Patent Publication Number: US-10787809-B2

Title: Thermal break for use in construction

Description:
RELATED CASES 
     This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/262,965 filed on Sep. 12, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/835,296 filed on Aug. 25, 2015 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,598,891, which in turn claims the benefit of provisional application No. 62/136,887 filed on Mar. 23, 2015 and provisional application No. 62/146,487 filed on Apr. 13, 2015. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a thermal break for use in construction. The present disclosure further relates to an exterior wall comprising the thermal break, and a method of constructing the exterior wall comprising the thermal break. 
     BACKGROUND 
     “Tilt-up” is a construction technique commonly used in constructing industrial-scale buildings such as warehouses. In tilt-up construction, an area of land is generally cleared of organic debris and other obstructions (e.g. boulders), and brought down to suitable elevation and grade. The land is checked to ensure that it is capable of supporting a building foundation. Footings lying around the perimeter of the area of land are poured. Wet concrete is then poured over the ground and allowed to set and form a concrete slab. The concrete slab forms the flooring of the building. To prevent surfaces bonding to the concrete slab, the concrete slab is sprayed with a chemically reactive bond breaker. Concrete elements such as walls (e.g. exterior walls) are then formed horizontally on top of the concrete slab by pouring wet concrete into a pre-defined area defined by a wood formwork. The wet concrete sets to form the concrete element. The wood formwork is removed, and the concrete element is then tilted to an upright position from a horizontal position and positioned at the perimeter of the concrete slab. 
     Exterior walls made for tilt-up construction generally comprise: (i) an exterior layer called a fascia wythe; (ii) an interior layer called a structural wythe; and (iii) insulating material therebetween. To form an exterior wall, welded wire mesh is laid within the pre-defined area defined by the wood formwork, and a first layer of wet concrete is poured over the welded wire mesh. This first layer of wet concrete sets and forms the fascia wythe. Before the first layer of wet concrete sets, insulating material is positioned over the first layer of wet concrete and coupled to the first layer of wet concrete by methods known in the art. For example, insulating material may be coupled to the fascia wythe via wythe ties (e.g. Thermomass® GFRP wythe ties). The insulating material is generally a non-weight bearing insulating material (e.g. extruded polystyrene insulation). Once the first layer of wet concrete has set, reinforcing bars are laid out over the insulating material, and a second layer of wet concrete is poured over the reinforcing bars and insulating material. The second layer of wet concrete is coupled to the insulating material by methods known in the art and sets to form the structural wythe. A construction crane may then be used to manoeuvre the exterior wall to its desired upright location and position. 
     Previously, building energy codes pertaining to industrial buildings did not require an exterior wall to be insulated. As such, it was common practice to have only the structural wythe as the exterior wall (i.e. no insulating material and no fascia wythe), and to mount fixtures directly onto the structural wythe. Fixtures include, but are not limited to, door frames, window frames venting grills or other building components. 
     Presently, many energy efficiency standards require the exterior walls of new industrial buildings (including “tilt-up” concrete buildings) to be insulated. In order to meet such standards, it is common to construct an exterior wall that comprises a fascia wythe and a structural wythe, wherein the two layers of wythe are separated by insulating material or a thermal break at all locations therebetween. Such an exterior wall is exemplified in  FIG. 1( a ) , which shows a structural wythe  110  and a fascia wythe  120  of an exterior wall  100  separated by insulating material  130 . 
     In practice, a fixture (e.g. a door frame) is mounted onto a side edge of the exterior wall such that the width of the fixture covers the insulating material that extends to the side edge of the exterior wall. The weight of the fixture is supported by the weight-bearing structural wythe. The fixture also acts as a barrier that reduces the loss of thermal energy where the insulating material meets the side edge of the exterior wall. As neither the insulating material nor the fascia wythe is weight-bearing, direct mounting of the fixture onto the insulating material or fascia wythe may result in structural failure over time. To improve the overlap between the fixture and the weight-bearing structural wythe, the shape of the insulating material and the shape of the structural wythe may be modified such that only a narrow rib of insulating material extends towards the side edge of the exterior wall. In this arrangement, and referring to  FIG. 1( b ) , a fixture  140  may be mounted mainly to the structural wythe  110  while still covering surface  130   a  of the insulating material  130 . However, because the fixture  140  still overlaps at least a portion of the non-weight-bearing insulating material  130  (i.e. over insulating material surface  130   a ), structural failure where the fixture overlaps with the non-weight-bearing insulating material may still occur over time. 
     To further provide weight-loading support to the fixture, a piece of wood  150  may be positioned between insulating material  130  and the side edge of the exterior wall as shown in  FIG. 1( c ) . The wood  150  acts as a heat loss barrier and also provides a mounting and weight-bearing surface for fixture  140  to be mounted on. However, wood and concrete expand and contract at different rates, and the combination may eventually lead to mechanical failure. In addition, moisture may access the piece of wood, and may lead to wood rot over time. 
     Accessory items, for example but not limited to canopies, are sometimes required to be affixed to the sides of the exterior walls. Typically, the accessory item is directly mounted onto the fascia wythe with one or more suitable fasteners such as, but not limited to, a threaded rod (e.g. Type 304SS ⅜″ all-thread rods). The fastener typically penetrates through the fascia wythe, the insulating material, and partially through the structural wythe, thereby locking the structural wythe and fascia wythe together. Such locking of the structural wythe and fascia wythe together does not accommodate for the potential thermal expansions of the structural wythe or the fascia wythe through the seasons, and may lead to cracking of the structural wythe and/or fascia wythe over time. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to a thermal break for use in construction. The present disclosure further relates to an exterior wall comprising the thermal break, and a method of constructing the exterior wall comprising the thermal break. The present disclosure further relates to a thermal break for use in insulation concrete forms. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an exterior wall for tilt-up construction comprising: (a) a fascia wythe of the exterior wall; (b) a structural wythe of the exterior wall; (c) a layer of insulating material disposed between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe; and (d) a thermal break in contact with at least the structural wythe, the thermal break comprising an elongate body comprising one or more non-wooden thermal insulating materials, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first contacting surface, and a second contacting surface opposite the first contacting surface, the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface extending between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the structural wythe contacts at least a portion of the second contacting surface. The first surface is suitable for mounting a fixture, and can support the weight thereof. 
     The exterior wall may further comprise one or more protrusions extending away from at least the second contacting surface. The structural wythe may surround the one or more protrusions extending away from the at least the second contacting surface. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an exterior wall for tilt-up construction comprising: (a) a fascia wythe of the exterior wall; (b) a structural wythe of the exterior wall; (c) a layer of insulating material disposed between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe; and (d) a thermal break in contact with at least the structural wythe, the thermal break comprising an elongate body comprising one or more non-wooden thermal insulating materials, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first contacting surface, and a second contacting surface opposite the first contacting surface, the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface extending between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the structural wythe contacts at least a portion of the second contacting surface; wherein the thermal break further comprises one or more protrusions extending away from at least the second contacting surface; wherein the structural wythe surrounds the one or more protrusions extending away from at least the second contacting surface; and wherein the second surface contacts the insulating material, and wherein at least a portion of the first contacting surface contacts at least a portion of the fascia wythe. The first surface is suitable for mounting a fixture, and can support the weight thereof. 
     The thermal break may further comprise one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface, and the fascia wythe may surround the one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface. 
     The R-value of the insulating material may be about 15. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an exterior wall for tilt-up construction comprising: (a) a fascia wythe of the exterior wall; (b) a structural wythe of the exterior wall; (c) a layer of insulating material disposed between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe; and (d) a thermal break in contact with at least the structural wythe, the thermal break comprising an elongate body comprising one or more non-wooden thermal insulating materials, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first contacting surface, and a second contacting surface opposite the first contacting surface, the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface extending between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the structural wythe contacts at least a portion of the second contacting surface; wherein the thermal break further comprises one or more protrusions extending away from at least the second contacting surface; and wherein the second surface contacts the insulating material, and wherein the structural wythe further contacts at least a portion of the first contacting surface. The first surface is suitable for mounting a fixture, and can support the weight thereof. 
     The thermal break may further comprise one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface, and the structural wythe may surround the one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is an exterior wall for tilt-up construction comprising: (a) a fascia wythe of the exterior wall; (b) a structural wythe of the exterior wall; (c) a layer of insulating material disposed between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe; and (d) a thermal break in contact with at least the structural wythe, the thermal break comprising an elongate body comprising one or more non-wooden thermal insulating materials, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first contacting surface, and a second contacting surface opposite the first contacting surface, the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface extending between the first surface and the second surface; wherein the structural wythe contacts at least a portion of the second contacting surface; wherein the thermal break further comprises one or more protrusions extending away from at least the second contacting surface; and wherein the thermal break further comprises one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface, and wherein the fascia wythe contacts the first contacting surface and surrounds the one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface. The first surface is suitable for mounting a fixture, and can support the weight thereof. 
