We built a house on a lakefront lot in the U.P. of Michigan two years ago. The foundation (full basement) was poured using Nudera foam forms. The system uses a waffle-type drainage barrier between the foam and backfill, but because of the slope of the lot, there is foam exposed above the waffle barrier at the steepest part of the slope. Obviously, I would like to cover this with something to make it more esthetic. We thouight of faux fieldstone, but it would be too expensive. Anyone have any ideas? I was thinking of attaching 1/4″ hardibacker and just painting it. I’d like to hear how others have handled a situation like this.
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Here is a website for one outfit that peddles foam insulation board and covering materials. Haven't used it or heard any feedback, but would like to hear some about this or similar products.
http://styro.net/FoundationandICFCoatings.html
I used Styro's TUFF II to cover my exposed foam on my foundation, troweled it on giving it a smooth stucco look, so far so good, it made it through this winter with no problems. You can order it through Lowes
I usually screw lath into the plastic pieces, skim coat and then attach cultured stone or a veneer. It is pretty expensive if you buy it at retail but i would keep my eyes open for a deal, either through a builder, on ebay, or in the paper. The last stuff I bought came from a builder who had purchased about 60 boxes for a house and then the people changed material... got it all for about a grand including corners and such.
Another idea would be to skim coat with lath and then do a decorative texture troweled on, possibly brushed or textured in some fashion.
Hardi will not last in contact with the ground and water.
Ther eare probably a hundered mix and trowel on types of material for this specific use. Any place that sells ICFs will have some available.
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Another reference:
http://www.bsr-vt.org/vbg/EDUMarch2003final.pdf
On page 13 it discusses options for covering foam insulation, from brush-on stuff to panels of various materials.
Acrylic stucco works for us.
Sand off the dust to smooth foam surface, fill holes with canned foam.
Make sure there is no water trapped in the horizontal seams, and you'll be OK.
Tune,
How many sf do you have?
An Eifs type product might do the trick, and be within budget.
Rasp the foam, apply base coat and mesh and finish with a
finish coat. Various textures are available. It may not be your
ultimate, but its a pretty cost effective solution.
Mclaren