Hi there,

My impression was that, when you apply the EIFS (like ADEX) over the ICF, there is no need for additional EPS, since the ICF has already the exterior EPS.
I thought that I can save money by not adding additional EPS.
One contractor explained to me that the additional EPS put over the ICF is essential for water drainage, and applying a tight coat of artificial stucco directly over the ICF will fail, mainly arounf windows and doors.
Is the contractor right? Is there anything I can do to save the additional EPS and yet to have a good EIFS installation?

Many thanks!

Find a new installer to start. I have had many stucco contractors tell me that Acrylic Stucco cannot be applied directly to ICF, they are incorrect.

I am not familiar with ADEX, but have used Durock, Dryvit, Synergy and Sto, each is able to go direct on the ICF, call them and ask there tech departments, call your ICF distributor/manufacturer and they will tell you the same.

The only failure around a window/door is how the bucks are done. If I know in advance (which is normally the case) that Acrylic Stucco is being used I makes sure there is no exposed wood in the buck area as it can expand/contract and cause a crack. Make sure you either apply some foam to the wood after the pour or use end caps.

Both are right.

The finish system of EIFS will adhere direclty to the ICF if it is EPS. Correct, Senergy, Sto, Dryvit all have systems that can do this.

But the installer is referring to the incorporation of a water management EIFS. In that case, a moisture resistant barrier would be applied to the ICF, then a layer of EPS foam applied over that to create the internal drainage plane. This would be similar to the Sto Next or Dryvit Outsulation water management systems.

If I choose the solution without the EPS water management EIFS will I have problems in the future? Or is just to find the right installer, which can do the job also without additional EPS? What is the average price of installed acrylic over ICF?

Thanks!