     The one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface and the one or more protrusions extending away from the second contacting surface may be integrally connected. 
     At least one of the one or more protrusions extending away from the first contacting surface or the second contacting surface may be constructed of an insulating material. 
     This summary does not necessarily describe the entire scope of all aspects of the disclosure. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments: 
         FIG. 1( a )  is a sectional view of a prior art “tilt-up” exterior wall comprising a structural wythe, a fascia wythe, and insulating material therebetween. 
         FIG. 1( b )  is a sectional view of a prior art “tilt-up” exterior wall comprising a structural wythe, a fascia wythe, insulating material therebetween, and a fixture mounted to a surface of the structural wythe and a surface of the insulating material. 
         FIG. 1( c )  is a sectional view of a prior art “tilt-up” exterior wall comprising a structural wythe, a fascia wythe, insulating material therebetween, and a piece of wood that separates the insulating material from a fixture, the fixture being mounted to a surface of the structural wythe and a surface of the piece of wood. 
         FIG. 2( a )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according to an embodiment, the thermal break comprising an elongate body, and first protrusions and second protrusions extending from the elongate body. 
         FIGS. 2( b ), 2( c ) and 2( d )  are side views of different configurations of the thermal break of  FIG. 2( a ) . 
         FIG. 2( e )  is a top view of the thermal break of  FIG. 2( a )  with the first protrusions arranged in a row on a surface of the elongate body. 
         FIG. 2( f )  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the thermal break of  FIG. 2( a )  with the first protrusions arranged in a matrix on the surface of the elongate body. 
         FIG. 2( g )  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the thermal break of  FIG. 2( a )  with the first protrusions randomly arranged on the surface of the elongate body. 
         FIG. 3  is a side-sectional view of a thermal break according to another embodiment with the first protrusions and the second protrusions shaped as inverted frustums. 
         FIG. 4  is a side-sectional view of a thermal break according to another embodiment with the first protrusions and second protrusions being porous. 
         FIG. 5( a )  is a side view of a thermal break according to another embodiment comprising an elongate body with bores extending therethrough and rods for inserting through the bores. 
         FIG. 5( b )  is a side view of the thermal break depicted in  FIG. 5( a ) , with the rods received in the bores to form first and second protrusions. 
         FIG. 5( c )  is a side view of the thermal break depicted in  FIG. 5( b ) , with the rods coupled to the elongate body by nuts. 
         FIG. 5( d )  is a side view of the thermal break depicted in  FIG. 5( a )  with the rods coupled to the elongate body by nuts, and nuts coupled to the ends of at least one of the rods. 
         FIG. 6( a )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according to another embodiment comprising an elongate body, and first protrusions and second protrusions extending from the elongate body. 
         FIG. 6( b )  is an end view of the thermal break depicted in  FIG. 6( a ) . 
         FIG. 7( a )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according a configuration of another embodiment, the thermal break comprising an elongate body with a cross-sectional shape of a trapezoid. 
         FIG. 7( b )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according to another embodiment, the thermal break comprising an elongate body with a cross-sectional shape of an hour-glass. 
         FIG. 8( a )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according to another embodiment, the thermal break comprising a cross-sectional shape of an “I”. 
         FIG. 8( b )  is a side elevation view of the thermal break depicted in  FIG. 8( a ) . 
         FIG. 9( a )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according to another embodiment, the thermal break comprising protrusions extending from a surface of the thermal break elongate body, the thermal break further comprising an additional insulating material within the elongate body. 
         FIG. 9( b )  is a cross-sectional front view of the thermal break depicted in  FIG. 9( a )  along line  9 - 9 , revealing the additional insulating material within the elongate body. 
         FIG. 10( a )  is a perspective view of a thermal break according to another embodiment, the thermal break comprising an elongate body, and protrusions extending from a surface of the elongate body. 
         FIGS. 10( b ), 10( c ) and 10( d )  are side views of different configurations of the thermal break of  FIG. 10( a ) . 
         FIGS. 11( a ), 11( b ), and 11( c )  are side views of the thermal break according to  FIG. 2( a )  coupled to wood formwork in a process for constructing a tilt-up exterior wall.  FIG. 11( a )  shows the thermal break coupled to the formwork;  FIG. 11( b )  shows the thermal break, and the fascia wythe and insulating material of the exterior wall;  FIG. 11( c )  shows the thermal break, and the fascia wythe, insulating material and structural wythe of the exterior wall. 
         FIG. 11( d )  is a top view of the tilt-up exterior wall comprising the thermal break according to  FIG. 2( a )  with the formwork removed and a fixture mounted to the thermal break and a portion of the structural wythe. 
         FIGS. 12( a ), 12( b ), 12( c ), and 12( d )  are side views of the thermal break according to  FIG. 9( a )  in a process for constructing a tilt-up exterior wall.  FIG. 12( a )  shows the thermal break supported by a supporting base, and positioned next to formwork;  FIG. 12( b )  shows the thermal break, a portion of the fascia wythe into which a portion of a reinforcing bar is immersed (as depicted in stippled lines), and insulating material;  FIG. 12( c )  shows the thermal break, and the fascia wythe and insulating material of the exterior wall;  FIG. 12( d )  shows the thermal break, and the fascia wythe, insulating material and structural wythe of the exterior wall. 
         FIG. 12( e )  is a top view of the tilt-up exterior wall comprising the thermal break according to  FIG. 9( a ) , with the formwork removed and a fixture mounted to the thermal break and a portion of the structural wythe. 
         FIGS. 13( a ), 13( b ), 13( c ), and 13( d )  are side views of a process for constructing a tilt-up exterior wall comprising the thermal break according to  FIG. 9( a ) .  FIG. 13( a )  shows a formwork in which the exterior wall is constructed.  FIG. 13( b )  shows the thermal break, a portion of the fascia wythe into which a portion of a reinforcing bar is immersed (as depicted in stippled lines), and insulating material;  FIG. 13( c )  shows the thermal break, and the fascia wythe and insulating material of the exterior wall;  FIG. 13( d )  shows the thermal break, and the fascia wythe, insulating material and structural wythe of the exterior wall. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an insulation concrete form comprising a thermal break according to  FIG. 10 . 
         FIGS. 15( a ) to 15( g )  relate to a thermal break disposed in a parapet structure of an exterior wall.  FIG. 15( a )  shows a side-sectional view of the parapet structure, the parapet structure comprising a fascia wythe, a structural wythe, insulating material positioned between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe, and a thermal break surrounded by the structural wythe and touching the insulating material.  FIG. 15( b )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of a formwork in which the exterior wall is constructed.  FIG. 15( c )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of a first layer of concrete poured within the formwork, the first layer of concrete forming the fascia wythe when set.  FIG. 15( d )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, showing an insulating material disposed on top of the fascia wythe, the insulating material extending to the edge of the formwork.  FIG. 15( e )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, showing a thermal break disposed on the insulating material and away from the edge of the formwork.  FIG. 15( f )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, showing a structural wythe contiguous with the insulating material and a first contacting surface and a second contacting surface of the thermal break.  FIG. 15( g )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, showing an additional layer of insulating material contiguous with the structural wythe, the thermal break, and a support structure. 
         FIGS. 16( a ) to 16( c )  relate to a thermal break disposed in an exterior wall according to another embodiment.  FIG. 16( a )  is a top-sectional view of an exterior wall comprising a first and second portion of fascia wythe, a structural wythe, an insulating material contiguous with the first and second portion of fascia wythe, the structural wythe, and a thermal break, the thermal break contiguous with the structural wythe and the second portion of the fascia wythe, and a fixture overlapping a portion of the second portion of the fascia wythe and a portion of the thermal break.  FIG. 16( b )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of a first portion of the fascia wythe, the insulating material disposed on the first portion of the fascia wythe and at a pre-determined distance away from the edge of the formwork, and the thermal break disposed on the insulating material and at a pre-determined distance away from the edge of the formwork.  FIG. 16( c )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of an exterior wall comprising the second portion of the fascia wythe, the thermal break, the structural wythe, the insulating material, and the first portion of the fascia wythe, prior to tilt-up. 
         FIGS. 17( a ) to 17( e )  relate to a plurality of thermal breaks disposed in an exterior wall according to another embodiment.  FIG. 17( a )  is a top-sectional view of an exterior wall comprising a fascia wythe, a plurality of structural wythes, insulating materials separating the structural wythes from the fascia wythe, thermal breaks separating the structural wythes from the fascia wythe, and a rod extending through the structural wythes, the thermal breaks, and the fascia wythe.  FIG. 17( b )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of a first portion of a fascia wythe comprising an embed that is embedded therein.  FIG. 17( c )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of thermal break bodies and insulating material positioned on the first portion of the fascia wythe.  FIG. 17( d )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of a rod extending through the thermal break bodies.  FIG. 17( e )  is a side view, during the tilt-up construction process, of the exterior wall comprising a fascia wythe, a plurality of structural wythes, insulating materials separating the structural wythes from the fascia wythe, thermal breaks separating the structural wythes from the fascia wythe, and a rod extending through the structural wythes, the thermal breaks, and the fascia wythe. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and are not drawn to scale. The dimensions of the components of the thermal break may be of any suitable dimensions. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “vertically,” and “laterally” are used in the following description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment. Any element expressed in the singular form also encompasses its plural form. Any element expressed in the plural form also encompasses its singular form. 
