Couple More Questions For ICF Builders

GreginAlaska

What type of exterior cover would you consider to be the least expensive (in material costs) for an ICF wall?

What type do you consider to be the fastest to install?

Thanks in advance!

Chris Johnson

1. Vinyl Siding
2. Most Architectural Coatings (Acrylic Stucco)
3. Standard Masonary Brick
3.1 Architecural Coatings with Trims
4. Cultured Stone

You could use standard 3 coat stucco, but something tells me Alaska is not a good place to do this. Hardi Plank is one as well, I don't now it's price point though.

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Chris

sawyerEd

Greginalaska, Simple question but not so simple answer. Most of the ICF systems have plastic screw plates on 8 inch or 12 in centers imbedded in the foam inside and outside and they should be clearly marked. But I know of at least one contractor who had trouble finding them or cutting siding material to fit and end on the plates. Most say it is not a problem except for the fact that you usually have to install housewrap or membrane (for below grade foam) and your attachment points are concealed. Some builders skip the membrane but I don't think that would be acceptable where you and I live, polystyrene and urethane loose much of their thermal resistance if saturated or the joints leak. Providing capillary breaks in walls is code in British Columbia since 2004.
So strap your walls and install house wrap over it above grade. Try to keep track of your attachment points at the top and bottom below grade and line them up as you stack the blocks. Hardi plank is good and uses recycled plastics. I would use red cedar in the northwest. Stucco below grade. Post a picture of your choice.

GreginAlaska

I'm kinda late, but thanks for the replies guys!

I have another. Let's say you build the ICF walls and then don't have the money to put siding or whatever on it until the next summer, what would you do to protect the foam? Or would you just make darn sure you have the money first?

Oh Ed, just noticed you live in B.C....I've gone through many times. Never been to another place that has so many animals!. We always enjoy watching them as we go by.

joasis

If you paint them to protect the surface from UV exposure, you would be fine. Keep in mind you may compromise the exterior system if you do this....like the acrylic stucco. For brick or siding, it would not matter.

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Chris Johnson

You're suppose to cover it within 30 days, no one does on Custom or Commercial. I have seen it exposed for 1 1/2 years without protection, it was brushed off (yellow residue from the exposure) and then covered, no problems.

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Chris

GreginAlaska

Thanks guys, so I guess no problems with water absorption? Hmmm I guess when it is made into a cup, nothing gets out of it...so probably not ey?

mics_54

Greg...yer in ALASKA...use a BLUE TARP!

GreginAlaska

I've thought of that mic...it is our most common siding material. heh