Sub-Girts For Exterior Wall System Assemblies

Abstract

Sub-girts usable in exterior wall system assemblies are disclosed that encompass ventilation and/or spark-arresting features and/or adhesive-receiving features. The sub-girts can comprise one or more flanges and chords that have ventilation holes and/or adhesive-receiving holes formed therein. The flanges and the chords of the sub-girts can form within the sub-girt and/or the exterior wall system assemblies one or more chambers through which air and moisture can travel and/or flame and spark be arrested.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to exterior wall assemblies and, more specifically, to sub-girts used in exterior wall system assemblies.

BACKGROUND

In modern construction, exterior wall assemblies are often made of multiple layers and components that impart various desired performance characteristics to the wall assemblies. Several shortcomings can arise in current exterior wall assemblies.

In multi-component exterior wall assemblies, outer cladding often is mounted to a wall with mechanical fasteners. The larger the number of required mechanical fasteners, the greater the costs, the time of installation, and the possibility of defects arising in the wall assembly from the improper installation of the mechanical fasteners and/or the joining of the wall components therewith. Additionally, water and moisture can accumulate between the layers of multi-component exterior wall assemblies, potentially leading to degradation of the wall components. Also, with an eruption of spark or fire within building or wall, flame, spark and smoke potentially can travel through void spaces within a multi-component exterior wall assembly, thereby increasing the potential for catastrophic spread. Furthermore, the differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) amongst the various components of a multi-component exterior wall assembly can lead to structural defects and/or visual defects arising in one or more of the components. Consequently, there is a need for exterior wall system assembly components that can potentially address one or more of the shortcomings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure encompasses sub-girts for use in mounting components in exterior wall system assemblies configured according to the sub-girts set forth herein. The sub-girts encompasses by the present disclosure can comprise one or more chords having a plurality of chord vent holes formed therein. The present disclosure also encompasses sub-girts having front flanges with one or more front flange plies and a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes formed therein. The present disclosure also encompasses sub-girts having unitary elongated sub-girt bodies with front flanges connected directly or indirectly to stem flanges, with each of the front flanges and stem flanges comprising one or more front flange plies and stem flange plies, respectively. The present disclosure also encompasses exterior wall system assemblies comprising sub-girts configured according to the sub-girts set forth herein.

The present disclosure encompasses a sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange, and a chord, and wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes.

In one aspect, the chord can be aligned parallel to the stem flange. In another aspect, the elongate sub-girt body comprises a chord lip, wherein the chord lip can be connected to the chord, and wherein the chord lip is aligned parallel to the front flange. In a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a plurality of teeth. In still another aspect, the plurality of teeth can be connected to the chord. In yet a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a chamber, and wherein the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber. In one aspect, the stem flange can comprise a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication with the chord vent holes. In another aspect, each stem flange vent hole can be aligned offset from each chord vent hole. In a further aspect, the stem flange can comprise a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply. In yet another aspect, the stem flange first ply can comprise a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication the chord vent holes. In still a further aspect, each stem flange vent hole can be aligned offset from each chord vent hole. In one aspect, the front flange can be aligned perpendicular to the stem flange. In another aspect, the chord can be aligned oblique to the stem flange and the front flange. In a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a second chord and a chamber, wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes, and wherein the second chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes. In another aspect, the second chord can be aligned oblique to the stem flange, the front flange, and the chord. In a further aspect, the second chord can be aligned parallel to the chord. In still another aspect, the sub-girt body can comprise a second chamber, and wherein the second chord vent holes, the chord vent holes, and the chamber are in fluid communication with the second chamber. In a further aspect, each second chord vent hole can be aligned offset from each chord vent hole. In one aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a third chord, wherein the third chord comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes, and wherein the third chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber, the chord vent holes, the second chamber, and the second chord vent holes.

The present disclosure also encompasses a sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange aligned perpendicular to the stem flange, a chamber, and a chord, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply, wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes, and wherein the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber.

In one aspect, the chord can be aligned oblique to the stem flange and the front flange. In another aspect, the stem flange first ply can comprise a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes. In a further aspect, each stem flange vent hole can be aligned offset from each chord vent hole. In yet another aspect, sub-girt body can comprise a second chord, wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes, and wherein the second chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes. In a further aspect, the sub-girt body can comprise a second chamber, and wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the chord vent holes, the chamber, and the second chord vent holes. In one aspect, the sub-girt body can comprise a third chord, wherein the third chord comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes, and wherein the third chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the second chamber, the second chord vent holes, the chamber, and the chord vent holes. In another aspect, the sub-girt body can comprise a fourth chord, wherein the fourth chord comprises a plurality of fourth chord vent holes, and wherein the fourth chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the second chamber, the third chord vent holes, the second chord vent holes, the chamber, and the chord vent holes. In one aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise steel. In another aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a coating comprising zinc, aluminum, and magnesium. In a further aspect, the front flange first ply can comprise a plurality of striations. In yet another aspect, the front flange first ply can comprise a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes. In still a further aspect, the front flange second ply can comprise a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes. In one aspect, each rear adhesive-receiving hole can be aligned offset from each front adhesive-receiving hole.

The present disclosure also encompasses a sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange aligned perpendicular to the stem flange, a chamber, and a chord aligned oblique to the front flange and the stem flange, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply, wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes, and wherein the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber.

In one aspect, the stem flange first ply can comprise a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes. In another aspect, each stem flange vent hole can be aligned offset from each chord vent hole. In a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a second chord, wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes, and wherein the second chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes. In one aspect, the second chord can be aligned oblique to the chord. In another aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise a second chamber, wherein the second chord vent holes, the chamber and the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the second chamber. In a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise steel. In yet another aspect, the elongated sub-girt can comprise a coating comprising zinc, aluminum and magnesium.

The present disclosure encompasses a sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange depending from the stem flange, and wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes.

In one aspect, the front flange can comprise a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply. In another aspect, the plurality of adhesive-receiving holes can comprise a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes defined in the front flange first ply. In a further aspect, the plurality of adhesive-receiving holes can comprise a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes defined in the front flange second ply. In yet another aspect, each rear adhesive-receiving hole can be aligned offset from each front adhesive-receiving hole. In one aspect, the front flange can comprise a plurality of striations. In another aspect, the front adhesive-receiving holes can be disposed in an upper adhesive-receiving hole row and in a lower adhesive-receiving hole row. In a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise steel.

The present disclosure also encompasses a sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange aligned perpendicular to the stem flange, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes, and wherein the front flange second ply comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes.

In one aspect, each front adhesive-receiving hole can be aligned offset from each rear adhesive-receiving hole. In another aspect, the front flange first ply can comprise a plurality of striations. In a further aspect, the elongated sub-girt body can comprise steel.

The present disclosure also encompasses exterior wall system assemblies in which one or more sub-girts exhibiting one or more of the features disclosed herein are deployed.

These and other aspects are set forth in greater detail below and in the drawings for which a brief description is provided as follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sub-girt for use in mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly, wherein the sub-girt encompasses aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A showing the front flange, the stem flange, the chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange, and the chamber formed by the cooperation of the chord, the first stem flange ply and the front flange first ply.

FIG. 3A is an elevation of the front side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A showing the front flange of the sub-girt.

FIG. 3B is an elevation view of an end section of the front side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 3A showing the front flange of the sub-girt.

FIG. 4A is an elevation view of rear side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A showing the rear edge of the stem flange, the rear side of the front flange, and the chord extending between the stem flange and the front flange.

FIG. 4B is elevation view of the rear side of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 4A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of the top side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A showing the stem flange of the sub-girt.

FIG. 5B is a plan view of the top side of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 5A showing the stem flange and with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 6A is a plan view of the bottom side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 5A showing the stem flange, the lower edge of the front flange, and the chord extending between the stem flange and the front flange.

FIG. 6B is a plan view of the bottom side of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 6A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a portion of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A showing portions of the stem flange, the vertical flange, the chord and the chamber formed by the cooperation of the stem flange, the vertical flange and the chord, and the potential pathways of flame or spark upward through the chamber of the sub-girt and potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the chamber of the sub-girt.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a lower corner of an end section of the vertical flange of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A with adhesive disposed in the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange first ply, the front flange gap, and the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange second ply, and with the adhesive mushroomed across portions of the rear face of the front flange second ply.

FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and in which the sub-girt shown in FIG. 1A is installed and serving as a mount for cladding of the exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable for mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 9A is an elevation view of the front side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A showing the front flange of the sub-girt.

FIG. 9B is an elevation view of an end section of the front side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 9A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 10A is an elevation view of the rear side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A showing the rear side of the front flange, the rear edge of the stem flange, and the upper and the lower chords extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 10B is an elevation view of an end section of the rear side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 10A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of the top side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A showing the top edge of the front flange, the top side of the stem flange, and the upper chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 11B is a plan view of an end section of the top side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 11A showing the top edge of the front flange, the top side of the stem flange, and the upper chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of the bottom side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A showing the bottom edge of the front flange, the bottom side of the stem flange, and the lower chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 12B is a plan view of an end section of the bottom side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 12A showing the bottom edge of the front flange, the bottom side of the stem flange, and the lower chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A showing the portions of the stem flange, the front flange, the upper chord and the lower chord both extending between the front flange and the stem flange, the chamber formed by the cooperation between the front flange, the upper chord, the lower chord and the stem flange, and potential pathways of flame or spark upward through the chamber of the sub-girt and potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the chamber of the sub-girt.

FIG. 12D is a perspective view of a lower corner of an end section the front flange of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A with adhesive disposed in the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange first ply, the front flange gap, and the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange second ply, and with the adhesive mushroomed across the rear face of the front flange second ply.

FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly encompassing aspects of the present application and in which the sub-girt shown in FIG. 7A is installed and used to mount cladding in the exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable for mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 13A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 13C is an elevation view of the rear side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 13A and showing the rear edge of the stem flange, the rear side of the front flange, the upper chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange, and the lower chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 13D is an elevation view of the rear side of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 13C showing the rear edge of the stem flange, the rear side of the front flange, the upper chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange, and the lower chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 13A showing the stem flange, the front flange, the upper chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange, the lower chord extending between the front flange and the stem flange, the middle chord extending between the stem flange and the front flange, the upper chamber formed by the cooperation of the upper chord, the middle chord, the front flange, and the stem flange, and the lower chamber formed by the cooperation of the lower chord, the middle chord, the front flange, and the stem flange.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a portion of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 13A showing portions of the stem flange, the front flange, the upper chord, the lower chord, the middle chord, the upper chamber formed by the cooperation of the upper chord, the middle chord, the front flange, and the stem flange, and the lower chamber formed by the cooperation of the lower chord, the middle chord, the front flange, and the stem flange, and the potential pathways of flame or spark upward through the upper and lower chambers of the sub-girt, and the potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the upper and lower chambers of the sub-girt.

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and in which is installed the sub-girt shown in FIG. 13A and used to mount cladding in the exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of yet another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable to mount cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 16A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 16C is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16D is an elevation view of the front side of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 16A showing the front side of the front flange.

FIG. 16E is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 16A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the chamber of the sub-girt and potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the chamber of the sub-girt.

FIG. 16F is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and in which is installed the sub-girt shown in FIG. 16A used to mount cladding in the exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of still another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure usable in an exterior wall system assembly for mounting cladding.

FIG. 17B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 17A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 17C is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 17A.

FIG. 17D is a perspective view of a lower corner of an end portion of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 17A showing the rear side of the front flange second ply and the plurality of adhesive holes defined therein.

FIG. 17E is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 17A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the chamber of the sub-girt and the potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the chamber, wherein the chamber is formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and front flange in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 17F is a perspective view of a lower corner portion of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 17A with adhesive disposed in the plurality of holes defined in the front flange first ply, the front flange gap, and the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange second ply, and with the adhesive mushroomed across the rear face of the front flange second ply.

FIG. 17G is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which is installed the sub-girt shown in FIG. 17A showing the chamber formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and front flange in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of yet another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable in an exterior wall system assembly for mounting cladding.

FIG. 18B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 18A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 18C is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18D is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 18A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the chamber and ventilation holes of the sub-girt and the potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the chamber and ventilation holes, wherein the chamber is formed by the cooperation of the front flange second ply, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and the front flange in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 18E is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which is installed the sub-girt shown in FIG. 18A showing the chamber formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and front flange in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable for mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 19A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 19C is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 19A.

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 19A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the ventilation holes and chamber of the sub-girt, wherein the chamber is formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and front flange in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 19E is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which is installed the sub-girt shown in FIG. 19A, showing the chamber formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and the front flange in the exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a further sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable for mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 20A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 20C is an elevation view of the end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 20A.

FIG. 20D is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 20A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the ventilation holes and chamber of the sub-girt, wherein the chamber is formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and the front flange in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 20E is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which is installed the sub-girt shown in FIG. 20A, and showing the cladding mounted to the sub-girt and the chamber formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the stem flange, the chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior to the chord and the front flange in the exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 21A is a front perspective view of another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and usable for mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 21B is a front perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 21A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 21C is a rear perspective view of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 21D is a rear perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 21A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 21E is an elevation view of an end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 21F is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 20A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the upper chamber, the middle chamber, the lower chamber and the ventilation holes of the sub-girt and the potential pathways of air and moisture downward through the upper chamber, the middle chamber, the lower chamber and the ventilation holes, wherein the middle chamber is formed by the cooperation of the front flange, the upper chord, the lower chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 21G is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 21A with adhesive disposed in the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange first ply, the front flange gap, and the plurality of adhesive holes defined in the front flange second ply, and with the adhesive mushroomed across the rear face of the front flange second ply.

FIG. 21H is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which the sub-girt shown in FIG. 21A is installed and serving as a mount for cladding and showing the formation of the middle chamber through the cooperation of the front flange, the upper chord, the lower chord and an insulation layer disposed anterior in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a yet another sub-girt encompassing aspects of the present application and useable for mounting cladding in an exterior wall system assembly.

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 22A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 22C is an elevation view of an end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22D is a partially exploded perspective view of the end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 22D with the outer layer removed from the inner and middle layers of the sub-girt.

FIG. 22E is a perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 22A showing the potential pathways of flame and spark upward through the inner and outer chambers of the sub-girt.

FIG. 22F is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which the sub-girt shown in FIG. 22A is installed.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of still another sub-girt for exterior wall system assemblies encompassing aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23B is perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 23A with the remainder of the sub-girt removed.

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly in which the sub-girt shown in FIG. 23A is installed, and wherein the exterior wall system assembly encompasses aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a sub-girt for use in exterior wall system assemblies, and wherein the sub-girt encompasses aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of an end portion of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24C is an elevation view of an end of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24D is a rear perspective view of an end section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 24A.

FIG. 24E is rear perspective view of a lower corner section of the sub-girt shown in FIG. 24A with adhesive applied to the front face of the front flange of the sub-girt and the adhesive disposed in the gap between the front flange first ply and the front flange second ply and the adhesive mushrooming out of the adhesive-receiving holes formed in the front flange second ply.

FIG. 24F is a cross-sectional view of an exterior wall system assembly encompassing aspects of the present disclosure and comprising the sub-girt shown in FIG. 24A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure encompasses sub-girts for use in exterior wall system assemblies, such as rainscreen type wall system assemblies. The sub-girts of the present disclosure can be used to mount cladding and/or other wall components to a structure with an exterior wall system assembly. The sub-girts of the present disclosure can separate the cladding from an insulation and/or an air and moisture barrier layer disposed internally within the exterior wall system assembly. The configuration of the sub-girts of the present disclosure and the alignment thereof within the wall system assemblies allows for the formation of one or more ventilation cavities within the exterior wall system assembly. The sub-girts of the present disclosure can comprise multiple sets of ventilation holes defined in multiple layers of the sub-girt.

A first plurality of ventilation holes of a first set of ventilation holes disposed in a first layer of the sub-girt can be in fluid communication with a second plurality of ventilation holes disposed in a second layer of the sub-girt. Each ventilation hole of a first set of ventilation holes defined in a first layer of a sub-girt can be offset from each ventilation hole of a second set of holes defined in a second layer of the sub-girt. The offsetting alignment of the ventilation holes in the first and second sets of ventilation holes can create one or more non-linear pathways flame and spark would need to traverse before travelling upward beyond the sub-girt and one or more non-linear pathways for air and moisture to flow downward through the sub-girt. The non-linear pathways potentially can tend to inhibit and/or arrest the propagation of spark, flame and incendiary material through void spaces in the exterior wall system assemblies in which the sub-girts of the present disclosure are used.

The present disclosure also encompasses sub-girts for exterior wall system assemblies that can comprise one or more plies with one or more gaps defined therebetween. The sub-girts also can comprise a front flange having a first set of adhesive-receiving holes defined in a front flange first ply of the sub-girt and a second set of adhesive-receiving holes defined in a front flange second ply of the sub-girt. Each adhesive-receiving hole of the first set of adhesive-receiving holes is aligned offset from each adhesive-receiving hole of the second set of adhesive-receiving holes. The adhesive-receiving holes can be configured potentially to allow for mixing of adhesive pressed into one adhesive-receiving hole with adhesive that was pressed into another adhesive-receiving hole, whether the adhesive-receiving holes are defined in the same layer or ply or in different layers or plies. The provision of adhesive-receiving holes in one or more plies or layers of a sub-girt potential could provide a mounting platform by which an exterior wall system component, such as a cladding panel, can be mounted in an exterior wall system assembly with fewer and/or no fasteners than would otherwise be required to mount the exterior wall system component without such adhesive-receiving holes.

The present disclosure also encompasses sub-girts for exterior wall system assemblies that can comprise a front flange comprising a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply with a gap disposed therebetween. The front flange first ply can comprise a plurality of striations formed therein. The striations can be configured to receive adhesives for securing cladding to a wall of the exterior wall system assembly.

The present disclosure also encompasses sub-girts for exterior wall system assemblies that comprise a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes defined in a front flange of the sub-girt. The adhesive-receiving holes can be configured to receive adhesive used to attach one or more panels of cladding to the sub-girt. The plurality of adhesive-receiving holes can be arranged in one or more rows and/or groups and configured to receive adhesive that is pressed therethrough to allow for expansion of the adhesive on the inner face of the front flange to increase the contact surface area of the adhesive with the sub-girt. The

As used herein, the term “sub-girt” refers to a substructural component that can be used within an exterior wall system assembly as a platform on which to mount another component, such as cladding, within the assembly. As used herein, the term “flange” refers to a major leg or segment of a sub-girt, and, optionally, can be used for a point of attachment of the sub-girt in an exterior wall system assembly and/or a point of attachment of an exterior wall system component to the sub-girt. As used herein, the term “chord” refers to a minor leg or segment of a sub-girt that can be connected to and/or formed with one or more flanges. As used herein, the term “offset” refers to the relative alignment of a first hole or opening, defined within a first layer or ply, with a second hole or opening, defined within a second layer or ply, wherein said relative alignment is neither along an axis that extends perpendicularly through the center of both of the first and second holes, nor along a vertical axis extending perpendicularly through both of the first and second layers or plies. As used herein, the term “elongated” refers to an object exhibiting an object length that is greater than the object width.

