Patent Description:
The technical field relates to exterior wall panels, more specifically to exterior wall panels that are assembled in factories and ready for the construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It also relates to assemblies comprising such exterior wall panels that are sealed against air and moisture transfer.

Exterior wall panels typically comprise a framework, a heat insulating layer and protective membranes to protect the panels from outdoor conditions, to drain water, and to prevent condensation from forming indoors and/or outdoors. The heat insulating layer typically comprises a wool insulation portion.

Pre-manufactured exterior wall panels are manufactured in a controlled factory setting enabling quality inspection of the product, whereas conventional building techniques require erection of the walls on-site in fluctuating weather conditions. It is known in the art that the use of pre-manufactured wall panels and components facilitates the erection process on-site, reduces the building time and prevents schedule setbacks due to weather conditions, thus reducing building costs. <CIT> discloses a cladding unit comprising a frame supporting a board material, wherein the frame comprises a fibre reinforced polymer and the board comprises a composite of mineral and pulp. Optionally, the cladding unit includes a rainscreen provided on an outer face of the cladding unit, together with a vapour barrier, a breather membrane, a fire barrier, a gasket and/or insulation. The board material preferably comprises calcium sulphate.

However, the protective membranes designed for covering the wall panels are typically partially secured to the wall panels in the factory and fully sealed to the wall panels on-site during erecting. The end portions of the protective membranes are left loose, or unsecured, to a wall surface, until adjacent wall panels are juxtaposed to erect a wall panel assembly. The pre-fabricated wall panels must therefore be stored indoors until they are sealed to one another on-site, and thus require considerable storage space.

In view of the above, there is a need for exterior wall panels and exterior wall panel assemblies which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

According to a general aspect, there is provided an exterior wall panel according to claim <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the vapor barrier membrane and the weather barrier membrane overlap along at least a portion of at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges.

In an embodiment, the bonding joint comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive strip.

In an embodiment, the exterior wall panel further comprises a rigid flashing having a first section superposed to the outer wall surface and a second section extending past at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges.

In an embodiment, the first section of the rigid flashing is superposed and secured to one of the weather barrier membrane and the vapor barrier membrane and the second section of the rigid flashing is superposable and securable to one of a weather barrier membrane and a vapor barrier membrane of an adjacently configured exterior wall panel.

In an embodiment, the exterior wall panel further comprises a rigid heat insulating panel superposed to the wall framework outwardly thereof with the weather barrier membrane being superposed outwardly to the rigid heat insulating panel; an outer siding superposed outwardly to the rigid heat insulating panel and the weather barrier membrane; and a plurality of spaced-apart slats extending between the weather barrier membrane and the outer siding.

In an embodiment the plurality of spaced-apart slats are configured in a superimposed configuration and form a plurality of slat layers between the weather barrier membrane and the outer siding.

In an embodiment, the exterior wall panel further comprises a rigid flashing having a first section superposed and secured to the rigid heat insulating panel and at least partially covered outwardly by the weather barrier membrane; and a second section extending past at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges and superposable outwardly to a weather barrier membrane of an adjacently configured exterior wall panel.

In an embodiment, the exterior wall panel further comprises a structural panel abutting against and mounted to the wall framework inwardly thereof and extending at least partially between the vapor barrier membrane and the wall framework.

In an embodiment, the wall framework defines an inner space and the exterior wall panel further comprises a heat insulating layer extending inside the inner space and between the structural panel and the rigid heat insulating panel.

In an embodiment, the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges includes an upper edge and a lower edge and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges includes side edges.

In an embodiment, the rigid heat insulating panel comprises a beveled edge extending downwardly from the outer wall surface and the second section of the rigid flashing is superposable to the beveled edge of the adjacently configured exterior wall panel.

According to another general aspect, there is provided an exterior wall panel assembly, comprising a plurality of exterior wall panels according to the present disclosure, the plurality of exterior wall panels being configured in an adjacent and abutting configuration.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a method for forming an exterior wall panel assembly according to claim <NUM>.

Moreover, although the embodiments of the exterior wall panel and exterior wall panel assembly and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the exterior wall panel and exterior wall panel assembly, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "forward", "rearward", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation of the exterior wall panel and exterior wall panel assembly and corresponding parts, with the term "inner" corresponding to a position oriented towards a spacing inside of a building defined by an assembly of multiple exterior wall panels or exterior wall panel assemblies and the term "outer" meaning externally of the inner spacing. Positional descriptions should not be considered limiting.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the term "about". It is understood that whether the term "about" is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value.

In the following description, the term "about" means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e. the limitations of the measurement system. It is commonly accepted that a <NUM>% precision measure is acceptable and encompasses the term "about".

