of the first course is placed in a generally abutting relationship and is interlocked to any adjacent cladding panel 60. The interlocked relationship serves to maintain a degree of mechanical engagement between abutting cladding panels 60 in the course, and provides a catchment channel for water runoff. The shingle pattern is further formed by a second course of cladding panels 60 set in a substantially planar relation to each other, and in such manner that the inner surface of cladding panels 60 in the second course are contacting the outer surface of cladding panels 60 in the first course. In addition, the vertical edge of cladding panels 60 in the second course are interlocked to each other in the same manner as described for cladding panels 60 in the first course. The interlocked joint between adjacent cladding panels 60 in the first course are offset from the interlocked joint between adjacent cladding panels 60 in the second course. Each cladding panel 60 is fastened to wall backing 20 with a fastener 50 placed through fastener hole 68.

[00054] Moisture barrier 30 is placed on top of a wall backing 20. Moisture barrier 30 is of material composition as is typical for wall applications. Moisture barrier 30 is used as a secondary level of protection should any rainwater penetrate beyond the surface of cladding

14 panels 60. Each cladding panel 60 is connected through moisture barrier 30 into wall backing 20 such to secure against anticipated structural loads.

[00055] Air is able to enter into the lower opening of each vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 in the first course; and moves upwardly through each vent channel 65, and is exhausted out of the upper opening in each vent channel 65. A second course of cladding panels 60 is placed above the first course of cladding panels 60 such that each vent channel 65 in the second course is aligned with a selected vent channel 65 in the first course; with such alignment, air exhausted from each cladding panel 60 moves upwardly through each vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 comprising the second course. This alignment of vent channels 65 may be repeated with each successive course of cladding panels 60 to the high point of the wall where the air may be exhausted. At the high point of the wall a cap 80 is used to provide a protective cover to mitigate rainwater entry into vent channels 65. One of a flashing 90 is shown; flashing 90 provides means to collect and divert rainwater away from the wall.

[00056] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate, in exploded isometric views, a second preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system. Figs. 4C and 4D illustrate, in isometric views, the second preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the building cladding system. Fig. 4A principally shows the outer, or exposed exterior face of cladding panel 60, and Fig. 4B principally shows the inner, or concealed interior face of cladding panel 60. Cladding panel 60 may be made of a variety of materials including , fiber-reinforced concrete, glass, plastics, and structural composites, and may be formed from a variety of methods including casting, molding, stamping, and milling. In the present illustration, cladding panel 60 is assumed to be formed using molded fiber-reinforced concrete. The use of this material in this application

15 has certain advantages, for example, a relatively high strength to weight ratio, ductility, weather resistance, moldability, and impact resistance. A plurality of a fastener hole 68 is formed near the upper edge of cladding panel 60.

[00057] Fig. 5 illustrates, in a partial isometric view, the second preferred embodiment of the building cladding system. Fig 6 illustrates, in a partial section view, a second preferred embodiment of the building cladding system. A plurality of cladding panel 60 are shown arranged in an orthogonal grid pattern. The grid pattern is formed by a first course of cladding panels 60 set in a substantially planar relation to each other. Each vertical edge of cladding panel 60 contains one edge interlock 69, and each cladding panel 60 of the first course is placed in a generally abutting relationship and is interlocked to any adjacent cladding panel 60. The interlocked relationship serves to maintain a degree of mechanical engagement between abutting cladding panels 60 in the course, and provides a catchment for water runoff. The grid pattern is further formed by a second course of cladding panels 60 set in a substantially planar relation to each other. The vertical edges of cladding panels 60 in the second course are interlocked to each other in the same manner as described for cladding panels 60 in the first course. In addition, each cladding panel 60 of the second course is engaged with each cladding panel 60 of the first course with one of an interlock 64 formed into the respective horizontal edges. Each cladding panel 60 is fastened to wall backing 20 with a fastener 50 placed through fastener hole 68. [00058] Moisture barrier 30 is placed on top of a wall backing 20. Moisture barrier 30 is of material composition as is typical for wall applications. Moisture barrier 30 is used as a secondary level of protection should any rainwater penetrate beyond the surface of cladding panels 60. Each cladding panel 60 is connected through moisture barrier 30 into wall backing 20 such to secure against anticipated structural loads.