As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass the plural forms thereof unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the phrase “at least one” includes all numbers of one and greater. As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to a number greater than one. As used herein, the term “oblique” refers to an alignment of one surface or structure that is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to another surface or structure. As used herein, the term “integrally formed” refers to the construction of two or more components from a single, unitary body or structure. As used herein, the term “obtuse” refers to an angle or alignment that is greater than 90° and less than 180°. As used herein, the term “acute” refers to an angle or alignment that is greater than 0° and less than 90°. As used herein, the term “air cavity” refers to a void space between two layers of material or wall system components intentionally included within an exterior system wall assembly for the movement of air and/or water. As used herein, the term “concealed space” refers to an enclosed space within a partition, a floor, a roof, a set of stairs, a furring, a pipe chase, a column, and/or an external wall assembly. A concealed space can encompass one or more air cavities and/or internal void spaces that are not interrupted by a firebreak.

As used herein, the term “non-combustible” refers to (i) a material no part of which will ignite and burn when subjected to fire and/or a material passing ASTM E136-22; or (ii) a material having a structural base as defined in (i) with a surfacing material of not greater than one-eighth of an inch (3.2 mm) thickness which has a flame-spread index of 50 or less.

As used herein, the term “fire-resistant” refers to a material that is considered “non-combustible” and/or a “fireblocking” material and/or otherwise tends to resist combustion when exposed to fire or a source of ignition.

As used herein, the term “water-resistant” refers to a material or object that tends to inhibit or to prevent water migrating therethrough or penetrating therein under atmospheric conditions.

As used herein, the term “aligned on” refers to a material or object being directly or indirectly situated above another material or object with either no or one or more materials or objects situated therebetween.

As used herein, the term “anterior” refers to being situated in front of a part or toward the front and/or outer face of an exterior wall system assembly, and the term “posterior” refers to being situated behind a part or toward the rear and/or interior of the exterior wall system assembly. As used herein, the term “superior” refers to being situated higher up or toward the roof of the structure upon which the wall assembly is mounted, and the term “inferior” refers to being situated below a part or closer to the base of the structure upon which the wall assembly is mounted.

FIGS. 1-6E illustrate a sub-girt 100 that can be used in an exterior wall system assembly 170 and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 100 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 136 that is configured in a general L-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 102 depends from a stem flange 110 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 110. The sub-girt body 136 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 136. A chord 120 extends between the stem flange 110 and the front flange 102 and is arranged at an angle oblique to both the stem flange 110 and the front flange 102. The sub-girt body 136 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The stem flange 110 comprises a stem flange first ply 112 and a stem flange second ply 114. The stem flange first ply 112 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 114. The stem flange first ply 112 extends from a stem flange first end 124 to a front flange upper bend 130. The stem flange second ply 114 is aligned parallel to the stem flange first ply 112 and extends from a stem flange second end 126 to a chord first bend 132. The stem flange first end 124 is aligned adjacent the stem flange second end 126. The stem flange first ply 112 exhibits a stem flange first ply width, and the stem flange second ply 114 exhibits a stem flange second ply width, wherein the stem flange first ply width is greater than the stem flange second ply width. The stem flange first ply width and the stem flange second ply width are measured from the stem flange first end 124 and the stem flange second end 126, respectively, towards the front flange 102. The stem flange first ply 112 exhibits a stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply 114 exhibits a stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length is equal to the stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 105 to a sub-girt second side 107. The stem flange first ply 112 and the stem flange second ply 114 can be separated by a stem flange gap 118. The thickness of the stem flange gap 118 can be approximately zero cm, if the stem flange first ply 112 and the stem flange second ply 114 are in contact, or greater than zero cm, if the stem flange first ply 112 and the stem flange second ply 114 are spaced apart from each other.

The front flange 102 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 110. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 110 and the front flange 102 is approximately 90°. The front flange 102 comprises a front flange first ply 104 and a front flange second ply 106. The front flange first ply 104 is disposed anterior to the front flange second ply 106 and is connected thereto by a front flange lower bend 128 formed in the sub-girt body 136. The front flange lower bend 128 is disposed at the lower end of the front flange 102. A front flange gap 116 is disposed between the front flange first ply 104 and the front flange second ply 106. The front flange 102 comprises a plurality of striations 108 formed in the front flange first ply 104. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3A, each striation 108 of the plurality of striations extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 102 from the sub-girt first end 105 to the sub-girt second end 107. The striations 108 form an undulating, non-flat surface on the front face of the front flange 102.

A plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 142 is disposed proximal to the lower end and the front flange lower bend 128 of the front flange 102 and distal to the front flange upper bend 130. The plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 142 are disposed between the plurality of striations 108 and the front flange lower bend 128. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 138 is defined in the front flange first ply 104 and disposed within a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 140, each of which comprises three front adhesive-receiving holes 138 arranged in a triangular configuration. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 138 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 104 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 100 and the front flange gap 116. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A, the plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 142 and the plurality of front adhesive-receiving hole subgroups 140 extend along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 104 from the sub-girt first end 105 to the sub-girt second end 107.

The sub-girt 100 also comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes 146 defined in the front flange second ply 106 proximal to the front flange lower bend 128 and the lower end of the front flange 102, and distal to the stem flange 110. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 144 is aligned in a row and offset from and non-axial to each front adhesive-receiving hole 138. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 144 exhibits a rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter, and each front adhesive-receiving hole 138 exhibits a front adhesive-receiving hole diameter, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter is greater than each front adhesive-receiving hole diameter. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, each rear adhesive-receiving hole 144 is aligned with a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 140, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole 144 partially overlaps each front adhesive-receiving hole 138 of the front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 140 with which the rear adhesive-receiving hole is aligned. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 144 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange 102, the front flange gap 116, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 138.

As shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E, if a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 100, then adhesive 160 can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 104 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 138 and pressed into the front flange gap 116. The adhesive 160 applied to the striations 108 formed in the front flange first ply 104 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 138. The adhesive 160 can spread within the front flange gap 116 as pressure is applied to the adhesive 160. The adhesive 160 forced into the front adhesive-receiving holes 138 can mix within the front flange gap 116 thereby forming a network of interlocking branches of adhesive 160 extending through the front adhesive-receiving holes 138 and the front flange gap 116. When applied to the sub-girt 100, the adhesive 160 can move through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 144 disposed in the front flange second ply 106 and tend to mushroom or spread out of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 144 along the rear face of the front flange second ply 106. With the rear adhesive-receiving holes 144 being offset from the front adhesive-receiving holes 138, the adhesive 160 will tend to move horizontally and/or vertically within the front flange gap 116 to reach the rear adhesive-receiving holes 144 in the front flange second ply 106. Additional mixing of the adhesive 160 branches forced through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 144 can occur. Once the adhesive 160 sets, the area of contact between the adhesive 160 and the front flange 102 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 104 and the front face and rear face of the front flange second ply 106. Such area of contact can potentially be greater than if the front flange 102 comprised only one ply and/or if the front adhesive-receiving holes 138 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 144 were aligned axially along an axis extending perpendicular to both the front flange first ply 104 and the front flange second ply 106. The striations 108 can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive 160 than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 104.

The sub-girt 100 also comprises a chord 120 that extends between the stem flange 110 and the front flange 102. The chord 120 extends between the stem flange second ply 114 and the front flange second ply 106. The chord 120 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange 110 and the front flange 102. The chord 120 extends from a first chord bend 132 to a second chord bend 134. The first chord bend 132 defines the anterior edge of the stem flange second ply 114 and the posterior edge of the chord 120. The second chord bend 134 defines the anterior edge of the chord 120 and the superior edge of the front flange second ply 106. The chord 120 is aligned inferior to the stem flange first ply 112 and posterior to the front flange first ply 104. As shown in FIG. 4A, the chord 120 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 100 from the sub-girt first end 105 to the sub-girt second end 107.

The chord 120, the stem flange first ply 112, the upper front flange bend 130, and the front flange first ply 104 cooperate to define a chamber 122 within the sub-girt 100. The chord 120, the stem flange first ply 112, and the front flange first ply 104 define the sidewalls of the chamber 122. The chamber 122 extends along the length of the sub-girt 100 from the sub-girt first side 105 to the sub-girt second side 107. The chord 120 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 158. Each chord vent hole 154 of the plurality of chord vent holes 158 is defined in the chord 120 and in fluid communication with the chamber 122 and the inferior face of the chord 120. Each chord vent hole 154 is arranged in a chord hole group 156, each of which comprises two or more chord vent holes 154. As shown in FIG. 4B, each chord hole group 156 can comprise four chord vent holes 154 aligned in a row that is aligned oblique to the first chord bend 132 and the second chord bend 134. As shown in FIG. 4A, the chord hole groups 156 extend along substantially the entire length of the chord 120 from the sub-girt first side 105 to the sub-girt second side 107.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sub-girt 100 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 152. Each stem flange vent hole 148 is defined with the stem flange first ply 112 and is in fluid communication with the superior face of the stem flange first ply 112 and the chamber 122. Each stem flange vent hole 148 is disposed within the stem flange first ply 112 posterior to the front flange upper bend 130 and superior to the chord 120. Each stem flange vent hole 148 is arranged in a stem flange vent hole group 150. Each stem flange vent hole group 150 comprises four stem flange vent holes 148 aligned in a row that extends oblique to the front flange upper bend 130 and the stem flange first end 124. Each stem flange vent hole group 150 is arranged oblique to each chord flange vent group 156 such that no stem flange vent hole 148 is axially aligned with a chord vent hole 154 on an axis that is perpendicular to the stem flange first ply 112.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the stem flange vent holes 148 and the chord vent holes 154 are in fluid communication with each other and the chamber 122. Air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear air and water pathway 164 from above the stem flange 110, through the stem flange vent holes 148 into and then out of the chamber 122 through the chord vent holes 154. The air and water pathway 164 is non-linear because each stem flange vent hole 148 is offset from each chord vent hole 154, thereby precluding the formation of a linear pathway from above the stem flange 102 through the stem flange vent holes 148, the chamber 122 and out of the chord vent holes 154. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 100, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 122. Some stem flange vent holes 148 partially overlap one or more chord vent holes 154, but each stem flange vent hole 148 is offset from a vertical axial alignment with a chord vent hole 154.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 100, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be along a non-linear pathway 162 extending through one or more of the chord vent holes 154, the chamber 122 and one or more of the stem flange vent holes 148. Within the chamber 122, the non-linear pathway 162 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange first ply 112 and any vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the stem flange first ply 112, since each chord vent hole 154 is aligned offset from each stem flange vent hole 148, and no chord vent hole 154 is vertically axially aligned with a stem flange vent hole 148. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 100, the spark, flame or smoke would first need to travel into one or more chord vent holes 154 and move laterally within the chamber 122 in order to continue an upward travel through a stem flange vent hole 148.

As shown in FIG. 6E, an exterior wall system assembly 170 can comprise the sub-girt 100. The exterior wall system assembly 170 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 170 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 170. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 100 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 110 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 110 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 102 depends downward from the stem flange 110 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 102 of the sub-girt 100 by adhesive 160 and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 170 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 170.

Air and water can migrate downward within the ventilation cavity 186 through the stem flange vent holes 148, the chamber 122, and the chord vent holes 154. Air and water would travel along the non-linear pathway 164, as shown in FIG. 6C, through the chamber 122. If a fire erupts within the building and/or exterior wall system assembly 170, any spark, flame or smoke that moves upward through the ventilation cavity 186 past the sub-girt 100 would first need to pass through the chord vent holes 154, the chamber 122 and the stem vent holes 148 along one of the non-linear pathways 162, a portion of which extends through the chamber 122 in an oblique alignment. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 162 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 7A-12E illustrate a sub-girt 200 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, exterior wall system assembly 270, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 200 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 236 that is configured in a general T-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 202 is aligned generally perpendicular to a stem flange 210. The sub-girt body 236 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 236. The sub-girt 200 comprises a first chord 220 and a second chord 221, both of which extend between the stem flange 210 and the front flange 202. The stem flange 210 is connected to the front flange 202 by the first chord 220 and the second chord 221. Each of the first chord 220 and the second chord 221 are arranged at an angle oblique to both the stem flange 210 and the front flange 202. The first chord 220 is aligned oblique to the second chord 221. The present disclosure also encompasses an alignment of the first chord 220 that is generally perpendicular to the second chord 221. The sub-girt body 236 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in the components thereof.

The stem flange 210 comprises a stem flange first ply 212 and a stem flange second ply 214. The stem flange first ply 212 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 214. The stem flange first ply 212 extends from a stem flange first end 224 to a first chord second bend 234. The stem flange second ply 214 is aligned parallel to the stem flange first ply 212 and extends from a stem flange second end 226 to a second chord second bend 235. The stem flange first end 224 is aligned adjacent the stem flange second end 226. The stem flange first ply 212 exhibits a stem flange first ply width, and the stem flange second ply 214 exhibits a stem flange second ply width, wherein the stem flange first ply width is equal to the stem flange second ply width. The stem flange first ply width and the stem flange second ply width are measured from the stem flange first end 224 and the stem flange second end 226, respectively, to the first chord second bend 234 and the second chord second bend 235, respectively. The stem flange first ply 212 exhibits a stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply 214 exhibits a stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length is equal to the stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 201 to a sub-girt second side 203. The stem flange first ply 212 and the stem flange second ply 214 can be separated by a stem flange gap 218. The thickness of the stem flange gap 218 can be approximately 0 cm, if the stem flange first ply 212 and the stem flange second ply 214 are in contact, or greater than 0 cm, if the stem flange first ply 212 and the stem flange second ply 214 are spaced apart from each other.

The front flange 202 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 210. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 210 and the front flange 202 is approximately 90°. The front flange 202 comprises a front flange first ply 204, a front flange upper second ply 206, and a front flange lower second ply 207. The front flange first ply 204 is disposed anterior to both the front flange upper second ply 206 and the front flange lower second ply 207. The front flange first ply 204 is connected to the front flange upper second ply 206 by a front flange upper bend 228 formed in the sub-girt body 236. The front flange first ply 204 is connected to the front flange lower second ply 207 by a front flange lower bend 229 formed in the sub-girt body 236. The front flange upper bend 228 is disposed at the upper end of the front flange 202, and the front flange lower bend 229 is disposed at the lower end of the front flange 202. The front flange upper second ply 206 extends downward from the front flange upper bend 228 to a first chord first bend 232. The front flange lower second ply 207 extends upward from the front flange lower bend 229 to a second chord first bend 233.

An upper front flange gap 216 is disposed between the front flange first ply 204 and the front flange upper second ply 206. A lower front flange gap 217 is disposed between the front flange first ply 204 and the front flange lower second ply 207. The front flange first ply 204 exhibits a front flange first ply height, the front flange upper second ply 206 exhibits a front flange upper second ply height, and the front flange lower second ply 207 exhibits a front flange lower second ply height. The front flange first ply height is greater than the sum of the front flange upper second ply height and the front flange lower second ply height.

The front flange 202 comprises a plurality of upper striations 208 formed in the front flange first ply 204 and a plurality of lower striations 209. As shown in FIGS. 7A, 9A and 9B, each upper striation 208 of the plurality of upper striations 208 and each lower striation of the plurality of lower striations 209 extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 202 from the sub-girt first end 201 to the sub-girt second end 203. The upper striations 208 and the lower striations 209 form undulating, non-flat surfaces on the front face of the front flange 202.

A plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 242 is disposed in the front flange first ply 204. The adhesive-receiving holes 238 are arranged in an upper adhesive-receiving hole row 241, which is aligned proximal to the upper end and the front flange upper bend 228 of the front flange 202 and distal to the front flange lower bend 229, and in a lower adhesive-receiving hole row 243, which is aligned proximal to the lower end and the front flange lower bend 229 of the front flange 202 and distal to the front flange upper bend 228. The upper adhesive-receiving hole row 241 is disposed between the plurality of upper striations 208 and the front flange upper bend 228, and the lower adhesive-receiving hole row 243 is disposed between the plurality of lower striations 209 and the front flange lower bend 229. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 238 is defined in the front flange first ply 204 and disposed within a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 240, each of which comprises three front adhesive-receiving holes 238 arranged in a triangular configuration. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 238 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 204 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 200 and either the front flange upper gap 216 or the front flange lower gap 217. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 9A, the plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 242 and the plurality of front adhesive-receiving hole subgroups 240 extend along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 204 from the sub-girt first end 201 to the sub-girt second end 203.

The sub-girt 200 also comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 defined in both the front flange upper second ply 206 proximal to the front flange upper bend 228 and the upper end of the front flange 202, and the front flange lower second ply 207 proximal to the front flange lower bend 229 and the lower end of the front flange 202. Each of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 is disposed in either a front flange upper second ply hole row 246 or in a front flange lower second ply hole row 247. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 244 is aligned in a row and offset from and non-axial to each front adhesive-receiving hole 238. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 244 exhibits a rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter, and each front adhesive-receiving hole 238 exhibits a front adhesive-receiving hole diameter, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter is greater than each front adhesive-receiving hole diameter. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, each rear adhesive-receiving hole 244 is aligned with a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 240, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole 244 partially overlaps each front adhesive-receiving hole 238 of the front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 240 with which the rear adhesive-receiving hole is aligned. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 244 disposed in the front flange upper second ply hole row 246 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange upper second ply 206, the front flange upper gap 216, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 238 in the upper adhesive-receiving hole row 241. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 244 disposed in the front flange lower second ply hole row 247 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange lower second ply 207, the front flange lower gap 217, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 238 in the lower adhesive-receiving hole row 243.

