4-inch rigid foam applied to exterior, air barrier before vertical concrete?
Hi,
Will apply 4″ rigid foam to exterior of home. If final cladding is to be Decorative Vertical Concrete doe this change how I should attach foam? Meaning, a typical vertical concrete application would have heavy guage tar paper double layer with expanded lath nailed to it. Home is located in region 4A. Would it be necessary to attach foam to exterior wall studs via furring strips, then OSB/Plywood with water barrier, lath, and vertical concrete? That would allow a path of drying behind external concrete and rigid foam. Or if Rigid foam is thick enough to not allow condensation, could the OSB/Plywood substrate for concrete be fastened directly to rigid foam and not create an issue with mold/mildew?
Thanks! Hope I’ve explained my question well enough. 🙂
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Replies
Matt,
I am unfamiliar with the term "decorative vertical concrete." It sounds like a fancy term for thick stucco or adhered manufactured stone.
If you're really just talking about thick stucco or adhered manufactured stone, you should read this article: To Install Stucco Right, Include an Air Gap.
If you are talking about a different type of cladding, please provide more information -- for example, a link or the name of the product manufacturer.
Thanks Martin. That is exactly the info what I was looking for.
Vertical decorative concrete is close to a stucco, close enough for the info you provided. It is a cementous mix applied 1 - 3" thick and carved and stained to look like an unlimited variety of materials. If you are somewhat curious go to Vertical Artisans website and take a look. I have become fascinated by learning this skill namely for my own home, but perhaps as a side business.
I love this forum to tap into all the collective knowledge. It is my wish to retro-super insulate my home and adorn the exterior with the hand carved unique cladding.
Thanks again!