16 [00059] Air is able to enter into the lower opening of each vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 in the first course; and moves upwardly through each vent channel 65, and is exhausted out of the upper opening in each vent channel 65. A second course of cladding panels 60 is placed above the first course of cladding panels 60 such that each vent channel 65 in the second course is aligned with a selected vent channel 65 in the first course; with such alignment, air exhausted from each cladding panel 60 moves upwardly through each vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 comprising the second course. This alignment of vent channels 65 may be repeated with each successive course of cladding panels 60 to the high point of the wall where the air may be exhausted. The high point of the wall cap 80 provides a protective cover to mitigate rainwater entry into the upper opening of vent channels 65. Flashing 90 serves to collect and divert rainwater away from the wall. [00060] Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate, in isometric views, a third preferred embodiment of a cladding panel of the cladding panel of the building cladding system. Fig. 7A principally shows the outer, or exposed exterior face of cladding panel 60, and Fig. 7B principally shows the inner, or concealed interior face of cladding panel 60. Cladding panel 60 may be made of a variety of materials including , fiber-reinforced concrete, glass, plastics, and structural composites, and may be formed from a variety of methods including casting, molding, stamping, and milling. In the present illustration, cladding panel 60 is assumed to be formed using molded fiber-reinforced concrete. The use of this material in this application has certain advantages, for example, a relatively high strength to weight ratio, ductility, weather resistance, moldability, and impact resistance.

[00061] Cladding panel 60 is shown in its form of complete manufacture. The present embodiment is assumed to be formed using an extrusion process. A plurality of vent channels 65

17 are formed into cladding panel 60. Each vent channel 65 opens on the lower edge of cladding panel 60, and opens on the upper edge of cladding panel 60. A profile is created at the respective upper and lower edges of cladding panel 60. Such profile could be cut into cladding panel 60, with such cut being made shortly after the extrusion process prior to curing. Cladding panel 60 is formed in such manner to provide edge interlock 69 on each side of cladding panel 60. [00062] The overall form of cladding panel 60 is similar to what is commonly referred to as a ribbed concrete slab, and shares the advantages of such element in that the series of internal ribs serve to reinforce and stiffen the overall form of cladding panel 60 to provide a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio.

[00063] Fig. 8 illustrates, in a partial isometric view, a third preferred embodiment of the building cladding system. Fig. 9 illustrates, in a partial vertical section view, the third preferred embodiment of the building cladding system. A plurality of cladding panel 60 are shown arranged in an orthogonal grid pattern. One of a channel 40 is placed horizontally and contacting moisture barrier 30 and connected to a wall backing 20 using a plurality of bolts 40. A shelf 100 is connected to channel 40 using a plurality of a captive bolt 41. Two of a nut 42 are threaded onto captive bolt 41, and captive bolt 41 is placed through slotted hole 40. Slotted hole 40 allows vertical adjustment of shelf 100. The two nuts 42 allow adjustment of the distance of shelf 100 relative to wall backing 20. Captive bolt 41 is free to slide horizontally in channel 40, and is fixed in position when tightened, providing thereby adjustment with respect to the horizontal. The orthogonal grid pattern is formed by a first course of cladding panels 60 set in a substantially planar relation to each other. Each vertical edge of cladding panel 60 contains one edge interlock 69, and each cladding panel 60 of the first course is placed in a generally abutting relationship and is interlocked to any adjacent cladding panel 60. The interlocked relationship

18 serves to maintain a degree of mechanical engagement between abutting cladding panels 60 in the course, and provides a catchment for water runoff. The orthogonal grid pattern is further formed by a second course of cladding panels 60 set in a substantially planar relation to each other and to cladding panels 60 in the first course. In addition, cladding panels 60 in the second course are interlocked to each other in the same manner as described for cladding panels 60 in the first course. The interlocked joint between adjacent panels in the first course are aligned with the interlocked joint in the second course. It should be noted however, that such alignment of joints could follow the shingle pattern as described in the first preferred embodiment whereby the vertical joints of the first course are offset from the joints in the second course. [00064] Air is able to enter into the lower opening of each vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 in the first course; and moves upwardly through vent channel 65, and is exhausted out of each upper opening in vent channel 65. A second course of cladding panels 60 is placed above the first course of cladding panels 60 such that each upper opening in vent channel 65 in the first course is aligned with the lower opening in vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 in the second course. With the alignment of each respective pair of upper opening and lower opening, air exhausted from each cladding panel 60 moves upwardly through each vent channel 65 incorporated into each cladding panel 60 comprising the second course. This alignment of vent channels 65 may be repeated with each successive course of cladding panels 60 to the high point of the wall where the air may be exhausted. At the high point of the wall cap 80 is used to provide a protective cover to mitigate rainwater entry into vent

channels 60.

[00065] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications my be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

19 The above embodiments are shown in relation to both a building roof and building walls, and it will be evident to those skilled in art, that the building cladding system applies to both applications.

20

Claims

C L A I M S What is claimed is:

1. A building cladding panel comprising: an exterior portion which absorbs undesirable heat from an exterior of a building and which conducts said undesirable heat to air inside an interior of said building; and an interior portion which conducts a portion of said undesirable heat to air located adjacent to said interior portion, which further allows said air to flow to said exterior of said building thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat.

2. A building cladding panel as in claim 1, further comprising: a connecting layer interposed between said exterior portion and said interior portion.

3. A building cladding panel as in claim 2, wherein said connecting layer mechanically binds said exterior portion and said interior portion together to form a single unit.