As shown in FIGS. 12D and 12E, if a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 200, then adhesive 160 can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 204 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 238 and pressed into the front flange upper gap 216 and the front flange lower gap 217. The adhesive 160 applied to the upper striations 208 and lower striations 209 formed in the front flange first ply 204 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 238. The adhesive 160 can spread within the front flange upper gap 216 and the front flange lower gap 217 as pressure is applied to the adhesive 160. Mixing of interlocking branches of adhesive 160 formed as the adhesive 160 is pressed through the individual front adhesive-receiving holes 238 can occur. When applied to the sub-girt 200, the adhesive 160 can move through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 disposed in the front flange upper second ply 206 and the front flange lower second ply 207 and tend to mushroom or spread out of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 along the rear faces of the front flange upper second ply 206 and the front flange lower second ply 207. With the rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 aligned offset from the front adhesive receiving holes 238, the adhesive 160 will tend to move horizontally and/or vertically within the front flange upper gap 216 or the front flange lower gap 217 to reach the rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 in the front flange upper second ply 206 or the front flange lower second ply 207, respectively. Mixing of individual branches of adhesive 160 pressed through the individual rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 can occur. Once the adhesive 160 sets, the area of contact between the adhesive 160 and the front flange 202 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 204 and the front face and rear face of the front flange upper second ply 206 and the front face and the rear face of the front flange lower second ply 207. Such area of contact can potentially be greater than if the front flange 202 comprised only one ply and/or if the front adhesive-receiving holes 238 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 244 were aligned axially along an axis extending perpendicular to both the front flange first ply 204 and the front flange second ply 206. The upper striations 208 and the lower striations 209 potentially can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive 160 than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 204.

The sub-girt 200 also comprises a first chord 220 that extends between the stem flange 210 and the front flange 202. More particularly, the first chord 220 extends between the stem flange first ply 212 and the front flange upper second ply 206. The sub-girt 200 further comprises a second chord 221 that also extends between the stem flange 210 and the front flange 202. More particularly, the second chord 221 extends between the stem flange second ply 214 and the front flange lower second ply 207. Both the first chord 220 and the second chord 221 are aligned oblique to both the stem flange 210 and the front flange 202. The first chord 220 extends from a first chord first bend 232 to a first chord second bend 234. The second chord 221 extends from a second chord first bend 233 to a second chord second bend 235. The first chord second bend 234 defines the anterior edge of the stem flange first ply 212 and the posterior edge of the first chord 220. The first chord first bend 232 defines the anterior edge of the first chord 220 and the inferior edge of the front flange upper second ply 206. The second chord first bend 233 defines the superior edge of the front flange lower second ply 207 and the anterior edge of the second chord 221. The second chord second bend 235 defines the anterior edge of the stem flange second ply 214 and the posterior edge of the second chord 221. The first chord 220 is aligned superior to the second chord 221 and posterior to the front flange first ply 204. The second chord 221 is aligned inferior to the first chord and posterior to the front flange first ply 204. As shown in FIG. 10A, both the first chord 220 and the second chord 221 extend the entire length of the sub-girt 200 from the sub-girt first end 201 to the sub-girt second end 203.

The first chord 220, the second chord 221, the front flange first ply 204, the first chord first bend 232, the first chord second bend 234, the second chord first bend 233, and the second chord second bend 235 cooperate to define a chamber 222 within the sub-girt 200. The first chord 220, the second chord 221, and the front flange first ply 204 define the sidewalls of the chamber 222. The chamber 222 extends along the length of the sub-girt 200 from the sub-girt first side 201 to the sub-girt second side 203.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first chord 220 comprises a plurality of first chord vent holes 252, and the second chord 221 comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes 253. Each first chord vent hole 248 of the plurality of first chord vent holes 252 is defined in the first chord 220 and in fluid communication with the chamber 222. Each second chord vent hole 249 of the plurality of second chord vent holes 253 is defined in the second chord 221 and in fluid communication with the chamber 222. Each first chord vent hole 248 is arranged in a first chord hole group 250, each of which comprises two or more first chord vent holes 248. As shown in FIG. 10B, each first chord hole group 250 can comprise four first chord vent holes 248 aligned in a row that is aligned oblique to the first chord first bend 232 and the first chord second bend 234. As shown in FIG. 10A, the first chord hole groups 250 extend along substantially the entire length of the first chord 220 from the sub-girt first side 201 to the sub-girt second side 203. Each second chord vent hole 249 is arranged in a second chord hole group 251, each of which comprises two or more second chord vent holes 249. As shown in FIG. 10B, each second chord hole group 251 can comprise four first chord vent holes 249 aligned in a row that is aligned oblique to the second chord first bend 233 and the second chord second bend 235. As shown in FIG. 10A, the second chord hole groups 251 extend along substantially the entire length of the second chord 221 from the sub-girt first side 201 to the sub-girt second side 203. Each first chord vent hole 248 is aligned offset from each second chord vent hole 249, such that no first chord vent hole 248 is axially aligned with a second chord vent hole 249 along an axis that extends perpendicularly through either of the first chord 220 or second chord 221.

As shown in FIG. 12C, the first chord vent holes 248 and the second chord vent holes 249 are in fluid communication with each other and the chamber 222. Air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear pathway 264 from above the first chord 220, through the first chord vent holes 248 into and then out of the chamber 222 through the second chord vent holes 249. The non-linear pathway 264 is non-linear because each first chord vent hole 248 is offset from each second chord vent hole 249, thereby precluding the formation of a linear pathway from above the first chord 220 through the first chord vent holes 248, the chamber 222 and out of the second chord vent holes 249. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 200, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 222. Some first chord vent holes 248 partially overlap one or more second chord vent holes 249, but each first vent hole 248 is offset from a vertical axial alignment with any second chord vent hole 249.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 200, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be along a non-linear pathway 262 extending through one or more of the second chord vent holes 249, the chamber 222 and one or more of the first chord vent holes 248. Within the chamber 222, the non-linear pathway 262 is aligned oblique to both the first chord 220 and any vertical axis aligned extending through the first chord 220, since each first chord vent hole 248 is aligned offset from each second chord vent hole 249, and no first chord vent hole 248 is vertically axially aligned with a second chord vent hole 249. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 200, the spark, flame or smoke would travel into one or more second chord vent holes 249 and move laterally within the chamber 222 to continue an upward travel through a first chord vent hole 248.

As shown in FIG. 12E, an exterior wall system assembly 270 can comprise the sub-girt 200. The exterior wall system assembly 270 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 270 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 270. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 200 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 210 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 210 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 202 project upward and downward from the stem flange 210 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The first chord 220 is aligned as the upper side of the chamber 222, and the second chord 221 is aligned as the lower side of the chamber 222. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 202 of the sub-girt 200 by adhesive 160 and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 270 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 270.

Air and water can migrate downward within the ventilation cavity 186 through the first chord vent holes 248, the chamber 222, and the second chord vent holes 249. Air and water travel along the non-linear pathway 264, as shown in FIG. 12C, through the chamber 222. If a fire erupts within the building and/or exterior wall system assembly 270, any spark, flame or smoke that moves upward through the ventilation cavity 186 past the sub-girt 200 would first need to pass through the second chord vent holes 249, the chamber 222 and the first chord vent holes 248 along one of the non-linear pathways 262, a portion of which extends through the chamber 222 in an oblique alignment. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 262 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 13A-15B illustrate a sub-girt 300 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, exterior wall system assembly 370, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 300 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 336 that is configured in a general T-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 302 is aligned generally perpendicular to a stem flange 310. The sub-girt body 336 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 336. The sub-girt 300 comprises a first chord 320, a second chord 321, and a third chord 323, each of which extend between the stem flange 310 and the front flange 302. The third chord 323 is aligned between the first chord 320 and the second chord 321. The stem flange 310 is connected to the front flange 302 by the first chord 320 and the third chord 323. Each of the first chord 320 and the second chord 321 are arranged at angles that are oblique to both the stem flange 310 and the front flange 302. The third chord 323 is aligned co-linear with at least a portion of the stem flange 310 and perpendicular to the front flange 302. The first chord 320 is aligned oblique to both the second chord 321 and the third chord 323. The second chord 321 is also aligned oblique to the third chord 323. The present disclosure also encompasses an alignment of the first chord 320 that is generally perpendicular to the second chord 321. The sub-girt body 336 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in the components thereof.

The stem flange 310 comprises a stem flange first ply 312, a stem flange second ply 314, and a stem flange third ply 313 disposed between the stem flange first ply 312 and the stem flange second ply 314. The stem flange first ply 312 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 314 and the stem flange third ply 313. The stem flange third ply 313 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 314. The stem flange first ply 312 extends from a stem flange bend 325 to a first chord second bend 334. The stem flange second ply 314 is aligned parallel to the stem flange first ply 312 and extends from the stem flange bend 325 to a second chord bend 335. The stem flange second ply 314 is connected to the stem flange first ply 312 by the stem flange bend 325.

The stem flange first ply 312 exhibits a stem flange first ply width, the stem flange second ply 314 exhibits a stem flange second ply width, and the stem flange third ply 313 exhibits a stem flange third ply width, wherein the stem flange first ply width is equal to the stem flange second ply width and/or the stem flange third ply width. The stem flange first ply width and the stem flange second ply width are measured from the stem flange bend 325 to the first chord second bend 334 and the second chord second bend 335, respectively. The stem flange first ply 312 exhibits a stem flange first ply length, the stem flange second ply 314 exhibits a stem flange second ply length, and the stem flange third ply exhibits a stem flange third ply length. The stem flange first ply length is equal to the stem flange second ply length and/or the stem flange third ply length. The stem flange first ply length, the stem flange second ply length, and the stem flange third ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 301 to a sub-girt second side 303. The stem flange first ply 212 and the stem flange third ply 313 can be separated by a stem flange first gap 318, and the stem flange second ply 314 can be separated from the stem flange third ply 313 by a stem flange second gap 319. The thicknesses of the stem flange first gap 318 and the stem flange second gap 319 can be approximately zero cm, if the stem flange first ply 312, the stem flange third ply 313 and the stem flange second ply 314 are in contact, or greater than zero cm, if the stem flange first ply 312, the stem flange second ply 314 and the stem flange third ply 313 are spaced apart from each other.

The front flange 302 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 310. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 310 and the front flange 302 is approximately 90°. The front flange 302 comprises a front flange first ply 304, a front flange upper second ply 306, and a front flange lower second ply 307. The front flange first ply 304 is disposed anterior to both the front flange upper second ply 306 and the front flange lower second ply 307. The front flange first ply 304 is connected to the front flange upper second ply 306 by a front flange upper bend 328 formed in the sub-girt body 336. The front flange first ply 304 is connected to the front flange lower second ply 307 by a front flange lower bend 329 formed in the sub-girt body 336. The front flange upper bend 328 is disposed at the upper end of the front flange 302, and the front flange lower bend 329 is disposed at the lower end of the front flange 302. The front flange upper second ply 306 extends downward from the front flange upper bend 328 to a first chord first bend 332. The front flange lower second ply 307 extends upward from the front flange lower bend 329 to a third chord bend 331.

An upper front flange gap 316 is disposed between the front flange first ply 304 and the front flange upper second ply 306. A lower front flange gap 317 is disposed between the front flange first ply 304 and the front flange lower second ply 307. The front flange first ply 304 exhibits a front flange first ply height, the front flange upper second ply 306 exhibits a front flange upper second ply height, and the front flange lower second ply 307 exhibits a front flange lower second ply height. The front flange first ply height is greater than the sum of the front flange upper second ply height and the front flange lower second ply height.

The front flange 302 comprises a plurality of upper striations 308 formed in the front flange first ply 304 and a plurality of lower striations 309. As shown in FIGS. 13A, each upper striation 308 of the plurality of upper striations 308 and each lower striation of the plurality of lower striations 309 extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 302 from the sub-girt first end 301 to the sub-girt second end 303. The upper striations 308 and the lower striations 309 form undulating, non-flat surfaces on the front face of the front flange 302.

A plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 342 is disposed in the front flange first ply 304. The adhesive-receiving holes 338 are arranged in an upper adhesive-receiving hole row 341, which is aligned proximal to the upper end and the front flange upper bend 328 of the front flange 302 and distal to the front flange lower bend 329, and in a lower adhesive-receiving hole row 343, which is aligned proximal to the lower end and the front flange lower bend 329 of the front flange 302 and distal to the front flange upper bend 328. The upper adhesive-receiving hole row 341 is disposed between the plurality of upper striations 308 and the front flange upper bend 328, and the lower adhesive-receiving hole row 343 is disposed between the plurality of lower striations 309 and the front flange lower bend 329. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 338 is defined in the front flange first ply 304 and disposed within a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 340, each of which comprises three front adhesive-receiving holes 338 arranged in a triangular configuration. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 338 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 304 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 300 and either the front flange upper gap 316 or the front flange lower gap 317. As shown in FIGS. 13A, the plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 342 and the plurality of front adhesive-receiving hole subgroups 340 extend along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 304 from the sub-girt first end 301 to the sub-girt second end 303.

The sub-girt 300 also comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 defined in both the front flange upper second ply 306 proximal to the front flange upper bend 328 and the upper end of the front flange 302, and the front flange lower second ply 307 proximal to the front flange lower bend 329 and the lower end of the front flange 202. Each of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 is disposed in either a front flange upper second ply hole row 346 or in a front flange lower second ply hole row 347. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 344 is aligned in a row and offset from and non-axial to each front adhesive-receiving hole 338. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 344 exhibits a rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter, and each front adhesive-receiving hole 338 exhibits a front adhesive-receiving hole diameter, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter is greater than each front adhesive-receiving hole diameter. As shown in FIGS. 13D, each rear adhesive-receiving hole 344 is aligned with a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 340, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole 344 partially overlaps each front adhesive-receiving hole 338 of the front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 340 with which the rear adhesive-receiving hole is aligned. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 344 disposed in the front flange upper second ply hole row 346 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange upper second ply 306, the front flange upper gap 316, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 338 in the upper adhesive-receiving hole row 341. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 344 disposed in the front flange lower second ply hole row 347 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange lower second ply 307, the front flange lower gap 317, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 338 in the lower adhesive-receiving hole row 343.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 300, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 304 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 338 and pressed into the front flange upper gap 316 and the front flange lower gap 317. The adhesive applied to the upper striations 308 and lower striations 309 formed in the front flange first ply 304 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 338. The adhesive can spread within the front flange upper gap 316 and the front flange lower gap 317 as pressure is applied to the adhesive 160. When applied to the sub-girt 300, the adhesive can move through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 disposed in the front flange upper second ply 306 and the front flange lower second ply 307 and tend to mushroom or spread out of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 along the rear faces of the front flange upper second ply 306 and the front flange lower second ply 307. With the rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 aligned offset from the front adhesive receiving holes 338, the adhesive will tend to move horizontally and/or vertically within the front flange upper gap 316 or the front flange lower gap 317 to reach the rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 in the front flange upper second ply 306 or the front flange lower second ply 307, respectively. Once the adhesive sets, the area of contact between the adhesive and the front flange 302 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 304 and the front face and rear face of the front flange upper second ply 306 and the front face and the rear face of the front flange lower second ply 307. Such area of contact can potentially be greater than if the front flange 302 comprised only one ply and/or if the front adhesive-receiving holes 338 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 344 were aligned axially along an axis extending perpendicular to both the front flange first ply 304 and the front flange second ply 306. The upper striations 308 and the lower striations 309 potentially can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 304.

The sub-girt 300 also comprises a first chord 320 that extends between the stem flange 310 and the front flange 302. More particularly, the first chord 320 extends between the stem flange first ply 312 and the front flange upper second ply 306. The sub-girt 300 further comprises a second chord 321 that also extends between the stem flange 310 and the front flange 302. More particularly, the second chord 321 extends between the stem flange second ply 314 and the front flange lower second ply 307. The second chord 321 terminates at a second chord end 333 that is aligned adjacent the front flange lower second ply 307. The second chord 321 is not attached to the front flange lower second ply 307 at the second chord end 333. The sub-girt 300 also comprises a third chord 323 disposed between the first chord 320 and the second chord 321. The third chord 323 extends from the stem flange third ply 313, with which the third chord 323 is integrally formed and co-linear, to the third chord bend 331, which connects the third chord with the front flange lower second ply 307. The first chord 320 and the second chord 321 are aligned oblique to both the stem flange 310 and the front flange 302. The third chord 323 is aligned oblique to both the first chord 320 and the second chord 321 and perpendicular to the front flange first ply 304.

The first chord 320 extends from a first chord first bend 332 to a first chord second bend 334. The second chord 321 extends from the second chord end 333 to a second chord bend 335. The first chord second bend 334 defines the anterior edge of the stem flange first ply 312 and the posterior edge of the first chord 320. The first chord first bend 332 defines the anterior edge of the first chord 320 and the inferior edge of the front flange upper second ply 306. The second chord bend 335 defines the posterior edge of the second chord 314 and the anterior edge of the stem flange second ply 314. The third chord bend 331 defines the anterior edge of the third chord 323 and the superior edge of the front flange lower second ply 307. The first chord 320 is aligned superior to the third chord 323 and posterior to the front flange first ply 304. The third chord 323 is aligned superior to the second chord 321 is aligned posterior to the front flange first ply 204. As shown in FIG. 13C, the first chord 320, the second chord 321 and the third chord 323 extend the entire length of the sub-girt 300 from the sub-girt first end 301 to the sub-girt second end 303.

The first chord 320, the third chord 323, the front flange first ply 304, the first chord first bend 332, the first chord second bend 334, and the third chord bend 331 cooperate to define a first chamber 322 within the sub-girt 300. The first chord 320, the third chord 323, and the front flange first ply 304 define the sidewalls of the first chamber 322. The first chamber 322 extends along the length of the sub-girt 300 from the sub-girt first side 301 to the sub-girt second side 303. The second chord 321, the third chord 323, the front flange lower second ply 307, the second chord bend 335, and the third chord bend 331 cooperate to define a second chamber 327 within the sub-girt 300. The second chord 321, the third chord 323, and the front flange lower second ply 307 define the sidewalls of the second chamber 327. The second chamber 327 extends along the length of the sub-girt 300 from the sub-girt first side 301 to the sub-girt second side 303.

As shown in FIGS. 13C and 13D, the first chord 320 comprises a plurality of first chord vent holes 352, and the second chord 321 comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes 353. Each first chord vent hole 348 of the plurality of first chord vent holes 352 is defined in the first chord 320 and in fluid communication with the first chamber 322. Each second chord vent hole 349 of the plurality of second chord vent holes 353 is defined in the second chord 321 and in fluid communication with the second chamber 327. Each first chord vent hole 348 is arranged in a first chord hole group 350, each of which comprises two or more first chord vent holes 348. As shown in FIG. 13D, each first chord hole group 350 can comprise four first chord vent holes 348 aligned in a row that is aligned oblique to the first chord first bend 332 and the first chord second bend 334. As shown in FIG. 13C, the first chord hole groups 350 extend along substantially the entire length of the first chord 320 from the sub-girt first side 301 to the sub-girt second side 303.

