Hello All, Great community, thanks a lot for all of the information that I've gathered so far. Been lurking in the forums for about two years planning our build. Now I am starting on what will probably be the first of many questions. We are building in Thunder Bay, ON. Zone 7. Large south facing hill with a bungalow walkout. Approx 2600 sq ft footprint. I really like ICF but my builder (father in law) is not comfortable going footing to roof. So I will probably end up doing the basement with ICF and building the main floor with a system somewhere inbetween REMOTE and PERSIST. 2x4 walls, no vapour barrier, cellulose in the bays, plywood sheathing, some sort of rigid insulation (eps, pu, etc, not decided), whatever outside covering. My first question is whether or not anybody has any real life experience with the both the window detailing and the long term adherence of the exterior vapour/air barrier products such as blueskin or gracie. My builder is skeptical that the product would adhere over long periods of time in a vertical installation. This combined with some of the issues Joseph Lstibeck (sp?) faced with some of his tests has me nervous with the real life applications of such a building method. I'm aware of using zip, tyveck, and other products as the barrier, but still have the most comfort level with a rubberized style barrier. In theory I love it. Does it work in real life? Any preferences on the product (blueskin, gracie, other) Thanks.

What seems to be the problem with going to roof?

I have the same concerns with any of the peel and stick type products. However they will work and in the long term if applied in ideal conditions and a primer is used. Another way of doing window to wall is to use duct sealant. (same as the tinsmiths use.) What is the concern with all ICF?

Main concern is lack of experience and costs.
Due to my circumstances (family member) stick framed is very cheap.
However, I am too uncomfortable with traditional methods for building basements for it to be 'worth the family discount.'

Thanks for the tip on the duct sealant, I will look into it.

Application of the exterior vapour/air barrier will be in summer. I will check out primer for it.

Thanks!