A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having a long axis defining a length and a perpendicular short axis defining a width, a plurality of spacing structural elements, fixedly attached to the first sheet such that the yield strength of the panel is greater than the individual yield strength of the first sheet, and the plurality of spacing structural elements being formed such that a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel, wherein the first sheet is the only sheet in the panel.

A horizontal roof deck assembly has a ribbed steel roof deck sufficiently strong to withstand specified gravity, uplift, and shear loads. Rigid substrate boards are positioned adjacent one another above the deck, defining end and side joints. End joints are parallel to and above a corresponding upper rib of the roof deck and are secured to the upper rib by compression disk fasteners spaced along the end joint. The side joints can be tongue and groove joints. Additional fasteners attach the substrate boards to the roof deck along the side joints, for wind uplift resistance, and for thermal movement resistance.

A roof pan with raised ridges along lateral edges, where the raised ridges of one pan cooperate raised ridges of another pan to prevent water movement. A formed edge that is offset from the roof surface when the pan is installed on the roof allows a flashing to slide under the formed edge when the roof pan is installed on the roof surface.

A method of constructing a building comprising the steps of attaching a first panel to a second panel. The first panel is one of a single plenum panel and a multi-plenum panel and the second panel is one of a single plenum panel and a multi-plenum panel.

A support arrangement for supporting covering elements on a soffit and/or a fascia of a building. The support arrangement has a backing member that is operable to receive covering elements and is formed at least partially from non-metallic material. The support arrangement further has an attachment means for attaching the support arrangement to a building or building component such that it forms a part of the building. The support arrangement is non-flammable and can easily receive fixings to fix covering elements thereto. Covering elements can be fixed to the support arrangement and then the arrangement can be attached to a building or building component such that the covering elements form a part of the soffit or fascia of the building.

A roof cover fastener may include a cover plate having a planar body with a perimeter. A central aperture may be disposed centrally in the body. A first annular rib may be formed into the body and may encircle the central aperture. A second annular rib may be formed into the body and may encircle the first annular rib. A first channel may separate the first annular rib from the second annular rib. A medial aperture may be disposed in the channel between the first annular rib and the second annular rib. Optionally, the fastener may also include an auger element having a first end and a second end. A head may be coupled to the first end, and a tip may be coupled to the second end. A thread crest with a thread root may extend from the second end towards the first end.

A metal roof panel includes a rib with a unique shape. The rib is bilateral with upwardly angled sides that each transition into an indentation, with both indentations transitioning into a central flat apex. Between each rib is a channel, preferably including at least one raised surface. The lower surface of the channel between the raised surfaces, and the top of the raised surfaces, are substantially planar and parallel to the flat surface of the apex of the panel. A unique method of manufacturing the roof panel employs a roll machine configured to shape a piece of sheet metal into the roof panel by modifying the shape in many small increments, which allows the final product to have a fairly intricate bend pattern.

An apparatus is contemplated for creating a structure which simultaneously serves as both a building element and a photovoltaic power source. Components of the invention interface with modules which comprise photovoltaic solar panels. When used collectively, these modules are contemplated as comprising a replacement for a roof or other building component. When the present invention is used, a roof or other building component can be created without the need for a separate underlayment, and without the need for tiles or another outer waterproofing layer. This setup results in power generation, cost savings, and environmental advantages. Additionally, embodiments of the invention comprise fixed stop elements which ensure correct placement of modules on a frame assembly. The invention could also include other elements, including water gutters, grab steps which facilitate access, and specially positioned border covers to protect and aesthetically cover wired regions of solar modules.

A metal roof panel includes a rib with a unique shape. The rib is bilateral with upwardly angled sides that each transition into an indentation, with both indentations transitioning into a central flat apex. Between each rib is a channel, preferably including at least one raised surface. The lower surface of the channel between the raised surfaces, and the top of the raised surfaces, are substantially planar and parallel to the flat surface of the apex of the panel. A unique method of manufacturing the roof panel employs a roll machine configured to shape a piece of sheet metal into the roof panel by modifying the shape in many small increments, which allows the final product to have a fairly intricate bend pattern.

A metal roof panel includes a rib with a unique shape. The rib is bilateral with upwardly angled sides that each transition into an indentation, with both indentations transitioning into a central flat apex. Between each rib is a channel, preferably including at least one raised surface. The lower surface of the channel between the raised surfaces, and the top of the raised surfaces, are substantially planar and parallel to the flat surface of the apex of the panel. A unique method of manufacturing the roof panel employs a roll machine configured to shape a piece of sheet metal into the roof panel by modifying the shape in many small increments, which allows the final product to have a fairly intricate bend pattern.