A cladding module

Abstract

This invention relates to a cladding module (for use as roofing or siding) and a cladding system such cladding modules in overlapping and underlapping configuration across courses. The module comprises an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion. Optionally, i) located at the butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module, is at least a first hooked portion, and located at a junction region between the exposure portion and the underlap portion, is at least a second hooked portion; ii) the underlap portion comprises one or more depressions or channels; iii) a thickness of the underlap portion reduces from a relatively greater thickness at the junction region to a relatively lesser thickness at the head edge end.

Description

A CLADDING MODULEFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cladding module, more particularly, though not solely, to an interlocking cladding module, such as for use as a roofing, siding or cladding.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Roofing and siding are cladding elements for building structures. Building structures typically comprise of framing or support members, which are overlaid by a membrane or other materials, and provide a surface upon which cladding elements can be attached or fixed thereto to provide a covering for the building structure.

[0003] Cladding elements may use a number of different connection systems, such as penetrative fasteners for attaching or fixing the cladding to a building structure.

[0004] Cladding elements, often in the form of a module, are typically overlaid upon each other to build up the surface and provide for a generally waterproof covering system. The use of adhesives with such products, for example in attaching or connecting one cladding element to another cladding element such as between underlapping and overlapping cladding elements, presents a number of challenges to both building structure owners from a maintenance perspective, and also to installers from an assembly and installation perspective. Shelf-life of adhesive, for example of a manufactured cladding element, which is then awaiting installation, can also be an issue.

[0005] For example, for a good bond or adhesion to be obtained, some adhesives or bonding agents require a minimum set of environmental conditions for the bond or adhesion to be accept. For example, there may be minimum or maximum temperature requirements (i.e. too cold and the adhesive may not cure or may not connect with a substrate surface or the adhesive may crack and the adhesion joint may fail or be considerably compromised, or too hot and the adhesive may melt or slide or slip off the substrate, and the adhesion joint may fail or be considerably compromised), humidity / moisture, dust / debris and environmental factors may contribute to issues with adhesive at installation or post-installation.Maintenance may also be challenging as access to cladding elements which may require further adhesive can be challenging in a post-installation configuration.

[0006] Furthermore, replacement of cladding (roofing or siding) due to damage may be particularly challenging. For example, replacement of roofing or siding in cold climates or cold periods may mean a structure may be exposed to the environment / weather due to the inability to clad the structure because of the challenges with adhesive use. Similarly, in hot climate or periods, issues can also be faced.

[0007] Accordingly, a cladding element or module which is less reliant on use of adhesive or which may entirely avoid the use of adhesive for the cladding system may be particularly advantageous.

[0008] Further, an alternative cladding element or module may have appeal in the market as consumers look for different product options.

[0009] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0010] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It may therefore be of particular interest to provide a cladding module, such as an interlocking cladding module, more particularly, though not solely, for the purposes of substantially providing for a cladding module and system which addresses the issues of enabling a cladding module system to substantially avoid the need for adhesive in cladding module to cladding module as part of the system, or to at least provide for a more easily interconnectable cladding module and cladding system.

[0012] Accordingly, problems associated with the use of adhesive in cladding systems may be addressed by the cladding module and cladding system as described herein. This may allow for a cladding module and cladding system which can be installed in a wider variety of environmental conditions, and which may ameliorate issues with use of adhesive in cladding to cladding.

[0013] Furthermore, a cladding module and system which when installed as a cladding system (such as a roof or siding) may be configured to provide for a relatively pleasingly visual appearance. For example, there is a general view that a relatively 'thick' cladding is to be associated with a 'premium' or 'luxury' appearance or build quality. Natural stone and natural slate and hand-cut wooden shakes are examples of materials which are often associated with such a 'premium' or 'luxury' appearance or build quality. This has typically been because of the cost also associated with such materials and methods of installation of these.

[0014] Accordingly, the ability to provide for a cladding module which may provide for a substantial emulation of such 'premium' or 'luxury' materials may be desired by consumers. Other material appearances may also be provided, for example asphalt with stones / granules is an appearance which consumers in some markets also appreciate the look of, and so the ability to also provide for such an appearance may also be desired by consumers.

[0015] It may also be of interest to provide a cladding module which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of a cladding system appearance.

[0016] It may also be of interest to provide a cladding module which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of substantially eliminating adhesive from a cladding system installation requirement.

[0017] It may also be of interest to provide a cladding module which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of butt edge end uplift of a cladding module, for example due to wind lift or other environmental conditions, or to help with increasing or improving wind ratings of cladding modules when installed.

[0018] It may also be of interest to provide a cladding module which go at least some way towards addressing the issues of helping an installer of a cladding module racking control. Racking controller or limiters can help an installer with sequential alignment or more careful positioning of an overlapping cladding modules with an underlapping cladding module.

[0019] In a first aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end),the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion.

[0020] The module may further comprise, located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module, is at least a first substantially hooked portion.

[0021] The module may further comprise, located substantially at a junction region between the exposure portion and the underlap portion, is at least a second substantially hooked portion.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module, is at least a first substantially hooked portion, and wherein located substantially at a junction region between the exposure portion and the underlap portion, is at least a second substantially hooked portion.

[0023] In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module, is at least a first substantially hooked portion, and wherein located substantially at a junction region between the exposure portion and the underlap portion, is at least a second substantially hooked portion, and wherein the first hooked portion comprises of a tongue piece portion and the second hooked portion comprises of a tongue piece portion, such that in an assembled configuration of an underlapping with overlapping cladding modules, each of the respective tongue pieces have a length providing for overlap a distance with each other sufficient to avoid a disengagement of each other to allow for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature relative to the thermalexpansion of overlapping and underlapping modules. Optionally, a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone, located substantially adjacent with or to the junction region may be configured to restrain or constrain or substantially limit a thermal expansion or contraction of the junction region or the second hooked portion of the junction, such as to a substantially lesser or reduced amount than a thermal expansion or contraction of the distance between such a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone, and the butt edge end of the module. For example, a distance between the first fastening zone and the second hooked portion may be less than a distance from the first fastening zone and the first hooked portion.

[0024] In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein the underlap portion comprises one or more depressions or channels.

[0025] In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein the module comprises one or more projections are stops or limiters or restraints, optionally for stopping or limiting or restraining a relative movement (or allowing for a limited range of movement of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module) of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module when the overlapping module is brought to bear substantially upon an underlapping module, such as during an assembly of an overlapping module to an underlapping module, and optionally wherein a limited or restrained range of movement of an overlapping cladding module with respect to an underlapping cladding module is defined or governed by the location of the one or more projections about the lower face of the underlap portion of the overlappingcladding module and a distance to engagement of the one or more projections with a head edge end of an underlapping cladding module (for example as a racking control or racking limiter), and optionally wherein the limited or restrained range of movement is a distance or length that is less than an overlap of respective tongues or tongue pieces of first and second hooked portions of respective overlapping and underlapping cladding modules, such as to help prevent disengagement of the first and second hooked portions from each other when overlapping and underlapping cladding modules are assembled together, or is a distance or length that is less than the length of the tongue piece portion of the second hooked portion.

[0026] In a sixth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein the module comprises a thickness of the underlap portion (such as between the upper face and the lower face of the underlap portion) that reduces from a relatively greater thickness substantially at or toward or adjacent of the junction region to a relatively lesser thickness substantially at, or toward or adjacent, the head edge end.

[0027] In a seventh aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end (or frontward end), the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein a module thickness (or height) of the underlap portion reduces in a direction extending toward the head edge end.

[0028] In an eighth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a cladding system comprising the cladding modules as defined in any one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspects, cladding system comprising:as plurality of the cladding modules arranged as a series of preceding and succeeding courses, a preceding course of cladding modules provided as a course of underlapping cladding modules, and a succeeding course of cladding modules provided as a course of overlapping cladding modules to overlap with associated underlapping cladding modules; and / or at least one or a plurality of cladding modules to be affixed to a deck of a building surface as a first, or a preceding or initial, course or as an underlapping course of cladding modules, and at least one or a plurality of cladding modules to be affixed to the deck of the building surface as a second, or a succeeding or subsequent, course or as an overlapping course of cladding modules, such that, optionally: a first hooked portion of an overlapping cladding module is to be brought into connection or alignment or a retained position with a second hooked portion of an underlapping cladding module, such a connection or alignment or retained position between the respective first and second hooked portions providing for a connection between associated underlapping and overlapping cladding modules, such connection configured restrain a butt edge end of an overlapping module with an underlapping module; and / or a left-hand edge or side, or a right-hand edge or side, of an overlapping cladding module may be positioned to substantially align with or overlay with, a depression or channel of an underlapping cladding module underlap portion.

[0029] According to each of the aspects above, one or more of the following features may be provided individually or in combination therewith.

[0030] A throat of the first substantially hooked portion may face towards the head edge end (or rearward end) of the module.

[0031] The throat of the first substantially hooked portion may be formed by a gap between a face of the module and an opposing face (or faces) of the first hooked portion (or first tongue piece).

[0032] The first substantially hooked portion may extend from a butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module and about an underneath or underside of the lower face of the butt edge end of the module.

[0033] The first hooked portion may be configured to provide for a first tongue piece, optionally at a terminal end of the first hooked portion.

[0034] The first hooked portion of an overlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the second hooked portion of an underlapping module. Such as in-use or an assembled configuration of a module provided as an overlapping module with another module provided as an underlapping module.

[0035] In-use as part of a series of underlapping and overlapping modules to be assembled together as a cladding system, the first hooked portion of an overlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the second hooked portion of an underlapping module.

[0036] A throat of the second substantially hooked portion may face towards the butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module.

[0037] The throat of the second substantially hooked portion may be formed by a gap between a face of the module and an opposing face (or faces) of the second hooked portion (or second tongue piece).

[0038] The second substantially hooked portion may extend from the junction region as an overhang over a portion of the upper face of the module.

[0039] The second hooked portion may be configured to provide for a second tongue piece, optionally at a terminal end of the second hooked portion.

[0040] The second hooked portion of an underlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the first hooked portion of an overlapping module.

[0041] In-use as part of a series of underlapping and overlapping modules to be assembled together as a cladding system, the second hooked portion of an underlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the first hooked portion of an overlapping module.

[0042] The first hooked portion may be configured as a first interlocking mechanism.

[0043] The second hooked portion may be configured as a second interlocking mechanism.Inter-locking

[0044] The first interlocking mechanism and second interlocking mechanism may be interconnectable or inter-connecting with each other, for example when brought together as an assembly of a module as an overlapping module providing for the first interlocking mechanism, and another module as an underlapping module providing for the second interlocking mechanism.

[0045] The throat of the first hooked portion may have a gap at least sufficient to accommodate the second tongue piece of the second hooked portion.

[0046] The throat of the first hooked portion may have a depth or length at least sufficient to accommodate a substantial length portion of the second tongue piece.

[0047] The throat of the second hooked portion may have a gap at least sufficient to accommodate the first tongue piece of the first hooked portion.

[0048] The throat of the second hooked portion may have a depth or length at least sufficient to accommodate a substantial length portion of the first tongue piece.

[0049] The throat of the first hooked portion may have a depth or length greater than a length of the second tongue piece.

[0050] The throat of the second hooked portion may have a depth or length less than a length of the first tongue piece.

[0051] The tongue piece of each hooked portion may be interposed substantially into the throat of each respective hooked portion. For example, the first tongue piece may be interposed into the throat of the second hooked portion, and the second tongue piece may be interposed into the throat of the first hooked portion. For example, when each of the first tongue piece and the second tongue piece are respectively interposed into the throats of each respective hooked portion, there may be a distance of overlap or tongue overlap.

[0052] Located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) of the module, is at least a first substantially hooked portion, and wherein located substantially at a junction region between the exposure portion and the underlap portion, is at least a second substantially hooked portion, and wherein the first hooked portion comprises of a tongue piece portion and the second hooked portion comprises of a tongue piece portion, such that in an assembled configuration of an underlapping with overlapping cladding modules, each of the respective tongue pieces have a length providing for overlap a distance with eachother sufficient to avoid a disengagement of each other to allow for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature relative (to account for the thermal expansion of overlapping and underlapping modules).

[0053] Optionally, a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone, located substantially adjacent with or to the junction region may be configured to restrain or constrain or substantially limit a thermal expansion or contraction of the junction region or the second hooked portion of the junction, such as to a substantially lesser or reduced amount than a thermal expansion or contraction of the distance between such a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone, and the butt edge end of the module. For example, a distance between the first fastening zone and the second hooked portion may be less than a distance from the first fastening zone and the first hooked portion.