     The present disclosure relates to a thermal break for use in construction. The present disclosure also relates to a thermal break for use in tilt-up construction that provides a weight-bearing surface to which a fixture may be mounted. The present disclosure further relates to an exterior wall comprising the thermal break, and a method of constructing the exterior wall comprising the thermal break. The present disclosure further relates to a thermal break for use in insulation concrete forms. 
     Thermal Break 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2( a ) to 2( g ) , and according to an embodiment of the disclosure, there is shown a thermal break  200  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  200  comprises an elongate body  210  comprising a first surface  210   a , and a second surface  210   b  that is opposite the first surface  210   a . In addition, two opposite contacting surfaces  210   c  and  210   d  extend between first surface  210   a  and second surface  210   b . First surface  210   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, second surface  210   b  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  210   c  is suitable for contacting at least a portion of a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  210   d  is suitable for contacting at least a portion of a structural wythe. 
     Thermal break  200  further comprises first protrusions  220  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  210   c , and second protrusions  230  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  210   d . First protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  extend away from the elongate body  210  in opposite directions. First protrusions  220  each comprise an elongate extension  220   a  and a head  220   b . Second protrusions  230  each comprise an elongate extension  230   a  and a head  230   b . Elongate extensions  220   a ,  230   a  separate the elongate body  210  from heads  220   b ,  230   b . Elongate extensions  220   a ,  230   a  are depicted in  FIGS. 2( a ) to 2( d )  as cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, elongate extensions  220   a ,  230   a  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a geometric prism, a frustum or an inverted frustum. Heads  220   b ,  230   b  are depicted as cylindrical in  FIGS. 2( a ) to 2( d ) , and have a greater cross sectional area than elongate extensions  220   a ,  230   a . In other embodiments, head  220   b ,  230   b  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a sphere, an ovoid, or a square or geometric prism. In  FIGS. 2( a ) to 2( d ) , first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  are depicted as extending orthogonally away from contacting surfaces  210   c  and  210   d  respectively. However, in other embodiments, first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  may extend away from contacting surfaces  210   c  and  210   d  respectively in a non-orthogonal manner. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2( b ) , first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  are formed from the same material as elongate body  210  and are integrally formed with elongate body  210  such that thermal break  200  is one continuous piece. Alternatively, and as depicted in  FIG. 2( c ) , first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  are not integrally formed with elongate body  210 . In such an alternative, first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  are coupled to elongate body  210  by methods known in the art. For example, elongate body  210  may have one or more receivers (not shown) in contacting surface  210   c  and contacting surface  210   d  of elongate body  210 . First protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  may couple to elongate body  210  by inserting one or more extensions (not shown) coupled to and extending away from first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  into the one or more receivers in contacting surface  210   c  and contacting surface  210   d  of elongate body  210 . Alternatively, and as depicted in  FIG. 2( d ) , one or more protrusions  220 ,  230  are integrally formed with elongate body  210 , while one or more protrusions  220 ,  230  are not. In other embodiments, first protrusions  220  and second protrusions  230  are made of a material (e.g. metal, metal alloy, or a plastic) that is different from the material of elongate body  210 . 
     As described in greater detail below, during “tilt-up” construction of an exterior wall, wet concrete contacts contacting surface  210   c , immerses first protrusions  220 , and sets to form the fascia wythe of the exterior wall. Wet concrete also contacts contacting surface  210   d , immerses second protrusions  230 , and sets to form the structural wythe of the exterior wall. Heads  220   b ,  230   b  may beneficially anchor the thermal break  200  to the fascia wythe and the structural wythe. Additional anchoring surfaces or extensions (not shown) may be added to the first and second protrusions  220 ,  230 . As depicted in  FIGS. 2( a ) to 2( e ) , first protrusions  220  are arranged in a row on contacting surface  210   c  of elongate body  210 . In other embodiments, first protrusions  220  may be arranged in any arrangement, for example in two or more rows on contacting surface  210   c  of elongate body  210  (as depicted in  FIG. 2( f ) ), or randomly on contacting surface  210   c  of elongate body  210  (as depicted in  FIG. 2( g ) ). Second protrusions  230  may have the same arrangement on contacting surface  210   d  of elongate body  210  as the first protrusions  220  or a different arrangement. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , and according to another embodiment of the disclosure, there is shown a thermal break  300  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  300  comprises an elongate body  310  having a first surface  310   a  and a second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  310   a . In addition, two opposite contacting surfaces  310   c  and  310   d  extend between first surface  310   a  and the second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  310   a . First surface  310   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, the second surface that is opposite first surface  310   a  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  310   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  310   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. Thermal break  300  further comprises first protrusions  320  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  310   c , and second protrusions  330  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  310   d.    
     First protrusions  320  each comprise a first end  320   a  and a second end  320   b . Second protrusions  330  each comprise a first end  330   a  and a second end  330   b . The first end  320   a ,  330   a  of each protrusion  320 ,  330  is coupled to the elongate body  310  and has a smaller cross sectional area (i.e. is less wide) than the second end  320   b ,  330   b  of each protrusion  320 ,  330 . Protrusions  320 ,  330  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, an inverted conical frustum, an inverted square frustum, or other inverted geometric frustum. The wider second ends  320   b ,  330   b  of the protrusions  320 ,  330  may beneficially anchor thermal break  300  to the fascia wythe and the structural wythe. Additional anchoring surfaces or extensions (not shown) may be added to protrusions  320 ,  330 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , and according to another embodiment of the disclosure, there is shown a thermal break  400  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  400  comprises an elongate body  410  having a first surface  410   a  and a second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  410   a . Two opposite contacting surfaces  410   c  and  410   d  extend between first surface  410   a  and the second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  410   a . First surface  410   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, the second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  410   a  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  410   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  410   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. Thermal break  400  further comprises first protrusions  420  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  410   c , and second protrusions  430  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  410   d.    
     First protrusions  420  each comprise a first end  420   a  and a second end  420   b , and second protrusions  430  each comprise a first end  430   a  and a second end  430   b . The first end  420   a ,  430   a  of each protrusion  420 ,  430  is coupled to the elongate body  410 . While the widths of the first end  420   a ,  430   a  and the second end  420   b ,  430   b  of each protrusion  420 ,  430  are depicted as being the same in  FIG. 4 , the second end  420   b ,  430   b  may be wider than the first end  420   a ,  430   a  (similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 ), or narrower than the first end  420   a ,  430   a . In addition, protrusions  420 ,  430  may be of any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a cylinder or other geometric prism, an inverted frustum, or a frustum. Protrusions  420 ,  430  comprise one or more pores  420   c ,  430   c , which may partially extend into protrusions  420 ,  430  or extend through protrusions  420 ,  430 . Pores  420   c ,  430   c  increase the surface area of protrusions  420 ,  430  that interacts with the wet concrete that sets to form the fascia and structural wythes. The wet concrete may enter pores  420   c ,  430   c  and set within pores  420   c ,  430   c , thereby resulting in concrete extensions into protrusions  420 ,  430 . These concrete extensions further anchor the thermal break  400  to the fascia and structural wythes. Additional anchoring surfaces or extensions (not shown) may be added to protrusions  420 ,  430 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5( a ) to 5( d ) , and according to another embodiment of the disclosure, there is shown of a thermal break  500  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  500  comprises an elongate body  510  having a first surface  510   a  and a second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  510   a . Two opposite contacting surfaces  510   c  and  510   d  extend between first surface  510   a  and the second surface (not shown) that is opposite surface  510   a . First surface  510   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, the second surface that is opposite surface  510   a  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  510   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  510   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. 
     Thermal break  500  further comprises bores  520  that extend through elongate body  510  between contacting surfaces  510   c  and  510   d . Bores  520  may be formed in elongate body  510  after elongate body  510  has cured from its manufacturing process. In the alternative, bores  520  are formed during the molding process of elongate body  510 . Three bores  520  are depicted in  FIGS. 5( a ) to 5( d ) . However, in other embodiments, any number of bores  520  may be formed in elongate body  510 . In  FIGS. 5( a ) to 5( d ) , the bores  520  are arranged in a column or row through elongate body  510  between contacting surfaces  510   c  and  510   d . In other embodiments, bores  520  may be arranged in one or more columns and rows through elongate body  510 , or randomly through the elongate body  510  between contacting surfaces  510   c  and  510   d.    