4. A building cladding panel as in claim '2, wherein said connecting layer thermally insulates said exterior portion and said interior portion to impede the conduction of said undesirable heat from said exterior portion to said interior portion.

5. A building cladding panel as in claim 1, wherein said interior portion further comprises a plurality of vent channels which allow the movement of said air.

6. A building cladding panel as in claim 1, further comprising: at least one connection means for connection said cladding panel to said building.

21

7. A building cladding panel comprising: an exterior portion which absorbs undesirable heat from an exterior of a building and which conducts said undesirable heat to air inside an interior of said building; an interior portion which conducts a portion of said undesirable heat to air located adjacent to said interior portion, which further allows said air to flow to said exterior of said building thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat; and a connecting layer interposed between said exterior portion and said interior portion.

8. A building cladding panel which allows air to flow to an exterior of a building thereby removing a portion of undesirable moisture in said air adjacent to said interior portion.

9. A building cladding panel as in claim 8, further comprising: an exterior portion; and an interior portion.

10. A building cladding panel as in claim 9, further comprising: a connecting layer interposed between said exterior portion and said interior portion.

11. A building cladding panel as in claim 10, wherein said connecting layer mechanically binds said exterior portion and said interior portion together to form a single unit.

12. A building cladding panel as in claim 10, wherein said interior portion further comprises a plurality of vent channels which allow the movement of said air.

13. A building cladding panel as in claim 8, further comprising: at least one connection means for connection said cladding panel to said building.

14. A building cladding panel which allows air to flow from an interior of said building to an exterior of said building thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat.

22

15. A building cladding panel as in claim 14, further comprising: an exterior portion; and an interior portion.

16. A building cladding panel as in claim 15, further comprising: a connecting layer interposed between said exterior portion and said interior portion.

17. A building cladding panel as in claim 16, wherein said connecting layer mechanically binds said exterior portion and said interior portion together to form a single unit.

18. A building cladding panel as in claim 15, wherein said connecting layer thermally insulates said exterior portion and said interior portion to impede the conduction of said undesirable heat from said exterior portion to said interior portion.

19. A building cladding panel as in claim 14, wherein said interior portion further comprises a plurality of vent channels which allow the movement of said air.

20. ^" A building cladding panel as in claim 14, further comprising: at least one connection means for connection said cladding panel to said building.

21. A building roof comprising: an exterior portion which absorbs undesirable heat from an exterior of said building roof and which conducts said undesirable heat to air inside an interior of said building roof; and an interior portion which conducts a portion of said undesirable heat to air located adjacent to said interior portion, which further allows said air to flow to said exterior of said building roof thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat.

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22. A building siding comprising: an exterior portion which absorbs undesirable heat from an exterior of a building siding and which conducts said undesirable heat to air inside an interior of said building siding; and an interior portion which conducts a portion of said undesirable heat to air located adjacent to said interior portion, which further allows said air to flow to said exterior of said building siding thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat.

23. A building clad with a panel which conducts said undesirable heat to air inside an interior of said building, said panel comprising: an exterior portion which absorbs undesirable heat from an exterior of said building and which conducts said undesirable heat to air inside an interior of said building; and an interior portion comprise of integral air flow channels which conduct a portion of said undesirable heat to air located adjacent to said interior portion, which further allows said air to flow to said exterior of said building thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat.

24. A method of removing heat absorbed by building cladding comprising the steps of: absorbing undesirable heat through said building cladding; heating the air on the interior of said building cladding; and moving said heated air outside of said building by means of vent channels.

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25. An interlocking building cladding panel comprising: an exposed portion including a first interlocking structure for operatively connecting to a second interlocking structure on another interlocking building cladding panel; and a non-exposed portion including said second interlocking structure for operatively connecting to said first interlocking structure on another interlocking building cladding panel.

26. An interlocking building cladding panel as in claim 25 wherein said interlocking building cladding panel allows air to flow from an interior of a building to an exterior of said building thereby removing a portion of said undesirable heat.

27. An interlocking building cladding panel as in claim 25 wherein said interlocking building cladding panel which allows air to flow to an exterior of a building thereby removing a portion of undesirable moisture in said air adjacent to said interior portion.

28. An interlocking building cladding panel, allowing for a heat dissipating air flow along a non-exposed portion of said interlocking building cladding panel, comprising: said exposed portion including a first interlocking structure for operatively connecting to a second interlocking structure on another interlocking building cladding panel; and a non-exposed portion including said second interlocking structure for operatively connecting to said first interlocking structure on another interlocking building cladding panel.

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29. A building cladding panel comprising: one part cement; one part sand; one part fly ash;

44/1 OO part water;

2/100 part HRWA (high range water-reducing admixture); and

2% by volume PVA (polyvinyl acetate) fibers.

30. A method of manufacturing a building cladding panel comprised of air vent channels by molding said cladding panel with said air vent channels.

31. A method of manufacturing a building cladding panel comprised of air vent channels by extruding said cladding panel with said air vent channels.

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