[0054] The butt edge or a nose of the module may be configured as a first alignment or guide feature (such as an installation alignment or installation guide feature).

[0055] The junction region may comprise an alignment feature or guide feature (such as an installation alignment or installation guide feature), configured in use to align with the butt edge of an overlapping module.

[0056] The second alignment or guide feature may be a surface feature provided on the upper surface of the module.

[0057] The alignment feature or guide feature may be a raised step or a raised feature on the upper surface, or provided by the interface between the junction region and the exposure portion.

[0058] An entrance to the throat of the second hooked portion may be provided by the surface feature.

[0059] The entrance to the throat of the second hooked portion may be elevated or raised from the exposure portion, such as by a raised step or raised feature, such as a ledge, or the entrance and throat may be angled into a thickness or profile of the module, such that the entrance of the throat is at least the same as the upper face of the exposure portion. The throat may extend in a direction to be substantially with the plane of the exposed portion, or may extend in a direction to be a different plane.

[0060] For example, the throat of the second hooked portion may be at least somewhat formed by a routing tool, and an angle of the throat may be provided to be suitable such that scuffing or marking by a cutter or routing tool of the exposure portion (which can comprise of decorative elements) is avoided. In some configurations, at least the entrance to the throat 22 is provided elevated from upper face of the exposure portion.

[0061] Each of the first and second alignment or guide features may be configured such that respective alignment with each other of a respective underlapping and overlapping modules to be assembled together allows for substantially parallel lateral alignment of such an overlapping module with an underlapping module.

[0062] The first tongue piece and the second tongue piece may overlap with each other sufficiently to restrain the butt edge end of an overlapping module to an underlapping module, when an overlapping module and an underlapping module are to be assembled together as a cladding system.

[0063] A module thickness of the underlap portion (such as between the upper face and the lower face of the underlap portion) may reduce from a relatively greater thickness substantially at or toward or adjacent of the junction region to a relatively lesser thickness substantially at, or toward or adjacent, the head edge end.

[0064] The module thickness of the underlap portion may reduce progressively substantially from, at, or adjacent with, the junction region toward the head edge end.

[0065] The module thickness (or height) of the underlap portion reduces in a direction extending toward the head edge end.

[0066] The module thickness may be reduced in a region substantially at, or toward, the head edge end.

[0067] An underside (or a lower face) of the underlap portion may comprise of a series of support features, the support features being of a height that progressively reduce in their height between a support feature provided substantially at, or adjacent with, a first fastening zone, and a support feature provided substantially at, or adjacent with, a head edge end of the module.

[0068] The first fastening zone may be a nail strip or a so-called nail line, being a strip or region configured for receiving of a nail or other penetrative fastener.

[0069] The module thickness may be substantially defined between an upper face underlap portion notional plane substantially corresponding with the upper face of the underlap portion, and a lower face underlap portion notional plane substantially corresponding with the lower face of the underlap portion.

[0070] A lower notional plane may be generally expressed as a plane corresponding with the lower face of at least the underlap portion, or at least by the contact points of supports arranged about the lower face of the underlap portion of the module which are, in-use, substantially engageable with, or supportive of the lower face to, a building surface (such as a deck, being the surface which is installed over supporting framing members, to which the cladding module is to be subsequently applied).

[0071] An upper notional plane may be generally expressed as a plane corresponding with the upper face of the underlap portion, or at least by contact points of supports arranged about the upper face of the underlap portion of the module which are, in-use, substantially engageable or supportive of a portion of a lower face of an overlapping module, such as substantially the lower face of an exposure portion (and / or the junction region) of an overlapping module.

[0072] The upper face of the underlap portion may be configured to provide support (such as direct support) for a lower face of an overlapping module.

[0073] The upper face of the underlap portion may be substantially planar, or provides for a substantially planar support surface, for supporting (such as directly) of an overlapping portion of the lower face of an overlapping module.

[0074] The lower face of the overlap portion may be configured to provide support to the upper face of the underlap portion.

[0075] The lower face of the underlap portion may comprise at least one support to be brought into contact with a building surface.

[0076] The support may comprise a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature, to be brought to bear upon a building surface.

[0077] The upper notional plane associated with the underlap portion may be a plane substantially parallel with a lower notional plane associated with the lower face of the exposure portion of the module, and optionally such that a module thickness of theunderlap portion reduces from substantially at, or toward or adjacent of, the junction region to a relatively reduced or relatively lesser module thickness substantially at, or toward or adjacent of, the head edge end.

[0078] The underlap portion may have, or comprises, a module thickness or cross-sectional profile substantially between an upper face of the underlap portion and an associated lower face of the underlap portion that is substantially wedge-shaped or tapered, where the reduced module thickness or relatively thinned end of a wedge-shape is substantially at, or toward or adjacent, the head edge end.

[0079] The head edge end, or a region thereof, of the underlap portion of the module may be substantially wedge-shaped.

[0080] The lower face of the exposure portion may provide for a substantially planar face.

[0081] The upper face of the underlap portion may provide for a substantially planar face.

[0082] The second hooked portion may comprise a ledge.

[0083] The ledge may be substantially at an interface between the exposure portion and the junction region.

[0084] The ledge may be, or may comprise, an elevated surface relief portion, elevated from the upper surface of the exposure portion, for example the ledge may be a portion stepped above the upper face of the exposure portion.

[0085] The ledge may form at least a part of a lead-in or a wall of the throat of the second hooked portion.

[0086] The ledge, or a front edge of the ledge, at the interface between the exposure portion and the junction region may provide an alignment or guide feature (or a lead-in).

[0087] The ledge, or a front edge of the ledge, at the interface between the exposure portion and the junction region may provide an alignment or guide feature (or a lead-in) for guiding installation or alignment of a subsequent module, such as with the butt edge end of an overlapping module, or may be for guiding installation or alignment of an adjacent module provided on the same course as an initial module.

[0088] The exposure portion may comprise one or more decorative elements.

[0089] The decorative elements may be configured to emulate a surface finish or an appearance reminiscent of a desired material.

[0090] The desired material may be: natural materials, artificial materials, stone, slate, clay, concrete, wooden shakes, asphalt shingles, metal shingles.

[0091] The decorative elements may be formed, such as by moulding, by the exposure portion or the upper face of the exposure portion.

[0092] The decorative elements may be integrally formed with, onto, or into, the exposure portion or the upper face of the exposure portion.

[0093] The decorative elements may comprise one or more granules, such as polymer granules.

[0094] The decorative elements may comprise one or more colorants, such as coloured granules (e.g. coloured polymer granules).

[0095] The decorative elements may comprise surface features formed (or applied) substantially across the exposure portion or the upper face of the exposure portion.

[0096] The decorative elements may contribute to a surface topography of the exposure portion or an upper face of the exposure portion.

[0097] An exposure portion may substantially comprise surfaces of the module which are to be left exposed or remain exposed when an overlapping module is to be assembled into an overlapping arrangement with an underlapping module.

[0098] The butt edge end or nose of the module may comprise of the one or more decorative elements.

[0099] A lower face of the exposure portion may be substantially devoid of surface features or may be substantially flat or planar.

[0100] When in-use or in an assembled configuration, a lower face of the exposure portion of an overlapping module may be configured to mate with or be seated upon the upper face of the underlap portion of an underlapping module.

[0101] The underlap portion may comprise a first fastening zone, and may be configured for securely receiving of a fastener.

[0102] The first fastening zone may be a nail strip or a so-called nail line, being a strip or region configured for receiving of a nail or other penetrative fastener.

[0103] The fastener may be a penetrative fastener, such as a nail or a screw or other threaded type fastener.

[0104] The first fastening zone may be positioned to be substantially adjacent with, but outside of, the junction region.

[0105] The first fastening zone may be positioned to be substantially adjacent with, but outside of, the junction region, positioned in a direction more toward the head edge end of the underlap portion.

[0106] The first fastening zone may extend laterally along a region (such as a lengthwise region) of the underlap portion (such as in a length direction from a left-hand side of the module to a right-hand side of the module).

[0107] The first fastening zone may have a width provided in a direction between the head edge end and the butt edge end.

[0108] The first fastening zone may be configured for supporting a fastener received therethrough for securing the module to a building surface provided below the lower face of the underlap portion.

[0109] The first fastening zone may comprise one or a series of first fastening zone support features.

[0110] The first fastening zone support feature(s) may comprise a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature extending downwardly of the upper face, or may be a substantially solid cross-sectional portion of the module.

[0111] The first fastening zone support feature(s) may be spatially arranged such that the head of the fastener may be substantially (such as directly or indirectly) supported by at least one of the support features.

[0112] The first fastening zone support feature(s) may extend in a downward direction (such as, in-use, in a direction downwardly toward an upper face of an underlap portion of an underlapping module).

[0113] The first fastening zone support feature(s) may extend to be short of a lower notional plane (that is, such support features may have a height that is short of touching the upper surface of an underlapping module). For example, these may be short by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of a head of a fastener (such as a nail).

[0114] The first fastening zone support feature(s) may further comprise of additional support feature(s) positioned along a junction region edge of the first fastening zone, and along a head end edge of the first fastening zone, such additional support feature(s) having a relatively longer or greater height than the first fastening zone support feature(s).

[0115] The first fastening zone may, in-use when a fastener is applied, deflect downwardly toward a building surface to which the fastener has been attached. Advantageously, the additional supports may co-operate to support the first fastening zone. Further, optionally, an allowed for deflection may substantially correspond with the thickness of a fastener, to thereby allow for the head of the fastener to be located substantially lower than an upper face of the underlap portion.

[0116] The first fastening zone support feature(s) may be provided about an underside surface of the underlap portion.

[0117] The first fastening zone may comprise of a recessed portion provided on the upper face.

[0118] The recessed portion may be recessed from the upper face of the underlap portion at least a depth sufficient to allow a head of a fastener to avoid being proud of the surrounding upper face, when a fastener is secured in place.

[0119] The depth may be sufficient to allow for a substantially under-driven or a substantially skewed fastener to remain in place within the recessed portion without a head of such a fastener impeding upon a lower face or surface of a module overlapping of the recessed portion.

[0120] The recessed portion may be of a preformed geometry or shape, for example may be substantially rectangularly shaped or square shaped, but could be circular or other shapes.

[0121] The recessed portion may comprise indicia, for example the indica can be indicative of a fastener, such as a nail.

[0122] The recessed portion comprises side walls extending from a base or floor of the recessed portion.

[0123] The recessed portion may be formed as a contiguous surface with the upper face of the underlap portion.

[0124] The recessed portion may comprise a drainage or leak channel (such as a weep point).

[0125] The drainage or leak channel may extend substantially into, through or across the junction region, for example to allow for any liquid accumulation to drain or leak out of the recessed portion.

[0126] The underlap portion may comprise a second fastening zone, and may be configured for securely receiving of a fastener. For example, to receive a fastener that is penetratingly applied through the first fastening zone and into a building surface or a deck.

[0127] The second fastening zone may be positioned to be substantially adjacent at, toward or with, a head edge end.

[0128] The second fastening zone may be provided in or through the headlap portion of the underlap portion.

[0129] The second fastening zone may extend laterally along a region such as a lengthwise region) of the underlap portion (such as in a length direction from a left-hand side of the module to a right-hand side of the module).

[0130] The second fastening zone may have a width provided in a direction between the head edge end and the butt edge end.

[0131] The second fastening zone may be configured for supporting a fastener received therethrough for securing the module to a building surface provided below the lower face of the underlap portion. For example, for receiving of a fastener that is applied directly through the first fastening zone of an overlapping cladding module.

[0132] The second fastening zone may comprise one or a series of second fastening zone support features.

[0133] The second fastening zone support feature(s) may comprise a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature extending downwardly of the upper face, or may be a substantially solid cross-sectional portion of the module.

[0134] The second fastening zone support feature(s) may be spatially arranged such that the head of the fastener may be substantially (such as directly or indirectly) supported by at least one of the support features.

[0135] The second fastening zone support feature(s) may extend in a downward direction (such as, in-use, in a direction downwardly toward a building surface).

[0136] The second fastening zone support feature(s) may be provided about an underside surface of the underlap portion, substantially in a region at or toward a head edge end.

[0137] One or more projections may extend downwardly of an underside surface of the underlap portion, located in a region substantially outside of the first fastening zone and / or to avoid overlapping of an underlapping module.

[0138] The one or more projections may extend downwardly to be of a height such that a side wall of the one or more projections can act upon or may engage with, an end or edge or the head edge end of the underlap portion, or upon a head end or edge of the headlap portion.

