Here is what we have in mind.
The pic shows an exterior wainscot done on typical wood frame construction sitting atop an ICF foundation. 2.5″ EPS foam boardstock fixes to the sheathing so a stucco finish can go on the wainscot surface.
That surface flushes up with the ICF below, so the stucco finish continues to a little below grade. Below that, and not shown, the ICF wall is given a waterproofing membrane down to footing.
If you know these EIFS products and systems (Sto, Dryvit, Parex, etc.), what combinations of troweled-on-with-mesh products are right for this, when the goal is to go to below grade?
Ignore the skippy file, which I attached by mistake.
Replies
(I'm always impressed by your Sketchup skills)
It's a good question, that I don't have an answer to. I don't really think there is any great difference between the different brands, but it might be worthwhile to see what the manufacturers have to say about placing below grade.
As I think about it, I'd be inclined to set my sill out to the edge of the ICF foam., and run my waterproofing membrane up the studwall to above grade-the out-of plane condition would be below grade (but I betcha' your gonna say the grade isn't the same around the building!!)
EFIS sheds water just fine, but I wouldn't want to rely on it when it's buried in dirt for x number of years. Just my 2c worth, though.
How's the termite population in your area?
Stucco should not be placed below grade because the critters have a grand old time as they sneak up into the voids to snack on the innards.
Complete cottage industry has evolved just to cut back existing on and below grade stucco to repair or forestall structural destruction.
We have no termites, but we still have skiing on the mountain!
Temps to -40F in wintertime discourage the little bugs. Frostline is down at five feet and more.
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"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
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is it just me or does placing the mud sill below grade feel like a bad idea?
The problem with that is your drainage plane, or lack thereof. Dryvit got a seriously bad name awhile back due to instalations that did not do the drainage plane behind the foam correctly, especially the bottom details where entrapped water is allowed to drain out.
I suppose you could make a drainage system below the grade where the water would drain, but I would talk to the factory first.
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
down here in termite country the EIFS below grade was an express lane for termites. The better looking fixes that I've seen have had any of the textured waterproofing finishes applied to the CC or CMU foundation walls up to a water table band of either wood or built up EIFS and then EIFS above that. Sorry but I don't have any brands names off the top of my head. From all that I've been reading is that the termites are moving a little further North with deeper colonies every year.
Having soil above the the top of the foundation would be a no-go as well.
Edited 3/20/2009 9:21 pm ET by john7g
two major concerns pop their heads up like woodchucks in s field come spring.
One is the pathway for carpenter ants or other bugs into the house, depending on what shielding you provide against them. I run my stucco all the way down and then water proof that below grade on ICFs
I don't see a way to incorporate a copper flashing shield into that necesarily.
The other concern is that it is my understanding that all EIFS systems now require a drainage plane behind the foam. You don't show any consideration for that.
Beyond that, it is just plain bad idea to have the sill below grade. Wanna say why?
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I just dug up the code on EIFS and you're right, drain plane mandated as well as terminaiton 6" above finished grade. 703.9 is the ref if you're interested.
Gene,
Seeing some of the things you bring here, I cannot even believe that you would present this drawing here.
It's just wrong in so many ways.
Perhaps you can enlighten us as to why the mudsill needs to be below grade.
EIFS is against my religion.
Never again.
Jeff
To add...
You might want to check with your insurance carrier.
Mine specifically excludes EIFS.
I know how to do it but I'm not covered for whatever might go wrong.
Even if I did have the coverage the customer could have the toilet overflow and blame the water damage on EIFS and you can bet your bippy I'd have to eat it.