Good read about ICF window buck area weatherproofing test and study from
ICF MagazineThe best module during testing was when the window was attached directly to the concrete area with NO wood buck:
Module #4: Window Sealed Directly to Concrete
Rough Opening
In the fourth sample, the buck was
stripped after the pour, leaving the concrete core exposed. This method
is common to commercial and multi-family multi-story buildings of any
height. A box-framed (equal leg) window was positioned at the exterior
face of the concrete core. Both the interior and exterior face of the
window were sealed with foam backer-rod and silicone sealant directly to
the concrete core.
Since the concrete core is providing
100% protection, no exterior window flashing was required.
This assembly was by far the most successful at resisting water and
air infiltration. After having successfully resisted pressures in
laboratory testing of 104.42 psf [5000 Pa]. the field test module was
successful in resisting air and water infiltration up to pressures of
14.62 psf [700 Pa]. This is extraordinary. This is equivalent to wind
speeds of more than 500 mph, conditions that don’t even exist on this
planet (maybe Jupiter), and the ICF wall/window assembly was proven 100%
tight in such conditions. In the opinion of the author, this is a
game-changer.