We are just about to start building an ICF house using FoxBlocks in Kansas City. I'm quite nervous about water proofing and had planned on using the typical peel-and-stick + dimpleboard approach. With that said, I just spoke with a representative at GigaCrete and he was very enthusiastic about StuccoMax and commented that it can be used below grade all the way to the bottom of the ICF. When I asked for details, he said it qualifies as a moisture barrier and has even been used to line swimming pools. I've looked at their technical docs and they do appear legit though they used standards from a variety of countries in them. I've seen anecdotal comments about how very strong it is and how well it adheres to the ICF forms. I've yet to see anyone complain about it at all other than it's not available locally and you have to get it shipped to the job site. My question is this: am I being sucked into the marketing hype or is this really a wonder product? I'd love to have a single step process for the foundation to the roof and avoid the stucco + parging + dimpleboard setup if it's an option. Thanks! -Mike

Mike, I can confirm that StuccoMax has been used on Polycrete ICF swimming pools and has performed perfectly well. Make sure you or your subcontractor knows what they're doing on the application. We are aware of spray-on applications that did not go well during the process,. although the finished product was fine. We do not have first hand knowledge of any projects where it was used below grade on the exterior of occupied spaces in place of waterproofing. Keep checking...