In the South (humid climate) there were problems with EIFS used on lumber construction because the EIFS systems were so air tight that it trapped moisture inside the wall cavities and allowed for: mold growth and rot. I am not sure how a layer of house wrap would alleviate this problem. Anybody?
The same problems do not occur with EIFS or similar systems over ICF walls because of the lack of organic materials that are prone to mold and rot.

Anyone esle have any comments or can shed some more light on this?

Eifs ,like any exterior finish needs to be properly installed. Most manufactures have training programs for their products.,Eifs systems are only as good as the installer, very similar to icf's. Most of the horror stories that surround eif's are a result of improper installation. As a Sto certifeid installer , the phrase that is drummed into all eifs applicators during training is seal the system. What they are saying is without proper details around doors ,windows , and roofs,by using flashings, counter-flashings ,backer-rod and caulking ,the system is not properly installed.This is where most of the problems arise.Eifs systems also suffered from windows that allowed water to migate into the wall cavity. Windows were not a sealed system,beleive it ,or not. The window industry have cleaned this up. The Eifs manufactures have also upgraded their teaching on the importance of proper installation ,which includes a rainshield. This can be peel and stick materials or Tyveck Drainwrap as you mentioned.These products are key to a successful installation. The Eif's manufacture you choose will be able to provide the required detailing that will provide for a trouble free and long lasting installation.These systems should not be feared.Match Eif's with an icf build, it doesn't get much better!

Just an after thought . Most people think that vinyl siding is a weather proof exterior
cadding,it is not. The training and detailing is almost identical to Eif's.


Stacking one block @ a time

Chirp Frog,

Thanks for the input in general, and specifically about Tyvek Drainwrap, which seems to have been specifically designed for exactly this purpose.

SoCalScott,

Not sure that you are aware that Tyvek Drainwrap is not your typical housewrap, in that it has a vertical texture that creates small channels for moisture and air to move through. Also, I do understand that these moisture problems happened in humid and rainy climates like in the South, but that is not my concern or question, since this project is in a semi-arid, low humidity location, hence my specific question about how the product might perform under these conditions.

I was referring to the "reports" that you referenced.....

"There have been many reports of mold/rot/moisture problems with EIFS systems in the past"

What does the issue of EIFS in relation to mold, rot, moisture have to do with ICF or EPS? :

"but I am also posting it here since it has a bit to do with the foam part of ICFs"

Window openings always have to be be properly flashed, sealed, etc., no matter what type of wall you build - an opening in the wall is the weak spot.