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an embodiment of a pair of exterior wall panels <NUM> to be joined to form an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> for a building that includes a roof <NUM>, a foundation wall <NUM> and floor trusses <NUM>. In an embodiment, the foundation wall <NUM> is made of concrete. The environment of the exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> also includes horizontal stud members <NUM> secured to one of the exterior wall panels <NUM>, inwardly thereof, to receive and support the floor trusses <NUM>. The roof <NUM> and the foundation wall <NUM> may be provided with rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> at interfaces with the exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> and the floor trusses <NUM> in accordance with the climate and building codes for example. Typically, another heat insulating material such as and without being limitative expanded polyurethane <NUM> can be applied in regions of the floor truss <NUM> adjoining the foundation wall <NUM> for insulation purposes. As shown, a weather barrier membrane <NUM> covers an outer surface <NUM> of the concrete foundation wall <NUM> and acts as a means for draining water off the wall <NUM>. A schematic line shows the ground cable <NUM> position with respect to the wall <NUM>.

Multiple embodiments of exterior wall panels <NUM> and exterior wall panel assemblies <NUM> will be described below, but the environment and foundation wall <NUM> onto which the exterior wall panels <NUM> and the exterior wall panel assemblies <NUM> are mounted to are substantially similar or share similar features.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown an embodiment of a pair of exterior wall panels <NUM> to be joined to form an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> (to better show their interconnection, only the upper and lower portions thereof are shown). As shown, the exterior wall panels <NUM> are configurable in a vertically-adjacent configuration. It can be appreciated that the lower portion of the first wall panel 20a, i.e. the upper panel, placed above the second wall panel 20b, i.e. the lower panel, may also correspond to the lower portion of the second wall panel and that the upper portion of the second wall panel may also correspond to the upper portion of the first wall panel.

Each exterior wall panel <NUM> comprises a wall framework <NUM>. The wall framework <NUM> includes a plurality of horizontal stud members <NUM> and a plurality of vertical stud members <NUM> (see <FIG>). In a non-limitative embodiment, the stud members <NUM>, <NUM> are made of wood and have a substantially rectangular cross-section. For instance and without being limitative, the stud members can have a cross-section of nominal sizes such as 2x3", 2x4", 2x6" or any other appropriately sized stud members. By nominal, it is understood by one of skill in the art that the actual size of the member is lower than the nominal size. For example, a 2x3" member has dimensions of <NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM>" by <NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM>". It can be appreciated that the stud members <NUM>, <NUM> can be made of other structural materials such as concrete or metal and have different cross-sections.

The stud members <NUM>, <NUM> define together an inner wall surface <NUM> and an outer wall surface <NUM>, the outer wall surface <NUM> being spaced-apart from the inner wall surface <NUM>. As can be appreciated, the inner wall surface <NUM> is facing a spacing inside of a building whereas the outer wall surface <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the building. The inner and outer wall surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced-apart from one another to define an inner space <NUM> in which building heat insulating elements can be received. In the embodiment shown, as building heat insulating element, the exterior wall panel <NUM> comprises an heat insulating layer <NUM> inserted and located inside the inner space <NUM>. The heat insulating layer <NUM> typically comprises a mineral wool material, but it can be appreciated that any material having heat insulating properties may be used.

In an embodiment, the wall framework <NUM> defines a first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> and a second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending between the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM>. As shown on <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the exterior wall panels <NUM> are configured in a vertically adjacent configuration, but as shown on <FIG> and <FIG>, they are positioned in a horizontally adjacent configuration and in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, they are positioned in a corner configuration, as described in more details below. The first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> can therefore include an upper edge 52a and a lower edge 52b and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> can include side edges according to the vertical, horizontal or corner configurations. It can be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment (not shown) of an exterior wall panel used as a roof component, the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges include side edges.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the exterior wall panel <NUM> further includes a vapor barrier membrane <NUM> superposed to the inner wall surface <NUM>. By superposed, it is meant that the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is placed above or over the inner wall surface <NUM>, but it is not necessarily in contact with the inner wall surface <NUM>. For example, in an embodiment that will be described in more details below, the exterior wall panel <NUM> further includes a structural panel <NUM> abutting against and mounted to the wall framework <NUM>. The structural panel <NUM> extends between the inner wall surface <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM>. In this embodiment, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is indirectly superposed to the inner wall surface <NUM> and is covering (in contact - either directly or indirectly - with) and secured to the structural panel <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> covers at least partially at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM> and is secured thereto. The verb "superpose" should be understood, in the present description, in the meaning of placing or laying over or above whether in or not in contact. Moreover, in the present description, the verb "cover" should be understood in the meaning of overlaying or spreading over something, either directly or indirectly.

Water vapor may cause numerous problems in buildings when its flow is not controlled. The accumulation of moisture may cause mold, mildew and damages. The direction of travel of water vapor is typically from the inside to the outside of a building in cold climates such as in Canada and northern United States. The use of air conditioning in warmer temperatures lowers the humidity level and results in water vapor flow from the outside to the inside of the building. In the embodiment shown, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is superposed to the inner wall surface <NUM> and is designed to prevent water vapor from condensing on the wall surface inside of the building, due to higher water vapor pressure inside, as it may occur in colder climates. In warmer climates, it can therefore be appreciated that the vapor barrier membrane can cover and be secured to the outer wall surface defined by the stud members (not shown). It can be appreciated that the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> can be made of any suitable material to provide water vapor diffusion resistance such as and without being limitative polymer (e.g. polyethylene) or metallic sheets or foil.