Each second chord vent hole 349 is arranged in a second chord hole group 351, each of which comprises two or more second chord vent holes 349. As shown in FIG. 13C, each second chord hole group 351 can comprise four first chord vent holes 349 aligned in a row that is aligned oblique to the second chord end 333 and the second chord bend 335. As shown in FIG. 13C, the second chord hole groups 351 extend along substantially the entire length of the second chord 321 from the sub-girt first side 301 to the sub-girt second side 303. Each first chord vent hole 348 is aligned offset from each second chord vent hole 349, such that no first chord vent hole 348 is axially aligned with a second chord vent hole 349 along an axis that extends perpendicularly through either of the first chord 320 or the second chord 321.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the third chord 323 has a plurality of third chord vent holes 359 defined therein. Each third chord vent hole 355 of the plurality of third chord vent holes 359 is arranged in a third chord vent hole group 357. Each third chord vent hole group 357 can comprise one or more third chord vent holes 355. Each third vent hole group 357 can comprise four third chord vent holes 359 arranged in a line angled oblique to the front flange first ply 304. The third chord vent hole groups 357 extend along substantially the entire length of the third chord 323 from the sub-girt first end 301 to the sub-girt second end 303. Each third chord vent hole 355 is aligned offset from each first chord vent hole 348 defined in the first chord 320 and from each second vent hole 349 defined in the second chord 321.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the first chord vent holes 348, the second chord vent holes 349, and the third chord vent holes 355 are in fluid communication with each other, the first chamber 322, and the second chamber 327. Air and moisture can flow downward along one or more non-linear pathways 364 from above the first chord 320, through the first chord vent holes 348 into the first chamber 322, down through the third chord vent holes 355 into the second chamber 327, and then out of the second chamber 327 through the second chord vent holes 349. The non-linear pathways 364 are non-linear because each first chord vent hole 348 is offset from each third chord vent hole 355, and from each second chord vent hole 349, thereby precluding the formation of a linear pathway from above the first chord 320 through the first chord vent holes 348, the first chamber 322, the third chord vent holes 355, the second chamber 327, and out of the second chord vent holes 349. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 300, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the first chamber 322 and the second chamber 327. Some first chord vent holes 348 can partially overlap one or more third chord vent holes 355 and/or one or more second chord vent holes 349, but each first vent hole 348 is offset from a vertical axial alignment with any third chord vent hole 355 or any second chord vent hole 349.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 300, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would need to travel along one or more non-linear pathways 362 extending through one or more of the second chord vent holes 349, into the second chamber 327, through the third chord vent holes 355, into the first chamber 322, and out through one or more of the first chord vent holes 348. Within the second chamber 327, the non-linear pathway 362 is aligned oblique to the second chord 321, the third chord 323, and any vertical axis aligned extending through the second chord 321 and the third chord 323. Within the first chamber 322, the non-linear pathway 362 is aligned oblique to the first chord 320, the third chord 323, and any vertical axis aligned extending through the first chord 320 and the third chord 323, since each first chord vent hole 348 is aligned offset from each third chord vent hole 355, and no first chord vent hole 348 is vertically axially aligned with a third chord vent hole 355. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 300, the spark, flame or smoke would first travel into one or more second chord vent holes 349 and move laterally within the second chamber 327 in order to continue an upward travel through a third chord vent hole 355. Upon entering the first chamber 322 through a third chord vent hole 355, the smoke, flame or spark would need to move laterally within the first chamber 322 to exit the first chamber 322 through a first chord vent hole 348.

As shown in FIG. 15B, an exterior wall system assembly 370 can comprise the sub-girt 300. The exterior wall system assembly 370 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 370 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 370. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 300 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 310 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 310 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 302 projects upward and downward from the stem flange 310 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 302 of the sub-girt 300 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 370 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 370.

Air and water can migrate downward within the ventilation cavity 186 through the first chord vent holes 348, the first chamber 322, the third chord vent holes 355, the second chamber 327, and the second chord vent holes 349. Air and water travel along the non-linear pathway 364, as shown in FIG. 15A, through the first chamber 322 and the second chamber 327. If a fire erupts within the building and/or exterior wall system assembly 370, any spark, flame or smoke that moves upward through the ventilation cavity 186 past the sub-girt 300 would first need to pass through the second chord vent holes 349, the second chamber 327, the third chord vent holes 355, the first chamber 322, and the first chord vent holes 348 along one of the non-linear pathways 362, a portion of which extends through the second chamber 327 in an oblique alignment and through the first chamber 322 in an oblique alignment. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 362 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 16A-16F illustrate a sub-girt 400 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as exterior wall system assembly 470, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 400 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 436 that is configured in a general T-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 402 is projects upward from and depends from a stem flange 410 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 410. The sub-girt body 436 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 436. A first chord 420 extends between a front flange first ply 404 and a front flange upper second ply 406 and is arranged at an angle parallel to the stem flange 410 and perpendicular to the front flange first ply 404. The sub-girt body 436 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The stem flange 410 comprises a stem flange first ply 412 and a stem flange second ply 414. The stem flange first ply 412 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 414. The stem flange first ply 412 extends from a stem flange first end 424 to a front flange upper second ply lower bend 465. The stem flange second ply 414 is aligned parallel to the stem flange first ply 412 and extends from a stem flange second end 426 to a front flange lower second ply upper bend 466. The stem flange first end 424 is aligned adjacent the stem flange second end 426. The stem flange first ply 412 exhibits a stem flange first ply width, and the stem flange second ply 414 exhibits a stem flange second ply width, wherein the stem flange first ply width is greater than the stem flange second ply width. The stem flange first ply width and the stem flange second ply width are measured from the stem flange first end 424 and the stem flange second end 426, respectively, towards the front flange upper second ply 406 and the front flange lower second ply 407, respectively. The stem flange first ply 412 exhibits a stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply 414 exhibits a stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length is equal to the stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 401 to a sub-girt second side 403. The stem flange first ply 412 and the stem flange second ply 414 can be separated by a stem flange gap 418. The thickness of the stem flange gap 418 can be approximately zero cm, if the stem flange first ply 412 and the stem flange second ply 414 are in contact, or greater than zero cm, if the stem flange first ply 412 and the stem flange second ply 414 are spaced apart from each other.

The front flange 402 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 410. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 410 and the front flange 402 is approximately 90°. The front flange 402 comprises a front flange first ply 404, a front flange upper second ply 106, a front flange lower second ply 407, the first chord 420, and a second chord 421. The front flange first ply 404 is disposed anterior to the front flange upper second ply 406 and is connected thereto by the first chord 420. The first chord 420 extends from a first chord first bend 432 to a first chord second bend 434. The first chord 420 is connected to the front flange first ply 404 by the first chord first bend 432. The first chord 420 is connected to the front flange upper second ply 406 by the first chord second bend 434.

The front flange first ply 404 is disposed anterior to the front flange lower second ply 407 and is connected thereto by the second chord 421. The second chord 420 extends from a second chord first bend 433 to a second chord second bend 435. The second chord 421 is connected to the front flange first ply 404 by the second chord first bend 433. The second chord 421 is connected to the front flange lower second ply 407 by the second chord second bend 435. The first chord first bend 432 is disposed at the superior end of the front flange first ply 404, and the second chord first bend 433 is disposed at the inferior end of the front flange first ply 404. The first chord second bend 434 is disposed at the superior end of the front flange upper second ply 406, and the first chord second bend 434 is disposed at the inferior end of the front flange lower second ply 407.

The front flange 402 comprises a plurality of striations 408 formed in the front flange first ply 404. As shown in FIG. 16A, each striation 408 of the plurality of striations extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 402 from the sub-girt first end 401 to the sub-girt second end 403. The striations 408 form an undulating, non-flat surface on the front face of the front flange first ply 404.

A plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 445 is disposed in the front flange first ply 404. Each adhesive-receiving hole 438 of the plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 445 is defined in the front flange first ply 404. Some of the adhesive-receiving holes 438 are arranged in a first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 441, which is aligned proximal to the superior end of the front flange first ply 404 and the first chord first bend 432 and distal to the front flange inferior end and the second chord first bend 433. Other adhesive-receiving holes 438 are arranged in a second upper adhesive-receiving hole row 443, which is aligned inferior to the first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 441, proximal to the superior end of the front flange first ply 404 and the first chord first bend 432 and distal to the front flange inferior end and the second chord first bend lower bend 433. Each adhesive-receiving hole 438 disposed in the first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 441 is offset vertically on the front flange first ply 404 from each adhesive-receiving hole 438 disposed in the second upper adhesive-receiving hole row 443. The first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 441 and the second upper receiving-hole row 443 are disposed between the plurality of upper striations 408 and the first chord first bend 432.

Some of the adhesive-receiving holes 438 are arranged in a first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 446, which is aligned proximal to the inferior end of the front flange first ply 404 and the second chord first bend 433 and distal to the front flange superior end and the first chord first bend 432. Other adhesive-receiving holes 438 are arranged in a second lower adhesive-receiving hole row 447, which is aligned inferior to the first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 446, proximal to the inferior end of the front flange first ply 404 and the second chord first bend 433 and distal to the front flange superior end and the first chord first bend 432. Each adhesive-receiving hole 438 disposed in the first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 446 is offset vertically on the front flange first ply 404 from each adhesive-receiving hole 438 disposed in the second lower adhesive-receiving hole row 447. The first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 446 and the second lower receiving-hole row 447 are disposed between the plurality of upper striations 408 and the second chord first bend 433.

Each front adhesive-receiving hole 438 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 404 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 400 and a chamber 422. As shown in FIG. 16A, the first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 441, the second upper adhesive-receiving hole row 443, the first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 446, and the second lower receiving-hole row 447 extend along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 404 from the sub-girt first end 401 to the sub-girt second end 403.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 400, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 404 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 438 and pressed into the chamber 422. The adhesive applied to the striations 408 formed in the front flange first ply 404 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 438. The adhesive can spread within the chamber 422 as pressure is applied to the adhesive. When applied to the sub-girt 400, the adhesive can move through the adhesive-receiving holes 438 and tend to mushroom or spread out of along the rear face of the front flange first ply 404. Once the adhesive sets, the area of contact between the adhesive and the front flange 402 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 404. The striations 408 potentially can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 404.

The sub-girt 400 also comprises the chamber 422 that is formed by the cooperation of the first chord 420, the front flange first ply 404, the front flange upper second ply 406, the front flange lower second ply 407, and the second chord 421. The front flange upper second ply 406 and the front flange lower second ply 407 are aligned generally parallel to the front flange first ply 404, and generally perpendicular to both the first chord 420 and the second chord 421. The first chord 420 is aligned generally parallel to the second chord 421. Each of the first chord 420, the second chord 421, the front flange first ply 404, the front flange upper second ply 406, and the front flange lower second ply 407 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 400 from the sub-girt first end 401 to the sub-girt second end 403.

The first chord 420, the front flange first ply 404, the front flange upper second ply 406, the front flange lower second ply 407, and the second chord 407 define the sidewalls of the chamber 422. The chamber 422 extends along the length of the sub-girt 400 from the sub-girt first side 401 to the sub-girt second side 403. The first chord 420 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 452. Each first chord vent hole 448 of the plurality of chord vent holes 452 is defined in the first chord 420 and in fluid communication with the chamber 422. The first chord vent holes 448 extend along substantially the entire length of the first chord 420 from the sub-girt first side 401 to the sub-girt second side 403. The second chord 421 comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes 449. Each second chord vent hole 449 is defined in the second chord 421 and in fluid communication with the chamber 422. The second chord vent holes 449 extend along substantially the entire length of the second chord 421 from the sub-girt first side 401 to the sub-girt second side 403.

The first chord vent holes 448 and the second chord vent holes 449 are in fluid communication with each other and the chamber 422. Each first chord vent hole 448 is aligned offset from each second chord vent hole 449, such that no first chord vent hole 448 is axially aligned with both a second chord vent hole 449 and a vertical axis extending through both the first chord 420 and the second chord 421.

As shown in FIG. 16E, air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear pathway 464 from above the front flange 402, through the first chord vent holes 448 into and then out of the chamber 422 and through the second chord vent holes 449. The non-linear pathway 464 is non-linear because each first chord vent hole 448 is offset from each second chord vent hole 449, thereby precluding the formation of a linear pathway from above the front flange 402 through the first chord vent holes 448, the chamber 422 and out of the second chord vent holes 449. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 400, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 422. Some first chord vent holes 448 can partially overlap one or more second chord vent holes 449, but each first chord vent hole 448 is offset from a vertical axial alignment with a second chord vent hole 449.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 400, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be along a non-linear pathway 462 extending through one or more of the second chord vent holes 449, the chamber 422 and one or more of the first chord vent holes 448. Within the chamber 422, the non-linear pathway 462 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange 410 and any vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the stem flange 410, since each second chord vent hole 449 is aligned offset from each first chord vent hole 448, and no second chord vent hole 449 is vertically axially aligned with a first chord vent hole 448. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 400, the spark, flame or smoke would travel into one or more second chord vent holes 449 and move laterally within the chamber 422 in order to continue an upward travel through a first chord vent hole 448.

As shown in FIG. 16F, an exterior wall system assembly 470 can comprise the sub-girt 400. The exterior wall system assembly 470 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 470 is installed. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 470. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 400 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 410 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 410 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 402 projects upward and depends downward from the stem flange 410 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 402 of the sub-girt 400 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 470 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 170.

Air and water can migrate downward within the ventilation cavity 186 through the first chord vent holes 448, the chamber 422, and the second chord vent holes 449. Air and water would travel along the non-linear pathway 464 through the chamber 422. If a fire erupts within the building and/or exterior wall system assembly 470, any spark, flame or smoke that moves upward through the ventilation cavity 186 past the sub-girt 400 would first need to pass through the second chord vent holes 449, the chamber 422 and the first chord vent holes 448 along one of the non-linear pathways 462, a portion of which extends through the chamber 422 in an oblique alignment. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 462 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate a sub-girt 500 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, an exterior wall system assembly 570, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 500 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 536 that is configured in a general J-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 502 depends from a stem flange 510 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 510. The sub-girt body 536 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 536. A chord 520 extends rearward from the front flange 502 and is aligned at the lower end of the front flange 502. The sub-girt body 536 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The stem flange 510 comprises a stem flange first ply 512 and a stem flange second ply 514. The stem flange first ply 512 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 514. The stem flange first ply 512 extends from a stem flange first end 524 to a front flange upper bend 535. The stem flange second ply 514 is aligned parallel to the stem flange first ply 512 and extends from a stem flange second end 526 to the front flange upper bend 535. The stem flange first end 524 is aligned adjacent the stem flange second end 526. The stem flange first ply 512 exhibits a stem flange first ply width, and the stem flange second ply 514 exhibits a stem flange second ply width, wherein the stem flange first ply width is equal to the stem flange second ply width. The stem flange first ply width and the stem flange second ply width are measured from the stem flange first end 524 and the stem flange second end 526, respectively, towards the front flange 502. The stem flange first ply 512 exhibits a stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply 514 exhibits a stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length is equal to the stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 501 to a sub-girt second side 503. The stem flange first ply 512 and the stem flange second ply 514 can be separated by a stem flange gap 518.

The front flange 502 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 510. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 510 and the front flange 502 is approximately 90°. The front flange 502 comprises a front flange first ply 504 and a front flange second ply 506. The front flange first ply 504 is disposed anterior to the front flange second ply 506 and is connected thereto by the chord 520. A front flange gap 516 is disposed between the front flange first ply 504 and the front flange second ply 506. The front flange 502 comprises a plurality of striations 508 formed in the front flange first ply 504. As shown in FIGS. 17A, each striation 508 of the plurality of striations extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 502 from the sub-girt first end 501 to the sub-girt second end 503. The striations 508 form an undulating, non-flat surface on the front face of the front flange 502.

A plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 540 is disposed proximal to the lower end of the front flange first ply 504 and the chord first bend 532 and distal to the front flange bend 533. The plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 540 are disposed between the plurality of striations 508 and the chord first bend 532. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 538 is defined in the front flange first ply 504 and disposed within a row. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 538 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 504 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 500 and the front flange gap 516. The row of front adhesive-receiving holes 538 extends along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 504 from the sub-girt first end 501 to the sub-girt second end 503.

The sub-girt 500 also comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes 542 defined in the front flange second ply 506 proximal to the chord first bend 532 and the lower end of the front flange 502, and distal to the stem flange 510. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 544 is aligned in a row and offset from and non-axial to each front adhesive-receiving hole 538. The front adhesive-receiving holes 538 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544 can exhibit diameters that are equal or dissimilar. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 544 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange 502, the front flange gap 516, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 538. One or more of the front adhesive-receiving holes 538 can partially overlap one or more of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544.

As shown in FIGS. 17F and 17G, if a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 500, then adhesive 160 can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 504 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 538 and pressed into the front flange gap 516. The adhesive 160 applied to the striations 508 formed in the front flange first ply 504 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 538. The adhesive 160 can spread within the front flange gap 516 as pressure is applied to the adhesive 160. When applied to the sub-girt 500, the adhesive 160 can move through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544 disposed in the front flange second ply 506 and tend to mushroom or spread out of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544 along the rear face of the front flange second ply 506. With the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544 being offset from the front adhesive-receiving holes 538, the adhesive 160 will tend to move horizontally and/or vertically within the front flange gap 516 to reach the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544 in the front flange second ply 506. Once the adhesive 160 sets, the area of contact between the adhesive 160 and the front flange 502 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 504 and the front face and rear face of the front flange second ply 506. Such area of contact can potentially be greater than if the front flange 502 comprised only one ply and/or if the front adhesive-receiving holes 538 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 544 were aligned axially along an axis extending perpendicular to both the front flange first ply 504 and the front flange second ply 506. The striations 508 can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive 160 than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 504.

The sub-girt 500 also comprises the chord 520 that extends rearward from the lower end of the front flange 502. The chord 520 comprises a chord first ply 521 and a chord second ply 523. The chord first ply 521 is aligned superior and parallel to the chord second ply 523. The chord 520 extends between the chord first bend 532 and the chord second bend 534. The chord 520 is aligned parallel to the stem flange 510 and perpendicular to the front flange 502. The chord 120 is aligned inferior to the stem flange 510 and posterior to the front flange 502. The chord 520 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 500 from the sub-girt first end 501 to the sub-girt second end 503. The chord first ply 521 exhibits a chord first ply width, and the chord second ply 523 exhibits a chord second ply width, wherein the chord first ply width and the chord second ply width are less than the stem flange first ply width and the stem flange second ply width. The chord first ply width and the chord second ply width are measured from the chord first bend 532 to the chord second bend 534. The stem flange first ply 521 exhibits a chord first ply length and the chord second ply 523 exhibits a chord second ply length. The chord first ply length is equal to the chord second ply length. The chord first ply length and the chord second ply length are measured from the sub-girt first side 501 to the sub-girt second side 503.

The chord 520 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 550, which comprises chord first ply vent holes 548, defined in the chord first ply 521, and chord second ply vent holes 549, defined in the chord second ply 523. Each chord first ply vent hole 548 is vertically axially aligned with a chord second ply vent hole 549. Each chord first ply vent hole 548 and chord second ply vent hole 549 is in fluid communication with the superior face and the inferior face of the chord 520. The plurality of chord vent holes 550 extend along substantially the entire length of the chord 520 from the sub-girt first side 501 to the sub-girt second side 503.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the sub-girt 500 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 565, which comprises stem flange first ply vent holes 561, defined in the stem flange first ply 512, and stem flange second ply vent holes 563, defined in the stem flange second ply 514. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 561 is vertically axially aligned with a stem flange second ply vent hole 563. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 561 and stem flange second ply vent hole 563 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the stem flange 510 and aligned proximal to the front flange bend 535 and distal to the stem flange first end 524 and the stem flange second 526. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 561 and stem flange second ply vent hole 563 is aligned offset from each chord first ply vent hole 548 and chord second ply vent hole 549. No stem flange first ply vent hole 561 or stem flange second ply vent hole 563 is aligned with a chord first ply vent hole 548 or chord second ply vent hole 549 that is aligned in a vertical axis that extends perpendicularly through both the stem flange 510 and the chord 520. As shown in FIG. 17B, the stem flange first ply vent holes 561, the stem flange second ply vent holes 563, the chord first ply vent holes 548, and the chord second ply vent holes 549 are in fluid communication with each other.

As shown in FIG. 17G, an exterior wall system assembly 570 can comprise the sub-girt 500. The exterior wall system assembly 570 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 570 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 570. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 500 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 510 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 510 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 502 depends downward from the stem flange 510 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 502 of the sub-girt 100 by adhesive 160 and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 570 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 570.

The chord 520, the stem flange 510, the front flange 502, and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a chamber 522 partially bounded by the sub-girt 500. The chord 520, the stem flange 510, the front flange 502, and the insulation layer 178 define the sidewalls of the chamber 522. The chamber 522 extends along the length of the sub-girt 500 from the sub-girt first side 501 to the sub-girt second side 503.

As shown in FIGS. 17E and 17G, air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear pathway 564 from above the stem flange 510, through the stem flange first ply vent holes 561 and the stem flange second ply vent holes 563 into and then out of the chamber 522 through the chord first ply vent holes 548 and the chord second ply vent holes 549. The non-linear pathway 564 is non-linear because each stem flange first ply vent hole 561 and stem flange second ply vent hole 563 is offset from each chord first ply vent hole 548 and chord second ply vent hole 549, thereby precluding the formation of a vertical linear pathway extending from above the stem flange 502 through the plurality of stem flange vent holes 560, the chamber 522 and out of the plurality chord vent holes 550. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 500, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 522. Some stem flange first ply vent holes 561 and stem flange second ply vent holes 563 can partially overlap one or more chord first ply vent holes 548 and chord second ply vent holes 549, but each is offset from a vertical axial alignment.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 500, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be along a non-linear pathway 562 extending through one or more of the chord second ply vent holes 549, the chord first ply vent holes 548, the chamber 522 and one or more of the stem flange second ply vent holes 563 and stem flange first ply vent holes 561. Within the chamber 522, the non-linear pathway 562 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange 510 and any vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the stem flange 510, since each chord first ply vent hole 548 and chord second ply vent hole 549 is aligned offset from each stem flange first ply vent hole 561 and stem flange second ply vent hole 563, and not vertically axially aligned therewith. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 500, the spark, flame or smoke would travel into one or more chord first ply vent holes 548 and chord second ply vent holes 549 and move laterally within the chamber 522 in order to continue an upward travel through a stem flange second ply vent hole 563 and a stem flange first ply vent hole 561. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 562 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrate a sub-girt 600 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, an exterior wall system assembly 670, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 600 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 636 that is configured in a general J-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 602 depends from a stem flange 610 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 610. The sub-girt body 636 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 636. A chord 620 extends rearward from the front flange 602 and is aligned at the lower end of the front flange 602. The sub-girt body 636 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The stem flange 610 comprises a stem flange first ply 612 and a stem flange second ply 614. The stem flange first ply 612 is aligned superior to the stem flange second ply 614. The stem flange first ply 612 extends from a stem flange first end 624 to a front flange upper first bend 635. The stem flange second ply 614 is aligned parallel to the stem flange first ply 612 and extends from a stem flange second end 626 to a front flange upper second bend 639. The stem flange first end 624 is aligned adjacent the stem flange second end 626. The stem flange first ply 612 exhibits a stem flange first ply width, and the stem flange second ply 614 exhibits a stem flange second ply width, wherein the stem flange first ply width is greater than the stem flange second ply width. The stem flange first ply width is measured from the stem flange first end 624 to the front flange upper first bend 635, and the stem flange second ply width is measured from the stem flange second end 624 to the front flange upper second bend 639. The stem flange first ply 612 exhibits a stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply 614 exhibits a stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length is equal to the stem flange second ply length. The stem flange first ply length and the stem flange second ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 601 to a sub-girt second side 603. The stem flange first ply 612 and the stem flange second ply 614 can be separated by a stem flange gap 618.

The front flange 602 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 610. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 610 and the front flange 602 is approximately 90°. The front flange 602 comprises a front flange first ply 604 and a front flange second ply 606. The front flange first ply 604 is disposed anterior to and spaced apart from the front flange second ply 606. A front flange gap 616 is disposed between the front flange first ply 604 and the front flange second ply 606. The front flange 602 comprises a plurality of striations 608 formed in the front flange first ply 604. As shown in FIGS. 18A, each striation 608 of the plurality of striations extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 602 from the sub-girt first end 601 to the sub-girt second end 603. The striations 608 form an undulating, non-flat surface on the front face of the front flange 602.

A plurality of front lower adhesive-receiving holes 640 is disposed proximal to the lower end of the front flange first ply 604 and the front flange lower first bend 633 and distal to the front flange upper first bend 635. The plurality of lower adhesive-receiving holes 640 are disposed between the plurality of striations 608 and the front flange lower first bend 633. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 638 is defined in the front flange first ply 604 and disposed within a row. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 638 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 604 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 600 and the front flange gap 616. The row of front adhesive-receiving holes 638 extends along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 604 from the sub-girt first end 601 to the sub-girt second end 603.

A plurality of front upper adhesive-receiving holes 642 is disposed proximal to the upper end of the front flange first ply 604 and the front flange upper first bend 635 and distal to the front flange lower first bend 633. The plurality of lower upper adhesive-receiving holes 642 are disposed between the plurality of striations 608 and the front flange upper first bend 635. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 638 is defined in the front flange first ply 604 and disposed within a row.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 600, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 604 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 638 and pressed into the front flange gap 616. The adhesive applied to the striations 608 formed in the front flange first ply 604 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 638. The adhesive can spread within the front flange gap 616 as pressure is applied to the adhesive. When applied to the sub-girt 600, the adhesive can move through the adhesive-receiving holes 638 disposed in the front flange first ply 604 and tend to mushroom or spread out over the rear face of the front flange first ply 604. The striations 608 can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 604.

The sub-girt 600 also comprises the chord 620 that extends rearward from the lower end of the front flange 602. The chord 620 comprises a chord first ply 621 and a chord second ply 623. The chord first ply 621 is aligned superior and parallel to the chord second ply 623. The chord 620 extends between the chord first bend 632 and the chord second bend 637. The chord 620 is aligned parallel to the stem flange 610 and perpendicular to the front flange 602. The chord 620 is aligned inferior to the stem flange 610 and posterior to the front flange 602. The chord 620 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 600 from the sub-girt first end 601 to the sub-girt second end 603. The chord first ply 621 exhibits a chord first ply width, and the chord second ply 623 exhibits a chord second ply width, wherein the chord first ply width is less than the chord second ply width. The chord first ply width is measured from the chord first bend 632 to the chord second bend 637. The chord second ply width is measured from the front flange lower first bend 6. The stem flange first ply 621 exhibits a chord first ply length and the chord second ply 623 exhibits a chord second ply length. The chord first ply length is equal to the second chord second ply length. The chord first ply length and the chord second ply length are measured from the sub-girt first side 601 to the sub-girt second side 603.

The chord 620 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 650, which comprises chord first ply vent holes 648, defined in the chord first ply 621, and chord second ply vent holes 649, defined in the chord second ply 623. Each chord first ply vent hole 648 is vertically axially aligned with a chord second ply vent hole 649. Each chord first ply vent hole 648 and chord second ply vent hole 649 is in fluid communication with the superior face and the inferior face of the chord 620. The plurality of chord vent holes 650 extend along substantially the entire length of the chord 620 from the sub-girt first side 601 to the sub-girt second side 603.

As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the sub-girt 600 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 665, which comprises stem flange first ply vent holes 661, defined in the stem flange first ply 612, and stem flange second ply vent holes 663, defined in the stem flange second ply 614. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 661 is vertically axially aligned with a stem flange second ply vent hole 663. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 661 and stem flange second ply vent hole 663 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the stem flange 610 and aligned proximal to the front flange upper first bend 635 and distal to the stem flange first end 624 and the stem flange second 626. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 661 and stem flange second ply vent hole 663 is aligned offset from each chord first ply vent hole 648 and chord second ply vent hole 649. The stem flange first ply vent holes 661 and the stem flange second ply vent hole 663 can be aligned offset from each chord first ply vent hole 648 and each chord second ply vent hole 649 that is aligned in a vertical axis that extends perpendicularly through both the stem flange 610 and the chord 620. As shown in FIG. 18D, the stem flange first ply vent holes 661, the stem flange second ply vent holes 663, the chord first ply vent holes 648, and the chord second ply vent holes 649 are in fluid communication with each other.

As shown in FIG. 18E, an exterior wall system assembly 670 can comprise the sub-girt 600. The exterior wall system assembly 670 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 670 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 670. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 600 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 610 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 610 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 602 depends downward from the stem flange 610 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 602 of the sub-girt 100 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 670 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 670.

The chord 620, the stem flange 610, the front flange 602, and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a chamber 622 partially bounded by the sub-girt 600. The chord 620, the stem flange 610, the front flange 602, and the insulation layer 178 define the sidewalls of the chamber 622. The chamber 622 extends along the length of the sub-girt 600 from the sub-girt first side 601 to the sub-girt second side 603.

As shown in FIGS. 18D and 18E, air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear pathway 662 in the opposite direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 18D from above the stem flange 610, through the stem flange first ply vent holes 661 and the stem flange second ply vent holes 663 into and then out of the chamber 622 through the chord first ply vent holes 648 and the chord second ply vent holes 649. The non-linear pathway 662 is non-linear because each stem flange first ply vent hole 661 and stem flange second ply vent hole 663 is offset from each chord first ply vent hole 648 and chord second ply vent hole 649, thereby precluding the formation of a vertical linear pathway extending from above the stem flange 602 through the plurality of stem flange vent holes 660, the chamber 622 and out of the plurality chord vent holes 650. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 600, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 622. Some stem flange first ply vent holes 661 and stem flange second ply vent holes 663 can partially overlap one or more chord first ply vent holes 648 and chord second ply vent holes 649, but each is offset from a vertical axial alignment.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 600, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be upward along the non-linear pathway 662 extending through one or more of the chord second ply vent holes 649, the chord first ply vent holes 648, the chamber 622 and one or more of the stem flange second ply vent holes 663 and stem flange first ply vent holes 661. Within the chamber 622, the non-linear pathway 662 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange 610 and any vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the stem flange 610, since each chord first ply vent hole 648 and chord second ply vent hole 649 is aligned offset from each stem flange first ply vent hole 661 and stem flange second ply vent hole 663, and not vertically axially aligned therewith. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 600, the spark, flame or smoke would travel into one or more chord first ply vent holes 648 and chord second ply vent holes 649 and move laterally within the chamber 622 in order to continue an upward travel through a stem flange second ply vent hole 663 and a stem flange first ply vent hole 661. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 662 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate a sub-girt 700 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, an exterior wall system assembly 770, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 700 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 736 that is configured in a general J-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 702 depends from a stem flange 710 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 710. The sub-girt body 736 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 736. A chord 720 extends rearward from the front flange 702 and is aligned at the lower end of the front flange 702. The sub-girt body 736 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes, adhesive-receiving holes and teeth defined in components thereof.

The front flange 702 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 710. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 710 and the front flange 702 is approximately 90°. The front flange 702 comprises a plurality of front lower adhesive-receiving holes 740 defined therein and disposed proximal to the lower end of the front flange 702 and the front flange lower bend 733 and distal to the front flange upper bend 735.

A plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 740 is defined in the front flange 702. Each adhesive-receiving hole 738 is defined in the front flange 702 and disposed within a row. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 738 defines an opening in the front flange 702 and is in fluid communication with both the front and rear faces of the sub-girt 700. Some of the adhesive-receiving holes 738 are arranged in a first adhesive-receiving hole row 741, which is aligned proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 702 and distal to the front flange upper bend 735. Other adhesive-receiving holes 738 are arranged in a second adhesive-receiving hole row 742, which is aligned superior to the first adhesive-receiving hole row 741 and proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 702 and the front flange lower bend 733 and distal to the front flange superior end and the front flange upper bend 735. Each adhesive-receiving hole 738 disposed in the first adhesive-receiving hole row 741 is offset vertically on the front flange 702 from each adhesive-receiving hole 738 disposed in the second adhesive-receiving hole row 742. The first adhesive-receiving hole row 741 and the second receiving-hole row 742 extend substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 700 from a sub-girt first end 701 to a sub-girt second end 703.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 700, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange 702 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 738 and pressed therein. When applied to the sub-girt 700, the adhesive can move through the adhesive-receiving holes 738 disposed in the front flange 702 and tend to mushroom or spread out over the rear face of the front flange 702.

The sub-girt 700 also comprises the chord 720 that extends rearward from the lower end of the front flange 702. The chord 720 extends rearward from the front flange lower bend 733. The chord 720 is aligned parallel to the stem flange 710 and perpendicular to the front flange 702. The chord 720 is aligned inferior to the stem flange 710 and posterior to the front flange 702. The chord 720 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 700 from the sub-girt first end 701 to the sub-girt second end 703. The chord 720 exhibits a chord width, and stem flange 710 exhibits a stem flange width, wherein the chord width is less than the stem flange width. The chord width is measured from the front flange lower bend 733 to the rear end of the chord.

The chord 720 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 750. Each chord vent hole 748 is in fluid communication with the superior face of the chord 720. The plurality of chord vent holes 750 extend along substantially the entire length of the chord 720 from the sub-girt first side 701 to the sub-girt second side 703. The cord vent holes 748 can be arranged in one or more rows and/or groups. A plurality of teeth 723 project rearward from the chord 720. The plurality of teeth 723 comprises teeth 724 that are spaced apart from each other and aligned co-linear with the chord 720. Each tooth has a curved rear end. The chord 720 and the teeth 724 are aligned parallel to the stem flange 710. The teeth 724 extend along substantially the entire length of the chord 720 from the sub-girt first side 701 to the sub-girt second side 703.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the sub-girt 700 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 760 aligned in a row extending along substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 700 from the sub-girt first end 701 to the sub-girt second end 703. Each stem flange vent hole 761 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the stem flange 710 and aligned proximal to the front flange upper bend 735 and distal to the stem flange rear end. Each stem flange vent hole 761 is aligned offset from each chord vent hole 748. No stem flange vent hole 761 is aligned with a chord vent hole 748 that is aligned in a vertical axis that extends perpendicularly through both the stem flange 710 and the chord 720. As shown in FIG. 19D, the stem flange vent holes 761 and the chord vent holes 748 are in fluid communication with each other.

As shown in FIG. 19E, an exterior wall system assembly 770 can comprise the sub-girt 700. The exterior wall system assembly 770 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 770 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 770. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 700 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 710 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 710 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 702 depends downward from the stem flange 710 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 702 of the sub-girt 700 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 770 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 770.

When installed, the plurality of teeth 723 of the sub-girt 700 are pressed into the insulation layer 178 and are those inset therein. The chord 720, the stem flange 710, the front flange 702, and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a chamber 722 partially bounded by the sub-girt 700. The chord 720, the stem flange 710, the front flange 702, and the insulation layer 178 define the sidewalls of the chamber 722. The chamber 722 extends along the length of the sub-girt 700 from the sub-girt first side 701 to the sub-girt second side 703.

As shown in FIGS. 19D and 19E, air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear pathway 764 from above the stem flange 710, through the stem flange vent holes 761 into and then out of the chamber 722 through the chord vent holes 748. The non-linear pathway 664 is non-linear because each stem flange vent hole 761 is offset from each chord vent hole 748, thereby precluding the formation of a vertical linear pathway extending from above the stem flange 702 through the plurality of stem flange vent holes 760, the chamber 722 and out of the plurality chord vent holes 750. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 700, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 722. Some stem flange vent holes 761 can partially overlap one or more chord vent holes 748, but each is offset from a vertical axial alignment.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 700, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be upward along the non-linear pathway 762 extending through one or more of the chord vent holes 748 the chamber 722 and one or more of the stem flange vent holes 761. Within the chamber 722, the non-linear pathway 762 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange 710 and any vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the stem flange 710, since each chord vent hole 748 is aligned offset from each stem flange vent hole 761 and not vertically axially aligned therewith. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 700, the spark, flame or smoke would travel into one or more chord vent holes 748 and move laterally within the chamber 722 in order to continue an upward travel through a stem flange vent hole 761. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 762 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 20A-20E illustrate a sub-girt 800 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, an exterior wall system assembly 870, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 800 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 836 that is configured in a general J-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 802 depends from a stem flange 810 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 810. The sub-girt body 836 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 836. A chord 820 extends rearward from the front flange 802 and is aligned at the lower end of the front flange 802. The sub-girt body 836 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The front flange 802 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 810. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 810 and the front flange 802 is approximately 90°. The front flange 802 comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 840 defined therein and disposed proximal to the lower end of the front flange 802 and the front flange lower bend 833 and distal to the front flange upper bend 835.

Each adhesive-receiving hole 838 is defined in the front flange 802 and disposed within a row. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 838 defines an opening in the front flange 802 and is in fluid communication with both the front and rear faces of the sub-girt 800. Some of the adhesive-receiving holes 838 are arranged in a first adhesive-receiving hole row 841, which is aligned proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 802 and distal to the front flange upper bend 835. Other adhesive-receiving holes 838 are arranged in a second adhesive-receiving hole row 842, which is aligned superior to the first adhesive-receiving hole row 841 and proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 802 and the front flange lower bend 833 and distal to the front flange superior end and the front flange upper bend 835. Each adhesive-receiving hole 838 disposed in the first adhesive-receiving hole row 841 is offset vertically on the front flange 802 from each adhesive-receiving hole 838 disposed in the second adhesive-receiving hole row 842. The first adhesive-receiving hole row 841 and the second receiving-hole row 842 extend substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 800 from a sub-girt first end 801 to a sub-girt second end 803.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 800, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange 802 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 838 and pressed therein. When applied to the sub-girt 800, the adhesive can move through the adhesive-receiving holes 838 disposed in the front flange 802 and tend to mushroom or spread out over the rear face of the front flange 802.

The sub-girt 800 also comprises the chord 820 that extends rearward from the lower end of the front flange 802. The chord 820 extends rearward from the front flange lower bend 833. The chord 820 is aligned parallel to the stem flange 810 and perpendicular to the front flange 802. The chord 820 is aligned inferior to the stem flange 810 and posterior to the front flange 802. The chord 820 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 800 from the sub-girt first end 801 to the sub-girt second end 803. The chord 820 exhibits a chord width, and stem flange 810 exhibits a stem flange width, wherein the chord width is less than the stem flange width. The chord width is measured from the front flange lower bend 833 to the rear end of the chord.

The chord 820 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 850. Each chord vent hole 848 is in fluid communication with the superior face of the chord 820. The plurality of chord vent holes 850 extend along substantially the entire length of the chord 820 from the sub-girt first side 801 to the sub-girt second side 803. The cord vent holes 848 can be arranged in one or more rows and/or groups. A chord lip 824 projects downward from the chord 820. The chord lip 824 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 810 and parallel to the front flange 802. The chord 820 is aligned parallel to the stem flange 810. The chord lip 824 extends along substantially the entire length of the chord 820 from the sub-girt first side 801 to the sub-girt second side 803.

As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the sub-girt 800 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 860 aligned in a row extending along substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 800 from the sub-girt first end 801 to the sub-girt second end 803. Each stem flange vent hole 861 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the stem flange 810 and aligned proximal to the front flange upper bend 835 and distal to the stem flange rear end. Each stem flange vent hole 861 is aligned offset from each chord vent hole 848. No stem flange vent hole 861 is aligned with a chord vent hole 848 that is aligned in a vertical axis that extends perpendicularly through both the stem flange 810 and the chord 820. As shown in FIG. 20D, the stem flange vent holes 861 and the chord vent holes 848 are in fluid communication with each other.

As shown in FIG. 20E, an exterior wall system assembly 870 can comprise the sub-girt 800. The exterior wall system assembly 870 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 870 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 870. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 800 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 810 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 810 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 802 depends downward from the stem flange 810 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 802 of the sub-girt 800 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 870 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 870.

When installed, the chord lip 824 of the sub-girt 800 is disposed adjacent the insulation layer 178. The chord lip 824 can contact the insulation layer 178. The chord 820, the stem flange 810, the front flange 802, and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a chamber 822 partially bounded by the sub-girt 800. The chord 820, the stem flange 810, the front flange 802, and the insulation layer 178 define the sidewalls of the chamber 822. The chamber 822 extends along the length of the sub-girt 800 from the sub-girt first side 801 to the sub-girt second side 803.

As shown in FIGS. 20D and 20E, air and moisture can flow downward along a non-linear pathway 864 from above the stem flange 810, through the stem flange vent holes 861 into and then out of the chamber 822 through the chord vent holes 848. The non-linear pathway 864 is non-linear because each stem flange vent hole 861 is offset from each chord vent hole 848, thereby precluding the formation of a vertical linear pathway extending from above the stem flange 802 through the plurality of stem flange vent holes 860, the chamber 822 and out of the plurality chord vent holes 850. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 800, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the chamber 822. Some stem flange vent holes 861 can partially overlap one or more chord vent holes 848, but each is offset from a vertical axial alignment.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 800, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would be upward along the non-linear pathway 862 extending through one or more of the chord vent holes 848 the chamber 822 and one or more of the stem flange vent holes 861. Within the chamber 822, the non-linear pathway 862 is aligned oblique to both the stem flange 810 and any vertical axis aligned perpendicular to the stem flange 810, since each chord vent hole 848 is aligned offset from each stem flange vent hole 861 and not vertically axially aligned therewith. For spark, flame or smoke to move upward past the sub-girt 800, the spark, flame or smoke would travel into one or more chord vent holes 848 and move laterally within the chamber 822 in order to continue an upward travel through a stem flange vent hole 861. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 862 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 21A-21H illustrate a sub-girt 900 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, exterior wall system assembly 970, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 900 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 936 that is configured with a three-flange arrangement in which a front flange 902 is aligned generally parallel to an upper flange 926 and a lower flange 924. The sub-girt body 936 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 936. The sub-girt 900 comprises a first upper chord 920, a second upper chord 921, a first lower chord 925, and a second lower chord 923. The first upper chord 920 and the second upper chord 921 extend between the upper flange 926 and the front flange 902. The first lower chord 925 and the second lower chord 923 extend between the front flange 902 and the lower flange 924. Each of the first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the first lower chord 925, and the second lower chord 923 are oblique to the upper flange 926, the front flange 902, and the lower flange 924. The first upper chord 920 and the second upper chord 921 are aligned oblique to the first lower chord 925 and the second lower chord 923. The first upper chord 920 is aligned parallel to second upper chord 921, and the first lower chord 925 is aligned parallel to the second lower chord 923. The sub-girt body 936 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes and adhesive-receiving holes defined in the components thereof.

The upper flange 926 comprises an upper flange first ply 927 and an upper flange second ply 929. The upper flange first ply 927 is aligned anterior and parallel to the upper flange second ply 929. The upper flange first ply 927 is connected to the upper flange second ply 929 by the top bend 911. The upper flange first ply 927 depends downward from the top bend 911 to the upper chord first bend 951. The upper flange second ply 929 depends downward from the top bend 911 to the upper chord third bend 954. The upper flange first ply 927 exhibits an upper flange first ply width, and the upper flange second ply 929 exhibits an upper flange second ply width, wherein the upper flange first ply width is less than the upper flange second ply width. The upper flange first ply width is measured from the top bend 911 to the upper chord first bend 951, and the upper flange second ply width is measured from the top bend 911 to the upper chord third bend 954. The upper flange first ply 927 exhibits an upper flange first ply length and the upper flange second ply 929 exhibits an upper flange second ply length. The upper flange first ply length is equal to the upper flange second ply length. The upper flange first ply length and the upper flange second ply length are measured from a sub-girt first side 901 to a sub-girt second side 903.

The lower flange 924 comprises a lower flange first ply 931 and a lower flange second ply 933. The lower flange first ply 931 is aligned anterior and parallel to the lower flange second ply 933. The lower flange first ply 931 depends downward from the lower chord third bend 961 to the first end 913. The lower flange second ply 933 depends downward from the lower chord fourth bend 960 to the second end 915. The lower flange first ply 931 exhibits a lower flange first ply width, and the lower flange second ply 933 exhibits a lower flange second ply width, wherein the lower flange first ply width is less than the lower flange second ply width. The lower flange first ply width is measured from the lower chord third bend 961 to the first end 913, and the lower flange second ply width is measured from the lower chord fourth bend 960 to the second 915. The lower flange first ply 931 exhibits a lower flange first ply length and the lower flange second ply 933 exhibits a lower flange second ply length. The lower flange first ply length is equal to the lower flange second ply length. The lower flange first ply length and the lower flange second ply length are measured from the sub-girt first side 901 to the sub-girt second side 903.

The front flange 902 is aligned generally parallel to the upper flange 926 and the lower flange 924. The front flange 902 comprises a front flange first ply 904 and a front flange second ply 906. The front flange first ply 904 is disposed anterior to the front flange upper second ply 906. The front flange first ply 904 and the front flange second ply 906 are disposed intermediate and anterior to the upper flange 926 and the lower flange 924. The front flange first ply 904 extends from an upper chord second bend 952 to a lower chord first bend 965 and is connected to the first upper chord 920 and a first lower chord 925. The front flange second ply 906 extends from an upper chord fourth bend 956 to a lower chord third bend 958 and is connected to the first upper chord 920 and the first lower chord 925.

A front flange gap 917 is disposed between the front flange first ply 904 and the front flange second ply 906. The front flange first ply 904 exhibits a front flange first ply height and the front flange second ply 906 exhibits a front flange second ply height. The front flange first ply height is greater than the front flange second ply height.

The front flange 902 comprises a plurality of striations 908 formed in the front flange first ply 904. As shown in FIGS. 21A, each striation 908 extends generally horizontally along the length of the front flange 902 from the sub-girt first end 901 to the sub-girt second end 903. The striations 908 form an undulating, non-flat surface on the front face of the front flange 902.

A plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 942 is disposed in the front flange first ply 904. The front adhesive-receiving holes 938 are arranged in an upper adhesive-receiving hole row 941, which is aligned proximal to the upper end of the front flange 902 and the upper chord second bend 952 and distal to the lower chord first bend 965, and in a lower adhesive-receiving hole row 943, which is aligned proximal to the lower end of the front flange 902 and the lower chord first bend 965 and distal to the upper chord second bend 952. The upper adhesive-receiving hole row 341 is disposed between the plurality of striations 308 and the upper chord second bend 952, and the lower adhesive-receiving hole row 943 is disposed between the plurality of striations 308 and the lower chord first bend 965. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 938 is defined in the front flange first ply 904 and disposed within a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 940, each of which comprises three front adhesive-receiving holes 938 arranged in a triangular configuration. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 938 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 904 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 900 and the front flange gap 317. As shown in FIGS. 21A, the plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 942 and the plurality of front adhesive-receiving hole subgroups 940 extend along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 904 from the sub-girt first end 901 to the sub-girt second end 903.

The sub-girt 900 also comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 defined in the front flange second ply 906. Each of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 is disposed in either a front flange upper second ply hole row 946 or in a front flange lower second ply hole row 947. The front flange upper second ply hole row 946 is disposed proximal to the upper chord fourth bend 956 and the upper end of the front flange 902, and the front flange second ply hole row 947 is disposed proximal to the lower chord third bend 958. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 944 is aligned in a row and offset from and non-axial to each front adhesive-receiving hole 938. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 944 exhibits a rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter, and each front adhesive-receiving hole 938 exhibits a front adhesive-receiving hole diameter, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole diameter is greater than each front adhesive-receiving hole diameter. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 944 is aligned with a front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 940, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole 944 partially overlaps each front adhesive-receiving hole 938 of the front adhesive-receiving hole subgroup 940 with which the rear adhesive-receiving hole is aligned. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 944 disposed in the front flange upper second ply hole row 946 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange second ply 906, the front flange gap 917, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 938 in the upper adhesive-receiving hole row 941. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 944 disposed in the front flange lower second ply hole row 947 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange second ply 907, the front flange gap 917, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 938 in the lower adhesive-receiving hole row 943.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 900, then adhesive 160 can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 904 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 938 and pressed into the front flange gap 917. The adhesive applied to the striations 908 in the front flange first ply 904 and/or the front adhesive-receiving holes 938. The adhesive 160 can spread within the front flange gap 917 and as pressure is applied to the adhesive 160. When applied to the sub-girt 900, the adhesive 160 can move through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 disposed in the front flange second ply 906 and tend to mushroom or spread out of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 along the rear faces of the front flange second ply 906. With the rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 aligned offset from the front adhesive receiving holes 938, the adhesive 160 will tend to move horizontally and/or vertically within the front flange gap 917 to reach the rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 in the front flange second ply 906. Once the adhesive 160 sets, the area of contact between the adhesive and the front flange 902 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 904 and the front face and rear face of the front flange second ply 906. Such area of contact can potentially be greater than if the front flange 902 comprised only one ply and/or if the front adhesive-receiving holes 938 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 944 were aligned axially along an axis extending perpendicular to both the front flange first ply 904 and the front flange second ply 906. The striations 908 potentially can provide a greater area of contact with the adhesive than would be provided with a flat front flange first ply 904.

The sub-girt 900 comprises a first upper chord 920 extending between the upper flange first ply 927 and the front flange first ply 904, a second upper chord 921 extending between the upper flange second ply 929 and the front flange second ply 906, a second lower chord 925 extending between the lower flange first ply 931 and the front flange first ply 904, and a first lower chord 923 extending between the lower flange second ply 933 and the front flange second ply 906. The first upper chord 920 is connected to the upper flange first ply 927 by the upper chord first bend 951 and to the front flange first ply 904 by the upper chord second bend 952. The second upper chord 921 is connected to the upper flange second ply 929 by the upper chord third bend 954 and to the front flange second ply 906 by the upper chord fourth bend 956. The second lower chord 925 is connected to the front flange first ply 904 by the lower chord fourth bend 965 and to the lower flange first ply 931 by the lower chord third bend 961. The first lower chord 923 is connected to the front flange second ply 906 by the lower chord first bend 958 and to the lower flange second ply 933 by the lower chord second bend 960. The first upper chord 920 is aligned parallel to the second upper chord 921 and oblique to the first lower chord 923 and the second lower chord 925. The first lower chord 923 is aligned parallel to the second lower chord 925.

The first upper chord 920 is inferior and anterior to the upper flange 926 and superior and posterior to the front flange 902. The second upper chord 921 is inferior to the upper flange 926 and posterior to the front flange 902. The second lower chord 925 is superior and anterior to the lower flange 924 and inferior to the front flange 902. The first lower chord 923 is inferior and posterior to the front flange 902 and superior to the lower flange 924.

The first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the upper flange second ply 929, the front flange first ply 904, the upper chord first bend 951, the upper chord third bend 954, the upper chord second bend 952, and the upper chord fourth bend 956 cooperate to define a first chamber 932 within the sub-girt 900. The first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the front flange first ply 904, and the upper flange second ply 929 define the sidewalls of the first chamber 932. The first chamber 932 extends along the length of the sub-girt 900 from the sub-girt first side 901 to the sub-girt second side 903. The first lower chord 923, the second lower chord 925, the lower flange second ply 933, the front flange first ply 904, the lower chord first bend 958, the lower chord second bend 960, the lower chord third bend 961, and the lower chord fourth bend 965 cooperate to define a second chamber 934 within the sub-girt 900. The first lower chord 923, the second lower chord 925, the front flange first ply 904, and the lower flange second ply 933 define the sidewalls of the second chamber 934. The second chamber 934 extends along the length of the sub-girt 900 from the sub-girt first side 901 to the sub-girt second side 903.

As shown in FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, each of the first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the first lower chord 923, and the second lower chord 925 comprises a plurality of chord vent holes 948. Each chord vent hole 948 is defined in the one of the first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the first lower chord 923, or the second lower chord 925 and in fluid communication with the upper chamber 932 and/or the lower chamber 934. Each chord vent hole 948 defined in the first upper chord 920 and the second upper chord 921 is arranged in a chord hole group 950, each of which comprises two or more chord vent holes 948. As shown in FIG. 21B, each chord hole group 950 can comprise eight chord vent holes 948 aligned in two rows that are aligned perpendicular to the front flange 902. The chord hole groups 950 are spaced apart and disposed along substantially the entire lengths of the first upper chord 920 and second upper chord 921 from the sub-girt first side 901 to the sub-girt second side 903. Each chord vent hole 948 defined in the first upper chord 920 is aligned offset from each chord vent hole 348 defined in the second upper chord vent hole 921. Each chord hole group 950 defined in the first upper chord 920 is offset from each chord hole group 950 defined in the second upper chord 921.

Each chord vent hole 948 disposed in the first lower chord 923 and the second lower chord 925 are disposed in either a vent hole upper row 916 or a vent hole lower row 918 defined in either the first lower chord 923 or the second lower chord 925. Each chord vent hole 948 defined in the first lower chord 923 is aligned offset from each chord vent hole 948 defined in the second lower chord 925. Each vent hole upper row 916 disposed in either the first lower chord 923 or the second lower chord 925 and each vent hole lower row 918 disposed in the first lower chord 923 or the second lower chord 925 extends along substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 900 from the sub-girt first end 901 to the sub-girt second end 903.

As shown in FIG. 21F, the chord vent holes 948 disposed in the first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the first lower chord 923, and the second lower chord 925 are in fluid communication with each other, the first chamber 932, the second chamber 934, and the volume intermediate the front flange 902, the second upper chord 921, and the first lower chord 923. Air and moisture can flow downward along one or more non-linear pathways 964 from above the first upper chord 920, through the chord vent holes 948 defined in the first upper chord 920 into the first chamber 932, down through the chord vent holes 948 defined in the second upper chord 921 into space posterior to the front flange 902, and then through chord vent holes 948 defined in the first lower chord 923 into the second chamber 934, and out through the chord vent holes 948 defined in the second lower chord 925. The non-linear pathways 364 are non-linear because each chord vent hole 948 defined in one of the first upper chord 920, the second upper chord 921, the first lower chord 923 and the second lower chord 925 is offset from vent hole chords 948 define in the adjacent chords. For air or water to pass downward through the sub-girt 900, the air or water would need to migrate at least partially along a non-vertical pathway through the first chamber 932 and the second chamber 934.

For spark, flame or smoke to travel upward vertically from below the sub-girt 900, the migration of the spark, flame or smoke would need to travel along one or more non-linear pathways 962 extending through one or more of the chord vent holes 948 defined in the second lower chord 925, into the second chamber 934, through the chord vent holes 948 defined in the first lower chord 923, into the space posterior to the front flange 902, into one or more of the chord vent holes 948 defined in the second upper chord 921, into the first chamber 932, and out through one or more of the vent holes 948 defined in the first upper chord 920. Within the first and the second chamber 932 and 934, the non-linear pathway 962 is aligned oblique to any vertical axis aligned extending therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 21H, an exterior wall system assembly 970 can comprise the sub-girt 900. The exterior wall system assembly 970 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 970 is installed. The substrate 172 can comprise wall framing. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 970. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 900 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184 via an L-shaped sub-girt 977 that is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned posterior to the sub-girt 900. The sub-girt 977 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 is connected to the sub-girt 900 at the upper flange 926 and the lower flange 924. As an alternative to the sub-girt 977, the upper flange 926 can be configured during construction of the sub-girt 900 to be aligned perpendicular to the front flange 902 and project rearward therefrom. In such a configuration, the upper flange 926 can be engaged by the thermal bracket 184 to mount the sub-girt 900 within the exterior wall system assembly 970. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 902 of the sub-girt 900 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 970 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 970.

Air and water can migrate downward within the ventilation cavity 186 through the chord vent holes 948 of the first upper chord 920, the first chamber 932, the chord vent holes vent holes of the second upper chord 921, a third chamber 922 defined by the insulation layer 178, the second upper chord 921, the front flange second ply 902, and the first lower chord 923, the vent holes 948 of the first lower chord 923, the second chamber 934, and the chord vent holes 948 of the second lower chord 925. Air and water travel along the non-linear pathway 964 through the first chamber 934, the third chamber 922 and the second chamber 934. If a fire erupts within the building and/or exterior wall system assembly 970, any spark, flame or smoke that moves upward through the ventilation cavity 186 past the sub-girt 900 would first need to pass through the chord vent holes 948 of the second lower chord 925, the second chamber 934, the chord vent holes 948 of the first lower chord 923, the third chamber 922, the chord vent holes 948 of the second upper chord 921, the first chamber 932, and the chord vent holes 948 of the first upper chord 920 along one of the non-linear pathways 962, a portion of which extends through the second chamber 934 in an oblique alignment, through the third chamber 922 in an oblique alignment, and through the first chamber 932 in an oblique alignment. Such a tortious non-linear pathway 962 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 22A-22F illustrate a sub-girt 1000 that can be used in an exterior wall system assembly 1070 and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 1000 comprises two detachable components. One component is an elongated first sub-girt body 1007 that is configured in a general J-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 1002 depends indirectly from a first stem flange 1010 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 1010. The first sub-girt body 1007 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the first sub-girt body 1007. The second component is an elongated second sub-girt body 1005 that is configured in a modified L-shape in which in which a mid flange 1011 depends indirectly from a second stem flange 1012. A first chord 1020 extends between the first stem flange 1010 and the first front flange 1002 and is arranged at an angle oblique to both the first stem flange 1010 and the first front flange 1002. A second chord 1064 extends between the second stem flange 1012 and the mid flange 1011 and is arranged at an angle oblique to both the second stem flange 1012 and the mid flange 1011. A third chord 1067 extends between the second stem flange 1012 and a rear flange 1015 and is arranged at an angle oblique to both the second stem flange 1012 and the rear flange 1015. The first sub-girt body 1007 and the second sub-girt body 1005 are both, individually, unitary with general constant cross-sections interrupted by various vent holes, adhesive-receiving holes, and teeth defined in components thereof.

The front flange 1002 is aligned generally perpendicular to the first stem flange 1010. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 1010 and the front flange 1002 is approximately 90°. The front flange comprises a plurality of striations 1008 formed therein and extending along substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 1000 from the sub-girt first end 1001 to the sub-girt second end 1003. The front flange 1002 comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 1038 defined therein. The adhesive-receiving holes 1038 are disposed in a first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1040, a second upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1041, a first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1042, and a second lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1043. Each adhesive-receiving hole 1038 defines an opening in the front flange 1002 and is in fluid communication with both the front and rear faces of the front flange 1002.

The first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1040 is aligned proximal to the superior end of the front flange 1002 and a first sub-girt body second chord bend 1052 and distal to the front flange lower bend 1053. The second upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1041 is aligned inferior to the first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1040 and is proximal to the superior end of the front flange 1002 and distal to the front flange lower bend 1053.

Each adhesive-receiving hole 1038 disposed in the first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1040 is offset vertically on the front flange 1002 from each adhesive-receiving hole 1038 disposed in the second upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1041. The first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1040 and the second upper receiving-hole row 1041 extend substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 1000 from a sub-girt first end 1001 to a sub-girt second end 1003.

The first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1042 is aligned proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 1002 and the front flange bend 1053 and distal to the front flange super end. The second lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1043 is aligned inferior to the first upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1042 and is proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 1002 and the front flange lower bend 1053. Each adhesive-receiving hole 1038 disposed in the first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1042 is offset vertically on the front flange 1002 from each adhesive-receiving hole 1038 disposed in the second lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1043. The first lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1042 and the second lower receiving-hole row 1043 extend substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 1000 from a sub-girt first end 1001 to a sub-girt second end 1003.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 1000, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange 1002 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 1038 and pressed therein. When applied to the sub-girt 1000, the adhesive can move through the adhesive-receiving holes 1038 disposed in the front flange 1002 and tend to mushroom or spread out over the rear face of the front flange 1002.

The first sub-girt body 1007 also comprises the lower chord 1021 that extends rearward from the lower end of the front flange 1002. The lower chord 1021 extends rearward from the front flange lower bend 1053. The lower chord 1021 is aligned perpendicular to the front flange 1002. The lower chord 1021 is aligned inferior to the first chord 1020 and posterior to the front flange 1002. The lower chord 1021 extends the entire length of the sub-girt 1000 from the sub-girt first end 1001 to the sub-girt second end 1003.

The lower chord 1021 comprises a plurality of teeth 1024 that project rearward from the lower chord 1021. The plurality of teeth 1024 comprises teeth 1022 that are spaced apart from each other and aligned co-linear with the lower chord 1021. Each tooth 1022 has a curved rear end. The lower chord 1021 and the teeth 1022 are aligned parallel to the stem flange 1010. The teeth 1022 extend along substantially the entire length of the lower chord 1021 from the sub-girt first side 1001 to the sub-girt second side 1003.

As shown in FIG. 33B, the first sub-girt body 1007 also comprises a plurality of first stem flange vent holes 1037 defined in the first stem flange 1010. The first stem flange vent holes 1037 extend along substantially the entire length of the first stem flange 1010 from the sub-girt first end 1001 to the sub-girt second end 1003. Each first stem flange vent hole 1037 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the first stem flange 1010 and aligned proximal to a first chord first bend 1050 and distal to the first stem flange rear end. Each first stem flange vent hole 1037 is aligned within a first stem flange vent hole group 1039, which can include five first stem flange vent holes 1037 arranged in a generally chevron configuration.

The first chord 1020 extends from the first stem flange 1010 to the front flange 1010. The first chord 1020 is connected to the first stem flange 1010 by the first chord first bend 1050 and to the front flange by the first chord second bend 1052. The first chord 1020 comprises a plurality of first chord vent holes 1031 defined therein. The first chord vent holes 1031 can be arranged in one or more first chord vent hole groups 1039, which can comprise two or more first chord vent holes 1031. The first chord vent holes 1031 extend along substantially the entire length of the first chord 1020 from the sub-girt first side 1001 to the sub-girt second side 1003.

The second sub-girt body 1005 comprises a second stem flange 1012. The second stem flange 1012 comprises a stem flange first ply 1057 and a second stem flange second ply 1060. The second stem flange first ply 1057 is aligned superior to the second stem flange second ply 1060 and connected thereto by a second flange bend 1059. The second stem flange first ply 1057 extends from the second flange bend 1059 to a second chord second bend 1075. The second stem flange second ply 1060 is aligned parallel to the second stem flange first ply 1057 and extends from the second stem flange bend 1059 to a third chord second bend 1069.

The second chord 1064 extends anterior from the second stem flange first ply 1057. A mid chord 1011 depends from the second chord 1064 and is connected there to by the second chord first bend 1074. The angle of alignment between the second stem flange 1012 and the mid flange 1011 is approximately 90°. The mid flange 1011 extends to a jaw bend 1071, which is disposed at the lower end of the mid flange 1011. A jaw 1070 projects upward from the jaw bend 1071 and can be aligned oblique or parallel to the mid flange 1011. The jaw exhibits a jaw height that is less than a mid flange height exhibited by the mid flange 1011.

A plurality of tooth-receiving holes 1061 is defined in the mid flange 1011, the jaw 1070 and the rear flange 1015. The tooth-receiving holes 1061 defined in the mid flange 1011 are disposed proximal to the jaw bend 1071. Each tooth-receiving hole 1061 disposed in the mid flange 1011 is axially aligned with a tooth-receiving hole 1061 defined in the rear flange 1015 and a tooth-receiving hole 106 defined in the jaw 1070, thereby forming a tooth-receiving channel in the second sub-girt body 1005.

The rear flange 1015 is disposed posterior to the mid flange 1011 and aligned oblique thereto. The rear flange 1015 comprises a lower end that is aligned in the jaw bend 1071 between the jaw 1070 and the mid flange 1011. The rear flange 1015 extends upward to a third chord first bend 1068. The rear flange 1015 comprises a plurality of tooth-receiving holes 1061 defined therein and arranged in a row proximal to the lower end of the mid flange 1015. A plurality of rear flange vent holes 1013 are defined in the rear flange 1015 proximal to the third chord first bend 1068. The rear flange vent holes 1013 and the tooth receiving holes extend from the sub-girt first side 1001 to the sub-girt second side 1003.

The third chord 1067 extends from the third chord first bend 1068 to the third chord second bend 1069. The third cord 1067 connects the rear flange 1015 to the second stem second ply 1060. The third chord 1067 comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes 1019 defined therein and in fluid communication with the upper and lower faces of the third chord 1067. The second chord 1064 comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes 1027 defined therein and in fluid communication with the third chord vent holes 1019. The second chord vent holes 1027 can be configured as slots formed in a Y-shape alignment within the second chord 1064. The second chord vent holes 1027 and the third chord vent holes 1019 can be aligned along the entire length of the sub-girt 1000 from the sub-girt first side 1001 to the sub-girt second side 1003. The second chord 1064 is aligned superior to and spaced apart from the third chord 1067. The second stem flange 1012 comprises a plurality of second stem flange vent holes 1009 formed in both the second stem flange first ply 1057 and the second stem flange second ply 1060. Each second stem flange vent hole 1009 defined in the second stem flange first ply 1057 is axially aligned with a second stem flange vent hole 1009 defined in the second stem flange second ply 1060. Each second stem flange vent hole 1009 is in fluid communication with the upper face and lower face of the second stem flange 1012. The second stem flange vent holes 1009 can be arranged in a chevron configuration.

As shown in FIG. 22C, the first sub-girt body 1007 can be connected to the second sub-girt body 1005 by inserting the teeth 1022 of the first sub-girt body 1007 into the tooth-receiving holes 1061 formed in the second sub-girt body 1005. Each tooth 1022 can extend through each of three tooth-receiving holes 1061 formed in the mid flange 1011, the rear flange 1015, and the jaw 1070, thereby engaging the second sub-girt body 1005. The first stem flange 1010 can be aligned superior to the second stem flange 1012 and rest thereon. The engagement of the first sub-girt body 1007 with the second sub-girt body 1005 can form a front chamber 1032 defined by the first chord 1020, the front flange 1002, the lower chord 1021, the mid flange 1011, and the second chord 1064. A rear chamber 1034 is formed in the second sub-girt body 1005 and defined by the mid flange 1011, the rear flange 1015, the jaw bend 1071, the second chord 1064 and the third chord 1067.

As shown in FIG. 22E, the first stem flange vent holes 1037 and the second stem flange vent holes 1009 can be axially aligned and in fluid communication with each other. Air and moisture can flow downward therethrough. The first chord vent holes 1031, the second chord vent holes 1027, the third chord vent holes 1019, the mid flange vent holes 1013 can be in fluid communication with each other and with gaps disposed between the teeth 1022. Air and moisture can move downward along a pathway 1062 from above the sub-girt 1000 through the various sub-girt vent holes past the sub-girt 1000.

Spark, flame or smoke traveling upward vertically from below the sub-girt 1000, would move along a pathway 1062 extending through one or more of the stem flange vent holes, the chord vent holes, the mid flange vent holes, the gaps in the teeth, the front chamber, and the rear chamber in order to move above the sub-girt 1000.

As shown in FIG. 22F, an exterior wall system assembly 1070 can comprise the sub-girt 1000. The exterior wall system assembly 1070 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 1070 is installed. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 1070. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 1000 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the first stem flange 1010 and the second stem flange 1012 are engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The first stem flange 1010 and the second stem flange 1012 extend outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 1002 depends downward from the first stem flange 1010 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178, and the mid flange 1011 and the rear flange 1015 depend downward from the second stem flange 1012. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 1002 of the sub-girt 1000 by adhesive 160 and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 1070 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 170.

Air and water can migrate downward within the ventilation cavity 186 through the first stem flange vent holes 1037, the first chord vent holes 1031, the front chamber 1032, the second chord vent holes 1027, the rear chamber 1034, the mid flange vent holes 1013, the second stem flange vent holes 1009, and the third chord vent holes 1019. Air and water would travel along one or more pathways 1062, one or more of which can be non-linear. If a fire erupts within the building and/or exterior wall system assembly 1070, any spark, flame or smoke that moves upward through the ventilation cavity 186 past the sub-girt 1000 would first need to pass through the first stem flange vent holes 1037, the first chord vent holes 1031, the front chamber 1032, the second chord vent holes 1027, the rear chamber 1034, the mid flange vent holes 1013, the second stem flange vent holes 1009, and the third chord vent holes 1019. One or more of the pathways 1062 can potentially tend to arrest the migration of spark, flame or smoke and potentially reduce the propagation of spark, flame or smoke through the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate a sub-girt 1100 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, an exterior wall system assembly 1170, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 1100 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 1136 that is configured in a general L-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 1102 depends from a stem flange 1110 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 1110. The sub-girt body 1136 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 1136. The sub-girt body 1136 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes, adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The front flange 1102 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 1110. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 1110 and the front flange 1102 is approximately 90°. The front flange 1102 comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes 1140 defined therein and disposed proximal to the lower end of the front flange 1102 and distal to the front flange upper bend 1135.

Each adhesive-receiving hole 1138 is defined in the front flange 1102 and disposed within a row. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 1138 defines an opening in the front flange 1102 and is in fluid communication with both the front and rear faces of the sub-girt 1100. Some of the adhesive-receiving holes 1138 are arranged in a first adhesive-receiving hole row 1141, which is aligned proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 1102 and distal to the front flange upper bend 1135. Other adhesive-receiving holes 1138 are arranged in a second adhesive-receiving hole row 1142, which is aligned superior to the first adhesive-receiving hole row 1141 and proximal to the inferior end of the front flange 1102 and distal to the front flange superior end and the front flange upper bend 1135. Each adhesive-receiving hole 1138 disposed in the first adhesive-receiving hole row 1141 is offset vertically on the front flange 1102 from each adhesive-receiving hole 1138 disposed in the second adhesive-receiving hole row 1142. The first adhesive-receiving hole row 1141 and the second receiving-hole row 1142 extend substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 1100 from a sub-girt first end 1101 to a sub-girt second end 1103.

If a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 1100, then adhesive can be applied to the front face of the front flange 102 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 1138 and pressed therein. When applied to the sub-girt 1100, the adhesive can move through the adhesive-receiving holes 1138 disposed in the front flange 1102 and tend to mushroom or spread out over the rear face of the front flange 1102.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the sub-girt 1100 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 1160 aligned in a row extending along substantially the entire length of the sub-girt 1100 from the sub-girt first end 1101 to the sub-girt second end 1103. Each stem flange vent hole 1161 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the stem flange 1110 and aligned proximal to the front flange upper bend 1135 and distal to the stem flange rear end.

As shown in FIG. 23C, an exterior wall system assembly 1170 can comprise the sub-girt 1100. The exterior wall system assembly 1170 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 1170 is installed. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 1170. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 1100 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 1110 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 1110 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 1102 depends downward from the stem flange 1110 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 1102 of the sub-girt 1100 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 1170 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 1170. Air and moisture can flow downward through the stem flange vent holes 1161 within the ventilation cavity 186.

FIGS. 24A-24F illustrate a sub-girt 1200 that can be used in exterior wall system assemblies, such as, for example, an exterior wall system assembly 1270, and which encompasses aspects of the present disclosure. The sub-girt 1200 comprises an elongated sub-girt body 1236 that is configured in a general L-shape, two-flange arrangement in which a front flange 1202 depends from a stem flange 1210 and is disposed generally perpendicular to the stem flange 1210. The sub-girt body 1236 is a unitary body with each component thereof integrally formed with the rest of the sub-girt body 1236. The sub-girt body 1236 is unitary with a general constant cross-section interrupted by various vent holes, adhesive-receiving holes defined in components thereof.

The front flange 1202 is aligned generally perpendicular to the stem flange 1210. The angle of alignment between the stem flange 1210 and the front flange 1202 is approximately 90°. The front flange 1202 comprises a front flange first ply 1204 and a front flange second ply 1206. The front flange first ply 1204 is aligned anterior to the front flange second ply 1206 and connected thereto by front flange lower bend 1228. A front flange gap 1216 is formed between the front flange first ply 1204 and the front flange second ply 1206. Each of the front flange first ply 1204 and the front flange second ply 1206 are generally flat.

A plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 1242 is disposed proximal to the lower end and the front flange lower bend 1228 of the front flange 1202 and distal to the front flange upper bend 1230. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 1238 is defined in the front flange first ply 1204 and disposed in either a front upper adhesive-receiving hole row 1240 or a front lower adhesive-hole row 1241. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 1238 defines an opening in the front flange first ply 1204 and is in fluid communication with both the front face of the sub-girt 1200 and the front flange gap 1216. Each front adhesive-receiving hole 1238 disposed in the front upper adhesive-receiving hole group 1240 is aligned vertically offset on the front flange first ply 1205 from each front adhesive-receiving hole 1238 disposed in the front lower adhesive-receiving hole group 1241. As shown in FIGS. 24A, the plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes 1242, the front upper adhesive-receiving hole rows 1240, and the front lower adhesive-receiving hole row 1241 extend along substantially the entire length of the front flange first ply 1204 from the sub-girt first end 1201 to the sub-girt second end 1203.

The sub-girt 1200 also comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes 1246 defined in the front flange second ply 1206 proximal to the front flange lower bend 1228 and the lower end of the front flange 1202, and distal to the stem flange 1210. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 1244 is aligned in either a rear upper adhesive-receiving row 1247 or a rear lower adhesive-receiving row 1249 and horizontally offset from and non-axial to each front adhesive-receiving hole 1238. As shown in FIGS. 24D, each rear adhesive-receiving hole 1244 is aligned offset with a front adhesive-receiving hole 1238, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole 1244 partially overlaps a front adhesive-receiving hole 1238. Each rear adhesive-receiving hole 1244 is fluid communication with the rear face of the front flange 1202, the front flange gap 1216, and one or more front adhesive-receiving holes 1238.

As shown in FIGS. 24E and 24F, if a structural component, such as a cladding panel 188, is to be mounted on the sub-girt 1200, then adhesive 160 can be applied to the front face of the front flange first ply 1204 and the front adhesive-receiving holes 1238 and pressed into the front flange gap 1216. The adhesive 160 can spread within the front flange gap 1216 as pressure is applied to the adhesive 160. When applied to the sub-girt 1200, the adhesive 160 can move through the rear adhesive-receiving holes 1244 disposed in the front flange second ply 1206 and tend to mushroom or spread out of the rear adhesive-receiving holes 1244 along the rear face of the front flange second ply 1206. With the rear adhesive-receiving holes 1244 being offset from the front adhesive-receiving holes 1238, the adhesive 160 will tend to move horizontally and/or vertically within the front flange gap 1216 to reach the rear adhesive-receiving holes 1244 in the front flange second ply 1206. Once the adhesive 160 sets, the area of contact between the adhesive 160 and the front flange 1202 can potentially include adhesive/front flange contact along the front face and rear face of the front flange first ply 1204 and the front face and rear face of the front flange second ply 1206. Such area of contact can potentially be greater than if the front flange 1202 comprised only one ply and/or if the front adhesive-receiving holes 138 and the rear adhesive-receiving holes 1244 were aligned axially along an axis extending perpendicular to both the front flange first ply 1204 and the front flange second ply 1206.

As shown in FIGS. 24C, the sub-girt 1200 also comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes 1265, which comprises stem flange first ply vent holes 1261, defined in the stem flange first ply 1212, and stem flange second ply vent holes 1263, defined in the stem flange second ply 1214. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 1261 is vertically axially aligned with a stem flange second ply vent hole 1263. Each stem flange first ply vent hole 1261 and stem flange second ply vent hole 1263 is in fluid communication with the superior and inferior faces of the stem flange 1210 and aligned proximal to the front flange bend 1230 and distal to the stem flange first end 1224 and the stem flange second end 1226.

As shown in FIG. 24F, an exterior wall system assembly 1270 can comprise the sub-girt 1200. The exterior wall system assembly 1270 comprises a substrate 172 of the building upon which the exterior wall system assembly 1270 is installed. A sheathing layer 174 is mounted on the substrate 172. An air and water-resistant barrier 176 is installed on the sheathing layer 174 and can provide a barrier that has the potential to inhibit and/or prevent the inward penetration of air and/or water therethrough to the sheathing layer 174. A plurality of thermal isolators 182 are mounted on the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 and aligned anterior to the air and water-resistant barrier 176. A thermal bracket 184 is mounted to the sheathing layer 174 and/or substrate 172 by one or more fasteners and cooperates with the thermal isolators 182 to potentially reduce the transfer of heat through the layers and components of the exterior wall system assembly 1170. An insulation layer 178 is mounted adjacent the air and water-resistant barrier 176. The sub-girt 1200 is mounted to the thermal bracket 184, whereby the stem flange 1210 is engaged by the thermal bracket 184 and aligned in a generally horizontal alignment and perpendicular to the substrate 172. The stem flange 1210 extends outward beyond the outer face of the insulation layer 178 and the front flange 1202 depends downward from the stem flange 1210 and is aligned generally parallel to the substrate 172 and the outer face of the insulation layer 178. A cladding panel 188 is mounted to the front flange 1102 of the sub-girt 1100 by adhesive and/or one or more fasteners, not shown. The front face 190 of the exterior wall system assembly 1270 is aligned at the outer face of the cladding panel 188. The cladding panel 188 is spaced apart from and aligned generally parallel to the outer face of the insulation layer 178. The cladding panel 188 and the insulation layer 178 cooperate to define a ventilation cavity 186 within the interior of the wall system assembly 1170. Air and moisture can flow downward through the stem flange vent holes 1261 within the ventilation cavity 186.

The present disclosure encompasses sub-girts that comprise one or more features of the sub-girts illustrated herein combined with one or more features of one or more other sub-girts described herein.

The sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 can comprise a metal and/or a fiber-reinforced polymer. In one aspect, the metal can be selected from steel or aluminum. In another aspect, the sub-girt can comprise, consist essentially of, and/or consist of steel. In a further aspect, the sub-girt can comprise, consist essentially of, and/or consist of steel coated with a fire-resistant material. In yet another aspect, the sub-girt can comprise, consist essentially of, and/or consist of steel coated with a coating comprising zinc, aluminum and/or magnesium. Sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 can be formed of steel, which exhibits a higher melting point in the range of about 1371° C. to about 1537° C., which is greater than the melting points exhibited by aluminum and fiber-reinforced polymers, and a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than that of aluminum. Sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 formed of steel have the potential to enhance the ability to resist flame spread, to minimize ghosting and/or to reduce the probability of visual and/or structural failures.

The sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can be unitary in construction, whereby the sub-girt bodies are formed as a single unit with each component thereof integrally formed with every other component thereof. The sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can be formed via a pultrusion process or an extrusion process. The sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 also can be formed by applying a metal strip, such as a steel strip, to a roll-former machine from slit-to-width and using an integrated punch press to form the vent holes therein. Clenching, welding, or other forms of combining more than one ply of material during the roll-forming process during or after the forming step. The sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can be formed by forming flat patterns in a steel sheet on a turret press, followed by forming of the sub-girt bodies on a brake press or folder. The sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can have an intumescent coating applied thereto to enhance the fire-resistance of the sub-girt bodies.

The vent holes and the adhesive-receiving holes disclosed as defined in the components of the sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can be provided in the shape of circles, squares, triangles, ellipses, semi-circles, elongated slots, or any other shape, and positioned in any arrangement. The vent holes and the adhesive-receiving holes disclosed as defined in the components of the sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can be formed by punching, drilling, fusion welding, or other known processes. The gaps and chambers formed in the sub-girt bodies 136, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736, 836, 936, 1005, 1007, 1136, and 1236 can be filled partially or completely with one or more insulative and/or fire-resistant materials, such as rock mineral wool.

The sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 can exhibit lengths, as measured from the respective sub-girt first side to the sub-girt second side, in a range of about 10 cm to about 730 cm. In another aspect, the sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 can exhibit lengths, as measured from the respective sub-girt first side to the sub-girt second side, in a range of about 10 cm to about 366 cm. In still another aspect, the sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 can exhibit lengths, as measured from the respective sub-girt first side to the sub-girt second side, in a range of about 243 cm to about 366 cm. In a further aspect, the sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 can exhibit lengths, as measured from the respective sub-girt first side to the sub-girt second side, of about 305 cm.

Adhesives and/or coatings can be applied to any portion of the sub-girts 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 of the present disclosure for the purpose of bonding, strength enhancement, thermal performance enhancement, to impart intumescent fireblocking features, or any other known purpose. As an example, a rubberized coating, can be applied in a sputtering process to the surface of the sub-girt which contacts the sheathing or cladding material.

The embodiments set forth herein are provided to illustrate, not limit, the scope of the present disclosure. Alternative combinations and modifications of the features disclosed herein are contemplated by the present disclosure. Alternatives, variations, and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art are encompassed by the present disclosure.

The present disclosure encompasses, but is not limited to, the following examples:

• • 1. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising:
    • a sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange, and a chord, wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes.
  • 2. The sub-girt of example 1, wherein the chord is aligned parallel to the stem flange.
  • 3. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-2, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a plurality of teeth.
  • 4. The sub-girt of example 3, wherein the plurality of teeth is formed on the chord.
  • 5. The sub-girt of example 4, wherein the plurality of teeth is aligned co-linear with the chord.
  • 6. The sub-girt of example 5, wherein the plurality of teeth is aligned parallel to the stem flange.
  • 7. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-6, wherein the stem flange comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes formed therein.
  • 8. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-7, wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes.
  • 9. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the adhesive-receiving holes are aligned in an adhesive-receiving hole row.
  • 10. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-8, wherein the adhesive receiving holes are aligned in adhesive-hole group.
  • 11. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-10, wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of striations formed therein.
  • 12. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-11, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply.
  • 13. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-12, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply.
  • 14. The sub-girt of any one of examples 13, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes.
  • 15. The sub-girt of example 14, wherein the front flange second ply comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes.
  • 16. The sub-girt of example 15, wherein each front adhesive-receiving hole is aligned offset from each rear adhesive-receiving hole.
  • 17. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-16, wherein the front flange is aligned perpendicular to the stem flange.
  • 18. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-17, wherein the chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange.
  • 19. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-18, wherein the chord is aligned oblique to the front flange.
  • 20. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-19, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a chamber, and wherein the plurality of chord vent holes is in fluid communication with the chamber.
  • 21. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-20, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a second chord, and wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes.
  • 22. The sub-girt of example 21, wherein the plurality of second chord vent holes is in fluid communication with the chamber and the plurality of chord vent holes.
  • 23. The sub-girt of any one of examples 21-22, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the front flange.
  • 24. The sub-girt of any one of examples 21-23, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange.
  • 25. The sub-girt of any one of examples 21-24, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the chord.
  • 26. The sub-girt of any one of examples 21-25, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a third chord, wherein the third chord comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes, and wherein the plurality of third chord vent holes is in fluid communication with the chamber, the plurality of chord vent holes, and the plurality of second chord vent holes.
  • 27. The sub-girt of example 26, wherein the sub-girt comprises a second chamber, wherein the third chord vent holes, the second chord vent holes, the chord vent holes, and the chamber are in fluid communication with the second chamber.
  • 28. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-11, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a chord lip depending from the chord.
  • 29. The sub-girt of any one of examples 1-11, comprising a second sub-girt body engaged with the sub-girt body, wherein the second sub-girt body comprises a second stem flange, a second chord connected to the second stem flange, a mid flange connected to the second chord, a jaw connected to the mid flange by a jaw bend, a third chord connected to the second stem flange, and a rear flange connected to the third chord, wherein the mid flange, the rear flange, the jaw comprise a plurality of teeth-receiving holes.
  • 30. The sub-girt of example 289 wherein the second chord and the third chord comprise a plurality of chord vent holes.
  • 31. The sub-girt of any one of examples 29-30, wherein the second stem flange comprises a plurality of second stem flange vent holes.
  • 32. The sub-girt of any one of examples 29-31, wherein the plurality of teeth of the sub-girt body are aligned in the plurality of teeth-receiving holes.
  • 33. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising:
    • a sub-girt body comprising a stem flange and a front flange depending from the stem flange, and wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes.
  • 34. The sub-girt of examples 33, wherein the adhesive-receiving holes are aligned in an adhesive-receiving hole row.
  • 35. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-34, wherein the adhesive receiving holes are aligned in adhesive-hole group.
  • 36. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-35, wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of striations formed therein.
  • 37. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-36, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply.
  • 38. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-37, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply.
  • 39. The sub-girt of any one of examples 38, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes.
  • 40. The sub-girt of example 38-39, wherein the front flange second ply comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes.
  • 41. The sub-girt of example 40, wherein each front adhesive-receiving hole is aligned offset from each rear adhesive-receiving hole.
  • 42. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-41, wherein the front flange is aligned perpendicular to the stem flange.
  • 43. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-42, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a chord.
  • 44. The sub-girt of example 43, wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes.
  • 45. The sub-girt of any one of examples 43-44, wherein the chord is aligned parallel to the stem flange.
  • 46. The sub-girt of any one of examples 43-45, wherein the chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange.
  • 47. The sub-girt of any one of examples 43-46, wherein the chord is aligned oblique to the front flange.
  • 48. The sub-girt of any one of examples 44-47, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a chamber, and wherein the plurality of chord vent holes is in fluid communication with the chamber.
  • 49. The sub-girt of any one of examples 44-48, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a second chord, and wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes.
  • 50. The sub-girt of example 49, wherein the plurality of second chord vent holes is in fluid communication with the chamber and the plurality of chord vent holes.
  • 51. The sub-girt of any one of examples 49-50, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the front flange.
  • 52. The sub-girt of any one of examples 49-51, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange.
  • 53. The sub-girt of any one of examples 49-52, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the chord.
  • 54. The sub-girt of any one of examples 49-53, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a third chord, wherein the third chord comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes, and wherein the plurality of third chord vent holes is in fluid communication with the chamber, the plurality of chord vent holes, and the plurality of second chord vent holes.
  • 55. The sub-girt of example 54, wherein the sub-girt comprises a second chamber, wherein the third chord vent holes, the second chord vent holes, the chord vent holes, and the chamber are in fluid communication with the second chamber.
  • 56. The sub-girt of any one of examples 43-55, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a chord lip depending from the chord.
  • 57. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-56, comprising a second sub-girt body engaged with the sub-girt body, wherein the second sub-girt body comprises a second stem flange, a second chord connected to the second stem flange, a mid flange connected to the second chord, a jaw connected to the mid flange by a jaw bend, a third chord connected to the second stem flange, and a rear flange connected to the third chord, wherein the mid flange, the rear flange, and the jaw comprise a plurality of teeth-receiving holes.
  • 58. The sub-girt of example 57, wherein the second chord and the third chord comprise a plurality of chord vent holes.
  • 59. The sub-girt of any one of examples 57-58, wherein the second stem flange comprises a plurality of second stem flange vent holes.
  • 60. The sub-girt of example 33-59, wherein sub-girt body comprises a plurality of teeth.
  • 61. The sub-girt of example 60, wherein the plurality of teeth is aligned co-linear with a chord.
  • 62. The sub-girt of any one of examples 60-61, wherein the plurality of teeth is aligned parallel to the stem flange.
  • 63. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-62, wherein the stem flange comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes formed therein.
  • 64. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-63, wherein the sub-girt body is unitary.
  • 65. The sub-girt of any one of examples 33-64, wherein the sub-girt body is elongated.
  • 66. The sub-girt of any of one of examples 33-65, wherein the sub-girt body comprises steel.
  • 67. The sub-girt of example 66, wherein the sub-girt comprises a coating comprising zinc, aluminum, and magnesium.

Claims

1. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange, and a chord, and wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes.

2. The sub-girt of claim 1, wherein the chord is aligned parallel to the stem flange.

3. The sub-girt of claim 2, wherein the elongate sub-girt body comprises a chord lip, wherein the chord lip is connected to the chord, and wherein the chord lip is aligned parallel to the front flange.

4. The sub-girt of claim 2, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a plurality of teeth.

5. The sub-girt of claim 4, wherein the plurality of teeth are connected to the chord.

6. The sub-girt of claim 1, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a chamber, and wherein the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber.

7. The sub-girt of claim 1, wherein the stem flange comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication with the chord vent holes.

8. The sub-girt of claim 7, wherein each stem flange vent hole is aligned offset from each chord vent hole.

9. The sub-girt of claim 1, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply.

10. The sub-girt of claim 9, wherein the stem flange first ply comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication the chord vent holes.

11. The sub-girt of claim 10, wherein each stem flange vent hole is aligned offset from each chord vent hole.

12. The sub-girt of claim 1, wherein the front flange is aligned perpendicular to the stem flange.

13. The sub-girt of claim 12, wherein the chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange and the front flange.

14. The sub-girt of claim 1, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a second chord and a chamber, wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes, and wherein the second chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes.

15. The sub-girt of claim 14, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange, the front flange, and the chord.

16. The sub-girt of claim 14, wherein the second chord is aligned parallel to the chord.

17. The sub-girt of claim 14, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a second chamber, and wherein the second chord vent holes, the chord vent holes, and the chamber are in fluid communication with the second chamber.

18. The sub-girt of claim 14, wherein each second chord vent hole is aligned offset from each chord vent holes.

19. The sub-girt of claim 17, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a third chord, wherein the third chord comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes, and wherein the third chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber, the chord vent holes, the second chamber, and the second chord vent holes.

20. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange aligned perpendicular to the stem flange, a chamber, and a chord, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply, wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes, and wherein the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber.

21. The sub-girt of claim 20, wherein the chord is aligned oblique to the stem flange and the front flange.

22. The sub-girt of claim 20, wherein the stem flange first ply comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes.

23. The sub-girt of claim 22, wherein each stem flange vent hole is aligned offset from each chord vent hole.

24. The sub-girt of claim 20, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a second chord, wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes, and wherein the second chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes.

25. The sub-girt of claim 24, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a second chamber, and wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the chord vent holes, the chamber, and the second chord vent holes.

26. The sub-girt of claim 25, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a third chord, wherein the third chord comprises a plurality of third chord vent holes, and wherein the third chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the second chamber, the second chord vent holes, the chamber, and the chord vent holes.

27. The sub-girt of claim 26, wherein the sub-girt body comprises a fourth chord, wherein the fourth chord comprises a plurality of fourth chord vent holes, and wherein the fourth chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the second chamber, the third chord vent holes, the second chord vent holes, the chamber, and the chord vent holes.

28. The sub-girt of claim 20, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises steel.

29. The sub-girt of claim 28, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a coating comprising zinc, aluminum, and magnesium.

30. The sub-girt of claim 25, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of striations.

31. The sub-girt of claim 30, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes.

32. The sub-girt of claim 31, wherein the front flange second ply comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes.

33. The sub-girt of claim 32, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole is aligned offset from each front adhesive-receiving hole.

34. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange aligned perpendicular to the stem flange, a chamber, and a chord aligned oblique to the front flange and the stem flange, wherein the stem flange comprises a stem flange first ply and a stem flange second ply, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply, wherein the chord comprises a plurality of chord vent holes, and wherein the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber.

35. The sub-girt of claim 34, wherein the stem flange first ply comprises a plurality of stem flange vent holes, and wherein the stem flange vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes.

36. The sub-girt of claim 35, wherein each stem flange vent hole is aligned offset from each chord vent hole.

37. The sub-girt of claim 34, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a second chord, wherein the second chord comprises a plurality of second chord vent holes, and wherein the second chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the chamber and the chord vent holes.

38. The sub-girt of claim 37, wherein the second chord is aligned oblique to the chord.

39. The sub-girt of claim 34, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a second chamber, wherein the second chord vent holes, the chamber and the chord vent holes are in fluid communication with the second chamber.

40. The sub-girt of claim 34, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises steel.

41. The sub-girt of claim 40, wherein the elongated sub-girt comprises a coating comprising zinc, aluminum and magnesium.

42. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange depending from the stem flange, and wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of adhesive-receiving holes.

43. The sub-girt of claim 42, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply.

44. The sub-girt of claim 43, wherein the plurality of adhesive-receiving holes comprises a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes defined in the front flange first ply.

45. The sub-girt of claim 44, wherein the plurality of adhesive-receiving holes comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes defined in the front flange second ply.

46. The sub-girt of claim 45, wherein each rear adhesive-receiving hole is aligned offset from each front adhesive-receiving hole.

47. The sub-girt of claim 42, wherein the front flange comprises a plurality of striations.

48. The sub-girt of claim 44, wherein the front adhesive-receiving holes are disposed in an upper adhesive-receiving hole row and in a lower adhesive-receiving hole row.

49. The sub-girt of claim 42, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises steel.

50. A sub-girt for mounting a component of an exterior wall system assembly, the sub-girt comprising: an elongated sub-girt body comprising a stem flange, a front flange aligned perpendicular to the stem flange, wherein the front flange comprises a front flange first ply and a front flange second ply, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of front adhesive-receiving holes, and wherein the front flange second ply comprises a plurality of rear adhesive-receiving holes.

51. The sub-girt of claim 50, wherein each front adhesive-receiving hole is aligned offset from each rear adhesive-receiving hole.

52. The sub-girt of claim 50, wherein the front flange first ply comprises a plurality of striations.

53. The sub-girt of claim 50, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises steel.

54. The sub-girt of claim 53, wherein the elongated sub-girt body comprises a coating comprising zinc, aluminum and magnesium.