     Rods  530  each comprise an end portion  530   a , an end portion  530   b  and a middle portion extending between the end portion  530   a  and the end portion  530   b . Referring to  FIG. 5( b ) , the middle portion of each rod  530  is received within one of the bores  520  of the elongate body  510 , the end portion  530   b  forms a first protrusion, and the end portion  530   a  forms a second protrusion. A portion of the end portions  530   a ,  530   b  of each rod  530  that is adjacent the elongate body  510  is threaded with threads  530   c . To secure rods  530  in their desired positions relative to elongate body  510 , washers (not shown) are received on the end portion  530   a  and end portion  530   b  and positioned adjacent the elongate body  510 . Referring to  FIG. 5( c ) , nuts  540  are received on the end portion  530   a  and end portion  530   b  of the rods  530 , and engage the threads  530   c  on either side of elongate body  510 . The nuts  540  engage threads  530   c  in a manner such that the washers (not shown) are pressed against contacting surfaces  510   c  and  510   d  of elongate body  510 , and the nuts  540  prevent rod  530  from shifting relative to the elongate body  510 . In other embodiments, washers may not be present. In other embodiments, any suitable fastener known in the art, such as a clip or bolt, may be used to secure rods  530  relative to elongate body  510 . 
     Rods  530  and bores  520  may be of any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a cylinder or other geometric prism. Rods  530  and nuts  540  may be made of a nylon material. In other embodiment, rods  530  and nuts  540  may be made of any suitable material such as metal, metal alloy, insulating materials, or plastic materials. Insulating materials such as, but not limited to, fibre-glass provide additional insulating properties to the exterior wall comprising the thermal break. Anchoring surfaces or extensions may be added to the rods  530 , and these anchoring surfaces or extensions may further anchor the thermal break  500  to the fascia wythe and/or the structural wythe. For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 5( d ) , ends of end portions  530   a ,  530   b  of rod  530  may be threaded to receive one or more additional nuts  550 . Additional nut  550  may be threaded onto rod  530  and spaced from contacting surfaces  510   c  and  510   d  of elongate body  510  to provide an anchoring structure for the wet concrete of the fascia and structural wythes to surround during construction of an exterior wall. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6( a ) and 6( b ) , and according to another embodiment, there is shown a thermal break  600  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  600  comprises an elongate body  610  comprising a first surface  610   a  and an opposite second surface  610   b . Two opposite contacting surfaces  610   c  and  610   d  extend between first surface  610   a  and second surface  610   b . Thermal break  600  further comprises first protrusions  620  which couple to contacting surface  610   c , and second protrusions  630  which couple to contacting surface  610   d . First surface  610   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, second surface  610   b  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  610   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  610   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. 
     First protrusions  620  each comprise a first extension  620   a , a second extension  620   b , and a head  620   c . Second protrusions  630  each comprise a first extension  630   a , a second extension  630   b , and a head  630   c . First extension  620   a ,  630   a  extends away from elongate body  610 . Second extension  620   b ,  630   b  is coupled to first extension  620   a ,  630   b  and extends away from first extension  620   a ,  630   b . Head  620   c ,  630   c  is coupled to second extension  620   b ,  630   b.    
     As depicted in  FIG. 6( a ) , second extension  620   b ,  630   b  is integrally formed with first extension  620   a ,  630   a . However, in other embodiments, second extension  620   b ,  630   b  may not be integrally formed with first extension  620   a ,  630   a . Extensions  620   a ,  620   b ,  630   a ,  630   b  are depicted in  FIGS. 6( a ) and 6( b )  as cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, extensions  620   a ,  620   b ,  630   a ,  630   b  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a geometric prism, a frustum or an inverted frustum. Head  620   c ,  630   c  is connected to second extension  620   b ,  630   b . As depicted in  FIGS. 6( a ) and 6( b ) , head  620   c ,  630   c  are cylindrical, and have a greater cross sectional area than second elongate extension  620   b ,  630   b . However, in other embodiments, head  620   c ,  630   c  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a sphere, an ovoid, or a square or geometric prism. 
     In general, the axis along which a first extension extends away from elongate body  610  intersects and does not overlap with the axis along which a second extension extends away from the first extension. As depicted in  FIGS. 6( a ) and 6( b ) , second extension  620   b ,  630   b  is perpendicular to first extension  620   a ,  630   a . In other embodiments, second extension  620   b ,  630   b  may be arranged in any suitable spatial orientation relative to first extension  620   a ,  630   a.    
     As depicted in  FIG. 6( b ) , first protrusions  620  and second protrusions  630  are formed from the same material as elongate body  610  and are integrally formed with elongate body  610  such that thermal break  600  is one continuous piece. Alternatively, first protrusions  620  and second protrusions  630  are not integrally formed with elongate body  610 , and instead, first protrusions  620  and second protrusions  630  are coupled to elongate body  610  by methods known in the art. Alternatively, one or more protrusions  620 ,  630  are integrally formed with elongate body  610 , while one or more protrusions  620 ,  630  are not. In other embodiments, first protrusions  620  and second protrusions  630  are made of a material (e.g. metal, metal alloy, or a plastic) that is different from the material of elongate body  610 . In alternative embodiments, head  620   c  and/or head  630   c  may not be present. 
     During “tilt-up” construction of an exterior wall, wet concrete contacts contacting surface  610   c , immerses the first protrusions  620 , and sets to form the fascia wythe of the exterior wall. Wet concrete also contacts contacting surface  610   d , immerses the second protrusions  630 , and sets to form the structural wythe of the exterior wall. Heads  620   c ,  630   c , and the spatial orientation of second extension  620   b ,  630   b  relative to first extension  620   a ,  630   a , may beneficially anchor the thermal break  600  to the fascia wythe and the structural wythe. Additional anchoring surfaces or extensions (not shown) may be added to the first and second protrusions  620 ,  630 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7( a ) and 7( b ) , and according to another embodiment, there is shown a thermal break  700  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  700  comprises an elongate body  710  comprising a first surface  710   a  and an opposite second surface  710   b . In addition, two opposite contacting surfaces  710   c  and  710   d  extend between first surface  710   a  and second surface  710   b . First surface  710   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, second surface  710   b  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  710   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  710   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. Contacting surface  710   c  comprises a first surface portion that extends along a first axis; contacting surface  710   d  comprises a first surface portion that extends along a second axis; the first and second axes converge towards each other. The converging first and second axes prevent the thermal break  700  from shifting between the structural and fascia wythes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7( a )  and according to a configuration of this embodiment, thermal break  700  is a prism with a cross-sectional shape of an isosceles trapezoid. In other configurations, the thermal break  700  may be any suitable shape. In the thermal break  700  depicted in  FIG. 7( a ) , surface  710   b  has a width that is greater than fixture-mounting surface  710   a . The first surface portion of contacting surface  710   c  is the entire contacting surface  710   c , and the first surface portion of contacting surface  710   d  is the entire contacting surface  710   d . Contacting surface  710   c  extends along a first axis A, and contacting surface  710   d  extends along a second axis B. Axes A and B converge towards each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7( b )  and according to another configuration of this embodiment, thermal break  700  is a prism with a cross-sectional shape of an hour-glass. Contacting surface  710   c  is divided into two surface portions: surface portion  710   c - 1  and surface portion  710   c - 2 . Contacting surface  710   d  is divided into two surface portions: surface portion  710   d - 1  and surface portion  710   d - 2 . Surface portion  710   c - 1  extends along a first axis A, and surface portion  710   d - 1  extends along a second axis B. Axes A and B converge towards each other. The axes of surface portion  710   c - 2  and  710   d - 2  also converge towards each other to give the cross-sectional shape of an hour glass. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8( a ) and 8( b ) , and according to another embodiment, there is shown a thermal break  800  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  800  comprises an elongate body  810  comprising a first surface  810   a  and an opposite second surface  810   b . In addition, two opposite contacting surfaces  810   c  and  810   d  extend between first surface  810   a  and second surface  810   b . First surface  810   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, second surface  810   b  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  810   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  810   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. Thermal break  800  further comprises first protrusions  820  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  810   c , and second protrusions  830  which couple to and extend away from contacting surface  810   d . First protrusions  820  and second protrusions  830  extend in opposite directions away from the elongate body  810 . In this embodiment, first protrusions  820  and second protrusions  830  are flanges. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 8( a ) and 8( b ) , a first pair of flanges  820 ,  830  at one end of the elongate body  810  form a rectangular prism comprising surface  810   b , and a second pair of flanges  820 ,  830  at the other end of the elongate body  810  form a rectangular prism comprising fixture-mounting surface  810   a  such that thermal break  800  has a cross-sectional shape of an “I” when cut along a plane that is perpendicular to contacting surfaces  810   c  and  810   d . However, in other embodiments, flanges  820 ,  830  may not be positioned at the ends of the elongate body  810 . In other embodiments, a plurality of flanges  820  may be arranged in a row on contacting surface  810   c , or randomly on contacting surface  810   c . Second flanges  830  may have the same or different arrangement on contacting surface  810   d  as first flanges  820  on contacting surface  810   c.    