[0139] The one or more projections are stops or limiters or restraints, for stopping or limiting or restraining a relative movement (or allowing for a limited range of movement of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module) of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module when the overlapping module is brought to bear substantially upon an underlapping module, such as during an assembly of an overlapping module to an underlapping module.

[0140] The one or more projections may be stops or limiters or restraints, optionally for stopping or limiting or restraining a relative movement (or allowing for a limited range of movement of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module) of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module when the overlapping module is brought to bear substantially upon an underlapping module, such as during an assembly of an overlapping module to an underlapping module.

[0141] A limited or restrained range of movement of an overlapping cladding module with respect to an underlapping cladding module may be defined or governed by the location of the one or more projections about the lower face of the underlap portion of the overlapping cladding module and a distance to engagement (or contact with) of the one or more projections with a head edge end of an underlapping cladding module (for example as a racking control or racking limiter).

[0142] The or a limited or restrained range of movement may be a distance or length that is less than an overlap of respective tongues or tongue pieces of first and second hooked portions of respective overlapping and underlapping cladding modules, such as to help prevent disengagement of the first and second hooked portions from each other when overlapping and underlapping cladding modules are assembled together, or is a distance or length that is less than the length of the tongue piece portion of the second hooked portion.

[0143] The one or more projections may be located about the lower face of the underlap portion to allow for a limited range of racking capability of an overlapping module with an underlapping module, without disengagement of the respective first and second hooked portions from each other from respectively associated overlapping and underlapping cladding modules.

[0144] The one or more projections may be spaced from the first fastening zone, spaced to be located more toward the head edge end than the first fastening zone.

[0145] The one or more projections may be a substantially continuous or discontinuous rib extending substantially along a length of the module.

[0146] The one or more projections may be spaced apart from, but substantially adjacent to, the first fastening zone.

[0147] The one or more projections may be spaced to be located more toward the head edge end than the first fastening zone.

[0148] The one or more projections may act to restrain the module from sliding or slipping down across the upper face of an underlapping module, when the module is brought substantially into an overlapping condition and substantially brought to bear upon an underlapping module.

[0149] The one or more projections may extend downwardly to be of a height that stops short of a lower notional plane, or which avoids contact with a building surface beneath. For example, such projections are shorter than other supports of features which provide for direct contact and support of the module upon an underlying building surface.

[0150] There may be two or more projections, the two or more projections being aligned with each other and arranged or spaced or spread out laterally along a length of the module.

[0151] The two or more projections may be positioned to define a consistent and predetermined spacing from the second fastening zone.

[0152] When an underlapping module and an overlapping module are to be assembled together, the spacing or location of the one or more (or two or more) projections may be such that the one or more (or two or more) projections may contact or engage with an end or edge or the head edge end of the underlap portion (or the headlap portion) of an underlapping module, to prevent an overlapping module from moving (forward) over an underlapping module, and / or for preventing disengagement of a respective first hooked portion of an overlapping module from a respective second hooked portion of an underlapping module. The spacing or location of the projection(s) can also be accounted for addressing thermal expansion or contraction of the cladding modules.

[0153] An overlap length of a respective tongue piece of a first hooked portion of an overlapping module with a respective tongue piece of a second hooked portion of an underlapping module, when an overlapping module and an underlapping module are to be assembled together, is greater than a distance from the head edge end of an underlapping module and the relative location of the one or more (or two or more) projections.

[0154] The cladding module may be configured as a hip or ridge type module, for example may be configured to be bent about a ridge- or a hip-type shape, or a rake-type.

[0155] The module may comprise of one or a single exposure portion, and there may be a flexible or bending region provided in a substantially central zone (of the exposure portion) extending from, or between, a butt edge end to the head edge end.

[0156] The flexible or bending region is configured to allow for the module to be bent over or about a hip or a ridge or a valley of a building surface.

[0157] The flexible or bending region features are located about the lower face of the module.

[0158] The flexible or bending region is as described in WO2019 / 016767, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0159] The first and second hooked portions may be provided outside of the flexible or bending region, or may not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region.

[0160] The first and second hooked portions may be provided substantially toward, or adjacent with, a left-hand side or edge and a right-hand side or edge of the module.

[0161] The first fastening zone may be provided outside of the flexible or bending region, or may not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region.

[0162] The first fastening zone may be positioned to be substantially adjacent with, but outside of, the junction region, and such a fastening zone may be positioned in a direction more toward the head edge end of the underlap portion.

[0163] The first fastening zone may extend laterally along a region of the underlap portion.

[0164] The first fastening zone may have a width provided in a direction between a head edge end and the butt edge end of the module.

[0165] The junction region of a hip or ridge cladding module extending between a second hooked portion on a left-hand side and a right-hand side may comprise of a substantially exposed face region. Optionally, the exposed face region may comprise of decorative elements. Optionally, the exposed face region may be a substantially solid face.

[0166] The various configurations and features as described herein may not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region, to allow for the flexible or bending region to conformably bend about a ridge- or a hip-type shape.

[0167] The underlap portion may comprise one or more depressions or channels. Optionally, such depressions or channels may be provided to be an exposure portion as part of an assembly of an underlapping module and an overlapping module, as part of a cladding system.

[0168] The one or more depressions or channels may be formed as a contiguous surface with the upper face of the underlap portion.

[0169] The one or more depressions or channels may comprise an open end to the exposure portion.

[0170] The one or more depressions or channels may comprise a closed end at or toward a head edge end.

[0171] The one or more depressions or channels may extend through the junction region.

[0172] The one or more depressions or channels may comprise a floor or base and an associated side wall.

[0173] The one or more depressions or channels may be formed to extend across the underlap portion, but avoid a headlap portion, of the module.

[0174] The floor or base may be angled, optionally such an angle may assist with drainage of liquid out through the open end.

[0175] The side wall may be substantially angled or sloped between the floor or base to an upper face of the underlap portion. Optionally, the side walls may be angled inwardly from the upper face end of the side walls toward the floor or base.

[0176] The one or more depression or channel may have a depth between the floor or base and an upper face of the underlap portion that reduces in depth from the open end to the closed end.

[0177] The floor or base may be angled to assist with drainage out through the open end.

[0178] The floor or base may be level or flush with a ledge or lead-in of the junction region or second hooked portion.

[0179] The floor or base may have a width extending between the side wall that is a substantially constant width along a length of the depression or channel, or the width may be relatively reduced toward the open end of the depression or channel relative to the width toward the closed end.

[0180] An angle of the side wall of the depression or channel may define a width of the floor or base.

[0181] The depression or channel at an upper face of the underlap portion may substantially comprise substantially parallel edges along the length of the depression or channel (except for at the closed end).

[0182] The junction region may comprise of a depression or channel extending across a (or the) ledge or lead-in (such as for drainage purposes) with an open end communicating substantially with the exposure portion of the module.

[0183] The junction region may comprise of a depression or channel that may provide for a drainage or leak path (or weep point) across the junction region to communicate with the exposure portion of the module.

[0184] Each depression or channel may have associated therewith an indicia or other form of marking of identifier, for example for ease of identification (such as by an installer).

[0185] The indica may be positioned on the underlap portion, and outside of the depression or channel. Optionally, the indica may be provided at or toward a head edge end of the underlap portion.

[0186] The open end may be shaped to provide for a triangular shaped opening or may be shaped to provide for a relatively narrowed or uniform width opening.

[0187] The open end may be shaped to be of a substantially commensurate shape as a cutout shape between exposure portions of a module or exposure tab portions.

[0188] The throat of the first hooked portion may comprise of substantially radiused or curved corners, optionally the radiused or curved corners are at a base of the throat, or may comprise of a substantially uniform wall thickness.

[0189] The radiused or curved corners may distribute any force loads applied substantially through the butt edge end of the module, such as force loads from thermal effects such as expansion or contraction, or other applied force loads such as from weather event loading (wind, hail, snow / ice loads), or module upon module interactions, or from installers walking across the module.

[0190] The first tongue piece may comprise of a terminal end that is of a radiused or curved end shape.

[0191] The second tongue piece may project as a projection from the upper face of the junction region of the underlap portion.

[0192] The second tongue piece may comprise of a terminal end having at least a partially radiused or at least a partially curved end shape.

[0193] The first tongue piece may have a tongue length that may be longer than a tongue length of the second tongue piece.

[0194] The throat of the first hooked portion may have a throat length that may be longer than a throat length of the second hooked portion.

[0195] In-use, an end or a terminal end of the first hooked portion or the first tongue piece of the first hooked portion is to be mated or to contactingly engage with the base of the throat of the second hooked portion.

[0196] The base of the throat of the second hooked portion may act as a governor or reference for location or positioning of the butt edge end of an overlapping module brought into assembly with an underlapping module.

[0197] When in an assembled configuration of an overlapping module with an underlapping module, a spacing may be provided between a terminal end of the second hooked portion or the second tongue piece of the second hooked portion and a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

[0198] Wherein the spacing may be sized or dimensioned to allow for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature (to account for relative thermal expansions of overlapping and underlapping cladding modules and their respective thermal expansions), without the terminal end of the second hooked portion contacting a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

[0199] Spacing of the stops or limiter type projections and the respective tongue overlap of first and second hooked portions can be positioned or adjusted to make allowances for installation of the cladding modules which then contract due to cooling environmental conditions. For example, cladding modules installed during relatively warm or hotter conditions will have expanded due to the warmer conditions, but will then contract as relatively cool or cooler conditions are experienced. During contraction, modules will shrink. The overlap of first and second hooked portions needs to be sufficient to ensure such hooked portions remain in an overlap condition or state. Similarly, the reverse needs to be accounted for as modules warm up and expansion occurs, the hooked portions need to overlap sufficiently to ensure an overlap condition or state remains.

[0200] Wherein the first hooked portion is configured to allow for a bending or deflection substantially of the butt edge end in a situation where a terminal end of the second hooked portion may contact a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

[0201] The exposure portion has a width (such as from the butt edge end to the junction region) that may be less than a width of the underlap portion (such as from the junction region to the head edge end).

[0202] In-use, the first fastening zone of an overlapping module may be overlapping of the second fastening zone of an underlapping module.

[0203] The module may be substantially formed by moulding, optionally is substantially formed of polymeric material, or materials comprising of polymer.

[0204] The module may be substantially formed according to compositions described by W02016 / 088,026 and / or WO2018 / 154,427, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0205] A module may comprise of one or more exposure tab portions. Optionally, there may be one exposure tab, or two exposure tabs, or three exposure tabs, or four exposure tabs, or five or more exposure tabs. For example, a module may comprise of five exposure tabs.

[0206] Between adjacent exposure tab portions there may comprise of a gap (also known as a 'cut-out'). Optionally, the gap provides for a separation between adjacent exposure tabs.

[0207] An exposure tab portion may be associated with one or more depressions or channels.

[0208] There may be one or two or three, or a plurality of depressions or channels associated with an exposure tab. Optionally, there may be three depressions or channels associated with an exposure tab.

[0209] The depression or channel may be of a substantially elongate shape, such as a finger or keyway.

[0210] One or each depression or channel may be positioned on the underlap portion to allow for an intended cladding layout configuration.

[0211] In-use or in an assembled configuration, a cut-out or a separation between tabs, or a left-hand or right-hand side of an overlapping module, can be aligned with or to partially overlap a depression or channel of an underlapping module.

[0212] The depression or channel may be configured to provide for a depth-of-view or a so- called shadow-line to emphasise an apparent cladding module depth or thickness when in an in-use or assembled configuration.

[0213] For the purposes of this specification, the following terms are used:

[0214] "Butt edge" means the lower edge of a cladding module.

[0215] "Course" means a row of cladding modules running along a length of the buildings structure to be clad, such as a roof or a wall or other siding.

[0216] "Deck" means the surface, installed over supporting framing members, to which a cladding module is applied.

[0217] "Exposure" means the portion of a cladding module that is exposed to the weather after installation.

[0218] "Headlap" means the shortest distance from the butt edge of an overlapping cladding module to the upper edge (or head edge end) of a cladding module in a second course below, and in which is the triple coverage (or lapping) portion of lapped cladding modules. A headlap is a region at the head end of an underlap portion of a module.

[0219] "Interlocking modules" means individual cladding modules that mechanically fasten or connect with each other as part of a cladding system.

[0220] "Laminated shingles" means strip shingles containing more than one layer to create extra thickness. Also referred to as three-dimensional shingles or architectural shingles.

