Which wall system is appropriate: ICF or double-stud 2×10 with full height veneer stone?
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I have a client who wants a thick wall construction with full height veneer stone that comes “right out the ground”, so there is no typical foundation to siding detail. This is in zone 5 Canada and I am concerned about building a wood framed wall because I can’t really seem to come up with a good detail to vent the cavity I think I need to install behind the stone. Any ideas out there? I am thinking icf is the best way to go but I am open to suggestions.
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Replies
Marty,
Under the circumstances, an ICF wall makes sense -- as long as the ICF manufacturer can provide details or recommendations for using stone veneer over ICFs.
Thank you for confirming what my gut was telling me. Though a person could detail a wood frame wall doesn't mean they should.
I concur. ICF would be the best solution for this detail. Veneer stones or even real stones will always wick water and putting wood BELOW ground soil level is a recipe for problems. Add the two and you will have problems. ICF would be best and putting metal lathe on ICF is simple as they make special anchors that go into the plastic attachment strips every 8" oc (Nudura forms). The stones then get mortar and attach directly to the exterior ICF foam, easy cheesy.
How far are the veneer stones going under grade? I would just make sure the transition area where the stones start is grouted properly.
The stones are about 2" below grade.