     As depicted in  FIGS. 8( a ) and 8( b ) , flanges  820 ,  830  are shaped as rectangular prisms. However, in other embodiments, flanges  820 ,  830  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a semi-cylinder or other geometric prism. In  FIGS. 8( a ) and 8( b ) , flanges  820 ,  830  are depicted as extending orthogonally away from contacting surfaces  810   c  and  810   d  respectively. However, in other embodiments, flanges  820 ,  830  may extend away from contacting surfaces  810   c  and  810   d  respectively in a non-orthogonal manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9( a ) and 9( b ) , and according to another embodiment, there is shown a thermal break  900  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  900  comprises an elongate body  910  comprising a first surface  910   a  and an opposite second surface  910   b . In addition, two opposite contacting surfaces  910   c  and  910   d  extend between surfaces  910   a  and  910   b . First surface  910   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, second surface  910   b  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, contacting surface  910   c  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulation material that is exterior to the elongate body  910  and contacting a structural wythe, and contacting surface  910   d  is suitable for contacting the fascia wythe. One or more protrusions  920  are coupled to and extend away from contacting surface  910   c . As depicted in  FIG. 9( a ) , six protrusions  920  arranged in two rows of three extend away from contacting surface  910   c . However, in other embodiments, one or more protrusions in any orientation known to a person skilled in the art may extend away from contacting surface  910   c.    
     Referring to  FIG. 9( a ) , protrusions  920  are formed from the same material as elongate body  910  and are integrally formed with elongate body  910  such that thermal break  900  is one continuous piece. Alternatively, protrusions  920  are not integrally formed with elongate body  910 . Instead, protrusions  920  are coupled to elongate body  910  by methods known in the art. Alternatively, at least one protrusion  920  is integrally formed with elongate body  910 , and at least one protrusion  920  is not. In other embodiments, protrusions  920  are made of a material (e.g. metal, metal alloy, insulating material; or a plastic) that is different from the insulating material of elongate body  910 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9( b ) , the interior of the thermal break body  910  comprises an insulating material  930 . As contemplated in this embodiment, insulating material  930  is the same material as the insulation material placed in between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe of the exterior wall. Insulating material impedes the loss of thermal energy through the thermal break. In other embodiments, the insulating material  930  is different from the insulation material placed in between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe of the exterior wall. 
     As described in greater detail below, during “tilt-up” construction of an exterior wall, surfaces  910   b  and  910   d  contact against the fascia wythe. A portion of surface  910   c  is in contact with the insulation material existing between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe. Wet concrete forming the structural wythe contacts at least a portion of the surface  910   c , and one or more protrusions  920  are immersed in the wet concrete forming the structural wythe of the exterior wall. One or more protrusions  920  anchor the thermal break  900  to the structural wythe. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10( a ) to 10( d ) , and according to another embodiment, there is shown a thermal break  1000  suitable for use in exterior walls for tilt-up construction. Thermal break  1000  comprises an elongate body  1010  comprising a first surface  1010   a  and an opposite second surface  1010   b . In addition, two opposite contacting surfaces  1010   c  and  1010   d  extend between first surface  1010   a  and second surface  1010   b . First surface  1010   a  is suitable for mounting a fixture, second surface  1010   b  is suitable for mounting or contacting an insulating material, contacting surface  1010   c  is suitable for contacting a fascia wythe, and contacting surface  1010   d  is suitable for contacting a structural wythe. Protrusions  1030  are coupled to and extend away from contacting surface  1010   d . As facia wythes generally comprise substantially planar surfaces, the contacting surface  1010   c  is also substantially planar so that the fascia wythe may contract, expand, or move relative to the contacting surface  1010   c , and therefore relative to the thermal break  1000  as well. To avoid the fascia wythe from locking or engaging the contacting surface  1010   c , the contacting surface  1010   c  does not comprise protrusions extending therefrom or indentations extending therein. 
     Protrusions  1030  each comprise an elongate extension  1030   a  and a head  1030   b . Extensions  1030   a  separate the elongate body  1010  from heads  1030   b . Extensions  1030   a  are depicted in  FIGS. 10( a ) to 10( d )  as cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, extensions  1030   a  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a geometric prism, a frustum or an inverted frustum. Heads  1030   b  are depicted as cylindrical in  FIGS. 10( a ) to 10( d ) , and have a greater cross sectional area than extensions  1030   a . In other embodiments, head  1030   b  may be any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a sphere, an ovoid, or a square or geometric prism. In  FIGS. 10( a ) to 10( d ) , protrusions  1030  are depicted as extending orthogonally away from contacting surface  1010   d . However, in other embodiments, protrusions  1030  may extend away from contacting surface  1010   d  in a non-orthogonal manner. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10( b ) , protrusions  1030  are formed from the same material as elongate body  1010  and are integrally formed with elongate body  1010  such that thermal break  1000  is one continuous piece. Alternatively, and as depicted in  FIG. 10( c ) , protrusions  1030  are not integrally formed with elongate body  1010 . Instead, protrusions  1030  are coupled to elongate body  1010  by methods known in the art. Alternatively, and as depicted in  FIG. 10( d ) , one or more protrusions  1030  are integrally formed with elongate body  1010 , while one or more protrusions  1030  are not integrally formed with elongate body  1010 . In other embodiments, protrusions  1030  are made of a material (e.g. metal, metal alloy, or a plastic) that is different from the material of elongate body  1010 . 
     As contemplated in this embodiment, protrusions  1030  are arranged in a row on contacting surface  1010   d  of elongate body  1010 . In other embodiments, protrusions  1030  may be arranged in any arrangement, for example in two or more rows on contacting surface  1010   d  of elongate body  1010 , or randomly on contacting surface  1010   s  of elongate body  1010 . 
     During “tilt-up” construction of an exterior wall, wet concrete contacts contacting surface  1010   c  and sets to form the fascia wythe of the exterior wall. The fascia wythe may move relative to the contacting surface  1010   c . Wet concrete also contacts contacting surface  1010   d , immerses protrusions  1030 , and sets to form the structural wythe of the exterior wall. Heads  1030   b  anchor the thermal break  1000  to the structural wythe. 
     Thermal break  900 ,  1000  contact and anchor into the structural wythe, and contact but do not anchor into the fascia wythe. Such a configuration accommodates the different rates of expanding and contracting of the thermal break and the fascia wythe, thereby minimizing structural damage to either one of the fascia wythe and thermal break over time. 
     Elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  is constructed of at least one thermal insulating material providing a weight-bearing surface capable of at least partially supporting the weight of a mounted fixture against the pull of gravity. Such fixtures include, but are not limited to, a pre-fabricated industrial grade door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building components used to provide an opening through an exterior wall of a building. As contemplated in the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 2 to 10 , elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  is substantially made of a non-wood based material that is suitable for contacting wet concrete, cured concrete, and insulating material. As contemplated in the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 2 to 10 , elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  is manufactured of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, such as expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam. However, in other embodiments, the elongate body may be made of fibreglass or a suitable plastic material such as an extrudable thermoplastic material, or high-density polyethylene. In other embodiments, the elongate body manufactured substantially of PVC foam, or fibreglass, or suitable plastic material, or high-density polyethylene, has included within it any one of or a combination of wood, glass, and metal fibres to further improve the structural integrity of the thermal break elongate body. As contemplated in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2 to 6 and 8-10 , elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  is shaped like a rectangular prism. However, in other embodiments, elongate body may be shaped in any suitable form or dimensions. 
     Elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  of the thermal break  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000  may be any suitable dimensions, and the dimensions of elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1000  may depend on the dimensions of the fixture which is to be mounted to fixture-mounting surface  210   a ,  310   a ,  410   a ,  510   a ,  610   a ,  710   a ,  810   a ,  910   a ,  1010   a  of the elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  when in use. Preferably, elongate body  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  810 ,  910 ,  1010  is of dimensions such that spalling does not occur. Any suitable number of protrusions may extend from the elongate body of the thermal break. The number of protrusions extending from the elongate body may depend on the dimensions of the elongate body and the optimal spacing of the protrusions to provide good anchorage of the thermal break to the structural wythe and/or fascia wythe of the exterior wall. In other embodiments one or more protrusions extend from any one or both of the contacting surfaces of the thermal break. 
     Thermal Break Manufacture 
     Using an expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride foam thermal break as an example, polyvinyl chloride and polyurea may be mixed together under controlled conditions, which are known to a person skilled in the art. The mixture is then poured into a mold, and the filled mold is sealed. The sealed mold is then placed into a large press where it is heated. The resulting solid material is removed from the mold, and soaked in a hot bath where the resulting solid material is allowed to expand to its desired final density. The solid material is then cured, and the cured expanded closed-cell polyvinyl chloride foam material is cut into its desired dimensions. As would be known to a person skilled in the art, the mold may dictate the general shape of the thermal break, and may dictate which components of the thermal break are integrally formed together. 