[0221] "Lap" or "lapped" or "lapping" means to cover the surface of one cladding module with another cladding module.

[0222] "Overlap" or "overlapping" means a cladding module (or portion thereof) which is to lap over the top of or over an upper face portion of a cladding module underneath, such as a second or subsequent course of cladding module(s) being lapped over the top of a first or preceding course of cladding module(s).

[0223] "Underlap" or underlapping" means a cladding module (or portion thereof) which is to lap underneath of or under a lower face portion of a cladding module positioned over the top, such as being a first or preceding course of cladding module(s) being lapped over the top of by a second or subsequent course of cladding module(s).

[0224] "Cut-outs" means a gap or separation between adjacent tabs of an individual cladding module having two or more tabs.

[0225] "No-cutout modules" means a cladding module consisting of a single tab with no cutouts.

[0226] "Ponding" means the accumulation of water (such as after rainfall or condensation, such as dew, or snowmelt) at low-lying areas of a roof that remain wet when other parts of the roof have dried.

[0227] "Random-tab modules" means cladding modules on which tabs vary in size and exposure.

[0228] "Racking" means the relative horizontal alignment (such as rotation) between cladding modules, typically between an overlapping module of a succeeding cladding module or course, and an underlapping module of a preceding cladding module or course, and adjustments of this alignment.

[0229] "Release tape" means a typically plastic or paper (or other material) strip that is applied across adhesive of co-called self-sealing shingles (used as cladding for roofing or siding). This strip prevents the shingles from sticking together when stacked in bundles.

[0230] "Self-sealing modules" means cladding modules having factory-applied strips or spots of self-sealing adhesive.

[0231] "Self-sealing strip or spot" means factory-applied adhesive that bonds cladding module courses together, typically when exposed to the heat of the sun after application.

[0232] "Square-tab cladding modules" means a cladding module on which tabs are all the same size and exposure.

[0233] "Starter strip" or "starter" means a cladding module or other cladding element which is applied as a base course upon which a first or an initial course of cladding module(s) may then overlap or be overlaid upon. Starter strip or starter typically provide protection by filling in the spaces under the cut-outs and joints of the first course of cladding elements, such as cladding modules.

[0234] "Strip modules" means a module that is approximately three times as long (or in length) than they are wide.

[0235] "Tab" means the exposed portion of a strip module defined by cut-outs.

[0236] "Top lap" means that portion of a building surface (such as a deck, for example a roof decking) that is covered by a succeeding or subsequent course of a cladding module after installation.

[0237] "Telegraphing" means a distortion of shingles or cladding (such as roofing or siding) that may arise when replacement or new cladding is applied over an uneven surface.

[0238] "Underlap portion" means the portion of a cladding module that is to be overlapped or covered by another cladding module that is to be laid on top of such a base cladding module. A headlap portion forms a part of the underlap portion. The underlap portion is the region or area of a cladding module that is to be overlaid by an overlapping cladding module.

[0239] "Overlap potion" means the portion of a cladding module that goes on top of another cladding module placed underneath of a top cladding module.

[0240] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0241] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0242] The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0243] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0244] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one configuration of a cladding module.

[0245] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a cladding module in close-up form, illustrating a single tab exposure portion.

[0246] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a cladding module as shown in Figures 1 or 2.

[0247] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a cladding module of a configuration as shown in Figure 1.

[0248] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a cladding module.

[0249] Figure 6 illustrates another bottom perspective view of a cladding module.

[0250] Figure 7 illustrates a general exploded assembly side view of three cladding modules and how they would be brought together for respective first and second hooked portions to interconnect, shown on a deck of a building surface. Note no starter course is shown here.

[0251] Figure 8 illustrates the assembled assembly of Figure 7, including a close-up of the interconnection between overlapping and underlapping modules, and showing a fastener.

[0252] Figure 9a illustrates schematically exemplar differences between differently driven fasteners into a generally planar surface. "A" shows a skewed driven fastener. "B" shows an overdriven fastener. "C" shows an underdriven fastener. "D" shows a correctly driven fastener.

[0253] Figure 9b illustrates schematically exemplar differences between differently driven fasteners, into a cladding module having a recessed nailing portion. "A" shows a skewed driven fastener. "B" shows an overdriven fastener. "C" shows an underdriven fastener. "D" shows a correctly driven fastener.

[0254] Figure 10 illustrates a schematic bottom view of a first fastening zone with a fastener in place, and showing how support features of the first fastening zone are spatially arranged or provided to support the head of the fastener when in-situ.

[0255] Figure 11 illustrates another configuration of a cladding module, with a single exposure tab, and which may be utilised as a hip or ridge type cladding module (to be bent or conformed over a hip or a ridge or other shape).

[0256] Figure 12 illustrates a generalised assembly of an overlapping and underlapping cladding module according to the cladding module configuration of Figure 11.

[0257] Figure 13 illustrates another view of Figure 12, showing a flexible or bending region of the cladding module configuration of Figure 11.

[0258] Figure 14 illustrates a close-up portion view of a junction region of one configuration of a cladding module.

[0259] Figure 15 illustrates a close-up portion view of a junction region of a different configuration of a cladding module.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0260] Various embodiments are described with reference to the Figures. Throughout the Figures and specification, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0261] This invention provides for a cladding module, for example to be used as a roofing cladding or a siding cladding. It will be appreciated that a starter or starter course is typically applied to the deck, and from there on subsequent courses of cladding modules can be attached to the deck as a series of underlapping and overlapping cladding modules assembled together as a cladding system for forming a roof or the siding of a building structure.

[0262] Not described herein are all the typical underlayment(s) or other flashings or details of how roofing or siding cladding systems are to be applied or layered up as part of roofing or siding systems. Instead, the focus of this description and specification is to a cladding module itself which forms a part of an overall roofing system or a siding system for a building structure. Those skilled in the art of cladding (such as roofing or siding) will appreciate the typical requirements for different underlayment solutions or flashings or other joints and so details of these are not provided.

[0263] The cladding module as described herein provides for a cladding module product to be provided as another option in the roofing and siding industry.

[0264] In one configuration, the cladding module as herein may also provide for an interlocking module. Such an interlocking module may advantageously avoid or substantially minimise requirements for use of adhesive or sealants. That is, this cladding module may avoid the need for self-sealing strips or spots and provide for an alternative to self-sealing shingles or self-sealing cladding modules. Accordingly, an interlocking module may avoid theissues associated with use of adhesive or sealants, simplifying installation requirements and negating downstream maintenance issues when adhesive or sealants are used as part of a cladding system.

[0265] In another configuration, the cladding module as herein may also provide for an appearance which may be of interest to the industry or consumers. Such an appearance may provide for a cladding module, such as a synthetic cladding module, that goes some way toward emulating traditional cladding products.

[0266] For example, emulating so-called architectural or laminated shingles (which may provide the industry or consumers with a so-called 'luxury' or 'premium' cladding product), or for emulating other cladding products, such as natural materials like stone, natural slate, wood, or other materials such as clay, concrete, metal claddings. With so-called 'luxury' or 'premium' cladding products, often these products have a greater thickness, which in turn imparts a perceived greater value to the industry or an end consumer.

[0267] Accordingly, in the provision of mass manufactured cladding modules, which may for example be provided in a format which enables the faster or more efficient assembly for larger surface areas, yet which provides for a similar appearance may be of commercial value or interest to the industry or an end consumer.

[0268] Synthetic cladding modules may provide for a number of advantages in terms of one or more of: their mass manufacture capabilities, along with the ability to adjust and / or control the composition of such modules to achieve desired properties (such as fire resistance, wind / storm resistance, hail resistance, minimising or resisting degradation from environmental conditions such as UV, hot climate, cool climate, snow, ice etc).

[0269] In another configuration, the cladding module as herein may provide for a formation which may may provide for an underlap which may comprise of features, such as one or more or a series or depressions or channels or similar features which can be utilised by an overlapping cladding module (such as the exposure or tab portion or by aligning or overlaying of a side edge, such as a left-hand edge or side or a right-hand edge or side of an overlapping cladding module) in enhancing the overall visual appearance of an assembled underlapping module and an overlapping module.

[0270] For example, such depression or channel can provide for a greater depth or three- dimensionality or an apparent cladding thickness. In such a manner, the apparentobservable cladding thickness, or an apparent depth of field view, can be modified using the depression or channel provided across the underlap portion of an underlapping cladding module.

[0271] Further, the one or more or a series or depressions or channels or similar features, may provide additional rigidity or stiffness to the cladding module. In particular, the sidewalls of the channels, may provide additional rigidity or stiffness to the generally flat module, particularly rigidity in a direction between a head end and a butt end of a module.

[0272] In another configuration, the cladding module as herein may provide for a formation which may allow for a nested or mated configuration of an overlap portion (or a lower face of an exposure portion) of an overlapping cladding module upon or with an underlap portion of an underlapping cladding module.

[0273] In another configuration, the cladding module as herein may provide for relatively tapered head end of a module which may allow for support of an overlapping cladding module portion with an underlapping cladding module portion, and for example may help minimise or ameliorate telegraphing or ponding issues. In one configuration, the underlap portion of a cladding module is configured to support the exposure portion of an overlapping cladding module thereon.

[0274] In another configuration, the cladding module as herein may provide for a mechanically restrained or module to module interconnection of the butt edge end of a cladding module which can provide greater or improved resistance to wind uplift than cladding modules relying upon adhesive at a butt edge end.

[0275] In another configuration, the cladding module as herein may provide for a mechanically restrained or module to module interconnection of the butt edge end of a cladding module and which can simultaneously allow for thermal expansion or contraction of respective overlapping and underlapping cladding modules without disengagement disconnection of the butt edge end of an overlapping module from an underlapping module.

[0276] Advantageously, the modules as described herein can allow for thermal expansion and contraction, whilst remaining in an interconnected configuration of the first and second hooked portions.

[0277] Advantageously, the modules as described herein can provide for relatively higher wind ratings than cladding modules reliant upon adhesive for module-to-module interconnection, or inter-module connection.

[0278] The description below is made with reference to the accompanying Figures 1-15, which are provided as illustrative examples.

[0279] There is provided a cladding module 1. The module 1 comprises an upper face 2 and a lower face 3, a head edge end (or rearward end) 4 and a butt edge end (or frontward end) 5, the upper face 2 comprising an underlap portion 6 and an exposure portion 7.

[0280] Such an exposure portion 7 can be provided across one or more tab(s) 8 (exposure tabs) of the module 1.

[0281] In one configuration, located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) 5 of the module 1, there can be at least a first substantially hooked portion 9. While located substantially at a junction region 10 between the exposure portion 7 and the underlap portion 6, there can be at least a second substantially hooked portion 11.

[0282] In another configuration, the underlap portion 6 can comprise of one or more depressions or channels 13. The channels 13 may help prevent pooling of water when installed on a sloped roof and / or direct water onto the exposed portion of the module when installed on a roof.

[0283] In another configuration, the module 1 has a thickness 12 of the underlap portion 6 (such as between the upper face 2 and the lower face 3 of the underlap portion) that reduces from a relatively greater thickness substantially at or toward or adjacent of the junction region 10 to a relatively lesser thickness substantially at, or toward or adjacent, the head edge end 4.

[0284] In another configuration, a module thickness (or height) 12 of the underlap portion 6 can be reducing in a direction extending toward (a reduced thickness at) the head edge end 4.

[0285] In another configuration, located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) 5 of the module 1, is at least a first substantially hooked portion 9. Located substantially at a junction region 10 between the exposure portion 7 and the underlap portion 6, is at least a second substantially hooked portion 11. The first hooked portion 9 comprises of atongue piece portion 14 and the second hooked portion 11 comprises of a tongue piece portion 15.

[0286] In an assembled configuration of underlapping and overlapping cladding modules, each of the respective tongue pieces 14, 15 have a length LI, L2 providing for an overlap distance with each other sufficient to avoid a disengagement of each other to allow, or even when allowing, for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature. It will be appreciated that the thermal expansion coefficient of the module material will influence the expansion / contraction experienced between different temperatures.

[0287] Optionally, a fastening zone, such as a first fastening zone 16, located substantially adjacent with or to the junction region 10 is configured to restrain or constrain or substantially limit a thermal expansion or contraction of the junction region or the second hooked portion 11 of the junction region, such as to a substantially lesser or reduced amount (of expansion or contraction) than a thermal expansion or contraction of the distance between such a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone 16, and the butt edge end 5 of the module 1. In particular, the first fastening zone anchors the module to an underlying building structure, preferably along the first fastening zone when a fastener is driven through the module in that region. Accordingly, the module becomes fixed to the building structure at the location of each fastener, and the module accordingly expands / contracts outwards from the fastening zone, as the temperature changes.