The exterior wall panel <NUM> further includes a weather barrier membrane <NUM> that is superposed to the outer wall surface <NUM>. By superposed, it is meant that the weather barrier membrane <NUM> is placed above or over the outer wall surface <NUM>, but it is not necessarily in contact with the outer wall surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the exterior wall panel <NUM> includes a rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> abutting against the wall framework <NUM> and placed between the outer wall surface <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM>. The weather barrier membrane <NUM> may cover at least partially at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM>. The weather barrier membrane <NUM> can be secured to the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> using adhesive strips (not shown) or any other suitable mechanical fasteners.

It can be appreciated that the weather barrier membrane <NUM> can be made of any suitable material to drain water off an outer surface of the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>, such as and without being limitative polyethylene fiber membrane (e.g. Tyvek®).

In the embodiment shown on <FIG> and <FIG>, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> extends from the inner side of the wall framework <NUM> to cover one edge of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges <NUM> and further partially cover outwardly the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> on the outer side of the wall framework <NUM>, with a section extending below the weather barrier membrane <NUM>. As the weather barrier membrane <NUM>, it can be appreciated that the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> can be secured to the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> using adhesive strips (not shown) or any other suitable mechanical fasteners.

In an embodiment, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> are mounted and secured to the exterior wall panel <NUM> in the factory. As shown in the Figures, the weather barrier membrane <NUM> can partially overlap the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> along a portion of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM>. As mentioned above, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> may be mounted interchangeably on the exterior wall panel <NUM> according to the climate, i.e. in some implementations, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> may be mounted externally of the exterior wall panel <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> may be mounted internally of the exterior wall panel <NUM>. In some implementations (not shown), the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> may overlap the weather barrier membrane <NUM>. The membranes typically overlap one another on a length ranging from <NUM>" to <NUM>".

As shown on <FIG>, the lower exterior wall panel 20b further comprises a bonding joint <NUM> applied to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> along an upper one of the peripheral edges <NUM>. The bonding joint <NUM> extends longitudinally along the respective one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM> and contacts the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of another exterior wall panel 20a when configured in an adjacent configuration. The bonding joint <NUM> may alternatively be configured to contact the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of an adjacent one of the exterior wall panels. As described below, the bonding joint <NUM> may alternatively be applied to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> to contact either the weather barrier membrane <NUM> or the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of an adjacent one of the exterior wall panels.

Now referring to <FIG>, there is shown an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> that comprises the exterior wall panels 20a, 20b of <FIG> configured in the adjacent and engaged configuration. In this configuration, the bonding joint <NUM> provides a seal between adjacent exterior wall panels <NUM>, between the engaged peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM>. More particularly, the bonding joint <NUM> is squeezed (sandwiched) between the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the two adjacent and engaged exterior wall panels 20a, 20b.

The bonding joint <NUM> may therefore provide a seal between two vapor barrier membranes <NUM>, two weather barrier membranes <NUM> or a vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and a weather barrier membrane <NUM> of two adjacent and engaged exterior wall panels 20a, 20b.

In the embodiment shown, the bonding joint <NUM> comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive strip <NUM> (as represented in <FIG>) to seal adjacent panels when put under the application of a force during erecting of the wall panel assembly <NUM>. It can be appreciated that the bonding joint material can be any suitable material that provides an airtight seal between the exterior wall panels <NUM>, such as and without being limitative butyl rubber. The bonding joint <NUM> is typically positioned with respect to the outer surface of the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> in accordance to a dew point calculation. This calculation provides information on the thickness of the heat insulating panel, for example, which result varies according to the climate and the building indoor conditions.

As shown on <FIG>, one exterior wall panel 20a further comprises a rigid flashing 72a (or inner rigid flashing 72a) interposed between (or having at least a section sandwiched between) the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> (or between overlapping portions of the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM>) to prevent water from penetrating the joint formed between the adjacent and abutting peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> and, more particularly, between the membranes overlapping.

The exterior wall panel <NUM> can also include an outer siding <NUM> mounted to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>, with a plurality of spaced-apart slats <NUM> (for instance at least partially made of wood) extending inbetween. More particularly, the outer siding <NUM> is superposed outwardly to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> with the slats <NUM>, such as and without being limitative <NUM>" by <NUM>" wood slats, extending inbetween.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, at a lower peripheral edge thereof, the exterior wall panel 20a also includes a rigid flashing 72b (or additional rigid flashing 72b or outer rigid flashing 72b) inserted beneath the outer siding <NUM> and extending externally and downwardly to be superposed against the outer siding <NUM> of the vertically-adjacent exterior wall panel 20b. In the embodiment shown, the additional rigid flashing <NUM> b (or outer rigid flashing 72b) comprises first and second portions substantially perpendicular to each other.