     Exterior Wall Manufacture Using Thermal Break  200 —Example 1 
     Using thermal break  200  as an example, thermal break  200  may be incorporated into a “tilt-up” exterior wall in the following manner. Referring to  FIGS. 11( a ) to 11( d ) , a pre-defined area is marked by placement of lumber  1100  marking the perimeter of the desired exterior wall. Lumber  1100  is positioned such that inside face-side  1100   a  faces towards the desired exterior wall and outside face-side  1100   b  faces away from the desired exterior wall. A supporting piece of lumber  1110  is placed at the base of lumber  1100  and against outside face side  1100   b , and lumbers  1100  and  1110  are joined together by one or more fasteners such as, but not limited to, a nail, screw, strut, connecting piece of wood, or the like, to maintain the upright position of lumber  1100 . The combination of lumber  1100 , lumber  1110 , and the one or more fasteners joining lumbers  1100  and  1110  together, collectively forms the formwork. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is then laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. 
     Using a fastener  1120 , for example a screw or nail, the thermal break  200  is mounted onto inside face-side  1100   a  of lumber  1100  with fixture-mounting surface  210   a  of the elongate body  210  extending along the inside face-side  1100   a  of lumber  1100 . The thermal break  200  may be installed before or after the welded wire mesh is laid out. Referring to  FIG. 11( b ) , a first layer of wet concrete (forming the fascia wythe  1140  of the exterior wall) is poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh until the first protrusions  220  of the thermal break  200  are immersed in wet concrete and the wet concrete contacts contacting surface  210   c  of the elongate body  210 . The elongate body  210  of the thermal break  200  is contiguous with the top of the first layer of wet concrete, but not immersed in the first layer of wet concrete. Before the wet concrete sets, insulating material  1130  is positioned over the first layer of wet concrete with the end face of the insulating material  1130  being contiguous with surface  210   b  of thermal break  200 . The insulating material  1130  is coupled with the first layer of wet concrete using methods known in the art. As depicted in  FIG. 11( b ) , the width of insulating material  1130  is greater than the width of surface  210   b  of thermal break  200 . Alternatively, the width of insulating material  1130  and the width of surface  210   b  of thermal break  200  are the same. Alternatively, the width of surface  210   b  of thermal break  200  is greater than the width of insulating material  1130 . 
     Once the first layer of wet concrete has set, thereby forming fascia wythe  1140 , reinforcing bars (not shown) are laid out over insulating material  1130  and thermal break  200 . Referring to  FIG. 11( c ) , a second layer of wet concrete (forming the structural wythe  1150  of the exterior wall) is then poured over the reinforcing bars, insulating material  1130 , and thermal break  200  such that the second protrusions  230  are completely immersed in wet concrete and the wet concrete contacts contacting surface  210   d  of elongate body  210 . The insulating material  1130  is coupled to the second layer of wet concrete using methods known in the art. The second layer of wet concrete sets to form the structural wythe  1150  of the exterior wall. 
     Fastener  1120  and the formwork (i.e. the combination of lumber  1100 , lumber  1110 , and the one or more fasteners joining lumbers  1100  and  1110  together) are then removed. Referring to  FIG. 11( d ) , a fixture  1160 , for example a door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building component, is mounted on fixture-mounting surface  210   a  of thermal break  200  and on at least a portion of structural wythe  1150 . Alternatively, the fixture  1160  may be mounted on fixture-mounting surface  210   a  of elongate body  210  of thermal break  200  only, and without being mounted to the structural wythe  1150 . A crane may be used to tilt the exterior wall with fixture  1160  mounted thereon from a horizontal position to a vertical position and to move the exterior wall to its desired position. Alternatively, the exterior wall may be tilted from a horizontal position to a vertical position and positioned correctly before fixture  1160  is mounted on fixture-mounting surface  210   a  of thermal break  200 . 
     An exterior wall comprising a thermal break  1000  may be similarly manufactured, except that no protrusions are immersed in the fascia wythe. Because contacting surface  1010   c  is substantially planar, no part of the fascia wythe extends orthogonally beyond the axis along which contacting surface  1010   c  extends. 
     Exterior Wall Manufacture Using Thermal Break  700   
     Using thermal break  700  as depicted in  FIG. 7( a )  as an example, thermal break  700  may be incorporated into a “tilt-up” exterior wall in the following manner. A formwork is constructed at the boundary of the pre-defined area as discussed above. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is then laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. 
     Using a fastener, for example a screw or nail, thermal break  700  is mounted onto the inside face-side the first lumber with fixture-mounting surface  710   a  of elongate body  710  extending along the inside face side of the first lumber. Thermal break  700  may be installed before or after the welded wire mesh is laid out. A first layer of wet concrete (forming the fascia wythe of the exterior wall) is then poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh until the wet concrete contacts contacting surface  710   c  of elongate body  710 . Elongate body  710  of thermal break  700  is contiguous with the top of the first layer of wet concrete, but not immersed in the first layer of wet concrete. Before the wet concrete sets, insulating material is positioned over the first layer of wet concrete with the end face of the insulating material being contiguous with surface  710   b  of thermal break  700 . The insulating material is coupled with the first layer of wet concrete using methods known in the art. 
     Once the first layer of wet concrete has set, thereby forming the fascia wythe, reinforcing bars are laid out over the insulating material and thermal break  700 . A second layer of wet concrete is then poured over the reinforcing bars, the insulating material, and thermal break  700  such that the wet concrete contacts contacting surface  710   d  of elongate body  710 . The insulating material is coupled to the second layer of wet concrete using methods known in the art. The second layer of wet concrete sets to form the structural wythe of the exterior wall. 
     The fastener and the formwork are then removed. A fixture, for example a door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building component, is mounted on fixture-mounting surface  710   a  of thermal break  700  and on at least a portion of the structural wythe. Alternatively, the fixture may be mounted on fixture-mounting surface  710   a  of thermal break  700  only, and without being mounted to the structural wythe. A crane may be used to tilt the exterior wall with the fixture mounted thereon from a horizontal position to a vertical position and to move the exterior wall to its desired position. Alternatively, the exterior wall may be tilted from a horizontal position to a vertical position and positioned correctly before the fixture is mounted on fixture-mounting surface  710   a  of thermal break  700 . 
     Exterior Wall Manufacture Using Thermal Break  900 —Example 1 
     Using thermal break  900  as an example, thermal break  900  may be incorporated into a “tilt-up” exterior wall in the following manner. Referring to  FIGS. 12( a ) to 12( d ) , a pre-defined area is marked by placement of lumber  1200  marking the perimeter of the desired exterior wall. Lumber  1200  is positioned such that inside face-side  1200   a  faces towards the desired exterior wall and outside face-side  1200   b  faces away from the desired exterior wall. A supporting piece of lumber  1210  is placed at the base of lumber  1200  and against outside face side  1200   b , and lumbers  1200  and  1210  are joined together by one or more fasteners such as a nail, screw, strut, connecting piece of wood, or the like, to maintain the upright position of lumber  1200 . The combination of lumber  1200 , lumber  1210 , and the one or more fasteners joining lumbers  1200  and  1210  together, collectively forms the formwork. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is then laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. 
     One or more supporting bases  940  extends along the length of surface  910   b , the one or more supporting bases  940  supporting the thermal break  900  in mid-air within the boundaries of the formwork. Referring to  FIG. 12( b ) , a first layer of wet concrete  1240   a  (forming a portion of the fascia wythe  1240  of the exterior wall) is poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh until the one or more supporting bases  940  is immersed in wet concrete and the wet concrete layer  1240   a  contacts contacting surface  910   b  of the elongate body  910 . The elongate body  910  of the thermal break  900  is contiguous with the top of the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a , but not immersed in the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a . Before the wet concrete layer  1240   a  sets, insulating material  1230  is positioned over the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a  with the end face of the insulating material  1230  being contiguous with surface  910   c  of thermal break  900 . The insulating material  1230  is coupled with the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a  using methods known in the art. As depicted in  FIG. 12( b ) , a reinforcing bar  1220  is immersed in the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a , the reinforcing bar  1220  for providing additional stability to the fascia wythe  1240 , and particularly the corner of the fascia wythe  1240 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12( c ) , a second layer of wet concrete (not numbered) is poured between the lumber  1200  and surface  910   d  of thermal break  900  and onto the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a , after the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a  has set. Upon curing of the second layer of wet concrete and the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a , the fascia wythe  1240  (which is reinforced at the corner by reinforcing bar  1220 ) is formed. 