[0288] For example, a distance between the first fastening zone 16 and the second hooked portion 11 may be less than a distance from the first fastening zone 16 and the first hooked portion located substantially at the butt edge end of the module 1. In this manner, a fastener, such as a penetrative fastener fastened as the first fastening zone 16 can act to structurally or physically constrain or limit the thermal expansion or contraction of the module located closer to the fastened fastener zone.

[0289] As a result, of the second hooked portion being located close to the first fastening zone (in which) the module(s) are anchored to the building structure, there is a reduced ability of the second hooked portion to move in windy conditions for example. Further, due to the anchoring effect of the fastener(s) proximate this location, the second hooked portion 11 will have a more predictable location that is less susceptible to movement due to thermalexpansion. This ensures the interconnection between respective hooked portions 11,9 is reliable.

[0290] Furthermore, fastening of the first fastening zone and the respective location of the first fastening zone to the second hooked portion provides for a relatively constrained positioning of the second hooked portion (due to its fastening and connection to the deck of a building). In this manner, the second hooked portion becomes a substantially indexed region, indexed to a location with respect to the deck. Therefore, the subsequent attachment of an overlapping module to a (now) underlapping module, allows for a relatively unconstrained or free or floating exposure portion of the overlapping module, unconstrained or free or able to float in terms of the positioning of the first hooked portion of the overlapping module with respect to the second hooked portion of the underlapping module. In this way, the first hooked portion and exposure region of an overlapping module are able to expand and contract (or more) in response to changes in temperature (increases or decreases due to environmental conditions). However, the overlap of the respective first and second hooked portions is sufficient such that disengagement of these respective hook portions due to the respective (expansion or contraction) of overlapping and underlapping modules is avoided. In this manner, the exposure portion of a module is allowed to be 'free' or 'floating' or is 'unconstrained' with its positioning relative to the more constrained positioning of the second hooked portion and associated substantially adjacent first fastening zone.

[0291] In another configuration, the module 1 can comprise one or more projections 17 configured as stops or limiters or restraints. Such projections 17 can act for stopping or limiting or restraining a relative movement (or allowing for a limited range of movement of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module) during installation (or postinstallation) when a cladding module is to be brought into an overlapping condition with an underlapping module, such as when bringing an overlapping module to bear upon the underlapping portion 6 of an overlapping module during assembly of installation of succeeding courses of modules upon preceding courses of modules.

[0292] In further configurations, a limited or restrained range of movement of an overlapping cladding module with respect to an underlapping cladding module can be defined or governed by the location of the one or more projections 17 about the lower face 3 of the underlap portion 6 of an overlapping cladding module, and a distance toengagement of the one or more projections 17 with a head edge end 4 of an underlapping cladding module (for example to thereby operate as a racking control or racking limiter). This is best illustrated in the close-up of Figure 8.

[0293] In another configuration, the limited or restrained range of movement is a distance or length that is less than an overlap or overlap length of respective tongues or tongue pieces 14, 15 of first and second hooked portions 9, 11 of respective overlapping and underlapping cladding modules, such as to help prevent disengagement of the first and second hooked portions 9, 11 from each other when overlapping and underlapping cladding modules are assembled together, or is a distance or length that is less than the length of the second tongue piece portion 15 of the second hooked portion 11.

[0294] Furthermore, the spacing of the projections 17 can be sufficient to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the cladding module, and yet also still provide an allowance or distance available for racking of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module.

[0295] It will be appreciated that the space between the projection 17 and the butt edge 4 of an underlapping module, will also allow some additional allowance or 'play', to accommodate a course of modules to be laid slightly 'out-of-square'. This may be an advantage where the underlying building structure isn't perfectly square, for example.

[0296] In another configuration, a cladding system (such as providing for multiple courses of the cladding modules described herein), which are provided in overlapping and underlapping arrangements. When cladding a building structure (for roofing or siding), typically multiple courses are used to progressively cover the building structure with the cladding.

[0297] Accordingly, in such a system, a plurality of the cladding modules would be arranged as a series of preceding and succeeding courses, a preceding course of cladding modules provided as a course of underlapping cladding modules, and a succeeding course of cladding modules provided as a course of overlapping cladding modules to overlap with the associated underlapping cladding modules of the preceding course. In another form, at least one or a plurality of the cladding modules 1 are affixed to a deck 18 of a building surface as a first, or a preceding or initial, course or as an underlapping course of cladding modules, and subsequently at least one or a plurality of cladding modules 1 are affixed to the deck 18 ofthe building surface as a second, or a succeeding or subsequent, course or as an overlapping course of cladding modules.

[0298] Accordingly, in such a system, a first hooked portion 9 of an overlapping cladding module is brought into connection or alignment or a retained position with a second hooked portion 11 of an underlapping cladding module. In such a connection or alignment or retained position between the respective first and second hooked portions 9, 11 providing for a connection between associated underlapping and overlapping cladding modules, such connection is configured restrain a butt edge end of an overlapping module with an underlapping module.

[0299] Accordingly, in such a system, a left-hand edge or side 19, or a right-hand edge or side 20, of an overlapping cladding module may be positioned to substantially align with or overlay with, a depression or channel 13 of an underlapping cladding module underlap portion.

[0300] Figure 1 shows a top perspective view of a cladding module 1 comprising of 5 exposure portions (or exposure tabs), whilst figure 2 shows a close-up view of a cladding module with a single exposure portion (or exposure tab).

[0301] Figure 3 shows a side view of a cladding module 1, while figure 4 shows a top view of a module 1 (not the cut-outs or separation between adjacent exposure portions).

[0302] Figure 5 shows an underside or lower face view of a cladding module 1, while figure 6 shows a different angle of the underside or lower face view of such a module.

[0303] Figure 7 shows an assembly of three courses of modules 1 in an un-assembled configuration, while figure 8 shows the three courses of modules now brought together into an assembled configuration.

[0304] According to module and configurations noted above, the following additional features can be provided individually or in combination therewith.

[0305] A throat 21 of the first substantially hooked portion 9 faces towards the head edge end (or rearward end) 4 of a module 1.

[0306] The throat 21 can be formed by a gap between a face, such as a lower face 3 of the module and an opposing face (or faces) of the first hooked portion (or first tongue piece) 14.

[0307] The first substantially hooked portion 9 extends from a butt edge end (or frontward end) 5 and about an underneath or underside of the lower face 3 of the butt edge end 5 of the module 1.

[0308] The first hooked portion 9 can provide for a first tongue piece 14. Such a tongue piece 14 can be provided at a terminal end of the first hooked portion.

[0309] The first hooked portion 9 of an overlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the second hooked portion 11 of an underlapping module. Such as in- use or an assembled configuration of an overlapping module with another module provided as an underlapping module.

[0310] In-use as part of a series of underlapping and overlapping modules to be assembled together as a cladding system, the first hooked portion 9 of an overlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the second hooked portion 11 of an underlapping module.

[0311] A throat 22 of the second substantially hooked portion 11 faces towards the butt edge end (or frontward end) 5 of the module 1.

[0312] The throat 22 of the second substantially hooked portionll can be formed by a gap between a face or lower face 3 of the module and an opposing face (or faces) of the second hooked portion 11 (or second tongue piece 15).

[0313] The second substantially hooked portion 11 can extend from the junction region 10 as an overhang over a portion of the or an upper face 2 of the module.

[0314] The second hooked portion 11 can also provide for a second tongue piece 15, which can be located at a terminal end of the second hooked portion 11.

[0315] The second hooked portion 11 of an underlapping module in-use is substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the first hooked portion 9 of an overlapping module.

[0316] In-use as part of a series of underlapping and overlapping modules to be assembled together as a cladding system, the second hooked portion 11 of an underlapping module may be substantially engageable with, or receivable by, the first hooked portion 9 of an overlapping module. As illustrated in Figure 8, it may be desirable to leave a small clearance gap 60, to allow for minor alignment adjustments and / or allow for some thermal expansion / contraction.

[0317] The first hooked portion is configured as a first interlocking mechanism, while the second hooked portion is configured as a second interlocking mechanism.

[0318] The first interlocking mechanism and second interlocking mechanism are to be interconnectable or inter-connecting with each other. For example, when brought together as an assembly of a module as an overlapping module providing for the first interlocking mechanism, and another module as an underlapping module providing for the second interlocking mechanism, such mechanisms can engage or interconnect with each other to form a joint or mechanical hold or restraint with each other.

[0319] The throat 21 of the first hooked portion 9 has a gap that can be at least sufficient to accommodate the second tongue piece 15 of the second hooked portion 11. Further, the throat 21 of the first hooked portion 9 has a depth or length that can be at least sufficient to accommodate a substantial length portion of the second tongue piece 15.

[0320] The throat 22 of the second hooked portion 11 has a gap that can be at least sufficient to accommodate the first tongue piece 14 of the first hooked portion 9. Further, the throat 22 of the second hooked portion 11 has a depth or length that can be at least sufficient to accommodate a substantial length portion of the first tongue piece 14.

[0321] In further configurations, the throat 21 of the first hooked portion 9 has a depth or length that may be greater than a length of the second tongue piece 15.

[0322] In further configurations, the throat 22 of the second hooked portion 11 has a depth or length that may be less than a length of the first tongue piece 14.

[0323] The tongue pieces 14, 15 of each of the hooked portions 9, 11 may be interposed substantially into the respective throats 21, 22 of each respective hooked portion. For example, the first tongue piece 14 can be interposed into the throat 22 of the second hooked portion 11, and the second tongue piece 15 can be interposed into the throat 21 of the first hooked portion 9. For example, when each of the first tongue piece and the second tongue piece are respectively interposed into the throats of each respective hooked portion, there may be a distance of overlap or tongue overlap.

[0324] Located substantially at the butt edge end (or frontward end) 5 of the module 1, is at least a first substantially hooked portion 9, and located substantially at a junction region 10 between the exposure portion 7 and the underlap portion 6, is at least a second substantiallyhooked portion 11. The first hooked portion 9 comprises of a tongue piece portion 14 and the second hooked portion 11 comprises of a tongue piece portion 15, such that in an assembled configuration of an underlapping with overlapping cladding modules, each of the respective tongue pieces 14,15 have a length providing for overlap a distance with each other sufficient to for an interconnection and to avoid a disengagement or disconnection of each other to allow for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature (to account for relative thermal expansions of overlapping and underlapping modules).

[0325] Optionally, a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone 16, is located substantially adjacent with or to the junction region 10 and is configured to restrain or constrain or substantially limit a thermal expansion or contraction of the junction region or the second hooked portion of the junction region, such as to a substantially lesser or reduced amount than a thermal expansion or contraction of the distance between such a fastening zone, such as the first fastening zone 16 and the butt edge end 5 of the module. For example, a distance between the first fastening zone 16 and the second hooked portion 11 may be less than a distance from the first fastening zone 16 and the first hooked portion 9.

[0326] In various configurations, the butt edge end 5 or a nose of the module may be configured as a first visual alignment or guide feature 23 (such as an installation alignment or installation guide feature). For example, for alignment or guide with a second visual alignment or guide feature 24.

[0327] In various configurations, the junction region 10 may comprise a second visual alignment or guide feature 24 (such as an installation alignment or installation guide feature), for example for alignment or guide with the first visual alignment or guide feature 23.

[0328] The second visual alignment or guide feature 24 may be a surface feature provided on the upper surface of the module. The surface feature may be a raised step or a raised feature, such as a ledge, on the upper surface.

[0329] Each of the first and second alignment or guide features may be configured such that respective alignment with each other of a respective underlapping and overlapping modulesto be assembled together allows for substantially parallel lateral alignment of such an overlapping module with an underlapping module.

[0330] The first tongue piece and the second tongue piece may overlap with each other sufficiently to restrain the butt edge end of an overlapping module to an underlapping module, when an overlapping module and an underlapping module are to be assembled together as a cladding system.

[0331] A module thickness 12 of the underlap portion 6 (such as between the upper face 2 and the lower face 3 of the underlap portion 6) can reduce from a relatively greater thickness substantially at or toward or adjacent of the junction region to a relatively lesser thickness substantially at, or toward or adjacent, the head edge end. That is, the module thickness can be of a reducing thickness, reducing in a direction toward the head edge end 4.

[0332] The module thickness of the underlap portion may reduce progressively substantially from, at, or adjacent with, the junction region 10 toward the head edge end.