For instance and without being limitative, the rigid flashings 72a, 72b may be an aluminum sheet or any other rigid material suitable to shield the joint between the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM>, such as plastic or rubber, suitable to prevent water from entering the joint. In the embodiment shown, the exterior wall panels 20a, 20b comprise a drainage barrier including the rigid flashings 72a, 72b. It is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to rigid flashings 72a, 72b that would be at least partially made of a metallic material. Any other material having rigidity and/or impermeability properties, so as to drain water off the exterior wall panels configured in the adjacent configuration, could also be used.

It is appreciated that the construction, the shape, the configuration, and the location of the rigid flashing 72a, 72b with regards to the outer sidings <NUM>, the slats <NUM>, and the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> can vary from the embodiments shown.

As shown on <FIG> and <FIG>, the rigid flashing 72a is superposed to the outer wall surface <NUM> and extends past at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>, in this case, the upper edge. When configured in an adjacent configuration, the rigid flashing 72a of a first exterior wall panel 20a is superposable and securable to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of a second exterior wall panel 20b. Moreover, as represented in <FIG>, at least one of the rigid flashings 72a, 72b is dimensioned and shaped to at least partially extend between the outer siding <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> of the second exterior wall panel 20b.

In the embodiment shown, the slats <NUM> are thus configured to ease the securing of the outer siding <NUM> onto the rigid heat insulating layer <NUM>, or directly onto the outer wall surface <NUM> defined by the stud members <NUM>, <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM>. The slats <NUM> are further configured to receive a portion of at least one of the rigid flashings 72a, 72b so as to contribute to the efficiency of the drainage barrier.

As mentioned above, the exterior wall panel <NUM> includes the structural panel <NUM> abutting against and mounted to the wall framework <NUM> on a side of the wall oriented towards the inner spacing of the building. In a non-limitative embodiment, the structural panel <NUM> is made of oriented strand board material, but it can be appreciated that any material having structural properties may be used. In an embodiment, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is superposed outwardly to the structural panel <NUM>. As mentioned above, on a side of the wall oriented towards the outside of the building, the exterior wall panel <NUM> includes the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> abutting against the wall framework <NUM>. As shown, the weather barrier membrane <NUM> is superposed outwardly to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>. In a non-limitative embodiment, the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> comprises a polystyrene foam material, but it can be appreciated that any material having heat insulating and structural properties may be used.

As mentioned above, the heat insulating layer <NUM> is located inside the inner space <NUM> and between the structural panel <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>.

As shown on <FIG> and as mentioned above, when configured in an adjacent configuration, a plurality of exterior wall panels <NUM> form an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM>. Each exterior wall panel <NUM> includes a wall framework <NUM>, a vapor barrier membrane <NUM>, a weather barrier membrane <NUM> and a bonding joint <NUM>. In the adjacent configuration, the bonding joint <NUM> of a first one of the exterior wall panels <NUM> contacts at least one of the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of an adjacent one of the exterior wall panels <NUM> to provide a seal inbetween. It can be appreciated that a bonding joint <NUM> may be pressed between the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> each at least partially covered by a vapor barrier membrane <NUM> or by a weather barrier membrane <NUM> or by both. As shown, when abutting against one another, the exterior wall panels <NUM> can be secured together with a structural board <NUM> superposed to the structural panels <NUM> of the adjacent and engaged exterior wall panels 20a, 20b and fastened to the stud members <NUM> of each wall panel <NUM> by structural connectors <NUM>. It can be appreciated that the structural connectors <NUM> may comprise screws or nails.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an example, not according to the invention, of exterior wall panels <NUM> configurable in a vertically-adjacent configuration. The exterior wall panels <NUM> differ from the embodiment depicted in <FIG> with respect to the position of the vapor barrier membranes <NUM> and the weather barrier membranes <NUM> in that they do not cover the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the exterior wall panels <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is superposed and secured to the inner wall surface <NUM> defined by the stud members <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM>, and extends past at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM>. As shown, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of a first wall panel 20a extends towards a second wall panel 20b placed below and is superposable to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of the second wall panel 20b when it is configured in an adjacent and engaged configuration. Thus, in the example shown, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> extends past the lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the exterior wall panel 20a. It can be appreciated that the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of the second wall panel 20b can also extend past a peripheral edge towards the first wall panel 20a to be superposable and securable thereto.