     Reinforcing bars (not shown) are laid out over insulating material  1230 . Referring to  FIG. 12( d ) , a third layer of wet concrete is poured over the reinforcing bars and insulating material  1230  such that the one or more protrusions  920  are immersed in the third layer of wet concrete and the third layer of wet concrete contacts contacting surface  910   c  of elongate body  910 . The insulating material  1230  is coupled to the third layer of wet concrete using methods known in the art. The third layer of wet concrete sets to form the structural wythe  1250  of the exterior wall. 
     The formwork is removed, and the exterior wall is tilted-up. The one or more supporting bases  940  are removed by methods known in the art, and the remaining spatial voids are filled in with concrete or an alternative filling material that is known in the art. Referring to  FIG. 12( d ) , a fixture  1260 , for example a door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building component, is mounted on fixture-mounting surface  910   a  of thermal break  900  and on at least a portion of structural wythe  1250 . Alternatively, the fixture  1260  may be mounted on fixture-mounting surface  910   a  of elongate body  910  of thermal break  900  only, and without being mounted to the structural wythe  1250 . 
     Exterior Wall Manufacture Using Thermal Break  900 —Example 2 
     Using thermal break  900  as an example, thermal break  900  may be incorporated into a “tilt-up” exterior wall in the following manner. Referring to  FIGS. 13( a ) to 13( d ) , a pre-defined area is marked by placement of lumber  1200  marking the perimeter of the desired exterior wall. Lumber  1200  is positioned such that inside face-side  1200   a  faces towards the desired exterior wall and outside face-side  1200   b  faces away from the desired exterior wall. A supporting piece of lumber  1210  is placed at the base of lumber  1200  and against outside face side  1200   b , and lumbers  1200  and  1210  are joined together by one or more fasteners such as a nail, screw, strut, connecting piece of wood, or the like, to maintain the upright position of lumber  1200 . The combination of lumber  1200 , lumber  1210 , and the one or more fasteners joining lumbers  1200  and  1210  together, collectively forms the formwork. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13( b ) , a first layer of wet concrete  1240   a  (forming a portion of the fascia wythe  1240  of the exterior wall) is poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh to a pre-determined height relative to lumber  1200 . The first layer of concrete  1240   a  is allowed to set. Thermal break  900  is positioned on top of concrete layer  1240   a , and at a pre-determined distance away from lumber  1200 . Preferably, the elongate body  910  of the thermal break  900  is contiguous with the top of concrete layer  1240   a , but not immersed in the concrete layer  1240   a . Insulating material  1230  is positioned over concrete layer  1240   a  with the end face of the insulating material  1230  being contiguous with surface  910   c  of thermal break  900 . Preferably, the insulating material  1230  is positioned over the concrete layer  1240   a  before the concrete layer  1240   a  sets, so that the insulating material  1230  may be coupled with the concrete layer  1240   a  using methods known in the art (e.g. wythe ties). Prior to concrete layer  1240   a  setting, a reinforcing bar  1220  is immersed in the first layer of wet concrete  1240   a . The reinforcing bar  1220  provides additional stability to the fascia wythe  1240 , and particularly the corner of the fascia wythe  1240 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13( c ) , a second layer of wet concrete (not numbered) is poured between the lumber  1200  and surface  910   d  of thermal break  900  and onto concrete layer  1240   a , after concrete layer  1240   a  has set. The second layer of concrete and the concrete layer  1240   a  form the fascia wythe  1240 . 
     Reinforcing bars (not shown) are laid out over insulating material  1230 . Referring to  FIG. 13( d ) , a third layer of wet concrete  1250  is poured over the reinforcing bars and insulating material  1230  such that the one or more protrusions  920  are immersed in the third layer of wet concrete  1250  and the third layer of wet concrete  1250  contacts contacting surface  910   c  of thermal break  900 . The insulating material  1230  is coupled to the third layer of wet concrete  1250  using methods known in the art. The third layer of wet concrete  1250  sets to form the structural wythe  1250 . 
     In other examples (not shown), insulating material  1230  is positioned so that it is ultimately contiguous with concrete layer  1240   a  and the second layer of concrete, and the thermal break  900  is positioned so that at least a portion of surface  910   b  (if not all of surface  910   b ) is contiguous with insulating material  1230 , and at least a portion of surface  910   d  (if not all of surface  910   d ) is contiguous with the second layer of concrete. 
     Insulation Concrete Form Using Thermal Break  1000   
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , insulation materials  1310   a ,  1310   b  (e.g. expanded polystyrene) and thermal break  1000  extending therebetween create a cavity into which concrete layer  1330  is poured and set. As concrete layer  1330  is poured into the cavity, protrusions  1030  become immersed in the concrete layer  1330 . Concrete layer  1330  sets to form a concrete wall that is surrounded by insulation materials  1310   a ,  1310   b . Thermal break  1000  comprises a fixture mounting surface onto which fixture  1320  (e.g. a window) is mounted. Insulation concrete form  1300  is thereby formed. 
     In this embodiment, the fixture mounting surface  1010   a  and opposite surface  1010   b  are contiguous with the insulation materials  1310   a ,  1310   b . First contacting surface  1010   c  serves as the fixture-mounting surface for mounting fixture  1320 , and second contacting surface  1010   d  (from which one or more protrusions extends) is contiguous with the concrete layer  1330 . 
     Thermal Break Installation in a Parapet Structure 
     Referring to  FIG. 15( a ) , there is a parapet structure  1500  comprising a fascia wythe  1540 , a structural wythe  1550  comprising a first portion  1550   a  and a second portion  1550   b , insulating material  1530   a  disposed between the fascia wythe and the structural wythe  1550 , insulating material  1530   b  disposed between the structural wythe  1550  and a roofing membrane  1570 , a flashing  1560  disposed at the top of the parapet structure  1500 , a thermal break  500  comprising a rod  530 , the thermal break  500  contiguous with insulating materials  1530   a  and  1530   b  and separating structural wythe portions  1550   a  and  1550   b , and a structural wythe support structure  1580  comprising an embed (un-numbered) that is generally known in the art. At least some parapet structures are currently constructed such that continuous insulation at the parapet is maintained by bringing the insulating material up and over the parapet, and tying the insulating material into the roof insulation. Such construction techniques may be time-consuming and/or costly. The parapet structure  1500  disclosed herein provides a continuous insulation arrangement between the structural wythe and fascia wythe as required by some energy codes in a manner that is time-effective and cost-effective for the installer. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15( b ) , a pre-defined area is marked by placement of lumber  1200  marking the perimeter of the desired exterior wall. Lumber  1200  is positioned such that inside face-side  1200   a  faces towards the desired exterior wall and outside face-side  1200   b  faces away from the desired exterior wall. A supporting piece of lumber  1210  is placed at the base of lumber  1200  and against outside face side  1200   b , and lumbers  1200  and  1210  are joined together by one or more fasteners such as a nail, screw, strut, connecting piece of wood, or the like, to maintain the upright position of lumber  1200 . The combination of lumber  1200 , lumber  1210 , and the one or more fasteners joining lumbers  1200  and  1210  together, collectively forms the formwork. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15( c ) and 15( d ) , a first layer of wet concrete  1540  is poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh to a pre-determined height relative to lumber  1200 . The first layer of concrete  1540  is allowed to set and form the fascia wythe  1540 . Insulating material  1530   a  is positioned over concrete layer  1540  with the end face of the insulating material  1540  being contiguous with lumber surface  1200   a . Preferably, the insulating material  1530   a  is positioned over the concrete layer  1540  before the concrete layer  1540  sets. The insulating material is coupled with the concrete layer  1540  using methods known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15( e ) , a thermal break  500  comprising a rod  530  is disposed on the insulating material  1530   a  at a pre-determined distance away from surface  1200   a  of lumber  1200 . As contemplated in this example, rod  530  is made of an insulating material such as, but not limited to, fibre-glass, in order to impart further insulating properties to the parapet structure  1500 . Rod  530  serves to stabilize the thermal break  500  in between portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  of the structural wythe  1550 , and couple the thermal break  500  to the structural wythe  1550 . Rod  530  is coupled to the body of the thermal break  500  as previously described in the disclosure. 
