N. EXTERIOR FINISHES

Virtually any finish material can be attached to SmartBlockPlus walls through either a mechanical or adhesive bonding method. If the SmartBlockPlus walls have been exposed to the sunshine for an extended period of time, they may develop a coating of oxidation that must be removed prior to applying any finish that requires physical bonding to the foam. This coating is powdery to the touch and often yellow in color, but does not reflect a defect in the forms. It is simply removed with a stiff brush and can be washed off with water to provide a clean substrate for the finish material to be applied.

1. Waterproofing

   SmartBlockPlus is not waterproof and must be waterproofed for below grade applications. Accordingly, we recommend a 60-mil peel-and-stick waterproofing membrane, such as Protecto Wrap®, which provides an overlapping seam and a uniform barrier for waterproofing SmartBlockPlus basements.

   We also recommend the Platon® foundation protector, a dimpled high-density polyethylene sheeting material that is mechanically attached to the SmartBlockPlus wall with their patented clips.

   Other waterproofing coatings may be applied to SmartBlockPlus walls as long as they are compatible with polystyrene and do not have mineral spirits in sufficient quantities to erode the foam. Check with the manufacturer before applying any of these coatings.

   Whatever waterproofing system is used, it is important that it is protected during backfilling so as not to breach the system.

2. Siding

   Any type of vinyl, wood, metal, or cement board siding can be attached to SmartBlockPlus walls directly to the attachment studs.

3. Brick, Stone, and Masonry

   Brick and other masonry ties can be mechanically attached directly to the attachment studs to allow for the secure attachment of any type of brick, stone, or masonry veneer. There are a variety of methods to create and incorporate a brick ledge into a SmartBlockPlus wall that will support a complete veneer of any size. Refer to the Installation Manual or consult with a SmartBlockPlus Representative to determine the best method for your project.

4. Stucco and EIFS

   Traditional stuccos are attached to SmartBlockPlus walls by attaching the lath directly to the attachment studs and adding whatever additional coatings are required by the manufacturer.

   SmartBlockPlus also provides the ideal substrate for synthetic acrylic coatings, also known as EIFS (exterior insulating finishing systems), as our walls do not have wood, or the cavities that collect the damaging moisture so common to the problems associated with EIFS and wood-framed structures.