[0333] The module thickness (or height) 12 of the underlap portion 6 can reduce in a direction extending toward the head edge end 4.

[0334] The module thickness 12 can be reduced in a region substantially at, or toward, the head edge end, relative to a module thickness more toward the junction region 10.

[0335] An underside (or a lower face) of the underlap portion can comprise of a series of support features, the support features being of a height that progressively reduce in their height between a support feature provided substantially at, or adjacent with, a first fastening zone, and a support feature provided substantially at, or adjacent with, a head edge end of the module.

[0336] The first fastening zone may be a nail strip or a so-called nail line, being a strip or region configured for receiving of a nail or other penetrative fastener.

[0337] The module thickness may be substantially defined between an upper face underlap portion notional plane 26 substantially corresponding with the upper face of the underlap portion, and a lower face underlap portion notional plane 27 substantially corresponding with the lower face of the underlap portion, or the contact points of the support features 25 extending from the lower face of the underlap portion.

[0338] A lower notional plane 27 may be generally expressed as a plane corresponding with the lower face 3 of at least the underlap portion 6, or at least by the contact points of supports 25 arranged about the lower face of the underlap portion of the module which are, in-use, substantially engageable with, or supportive of the lower face to, a building surface (such as a deck, being the surface which is installed over supporting framing members, to which the cladding module is to be subsequently applied).

[0339] An upper notional plane 26 may be generally expressed as a plane corresponding with the upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6, or at least by contact points of supports arranged about the upper face of the underlap portion of the module which are, in-use, substantially engageable or supportive of a portion of a lower face of an overlapping module, such as substantially the lower face of an exposure portion (and / or the junction region) of an overlapping module. In the figures shown, the upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6 is a substantially planar face or surface and the lower face of an overlapping module is to be seated upon that, and supports are not used or shown. However, if supports on an upper face were to be used, then those could be provided to support the lower face of an overlapping module.

[0340] As noted, the upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6 could be configured to provide support (such as direct support) for a lower face of an overlapping module, however for the purposes of the accompanying figures the whole of the upper face 2 provides support for a lower face of an overlapping module. Different shaped supports could be used as required, however.

[0341] The upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6 may be substantially planar, or provides for a substantially planar support surface, as is shown in the accompanying figures. In this manner, the entirety or substantially whole of the upper face 2 can be provided as a support for supporting (such as directly) of an overlapping portion of the lower face of an overlapping module.

[0342] The lower face 3 of the overlap portion 6 may be configured to provide support to the upper face of the underlap portion. For example, the lower face 3 of the underlap portion 6 can at least one support 25 to be brought into contact with a deck 18 of a building surface, such supports 25 supporting of the upper face 3.

[0343] The support 25 can be in the form of a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature, to be brought to bear upon a building surface.

[0344] The upper notional plane 26 associated with the underlap portion may be a plane substantially parallel with a lower notional plane associated with the lower face 3 of the exposure portion 7 of the module. Optionally, a module thickness 12 of the underlap portion 6 reduces from a thickness substantially at, or toward or adjacent of, the junction region 10 to a relatively reduced or relatively lesser module thickness 12 substantially at, or toward or adjacent of, the head edge end 4.

[0345] The underlap portion 6 may have, or comprise, a module thickness 12 or cross- sectional profile dimension substantially between an upper face 2 and an associated lower face 3 of the underlap portion that is substantially wedge-shaped or of a tapered profile. The reduced module thickness or relatively thinned end of a wedge-shape may be an area at, or more toward or adjacent of, the head edge end 4.

[0346] The head edge end 4, or a region thereof, of the underlap portion of the module may be substantially wedge-shaped.

[0347] In various configurations, the lower face 3 of the exposure portion 7 can have a substantially planar face, for example to match the upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6 of an overlapping module, such as by providing for a substantially planar face also. In this manner, the substantially matching faces can substantially wholly or fully support the respective faces of the underlapping module with the overlapping module. It will be appreciated that in other configurations, differently shaped faces 2, 3 can be provided so that when brought together as an assembly of an underlapping and overlapping modules, the respective faces can engage and provide suitable support of each other (or at least support provided by the upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6 for the lower face 3 of an exposure portion 7.

[0348] The second hooked portion 11 can comprise a ledge 28.

[0349] The ledge 28 may be located substantially at an interface between the exposure portion 7 and the junction region 10.

[0350] The ledge 28 can be an elevated surface relief portion, for example that is elevated from the upper surface 2 of the exposure portion 7. The ledge 28 can be a portion stepped above the upper face 2 of the exposure portion 7.

[0351] The ledge 28 can form at least a part of a lead-in or a wall or entrance of the throat 22 of the second hooked portion 11.

[0352] The ledge 28, or a front edge of the ledge, such as at the interface between the exposure portion 7 and the junction region 10 can be used as a visual alignment or guide feature (or a lead-in for receiving or accepting a first hooked portion into the second hooked portion during assembly of an overlapping module with an underlapping module).

[0353] The ledge 28, or the front edge of the ledge, can be used in guiding installation or alignment of a subsequent module, such as with the butt edge end 5 of an overlapping module, or may be for guiding installation or alignment of an adjacent module provided on the same course as an initial module.

[0354] The ledge 28 can provide for a physical feature which an installer can identify and use for guiding assembly or alignment of subsequent modules with an initial module.

[0355] The throat 22 of the second hooked portion can be provided at the interface between the junction region 10 and the exposure portion 7.

[0356] An entrance or lead-in to the throat 22 of the second hooked portion 11 can be elevated or raised from the exposure portion, such as by a raised step or raised feature, such as a ledge, or the entrance and throat may be angled into a thickness or profile of the module, such that the entrance of the throat is at least the same as the upper face of the exposure portion. The throat may extend in a direction to be substantially with the plane of the exposed portion or may extend in a direction to be a different plane.

[0357] For example, the throat of the second hooked portion may be at least somewhat formed by a routing tool, and an angle of the throat may be provided to be suitable such that scuffing or marking by a cutter or routing tool of the exposure portion (which can comprise of decorative elements) is avoided. In some configurations, at least the entrance to the throat 22 is provided elevated from upper face of the exposure portion.

[0358] Figure 14 illustrates a close-up view of a junction region in which the throat may be provided to be generally of a plane which may be substantially parallel with the upper faceof the underlap portion and the exposure portion. However, other configurations are considered, for example that shown by Figure 15 which illustrates an angled throat. Such an angled throat may be at an angle or plane that is different to the plane of the upper face of the exposed portion (and may be in a plane substantially parallel with the upper face of the underlap portion, although this may not necessarily be the case).

[0359] The exposure portion 7 can comprise one or more decorative elements.

[0360] The decorative elements may be configured to emulate a surface finish or an appearance reminiscent of a desired material.

[0361] For example, the desired material may be: natural materials, artificial materials, stone, slate, clay, concrete, wooden shakes, asphalt shingles, metal shingles.

[0362] The decorative elements may be formed, such as by moulding, of the exposure portion 7, or the upper face 2 of the exposure portion 7 to provide for such a surface finish or texture or other appearance.

[0363] The decorative elements can be integrally formed with, onto, or into, the exposure portion or the upper face of the exposure portion. The decorative elements can also comprise one or more granules, such as polymer granules which may be applied during a manufacturing process. The decorative elements can also comprise one or more colorants, such as coloured granules (e.g. coloured polymer granules).

[0364] It will also be appreciated the decorative elements can be provided by surface features that are formed (or applied) substantially across the exposure portion or the upper face of the exposure portion.

[0365] The decorative elements can be used to contribute to a surface topography of the exposure portion or an upper face of the exposure portion.

[0366] An exposure portion may substantially comprise surfaces of the module which are to be left exposed or remain exposed when an overlapping module is to be assembled into an overlapping arrangement with an underlapping module.

[0367] The butt edge end 5 or nose of the module may additionally comprise of the one or more decorative elements.

[0368] A lower face 3 of the exposure portion 7 can be substantially devoid of surface features or may be substantially flat or planar. When in-use or in an assembledconfiguration, a lower face of the exposure portion of an overlapping module is configured to mate with, nest, or be seated upon the upper face of the underlap portion of an underlapping module.

[0369] In further configurations, the underlap portion 6 can comprise a first fastening zone 16 which can be configured for securely receiving of a fastener. The first fastening zone 16 can be a nail strip or a so-called nail line, being a strip or region configured for receiving of a nail or other penetrative fastener. The fasteners used would typically be a penetrative fastener, such as a nail or a screw or other threaded type fastener. Preferably, the first fastening zone comprises a thickened region of the module.

[0370] The first fastening zone 16 can be positioned to be substantially adjacent with, but outside of, the junction region 10. The first fastening zone 16 can be located or positioned in a direction more toward the head edge end 4 of the underlap portion 6.

[0371] The first fastening zone can extend laterally along a region (such as a lengthwise region) of the underlap portion 6 (such as in a length direction from a left-hand side 19 of the module to a right-hand side 20 of the module). A width of the first fastening zone can be in a direction between the head edge end and the butt edge end.

[0372] The first fastening zone 16 is configured for supporting a fastener that is to be received therethrough for securing the module 1 to a deck of a building surface provided below the lower face of the underlap portion.

[0373] Accordingly, the first fastening zone 16 can comprise one or a series of first fastening zone support features 29. Such support feature(s) 29 can comprise a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature extending downwardly of the upper face or may be a substantially solid cross-sectional portion of the module.

[0374] The first fastening zone support feature(s) 29 can be spatially arranged such that the head of the fastener in-use, would be substantially (such as directly or indirectly) supported by at least one of these support features 29. For example, the support features 29 can be spatially arranged or separated from each other, yet positioned to provide for an underlying support feature of a head of a nail or screw. In this way, the head of the fastener can be securely supported and can avoid issues of breakthrough if the fastener is overdriven using larger than necessary driving force.

[0375] For example, as shown in figure 10, when in-situ in the fastening zone, a fastener 46 with a head region (having a seated area shown by the outer perimeter line 47) can be supported by the underlying support features. The support features can be suitably spaced such that the area of the head of the fastener can be well supported to help avoid breakthrough.

[0376] The first fastening zone support feature(s) 29 are to extend in a downward direction (such as, in-use, in a direction downwardly toward an upper face of an underlap portion of an underlapping module). Further, the first fastening zone support feature(s) 29 can extend to be short of a lower notional plane (that is, such support features may have a height that is short of touching the upper surface of an underlapping module). For example, these may be short by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of a head of a fastener (such as a nail).

[0377] The first fastening zone support feature(s) 29 may have additional support feature(s) 30. Such additional support features 30 can be about a perimeter of the first fastening zone, or can be positioned along, for example, an edge of the junction region 10 of the first fastening zone 16, and for example along a head edge end of the first fastening zone. These additional support feature(s) 30 can be of a relatively longer or greater height than the first fastening zone support feature(s) 29, for example to be, in-use, contacting of the upper face 2 of the underlap portion 6 of an underlapping module. Accordingly, in this manner, the first fastening zone, in-use when a fastener is applied, can be allowed to deflect downwardly (if sufficient force is applied by the head of the fastener) toward a deck 18 of a building surface to which the fastener has been attached. Such deflection can allow for further space if the fastener has not been correctly driven into place. For example, if a fastener has been underdriven or skewed, which could result in the head of a fastener standing proud of an upper face of the underlap portion. In such a situation where a fastener is proud of the upper face, this can impact on the neat and correct seating of an underlapping module with the underlapping module. In situations when this happens, the overlapping module may be unable to be neatly seated down upon the underlapping module, can impact on the visual appearance of roofing or siding. Such appearances are undesirable. An allowed for deflection may correspond with the thickness of a fastener head, to thereby allow for the head of the fastener to be located substantially lower than an upper face of the underlap portion.

[0378] The additional supports 30 can co-operate to support the first fastening zone 16.

[0379] The first fastening zone support feature(s) 29 can be provided about an underside surface or lower face 3 of the underlap portion.

[0380] Figure 9a shows schematic views of differently driven fasteners. In Figure 9a, fasteners are driven into a cladding module having a generally planar upper surface (at least in a fastening zone). For example, "A" shows a skewed fastener (i.e. driven at an angle), "B" shows an overdriven fastener (for which the relatively shortened first fastening zone supports allow for at least some deflection to help account for an overdriven fastener and help avoid breakthrough), "C" shows an underdriven fastener in which the head of the nail stands proud of the upper surface and may interfere with an overlapping module surface, whilst "D" shows a correctly driven fastener.

