Building panel

Abstract

A building panel is provided for affixing to above-grade exterior building surfaces, the building panel comprising: opposed front and back sides generally parallel to each other; opposed top and bottom edges generally parallel to each other; a generally horizontal groove in the top edge spaced from the front and back sides; and at least one generally vertical channel extending downwardly from the generally horizontal groove through the building panel to the bottom edge at a point on the bottom edge spaced from the front and back sides. The building panel is preferably for thermal insulation and for collection and drainage of moisture from water vapour, and is preferably used in conjunction with exterior insulated finish systems.

1 . A building panel for affixing to above-grade exterior building surfaces, the building panel comprising: 
 opposed front and back sides generally parallel to each other;    opposed top and bottom edges generally parallel to each other;    a groove in the top edge spaced from the front and back sides; and    at least one drainage channel extending from the groove through the building panel to the bottom edge at a point on the bottom edge spaced from the front and back sides.    
   
   
       2 . The building panel of  claim 1  wherein the building panel comprises a thermally insulating material.  
   
   
       3 . The building panel of  claim 1  wherein the building panel comprises expanded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate.  
   
   
       4 . The building panel of  claim 1  wherein the groove is substantially V-shaped in cross section.  
   
   
       5 . The building panel of  claim 1  wherein the at least one drainage channel is rectangular in cross section.  
   
   
       6 . The building panel of  claim 1  wherein the building panel is a moulded, monolithic body.  
   
   
       7 . The building panel of  claim 2  wherein the generally groove is configured to facilitate lateral movement of water along the groove to the at least one channel for drainage of the water through the at least one drainage channel.