As mentioned above, the exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> further comprises a rigid flashing 72a that is superposed to the outer wall surface <NUM> and extends past a lower one of the peripheral edges <NUM>. Each wall panel <NUM> is covered, on the outer wall surface <NUM>, by the weather barrier membrane <NUM> that is secured thereto, the rigid flashing 72a has a first section extending between the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of an upper one 20a of the exterior wall panels <NUM> and a second section extending downwardly past the lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the upper one 20a of the exterior wall panels <NUM>. When two adjacent ones of the panels 20a, 20b are engaged together, the second section of the rigid flashing 72a of the upper one 20a of the exterior wall panels <NUM>, is insertable between the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the slats <NUM>, i.e. externally of the weather barrier membrane <NUM>, of the lower one 20b of the exterior wall panels <NUM>. In the example shown, the second section of the rigid flashing 72a is insertable between the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the outer siding <NUM> of the lower one 20b of the exterior wall panels <NUM>. Thus, when engaged between the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the slats <NUM> or superposed externally to the lower one 20b of the exterior wall panels <NUM>, the rigid flashing 72a shields the joint between adjacent ones of the exterior wall panels <NUM> when configured in the adjacent and engaged configuration. In the example shown, the bonding joint <NUM> is not applied to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> or to the weather barrier membrane <NUM>, but it is applied directly to the stud members <NUM>, <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM> and extends along at least one of the peripheral edges <NUM>. In the adjacent and engaged configuration of the exterior wall panels <NUM>, it contacts at least one peripheral edge <NUM> of another exterior wall panel <NUM>. It is appreciated that, as in the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bonding joint <NUM> may alternatively be applied to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> or the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> to contact either the weather barrier membrane <NUM> or the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of an adjacent one of the exterior wall panels.

Now referring to <FIG>, there is shown another example, not according to the invention, of two exterior wall panels <NUM> configurable in a vertically-adjacent configuration. It should be understood that the components of the exterior wall panels <NUM> may have different shapes suitable for abutting against one another to engage and seal the panels together. In this example, the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> have beveled edges <NUM> of complementary shapes to matingly engage when two adjacent exterior wall panels <NUM> are configured in the adjacent configuration. In the embodiment shown, each beveled edge <NUM> is covered by the weather barrier membrane <NUM>. A free end of the beveled edges <NUM> extends downwardly from the outer wall surface <NUM> to drain water that may accumulate between the exterior wall panels towards the outside of the building. In other words, the beveled edges <NUM> slope downwardly towards the outside of building so as to drain water that may accumulate between the exterior wall panels <NUM> towards the outside of the building. Each exterior wall panel <NUM> includes a horizontal stud member <NUM> having a beveled face <NUM> that facilitates mating with a corresponding stud member <NUM>. In the example shown, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> covers the peripheral edges <NUM> but extend between the two vertically-adjacent stud members, i.e. an inner one and the outer one having a beveled face <NUM>. The weather barrier member <NUM> at least partially covers the peripheral edges <NUM>. The exterior wall panels <NUM> also comprise a junction barrier member <NUM> superposed to the stud members <NUM> defining the peripheral edges <NUM> and superposed partially to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM>. This junction barrier member <NUM> may facilitate the sealing of the exterior wall panels by joining ends of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> that only partially cover the peripheral edges <NUM>. The bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the junction barrier member <NUM> of the upper peripheral edge and contacts the junction barrier member of the lower peripheral edge of the adjacent and engaged exterior wall panel <NUM>. The junction barrier member <NUM> can include a flexible membrane or a substantially rigid panel such as metallic sheets or foil that can also be used as rigid flashing.

In the example, not according to the invention, as represented in <FIG>, the spaced-apart slats <NUM> of the exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> can be configured in a superimposed configuration and form a plurality of slat layers extending between the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> and the outer sidings <NUM>. This superimposed configuration of the plurality of spaced-apart slats <NUM> further increase the stability of the mounting of the outer sidings <NUM> to the outer wall surface <NUM>, via, in the <NUM>. example shown, the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM>. The upper exterior wall panel 20a also comprises two spaced-apart rigid flashings 72a, 72b configured to at least partially form together the drainage barrier of the exterior wall panel assembly <NUM>. Upper sections of the spaced-apart rigid flashings 72a, 72b extend respectively - or are superposed to - outer and inner faces of the superimposition of the spaced-apart slats <NUM>. In other words, the upper section of an inner rigid flashing 72a extends between the face of the slat layers facing the outer wall surface <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>, whereas the upper section of the outer rigid flashing 72b extends between the slats <NUM> (i.e. an outer face of the slat layers) and the outer siding <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, one of the slats <NUM> extending along the lower exterior wall panel 20b has an upper edge offset with regards to an upper edge of another one of the slats <NUM> extending along the lower exterior wall panel 20b. In the example shown, the upper edge of the outer slat <NUM> extends above the upper edge of the inner slat <NUM>. A panel mating recess <NUM> is thus formed between the adjacent inner and outer slats <NUM> extending along the lower exterior wall panel 20b. The panel mating recess <NUM> is dimensioned to receive a section of one of the rigid flashings (of the inner rigid flashing 72a). In the example shown, the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of the lower exterior wall panel 20b extends between the inner slat <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>, and has an upper edge extending slightly above the upper edge of the outer slat <NUM> (i.e. extending above the upper edge of the inner slat <NUM>).

Even though in the example shown, lower edges of inner and outer slats <NUM> extending along the upper exterior wall panel 20a are substantially aligned with each other, it could be conceived an upper exterior wall panel 20a having superimposed slats <NUM> with lower edges offset from each other. For instance, the superimposed slats <NUM> of the upper exterior wall panel 20a could be offset so as to form a panel mating protrusion (not represented) shaped to be received in the panel mating slot <NUM> when the upper and lower exterior wall panels 20a, 20b are configured in an adjacent configuration.