[0381] The first fastening zone 16 can also comprise of a recessed portion 31 provided on the upper face. The recessed portion 31 can be recessed at least a depth sufficient to allow a head of a fastener to avoid being proud of the surrounding upper face, when a fastener is secured in place. The depth may be sufficient to allow for a substantially under-driven or a substantially skewed fastener to remain in place within the recessed portion without a head of such a fastener impeding upon a lower face or surface of a module overlapping of the recessed portion.

[0382] The recessed portion 31 can be a preformed geometry or shape, for example may be substantially rectangularly shaped or square shaped. Such a recessed portion 31 could be other geometric shapes or could be circular or oval, or other shapes.

[0383] The recessed portion 31 can comprise indicia, for example the indica can be indicative of a fastener, such as a nail, as a visual indicator of a desired area of where to apply a fastener through the first fastening zone 16.

[0384] The recessed portion 31 comprises side walls 32 extending from a base or floor 33 of the recessed portion.

[0385] The recessed portion 31 can be formed as a contiguous surface with the upper face of the underlap portion.

[0386] The recessed portion 31 can comprise a drainage or leak channel 34 (such as a weep point). Such a drainage or leak channel 34 can extend substantially into, through or acrossthe junction region 10, for example to allow for any liquid accumulation to drain or leak out of the recessed portion 31.

[0387] The recessed portion may provide for some headroom or redundancy allowance in the event a fastener is not correctly driven. Figure 9b shows schematic views of differently driven fasteners.

[0388] For example, "A" shows a skewed fastener (i.e. driven at an angle), "B" shows an overdriven fastener (for which the relatively shortened first fastening zone supports allow for at least some deflection to help account for an overdriven fastener and help avoid breakthrough), "C" shows an underdriven fastener in which the head of the nail stands proud of the upper surface and may interfere with an overlapping module surface, whilst "D" shows a correctly driven fastener.

[0389] The underlap portion 6 can also comprise a second fastening zone 35. Such a zone 35 can be configured for securely receiving of a fastener. For example, to receive a fastener that has been penetratingly applied through the first fastening zone 16, through an overlapping module, and through the underlap portion of the underlapping module and into a deck of a building surface.

[0390] The second fastening zone 35 can be positioned to be substantially adjacent at, toward or with, a head edge end. The second fastening zone can be provided to be in or through the headlap portion of the underlap portion.

[0391] The second fastening zone 35 can extend laterally along a region, such as a lengthwise region, of the underlap portion (such as in a length direction from a left-hand side of the module to a right-hand side of the module). The second fastening zone 35 may have a width provided in a direction between the head edge end and the butt edge end.

[0392] The second fastening zone may be configured for supporting a fastener received therethrough for securing the module to a building surface provided below the lower face of the underlap portion. For example, for receiving of a fastener that is applied directly through the first fastening zone of an overlapping cladding module.

[0393] The second fastening zone 35 can comprise one or a series of second fastening zone support features 36.

[0394] The second fastening zone support feature(s) 36 may comprise a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature extending downwardly of the upper face, or may be a substantially solid cross-sectional portion of the module. The figures illustrate a generally solid cross-sectional portion as one example.

[0395] The second fastening zone support feature(s) 36 could however be spatially arranged such that that sufficient support can be provided to an overlapping module and the first fastening zone 16.

[0396] The second fastening zone support feature(s) 36 would extend in a downward direction (such as, in-use, in a direction downwardly toward a building surface). The second fastening zone support feature(s) 36 are to be provided about an underside surface or lower face 3 of the underlap portion, substantially in a region at or toward a head edge end.

[0397] One or more projections 17 can extend downwardly of an underside surface or lower face 3 of the underlap portion 6, located in a region substantially outside of the first fastening zone 16 and / or to avoid overlapping of an underlapping module.

[0398] The one or more projections 17 can extend downwardly to be of a height such that a side wall of the one or more projections can act upon or may engage with, an end or edge or the head edge end 4 of the underlap portion, or upon a head end or edge of the headlap portion, of an underlapping module, yet which may stop short of engaging or contacting the deck of a building surface upon which the module is placed.

[0399] The one or more projections 17 can act as stops or limiters or restraints, for stopping or limiting or restraining a relative movement (or allowing for a limited range of movement of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module) of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module, such as when the overlapping module is brought to bear substantially upon an underlapping module, such as during an assembly of an overlapping module to an underlapping module.

[0400] A limited or restrained range of movement of an overlapping cladding module with respect to an underlapping cladding module may be defined or governed by the location of the one or more projections 17 about the lower face of the underlap portion of the overlapping cladding module and a distance to engagement (or contact with) of the one or more projections with a head edge end of an underlapping cladding module. In this manner, the projection(s) 17 may be configured to provide a racking control or as a racking limiter.

[0401] The limited or restrained range of movement may be a distance or length that is less than an overlap of respective tongues or tongue pieces of first and second hooked portions of respective overlapping and underlapping cladding modules, such as to help prevent disengagement of the first and second hooked portions from each other when overlapping and underlapping cladding modules are assembled together, or is a distance or length that is less than the length of the tongue piece portion of the second hooked portion. The distance or length can also take into account the extension or contraction by thermal expansion or contraction of overlapping and underlapping modules. Advantageously, both the overlap of the respective tongues and the thermal expansion characteristics of the modules can be accounted for, such that, for example, an expansion or contraction of the modules and the positioning of the projections) 17, whilst also allowing for a degree of racking of an overlapping module with an underlapping module, still ensures the first and second hooked portions remain interconnected when brought together as an assembly.

[0402] Furthermore, the one or more projections 17 located about the lower face of the underlap portion can allow for a limited range of racking capability of an overlapping module with an underlapping module, without disengagement of the respective first and second hooked portions from each other from respectively associated overlapping and underlapping cladding modules.

[0403] The one or more projections 17 are to be spaced from the first fastening zone 16, spaced to be located more toward the head edge end than the first fastening zone.

[0404] In alternative configurations, the function of projections 17 may be achieved by the rib 25, located closest to the first fastening zone 16. Alternatively still, projections 17 may be associated with the closest rib 25, to provide additional strength, such as being substantially adjacent an integral with the closest rib 25.

[0405] In further alternative configurations, one or more projections 37 may be provided as a substantially continuous feature, such as a rib or ribs, extending substantially along a length of the module.

[0406] The one or more projections 37 can be spaced apart from, but may be substantially adjacent to, the first fastening zone 16.

[0407] The one or more projections 37 can operate to restrain an overlapping module from sliding or slipping down across the upper face of an underlapping module, when theoverlapping module is brought substantially into an overlapping condition and substantially brought to bear upon an underlapping module.

[0408] The one or more projections 37 can extend downwardly to be of a height that stops short of a lower notional plane, or which avoids contact with a building surface beneath. For example, such projections can be shorter than other supports or features which provide for direct contact and support of the module upon an underlying building surface. For example, short of the first fastening zone additional support features 30 and / or the support features 25 of the underlap portion.

[0409] There may be two or more projections 37. Such projections can be aligned with each other and arranged or spaced or spread out laterally along a length of the module. The projections 37 can be positioned to define a consistent and predetermined spacing from the first fastening zone.

[0410] When an underlapping module and an overlapping module are to be assembled together, the spacing or location of the one or more (or two or more) projections may be such that the one or more (or two or more) projections may contact or engage with an end or edge or the head edge end of the underlap portion (or the headlap portion) of an underlapping module, to prevent an overlapping module from moving (forward) over an underlapping module, and / or for preventing disengagement of a respective first hooked portion of an overlapping module from a respective second hooked portion of an underlapping module.

[0411] An overlap length of a respective tongue piece of a first hooked portion of an overlapping module with a respective tongue piece of a second hooked portion of an underlapping module, when an overlapping module and an underlapping module are to be assembled together, can be greater than a distance from the head edge end of an underlapping module and the relative location of the one or more (or two or more) projections. In other words, the spacing of the projection(s) 37 can be such that even if the projection(s) 37 do come into contact with the head edge end of an underlapping module, the respective first and second hooked portions (and respective tongue pieces) remain interconnected or do not become disconnected or disengaged from each other. Factoring in thermal expansion coefficient of the module materials is also important, so that with relative contraction or expansion of underlapping and overlapping modules, the first and secondhooked portions remain interconnected or in an overlap condition. The projection(s) 37 can help to define a maximum distance of slip or slide of an overlapping module over an underlapping module and to help contain the overlapping module in an interconnection configuration with the underlapping module.

[0412] As shown in figures 11-13, there can be a cladding module which is capable of being used as a hip or ridge type module 38.

[0413] The cladding module can be provided as a cladding for a relatively planar deck, or can be configured as a hip or ridge type module 38, for example may be configured to be bent about a ridge- or a hip-type shape. For example, see figures 11-13.

[0414] In a hip or ridge type configuration, such a module can comprise of one or a single exposure portion 7. There can be a flexible or bending region 39. The flexible or bending region 39 can be provided in a substantially central zone (of the exposure portion) extending from, or between, a butt edge end 5 to the head edge end 4.

[0415] The flexible or bending region 39 can allow for the module to be bent over or about a hip or a ridge or a rake or a valley of a building surface.

[0416] The flexible or bending region features can be provided about the lower face of the module, so as to leave the upper face, especially the exposure portion left available for decorative elements.

[0417] In respect of this hip or ridge type cladding module 38, in one configuration, the first and second hooked portions 9, 11 can be positioned to be outside of the flexible or bending region 39, or may not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region. For example, such first and second hooked portions 9, 11 can be positioned substantially toward, or adjacent with, a left-hand side or edge 19 and a right-hand side or edge 20 of the hip or ridge type cladding module 38.

[0418] Similarly, the first fastening zone 16 can be provided to be outside of the flexible or bending region 39, or may not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region.

[0419] The first fastening zone 16 can be provided to be outside of the flexible or bending region 39. For example, the first fastening zone 16 can be positioned to be substantially adjacent with, but outside of, the junction region 11, and such a fastening zone 16 positioned in a direction more toward the head edge end 4 of the underlap portion 6.

[0420] Such a first fastening zone 16 of such a hip or ridge module can extend laterally along a region of the underlap portion 6 of the module 38. The first fastening zone 16 has a width provided in a direction between a head edge end and the butt edge end of the module 38.

[0421] Such a first fastening zone 16 can optionally receive additional fasteners from overlapping modules if required, in which case the first fastening zone 16 can operate to provide for an additional or second fastening zone for such second set of fasteners received from an overlapping module.

[0422] The junction region 10 of a hip or ridge type cladding module 38 extending between a second hooked portion 11 on a left-hand side 19 and a right-hand side 20 can comprise of a substantially exposed face region 40. Optionally, the exposed face region 40 can include decorative elements as described elsewhere herein. Optionally, the exposed face region 40 may be provided as a substantially solid or continuous type face or surface.

[0423] The various configurations and features as described herein may not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region, to allow for the flexible or bending region to conformably bend about a ridge- or a hip-type shape.

[0424] In a hip or ridge type cladding module 38, such a module may not require the depressions or channels 13, as overlapping hip or ridge type cladding modules may not comprise of cut-outs or multiple exposure portions separated from each other by a cut-out or separation.

[0425] The flexible or bending region 39 can for example be the system as described in WO2019 / 016767, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0426] Figure 11 illustrates a single cladding module configured for use as a hip or ridge module or for bending or flexing about a building surface ridge or hip. Figure 12 shows an overlapping and an underlapping assembly of two modules 38. Figure 12 shows a top perspective end view in which the flexible or bending region of a module 38 is identified.

[0427] The throat 21 of the first hooked portion 9 can comprise of substantially radiused or curved internal (or external) corners, optionally the radiused or curved corners may be at a base of the throat, or the first hooked portion can have substantially uniform wall thickness.

[0428] The radiused or curved corners may help distribute force loads applied substantially through the butt edge end of the module, such as force loads from thermal effects such asexpansion or contraction, or other applied force loads such as from weather event loading (wind, hail, snow / ice loads), or module upon module interactions, or from installers walking across the module.

[0429] The first tongue piece 14 can have a terminal end that is of a radiused or curved end shape.

[0430] The second tongue piece 15 can project as a projection from the upper face 2 of the junction region 10 of the underlap portion 6.

[0431] The second tongue piece 15 can have a terminal end that is at least a partially radiused end or at least a partially curved end shape.

[0432] The first tongue piece 14 can have a tongue length that may be longer than a tongue length of the second tongue piece 15.

[0433] The throat 21 of the first hooked portion 9 can have a throat length that may be longer than a throat length 22 of the second hooked portion 11.

