I’m interested in ICF’s.
What’s the best method to waterproof them below grade? I have literature from several vendors and all seem to refer to some magic sheet applied membrane that goes below grade. The catch-22 that I’m seeing is that the WP membrane cannot be exposed to the UV rays, which means you have to stop the waterproofing below grade, which in turn means that water could migrate behind it.
Additionally, since you have to hold siding up 6-8″ to meet the building code, and you don’t want to leave the forms exposed around the base of the building… what is the best way to detail a basement wall w/ ICF’s? Can/should you “parge” or stucco over the ICF & the WP membrane and into the ground? If you do, and you terminate the parging or stucco once you’re below grade, are you asking for problems with water wicking into the stucco?
If anyone has used ICF’s successfully on a tough site that has all the right ingredients for a wet basements, I’d love to hear about how it was detailed, or see some photos. Thanks
Replies
It's pretty much as you described, and yes, it works fine. I've used Reward for 10' of retention at pretty high PSF-equivalent values, and reasonably sure of water behind the wall on occasion, no problem, wall's been there about5 years.
Miradri, a well-made curtain drain, stucco, and you're all set.
All the usual precautions, properly compacted backfill, positive slope away from the house, all common sense.
The one thing I did extra way form a key between the footing and the Reward pour. I'd probably use a vinyl water-stop next time, also.
DRC