Current project looks like it is going to be a slow long haul as funds become available.
This brings up a question I have no experience with.
How long can ICF walls stand exposed to weathering without any protection from the sunlight/weathering issue?
Sales people tell me not to worry they have projects that have sat unfinished and exposed for years with no problems. My “Gut feeling” is that the foam would show signs of deterioration from ultra violet exposure.
Anyone have some help for me?
They can’t get your Goat if you don’t tell them where it is hidden.
Replies
I think your gut may be right.
I have no direct experience with long term exposure of ICFs. Empircal experience from long term exposure of foamboard (blueboard) is that while it does not just crumble apart, it does slowly turn to dust.
I had a unit of 1/2" blueboard set outside for less than 5 months. Everything below the top board was fine. The top board of the banded unit bleached out and was real chalky. Another unit of 1" blueboard was stacked under a porch roof and only exposed to weak winter sunlight durring the morning hours. It showed very minor fading on the top sheet and no chalking what so ever.
Maybe ICF are UV stabilized in some way, but I would want that salesman to back up his claim in writing.
Edited 7/23/2008 12:22 pm ET by DaveRicheson
I don't think it's going to deteriorate enough to hurt it of take away any R-value. You could always cover it w/ something like bituthane if you were worried about it.
I do know that chickens will peck away at it down to the concrete so you'll have to keep'em cooped up.
Dave
dovetail.
I do know that not exposed to UV light My ICF forms were fine for years.. However long term exposure (years) would cause a visable amount of decay and cause problems with adherance of wahtever surface application you apply. Consider covering it with some inexpensive plastic. Go to lumberyards and ask them for the wraps they put on all studs if you want free or buy some cheap tarps or black poly. apply them with wood lathe screwed into the webs like sheet rock is. Is there concrete poured in them already? If so you won't have to worry further. If not what about rust on the rebar?
That is a good question. I have been told in the past by a Dow rep that their product would not deteriorate but. I do know that blue board does fade with exposure to sunlight.