[0434] In-use, an end or a terminal end of the first hooked portion or the first tongue piece of the first hooked portion can be mated or to contactingly engage with the base of the throat of the second hooked portion.

[0435] The base of the throat of the second hooked portion can act as a governor or reference for locating or positioning of the butt edge end 5 of an overlapping module brought into assembly with an underlapping module.

[0436] When in an assembled configuration of an overlapping module with an underlapping module, a spacing may be provided between a terminal end of the second hooked portion or the second tongue piece of the second hooked portion and a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

[0437] Wherein the spacing may be sized or dimensioned to allow for greater than about a 50°C change, or greater than about an 80°C change, in temperature relative to the thermal expansion of the cladding module, without the terminal end of the second hooked portion contacting a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

[0438] Wherein the first hooked portion is configured to allow for a bending or deflection substantially of the butt edge end in a situation where a terminal end of the second hooked portion may contact a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

[0439] The exposure portion has a width (such as from the butt edge end to the junction region) that may be less than a width of the underlap portion (such as from the junction region to the head edge end).

[0440] In-use, the first fastening zone of an overlapping module may be overlapping of the second fastening zone of an underlapping module.

[0441] The module may be substantially formed by moulding, optionally is substantially formed of polymeric material, or materials comprising of polymer.

[0442] The module may be substantially formed according to compositions described by W02016 / 088,026 and / or WO2018 / 154,427, the contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0443] A module may comprise of one or more exposure tab portions 8. Optionally, there may be one exposure tab, or two exposure tabs, or three exposure tabs, or four exposure tabs, or five or more exposure tabs. For example, a module may comprise of five exposure tabs. In one configuration, a hip or ridge type cladding module may have a single exposure tab.

[0444] Between adjacent exposure tab portions there may comprise of a gap (also known as a 'cut-out'). Optionally, the gap provides for a separation between adjacent exposure tabs.

[0445] An exposure tab portion may be associated with one or more depressions or channels.

[0446] There may be one or two or three, or a plurality of depressions or channels associated with an exposure tab. Optionally, there may be three depressions or channels associated with an exposure tab.

[0447] The depression or channel may be of a substantially elongate shape, such as a finger or keyway.

[0448] One or each depression or channel may be positioned on the underlap portion to allow for an intended cladding layout configuration.

[0449] In-use or in an assembled configuration, a cut-out or a separation between tabs, or a left-hand or right-hand side of an overlapping module, can be aligned with or to partially overlap a depression or channel of an underlapping module.

[0450] The depression or channel may be configured to provide for a depth-of-view or a so- called shadow-line to emphasise an apparent cladding module depth or thickness when in an in-use or assembled configuration.

[0451] The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cladding module, the module comprising: an upper face and a lower face, a head edge end (or rearward end) and a butt edge end, the upper face comprising an underlap portion and an exposure portion, wherein located substantially at the butt edge end of the module, is at least a first substantially hooked portion, and wherein located substantially at a junction region between the exposure portion and the underlap portion, is at least a second substantially hooked portion.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein a first fastening zone, is located substantially adjacent with or to the junction region.

3. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance between the first fastening zone and the second hooked portion is less than a distance from the first fastening zone and the first hooked portion.

4. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a throat of the first substantially hooked portion faces towards the head edge end of the module.

5. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first substantially hooked portion extends from a butt edge end of the module and about an underneath or underside of the lower face of the butt edge end of the module, and wherein the first hooked portion provides for a first tongue piece at a terminal end of the first hooked portion.

6. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hooked portion of an overlapping module is engageable with, or receivable by, the second hooked portion of an underlapping module, such as in-use or an assembled configuration of a module provided as an overlapping module with another module provided as an underlapping module.

7. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a throat of the second substantially hooked portion faces towards the butt edge end of the module.

8. The module of the previous claim, wherein the throat of the second substantially hooked portion is formed by a gap between a face of the module and an opposing face of the second hooked portion.

9. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second substantially hooked portion extends from the junction region as an overhang over a portion of the upper face of the module, the second hooked portion provides for a second tongue piece, at a terminal end of the second hooked portion.

10. The module of claim 4, wherein the throat of the first hooked portion has a depth or length at least sufficient to accommodate a substantial length portion of the second tongue piece, and wherein the throat of the second hooked portion has a depth or length at least sufficient to accommodate a substantial length portion of the first tongue piece.

11. The module of claim 4, wherein the throat of the first hooked portion has a depth or length greater than a length of the second tongue piece.

12. The module of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the throat of the second hooked portion has a depth or length less than a length of the first tongue piece.

13. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first hooked portion comprises of a tongue piece portion and the second hooked portion comprises of a tongue piece portion, such that in an assembled configuration of an underlapping with overlapping cladding modules, each of the respective tongue pieces have a length providing for overlap a distance with each other sufficient to avoid a disengagement of each other to allow for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature.

14. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the junction region comprises an alignment feature or guide feature configured in use to align with the butt edge of an overlapping module, and wherein the alignment feature or guide feature is a raised step or a raised feature on the upper surface, or provided by the interface between the junction region and the exposure portion.

15. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an entrance to the throat of the second hooked portion is elevated or raised from the exposure portion, such as by a raised step or raised feature, such as a ledge, or the entrance and throat is angled into athickness or profile of the module, such that the entrance of the throat is at least the same as the upper face of the exposure portion.

16. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an underside of the underlap portion comprise of a series of support features, the support features being of a height that progressively reduce in their height between a support feature provided substantially at, or adjacent with, a first fastening zone, and a support feature provided substantially at, or adjacent with, a head edge end of the module.

17. The module of the preceding claim, wherein a lower face of the underlap portion comprises at least one support to be brought into contact with a building surface, the support comprising a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature, to be brought to bear upon the building surface.

18. The module of any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein an underlap portion comprises, a module thickness or cross-sectional profile substantially between an upper face of the underlap portion and an associated lower face of the underlap portion that is substantially wedge-shaped or tapered, where the reduced module thickness or relatively thinned end of a wedge-shape is substantially at, or toward or adjacent, the head edge end.

19. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second hooked portion comprises a ledge substantially at an interface between the exposure portion and the junction region, and wherein the ledge comprises an elevated surface relief portion, elevated from an upper surface of the exposure portion, and wherein the ledge forms at least a part of a lead-in or a wall of the throat of the second hooked portion.

20. The module of claim 2, wherein the first fastening zone extends laterally along a region of an underlap portion.

21. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the first fastening zone comprises a series of first fastening zone support features comprising a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature extending downwardly of the upper face spatially arranged such that the head of the fastener is substantially supported by at least one of the support features.

22. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the first fastening zone support feature(s) extend to be short of a lower notional plane, such support features having a height that is short of touching the upper surface of an underlapping module.

23. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the first fastening zone support feature(s) further comprise of additional support feature(s) positioned along a junction region edge of the first fastening zone, and along a head end edge of the first fastening zone, such additional support feature(s) having a relatively longer or greater height than the first fastening zone support feature(s).

24. The module of claim 2, wherein the first fastening zone comprises of a recessed portion provided on an upper face.

25. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the recessed portion comprises a drainage or leak channel extending substantially into, through or across the junction region, for example to allow for any liquid accumulation to drain or leak out of the recessed portion.

26. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an underlap portion comprises a second fastening zone, configured for securely receiving of a fastener, and positioned to be substantially adjacent at, toward or with, a head edge end.

27. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the second fastening zone comprises of one or a series of second fastening zone support features, comprising a projection or feature, such as a foot or a rib or a wall type feature extending downwardly of the upper face, and spatially arranged such that the head of the fastener is substantially supported by at least one of the support features.

28. The module of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the module further comprises one or more projections that extend downwardly of an underside surface of the underlap portion, located in a region substantially outside of the first fastening zone and / or to avoid overlapping of an underlapping module.

29. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the one or more projections extend downwardly to be of a height such that a side wall of the one or more projections can act upon or engage with, an end or edge or the head edge end of the underlap portion, or upon a head end or edge of the headlap portion.

30. The module of claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the one or more projections are stops or limiters or restraints, for stopping or limiting or restraining a relative movement (or allowing for a limited range of movement of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module) of an overlapping module with respect to an underlapping module when the overlapping module is brought to bear substantially upon an underlapping module, such as during an assembly of an overlapping module to an underlapping module.

31. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the or a limited or restrained range of movement is a distance or length that is less than an overlap of respective tongues or tongue pieces of first and second hooked portions of respective overlapping and underlapping cladding modules, such as to help prevent disengagement of the first and second hooked portions from each other when overlapping and underlapping cladding modules are assembled together, or is a distance or length that is less than the length of the tongue piece portion of the second hooked portion.

32. The module of any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the one or more projections is / are spaced from the first fastening zone, spaced to be located more toward the head edge end than the first fastening zone.

33. The module of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the one or more projections are a substantially continuous rib extending substantially along a length of the module.

34. The module of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the one or more projections is / are spaced apart from, but substantially adjacent to, the first fastening zone.

35. The module of any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the one or more projections extend downwardly to be of a height that stops short of a lower notional plane, or which avoids contact with a building surface beneath.

36. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an underlap portion comprises one or more depressions or channels.

37. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the depressions or channels are provided to be an exposure portion as part of an assembly of an underlapping module and an overlapping module, as part of a cladding system.

38. The module of any one of claims 36 or 37, wherein the one or more depressions or channels comprise an open end to the exposure portion, and comprise a closed end at or toward a head edge end.

39. The module of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the one or more depressions or channels are formed to extend across the underlap portion, but avoid a headlap portion, of the module.

40. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open end is shaped to be of a substantially commensurate shape as a cut-out shape between exposure portions of a module or exposure tab portions.

41. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when in an assembled configuration of an overlapping module with an underlapping module, a spacing is provided between a terminal end of the second hooked portion or the second tongue piece of the second hooked portion and a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

42. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the spacing is sized or dimensioned to allow for greater than about a 50°C, or greater than about an 80°C, change in temperature without the terminal end of the second hooked portion contacting a base of the throat of the first hooked portion.

43. The module of any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein spacing of the stops or limiter type projections and the respective tongue overlap of first and second hooked portions can be positioned to make allowances for installation of the cladding modules which then contract due to cooling environmental conditions.

44. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in-use, the first fastening zone of an overlapping module is overlapping of the second fastening zone of an underlapping module.

45. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module is formed by moulding, optionally is substantially formed of polymeric material, or materials comprising of polymer.

46. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a module comprises of one or more exposure tab portions.M . The module of the preceding claim, wherein between adjacent exposure tab portions there comprises of a gap providing for a separation between adjacent exposure tabs.

48. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an exposure tab portion is associated with one or more depressions or channels.

49. The module of the preceding claim, wherein there is one or two or three, or a plurality of depressions or channels associated with an exposure tab.

50. A cladding system comprising the cladding modules as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the system comprising: as plurality of the cladding modules arranged as a series of preceding and succeeding courses, a preceding course of cladding modules provided as a course of underlapping cladding modules, and a succeeding course of cladding modules provided as a course of overlapping cladding modules to overlap with associated underlapping cladding modules; and / or at least one or a plurality of cladding modules to be affixed to a deck of a building surface as a first, or a preceding or initial, course or as an underlapping course of cladding modules, and at least one or a plurality of cladding modules to be affixed to the deck of the building surface as a second, or a succeeding or subsequent, course or as an overlapping course of cladding modules, such that, optionally: a first hooked portion of an overlapping cladding module is to be brought into connection or alignment or a retained position with a second hooked portion of an underlapping cladding module, such a connection or alignment or retained position between the respective first and second hooked portions providing for a connection between associated underlapping and overlapping cladding modules, such connection configured restrain a butt edge end of an overlapping module with an underlapping module; and / or a left-hand edge or side, or a right-hand edge or side, of an overlapping cladding module is positioned to substantially align with or overlay with, a depression or channel of an underlapping cladding module underlap portion.

51. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cladding module is configured as a hip or ridge type module to be bent about a ridge- or a hip-type shape.

52. The module of the preceding claim, wherein the module comprises of one or a single exposure portion with a flexible or bending region provided in a substantially central zone of the exposure portion extending from, or between, a butt edge end to the head edge end.

53. The module of any one of claims 51 or 52, wherein the first and second hooked portions are provided outside of the flexible or bending region, or do not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region.

54. The module of any one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the first and second hooked portions are provided substantially toward, or adjacent with, a left-hand side or edge and a right-hand side or edge of the module.

55. The module of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fastening zone is provided outside of the flexible or bending region, or does not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region, and wherein the second fastening zone is provided outside of the flexible or bending region, or does not extend through or across of the flexible or bending region.

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