Patent ID: 7272913

Claim:
A wall system, comprising: at least a first perimeter framing member configured to hold at least a first wall panel; at least a second perimeter framing member configured to hold at least a second wall panel, wherein the first and second perimeter framing members engage one another, wherein at least one of the first and second perimeter framing members defines a recess extending inwardly relative to exterior surfaces of the first and second wall panels, wherein at least one of the first and second perimeter framing members comprises a plurality of drainage holes, wherein the plurality of drainage holes are in fluid communication with a gutter: (a) located in an interior region behind the first and second panels, and (b) included in the first and second perimeter framing members, and wherein the gutter collects and provides to the drainage holes moisture located in the interior region for discharge into an exterior environment located exteriorly of the first and second perimeter framing members and the first and second wall panels; and a capillary break positioned on at least one of the first and second perimeter framing members, wherein the capillary break is spaced from the plurality of drainage holes and located exteriorly of the drainage holes and, along with surfaces of the recess, defines a circulating chamber located interiorly of the capillary break, whereby entry of terrestrial fluids into at least one of the plurality of drainage holes is impeded, wherein the circulating chamber is positioned between the drainage holes and the capillary break, wherein a free end of the capillary break is separated from one of the first and second perimeter framing members by a gap through which terrestrial fluids pass to enter the circulating chamber, wherein a lower surface of the circulating chamber is contoured to permit terrestrial fluids collected in the circulating chamber in the form of a liquid to flow as a liquid through the gap along the lower surface for discharge into the exterior environment, wherein the plurality of drainage holes are located above the free end of the capillary break, and wherein the capillary break extends downwardly from the at least one of the first and second perimeter framing members.