It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the spaced-apart slats <NUM> and of the slat layers formed thereof can vary from the example shown.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown two exterior wall panels <NUM> of an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> in a horizontally-adjacent configuration. This configuration shows similarities with the embodiment described above in reference to <FIG> and <FIG> in that each one of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is at least partially superposed to and covers the peripheral edges <NUM> with the bonding joint <NUM> being applied to one of the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> and contacting another one of the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjacent and engaged exterior wall panel <NUM> to provide a continuous seal inbetween.

More particularly, in the embodiment shown, the bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the weather barrier membrane <NUM>, that overlaps the vapor barrier membrane <NUM>, of a first exterior wall panel 20a and is contacting the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of a second exterior wall panel 20b when in an adjacent configuration as shown on <FIG>.

Furthermore, as shown, the structural board <NUM> is superposed to the structural panel <NUM> and structural connectors <NUM> are inserted therethrough to fasten each one of the wall panels <NUM> to the stud members <NUM>.

Moreover, the second exterior wall panel 20b also includes a rigid flashing <NUM> having a first portion inserted between the outer siding <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and a second portion extending perpendicularly to the first portion and outwardly to be superposed against the outer siding <NUM> of the first exterior wall panel 20a, when the first and second exterior wall panels 20a, 20b are configured in the adjacent configuration, as represented in <FIG>.

Now referring to <FIG>, there is shown two exterior wall panels <NUM> configurable in an exterior corner configuration. A first exterior wall panel 20a includes two rigid heat insulating panels 66a, 66b, configured in a perpendicular configuration at an edge of the exterior wall panel 20a, to frame the vertical stud members <NUM>. In this embodiment, the weather barrier membrane <NUM> covers both rigid heat insulating panels 66a, 66b and a peripheral edge, or side edge, of the stud members <NUM> extending parallel to the wall surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is also at least partially superposed to and covers the peripheral edges. The bonding joint <NUM> is applied to one of the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> and contacting another one of the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjacent and engaged exterior wall panel <NUM> to provide a continuous seal inbetween.

More particularly, in the embodiment shown, the bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM>, of the first exterior wall panel 20a and is contacting the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of the second exterior wall panel 20b when in an adjacent configuration.

Two slats <NUM> frame the rigid heat insulating panels 66a, 66b, outwardly thereof, and a "X"-shaped rigid flashing <NUM> is superposed to the two slats <NUM>. More particularly, one arm of the "X"-shaped rigid flashing <NUM> is inserted between a respective one of the slats <NUM> and the siding <NUM> and another one of the arms in inserted between another one of the slats <NUM> and a respective one of the rigid heat insulating panels 66b. The two outer arms of the "X"-shaped rigid flashing <NUM> protrudes outwardly. In the embodiment shown, the two outer arms of the "X"-shaped rigid flashing <NUM> extend substantially perpendicularly to each other, but other arrangements could be conceived, so as to modify an outer profile of the exterior wall panel assembly <NUM>. The rigid flashing <NUM> is shaped as a cross to shield a corner interface formed between the two slats <NUM> and the ends of two outer siding <NUM> when the first and second exterior wall panels 20a, 20b are placed in the adjacent and engaged configuration. A sealing material <NUM> is added at a seam between the outer siding <NUM> and the two outwardly-protruding arms of the rigid flashing <NUM> of the first exterior wall panel 20a. The exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> includes a slat <NUM> superposed to the inner wall surface <NUM> of the first wall panel 20a that may act, with a structural corner element <NUM> (see <FIG>), as a support for fastening therethrough to secure the first and second exterior wall panels 20a, 20b together.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown two exterior wall panels <NUM> and an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> in another exterior corner configuration. The wall panels <NUM> differ from the wall panels depicted on <FIG> as having different sizes of stud members <NUM> and configuration thereof. The side peripheral edges <NUM> of the exterior wall panels have a staircase-like profile. The exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> comprises a "X"-shaped rigid flashing <NUM> that is placed at the junction of the outer sidings <NUM>. <FIG> shows the exterior wall panels <NUM> in an exterior corner configuration with the structural corner element <NUM> and structural connectors <NUM> securing the wall panels <NUM> together.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown two exterior wall panels <NUM> and an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> in an interior corner configuration with structural connectors <NUM> for fastening the structural panels <NUM> to the stud members <NUM>, thus securing the wall panels together.

As the embodiments described above, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> are also at least partially superposed to and cover the peripheral edges. The bonding joint <NUM> is applied to one of the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> and contacting another one of the membranes <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjacent and engaged exterior wall panel <NUM> to provide a continuous seal inbetween.

A rigid flashing <NUM> defining an acute angle is provided at the external junction of the two adjacent and engaged exterior wall panels <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an exterior wall panel <NUM> to be mounted in a vertically-adjacent configuration to a foundation wall <NUM> onto which a floor truss <NUM> abuts. The foundation wall <NUM> is made of concrete and is covered on an outer side by a weather barrier membrane <NUM>. As shown, two rigid heat insulating panels <NUM>, larger in size than the heat insulating panels included in the exterior wall panel assemblies <NUM>, are superposed to the foundation wall <NUM> and weather barrier membrane <NUM>, outwardly thereof, and with the ground cable <NUM> extending outwardly and along a portion of the outer heat insulating panel. The exterior wall panel <NUM> comprises the rigid flashing 72b designed to cover the top edges of the heat insulating panels <NUM> and shield the joint between the wall panel <NUM> and the foundation wall <NUM>. A first section of the rigid flashing 72b extends between two weather barrier membranes having sections superposed to one another in a lower portion of the exterior wall panel <NUM>.

The lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM> is covered by a combination of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> which have a section thereof superposed to one another along the lower peripheral edge <NUM>. The bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and contacts a membrane applied to an upper edge of the foundation wall <NUM> when superposed thereto. It is appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the bonding joint <NUM> can be applied to the weather barrier membrane <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the embodiment depicted differs from the one of <FIG> in that the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> are placed on the inner side of the foundation wall <NUM> and therefore the rigid flashing 72b is sized to be superposed solely to the outer side of the foundation wall <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, as in <FIG>, the lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM> is covered by a combination of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> which have a section thereof superposed to one another along the lower peripheral edge <NUM>. The bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> but contacts an upper edge of the floor truss <NUM> when the exterior wall panel <NUM> is superposed to the upper edge of the foundation wall <NUM>.

Now referring to <FIG>, there is shown an embodiment similar to that of <FIG> but showing the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> covering the height of the foundation wall <NUM> and the floor truss <NUM> being mounted between the exterior wall panel <NUM> and a stud member <NUM> abutting against the foundation wall <NUM>.

As in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM> is covered by a combination of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> which have a section thereof superposed to one another along the lower peripheral edge <NUM>. The bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and contacts an upper edge of the floor truss <NUM> when the exterior wall panel <NUM> is superposed to the upper edge of the foundation wall <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the exterior wall panel <NUM> similar to that of <FIG> to be mounted to a foundation wall <NUM> onto which are superposed, on an outer side, a vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and a rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>. In this embodiment, the exterior wall panel <NUM> abuts against a stud member <NUM> and the rigid flashing 72b provides a seal/shield between the wall panel <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>.

As in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM> is covered by a combination of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> which have a section thereof superposed to one another along the lower peripheral edge <NUM>. However, no bonding joint <NUM> is applied. It is however appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the exterior wall panel can be provided with a bonding joint applied to one of the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> to contact an upper edge of the stud member <NUM> and/or the upper edge of the foundation wall <NUM>.

Moreover, in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a combination of two weather barrier membranes <NUM> covers a lower portion of the outer wall surface <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM>, for an upper portion of the rigid flashing 72b to be sandwiched between the two weather barrier membranes <NUM>. A first one of the combination of the weather barrier membranes <NUM> has a lower edge substantially aligned with a lower edge of the slat <NUM>, whereas a second one of the combination of the weather barrier membranes <NUM> has an upper edge located between the heat insulating panel <NUM> and the slat <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM>. The lower peripheral edge <NUM> of the exterior wall panel <NUM> is covered by a combination of the second one of the combination of the weather barrier membranes <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> which have a section thereof superposed to one another along the lower peripheral edge <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment similar to that of <FIG> with the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> covering an upper and a lower peripheral edges 52a, 52b of the wall framework <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> partially covering the upper peripheral edge 52a. A first rigid flashing 72a has a first section superposed and secured to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> of the upper exterior wall panel 20a (i.e. extending between the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of the upper exterior wall panel 20a) and a second section extending downwardly past the lower peripheral edge of the upper exterior wall panel 20a. The second section is superposable outwardly to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of a lower one 20b of the exterior wall panels <NUM> to seal the two wall panels <NUM> at their junction and shield the joint inbetween. A second rigid flashing 72b is provided between the outer siding <NUM> and the slat <NUM> with a section protruding outwardly and superposed to a lower edge of the outer siding <NUM>. In this embodiment, the bonding joint <NUM> is applied to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of the lower exterior wall panel 20b and contacts the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> of the upper exterior wall panel 20a. <FIG> also shows a floor truss <NUM> to be mounted to the wall panel assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, by abutting onto stud members <NUM> secured to the lower exterior wall panel 20b, inwardly thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the exterior wall assembly <NUM> wherein the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> have upper and lower beveled edges <NUM> for matingly engaging when in an adjacent configuration. In this embodiment, a floor truss <NUM> is mounted to and has a section extending between the exterior wall panels <NUM> in the adjacent and engaged configuration.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an alternative embodiment of the exterior wall panels <NUM> of <FIG> wherein, instead of the beveled edges of the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM>, the upper exterior wall panel 20a is provided with a rigid flashing 72a having a first section superposed and secured to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> of the upper exterior wall panel 20a and a second section extending downwardly past the lower peripheral edge of the upper exterior wall panel 20a. The second section is superposable outwardly to the weather barrier membrane <NUM> of a lower one 20b of the exterior wall panels <NUM> to seal the two wall panels <NUM> at their junction and shield the joint inbetween. On <FIG>, the floor truss <NUM> is secured to the wall panel assembly <NUM> with a structural connector <NUM>. An exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> comprising exterior wall panels <NUM> having heat insulating panels <NUM> with beveled edges, as represented in <FIG>, and a rigid flashing 72a superposed and secured to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM>, as represented in <FIG> and <FIG>, could also be conceived, as represented for instance in <FIG>.

Moreover, as represented in <FIG>, upper edges of the slats <NUM>, the outer siding <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> of the lower exterior wall panel 20b are substantially aligned with each other, so as to contribute to the stability of the mounting of the outer sidings <NUM> to the outer wall surface <NUM>, via, in the embodiment shown, the rigid heat insulating panels <NUM> and the slats <NUM>. Similarly, in the embodiment shown, lower edges of the slats <NUM>, the outer siding <NUM> and the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> of the upper exterior wall panel 20a are substantially aligned with each other.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of the exterior wall assembly <NUM>, similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG> but wherein the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> has an upper chamfered edge <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the lower edge of the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> of the upper wall panel 20a is straight. The chamfered edge <NUM> provides spacing for insertion of the second section of the rigid flashing 72a.

Referring to <FIG>, there is shown an embodiment of the exterior wall panel <NUM> configured to be mounted adjacent to a roof structure <NUM>. The upper peripheral edge <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM> is covered by a combination of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> with sections thereof being superposed to cover entirely the upper peripheral edge <NUM>. A rigid flashing <NUM> seals the joint between the outer siding <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> with the roof structure <NUM>. An adhesive strip or any other suitable mechanical fastener (not shown) may be used to secure the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> ends together and to the upper peripheral edge <NUM> of the wall framework <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show alternative embodiments of the exterior wall panels to be respectively mounted adjacent to the upper and lower edges of a window enclosure and lateral sides of a window or door enclosure. As for the above-described embodiments, the peripheral edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the exterior wall panels <NUM> are covered by a combination of the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> which have a section thereof superposed to one another along the respective peripheral edge <NUM>, <NUM>. However, no bonding joint <NUM> is applied. It is however appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the exterior wall panel can be provided with a bonding joint applied to one of the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> to contact the window or door frame members.

In the embodiment shown, for the lower peripheral edge <NUM> of an upper exterior wall panel, the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> extends along the lower peripheral edge <NUM> and has an end section extending upwardly and covering a lower portion of the outer wall surface <NUM>. The end section of the vapor barrier membrane <NUM> is superposed to the rigid heat insulating panel <NUM> with the rigid flashing 72b and the weather barrier membrane <NUM> being superposed outwardly thereto.

In the embodiment shown, additional sealing membranes <NUM> are used between the weather barrier membrane <NUM> and the frame of a window enclosure or door.

<FIG> and <FIG> show embodiments of exterior wall panels <NUM>, similar to the ones described above, to be engaged and secured together and form a wall assembly <NUM> onto which may attach a structural support <NUM>. This support may for example, provide attachment means to a metal floor frame <NUM> or a concrete floor slab <NUM>.

Finally, <FIG> and <FIG> show in schematic views, a residential building <NUM> having an exterior wall panel assembly <NUM> comprising a plurality of exterior wall panels <NUM> configured in a horizontally-adjacent configuration on <FIG> and a vertically-adjacent configuration on <FIG>.

It is appreciated that several embodiments of exterior wall panels <NUM> and wall panel assemblies <NUM>, resulting from the assembly of the exterior wall panels <NUM>, have been described above. Combinations of the features of the different embodiments of exterior wall panels <NUM> and wall panel assemblies <NUM> can be foreseen.

Claim 1:
An exterior wall panel (<NUM>) comprising:
a wall framework (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of horizontal stud members (<NUM>) and a plurality of vertical stud members (<NUM>) defining together an inner wall surface (<NUM>) and an outer wall surface (<NUM>), spaced-apart from the inner wall surface, the wall framework (<NUM>) having a first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) and a second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) extending between the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>);
a vapor barrier membrane (<NUM>) superposed to the inner wall surface (<NUM>);
a weather barrier membrane (<NUM>) superposed to the outer wall surface (<NUM>);
characterized in that the vapor barrier membrane (<NUM>) covers at least partially at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) and is secured thereto;
in that the weather barrier membrane (<NUM>) covers at least partially at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) and is secured thereto,
so that each peripheral edge (<NUM>, <NUM>) is at least partially covered by the vapor barrier membrane (<NUM>) or by the weather barrier membrane (<NUM>) or by both; and
in that the exterior wall panel (<NUM>) further comprises a bonding joint (<NUM>) applied to at least one of the vapor barrier membrane (<NUM>) and the weather barrier membrane (<NUM>) and extending along at least one of the first pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>) and the second pair of spaced-apart peripheral edges (<NUM>), the bonding joint (<NUM>) contacting at least one of the vapor barrier membrane (<NUM>) and the weather barrier membrane (<NUM>) of another exterior wall panel when configured in an adjacent and abutting configuration.