What are the methods and materials available to cover interior ICF walls where there is expected "heavy" impact?  I am trying to determine practical methods to cover interior walls of gymnasiums and hallways for school buildings constructed with ICFs.

had the same issue in regards to underground parking on a condo unit, I think they ended up using the same type of material for the first 4 feet or so (bumper zone) as they use on hockey rink boards. Can't confirm if they did or not but were looking into it.
There is also a 'stucco type' cover that I have heard about that is being used in schools and prisons (no relation between the two!!) that once it sets is almost impossible to penetrate, sorry I can't recall the name, Chris if you are out there what is that product called that you buddy was telling us about at that house warming we were at??? Maybe someone else can chime in too>

Paul Stevens

Paul,

I think Gigacrete makes a product that you are referring to.

Thats the one I was thinking of, thanx
Paul Stevens

I have also heard a lot about gigacrete and there is talk about the product being great. That being said, the last time I inquried about the availability of the product (April 2008) it wasn't available, yet they hoped to have it come out later in the year. If you google the company and look under news nothing comes up. I hope that their product is as good as the marketing says, but I have yet to see or hear significant data that proves it. My intent is not to put down gigacrete, simply relay information.

We are looking at a project that will also require high impact stucco like material. We have created a test block filled with concrete to see how different materials perform. We put on a significant scratch coat followed by a synthetic stucco allowed it to cure, then threw a lacrosse ball at it as hard as we could, unfortunately an indentation was created. We have since screwed a stuco hardi panel to the block and resumed our scientific testing with significantly better results. I would suggest doing the same with gigacrete if possible, before investing significant funds. Granted our "test" was probably a little over the top, but for us we felt it was necessary.

renangle

I dealt with Gigacrete eariler in the year and currently the product is only rated for interior use, they are anticipating having exterior available "in short order". Whatever that means. The product is as tough as nails mind you and I see it having a great impact in the market since damage is minimal compared to acrylic stuccos.

The product Paul and I saw one day was STO, an acrylic stucco put over the original 3 part convention stucco, the contractor used extra heavy mesh in the first 4' impact zones, it helps but is still not the best answer for cars and out of control kids. Look at Gigacrete and if that's not acceptable go with straight concrete.

what is the cost of the product verus drywall and paint?

It seems cool, using the basecoat right over the interior side of the foam. looks really cool. I never liked gymnasium. I was reading the website. gigacrete.com

Will it look good in an interior of a residental home? How about moisture problems between the foam and giga?

I am looking into a home, but I want many things done by myself. If I do not have to drywall, I will be happier, if this product can be installed/sprayed on by me. hehehe.

Don't know if this stuff works on ICF. I was reading about it the other night for a different application. Apparently very impact resistant.

http://www.dragonboard.com/index.php

You might also look at Koncote at (http://www.koncote.com/).

Remember that most codes require foam to be covered with a fire resistive material. (This is true in home basements, too, but I bet a lot of ICF foundations are left exposed...) A stucco layer may not meet this requirement. This might seem counter intuitive as drywall can meet this need, Drywall has within it water "captured" chemically by hydration and fire and heat have to revaporize this water to get through the drywall. Cement plaster (stucco) does not have this quality. Be sure to find out if what your planning meets the fire requirement. Depending on the level of impact expected, check out abuse resistant drywall.

Saigafan, I was in a house in California which had the inside finish the same as the outside using this product and it looked incredible!! Hats off to the installer. Chris may have some pictures and maybe be able to post some.
Paul Stevens

That product Paul is referring to is Dryvit