     Reinforcing bars (not shown) are laid out over insulating material  1530   a . Referring to  FIG. 15( f ) , wet concrete portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  are poured over the reinforcing bars and insulating material  1530   a  such that rod  530  is immersed in the wet concrete portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  and the wet concrete portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  contacts the thermal break  500 . The insulating material  1530   a  is coupled to the portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  using methods known in the art. The portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  set to form the structural wythe  1550 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15( g ) , and prior to the portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  fully setting, an embed (un-numbered) of the structural wythe support structure  1580  is inserted into portion  1550   b  so that portion  1550   b  fully immerses the lugs of the embed (un-numbered) of the structural wythe support structure  1580 . Insulating material  1530   b  is positioned over portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  with the end face of the insulating material  1530   b  being contiguous with lumber surface  1200   a . Preferably, insulating material  1530   b  is positioned over the portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  before the portions  1550   a  and  1550   b  set. Insulating material  1530   b  is coupled to the portion  1550   a  using methods known in the art. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 15( g )  insulating material  1530   b  is coupled to portion  1550   a  and a portion of the structural wythe support structure  1580 , and contiguous with thermal break  500 . In another example, insulating material  1530   b  is coupled to portion  1550   a , portion  1550   b  and a portion of the structural wythe support structure  1580 , and contiguous with thermal break  500 . As depicted in  FIG. 15( g ) , thermal break  500  is contiguous with at least a portion of the structural wythe support structure  1580  (e.g. the panel of the embed). In another example, thermal break  500  is not contiguous with the structural wythe support structure  1580 . 
     When the fascia wythe  1540  and the structural wythe  1550  have set, the formwork is removed. 
     Exterior Wall Manufacture Using Thermal Break  200 —Example 2 
     Referring to  FIG. 16( a ) , there is an exterior wall  1600  comprising a first fascia wythe  1640   a , a structural wythe  1650 , insulating material  1630  disposed between the first fascia wythe  1640  and the structural wythe  1650 , a thermal break  200  contiguous with insulating material  1630  and structural wythe  1650 , and a second fascia wythe  1640   b  contiguous with the first fascia wythe  1640   a , insulating material  1630 , and thermal break  200 . A fixture  1660  may overlap a surface of the thermal break  200  and a surface of the second fascia wythe  1640   b , and may be affixed to the thermal break  200 . As contemplated herein, the fixture  1660  is an overhead door or another fixture having similar structural requirements as an overhead door. 
     The exterior wall  1600  disclosed herein provides continuous insulation and a thermal barrier between the structural wythe and the fascia wythe, as required by certain energy codes, and an additional surface (i.e. the surface of the thermal break) for affixing or at least partially supporting a fixture. In present industry standards, this detail is often overlooked or ignored. For example, some overhead door openings currently installed have the insulating material stopping short of the opening, thereby failing to provide continuous insulation between the structural wythe and fascia wythe and consequently failing to meet the requirements of certain energy codes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16( b ) , a formwork is constructed at the boundary of the pre-defined area as discussed above. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. A first layer of wet concrete (forming the fascia wythe  1640  of the exterior wall) is poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh. Preferably, insulating material  1630  is positioned over the first layer of concrete  1640  before the first layer of concrete  1640  sets. The insulating material  1630  is coupled to the first layer of concrete  1640  by methods known in the art. An end face of the insulating material  1630  is positioned a pre-determined distance away from lumber  1200  of the formwork. The insulating material may be of any suitable thickness, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 inches. As contemplated in this example, insulating material  1630  has a thickness of about 3 inches. The insulating material may have any suitable R-value. As contemplated in this example, insulating material  1630  has an R-value of about 15. 
     Surface  210   b  of the thermal break  200  is positioned to be contiguous with the insulating material  1630 . The body  210  of the thermal break  200  is also positioned a predetermined distance away from lumber  1200  of the formwork. As contemplated in this example, the predetermined distance that the insulating material  1630  is placed away from lumber  1200  of the formwork and the predetermined distance that the body  210  of the thermal break  200  is placed away from lumber  1200  of the formwork are the same. In other examples, the predetermined distance that the insulating material  1630  is placed away from lumber  1200  of the formwork and the predetermined distance that the body  210  of the thermal break  200  is placed away from lumber  1200  of the formwork may be different. Lumber  1200 , first fascia wythe  1640   a , the end surface of insulating material  1630 , and surface  210   c  of the thermal break  200  define a spatial volume  1670 . 
     Reinforcing bars (not shown) are laid out over insulating material  1630 . Referring to  FIG. 16( c ) , a second layer of wet concrete  1650  is poured over the reinforcing bars and insulating material  1630  such that protrusions  230  are immersed in the wet concrete layer  1650  and the wet concrete layer  1650  contacts surface  210   d  of the thermal break  200 . The second layer of wet concrete  1650  sets to form the structural wythe  1650 . A third layer of wet concrete  1640   b  is poured into spatial volume  1670 . The third layer of wet concrete  1640   b  is contiguous with first fascia wythe  1640   a , the end surface of insulating material  1630 , and surface  210   c  of the thermal break  200 , and immerses protrusions  220  of the thermal break  200 . The third layer of wet concrete  1640   b  sets to form the second fascia wythe  1640   b.    
     When the first fascia wythe  1640   a , the second fascia wythe  1640   b , and the structural wythe  1650  have set, the formwork is removed, and a fixture  1660 , such as but not limited to an insulated overhead door, may be mounted to surface  210   a  of the thermal break  200  or the structural wythe  1650 , as depicted in  FIG. 16( a ) . 
     In another example, thermal break  200  is substituted with thermal break  500 . 
     Exterior Wall Manufacture Using a Thermal Break 
     Presently, at least some embeds are installed in a solid concrete exterior walls without any insulating material in the concrete exterior walls. Such solid concrete structures run afoul of certain energy codes which require exterior walls to have continuous insulating material between the structural wythe and fascia wythe of the exterior wall. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17( a ) , there is an exterior wall  1700  for supporting an embed, the exterior wall  1700  comprising a fascia wythe  1740 , a plurality of structural wythes  1750 , insulating material  1630  disposed between the fascia wythe  1740  and the plurality of structural wythes  1750 , a plurality of thermal breaks disposed between the plurality of structural wythes  1750  and the fascia wythe  1740 , and an embed  1770 . As contemplated in this example, the plurality of thermal breaks are similar or the same as those described as thermal break  500 . The exterior wall  1700  further comprises a rod  530 , portions of which are immersed in the plurality of structural wythes  1750 , one or more portion of which is immersed in the fascia wythe  1740 , and portions of which extend through the bodies  510  of the plurality of thermal breaks  500 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17( b ) , a formwork is constructed at the boundary of the pre-defined area as discussed above. Welded wire mesh (not shown) is laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and over the pre-defined area. One or more embed  1770  is also laid out within the boundaries of the formwork and within the pre-defined area. A first layer of wet concrete  1740  is poured within the pre-defined area and over the welded wire mesh and embed  1770  to a pre-determined height relative to lumber  1200 . The first layer of concrete  1740  is allowed to set to form a first portion of the fascia wythe  1740 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 17( c ) , a plurality of thermal break bodies  510  are disposed along the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740 , such that the surface of each thermal break  500  that is opposite surface  510   a  is contiguous with the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740 . Preferably, the thermal break bodies  510  are disposed along the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740  after the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740  has set. As contemplated in this example, thermal break bodies  510  contain insulating material  510 ′. In other examples, thermal break bodies may or may not contain insulating material. Preferably, insulating material  1730  is disposed over the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740  before the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740  sets. Insulating material  1730  is coupled with first portion of the fascia wythe  1740  using methods known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17( d ) , rod  530  is passed through the plurality of thermal break bodies  510 . Preferably, rod  530  is constructed of an insulating material and non-conducting material such as, but not limited to, fibre-glass, thereby imparting further insulating properties to the exterior wall  1700 . Rod  530  serves as the one or more protrusions extending away from a thermal break body  510 . 
     Reinforcing bars (not shown) are laid out over insulating material  1730 . Referring to  FIG. 17( e ) , wet concrete  1750  is poured over the reinforcing bars and insulating material  1730  such that portions of rod  530  are immersed in the wet concrete  1750  and the wet concrete  1750  contacts surfaces  510   d  of the thermal break bodies  510 . The wet concrete  1750  sets to form the plurality of structural wythes  1750 . A layer of wet concrete is poured in between surfaces  510   c  of adjacent thermal break bodies  510 , thereby immersing the lugs of embed  1770 , and the portions of rod  530  in between adjacent thermal break bodies  510 . When set, this layer of wet concrete, together with the first portion of the fascia wythe  1740 , form the fascia wythe  1740 . 
     In some instances, and to meet certain energy code requirements, an additional thermal break body  510  overlaps the fascia wythe  1750 , and is affixed to surfaces  510   a  of adjacent thermal break bodies  510 , as depicted in  FIG. 17( a ) . 
     General 
     The thermal break of the disclosed embodiments may beneficially satisfy energy code requirements that require an insulating material or a thermal break to be present between the structural wythe and fascia wythe at all locations, and at the same time provide a weight-bearing surface for mounting fixtures such as a door frame, window frame, air venting grill, or other building component. The thermal break disclosed herein is less susceptible to rotting over time and is less susceptible to contraction and expansion as compared to wood. 
     It is contemplated that any part of any aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification may be implemented or combined with any part of any other aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification. While particular embodiments have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modification of and adjustment to the foregoing embodiments, not shown, is possible. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Unless otherwise specified, all patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference. Citation of references herein is not to be construed nor considered as an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention.