Insulated sheathing panel and methods for use and manufacture thereof

A panel system to externally envelope a structure, the system comprising:

• a. at least two adjacent panels, each panel including an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one edge extending therebetween, each panel aligned with its at least one edge proximate to the at least one edge of the adjacent panel and defining a longitudinal joint between the two adjacent panels;
• b. a barrier layer secured to at least the outward facing surface of each panel, the barrier layer being substantially bulk water resistant and substantially water vapor permeable;
• c. an insulation layer secured to the inward facing surface of said panel;
• and
• d. a bulk water resistant edge sealant sealing the joint between the proximate edges of the adjacent panels;
• wherein the panel system exhibits at least the minimum allowable shear capacity (pounds per linear feet (plf)) for braced wall panels constructed according to method 3 described in 2006 International Building Code (IBC) Section 2308.9.3, and as determined in accordance with 2006 IBC and International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Acceptance Criteria 269 (AC269).