From: J & D Goldman (jmgoldma_at_dwx.com)
Date: 10/09/02
Message-ID: <001c01c27009$b8e7a2c0$22dececf@gateway> From: "J & D Goldman" <jmgoldma_at_dwx.com> Subject: Re: coating styrofoam Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2002 22:04:15 -0500
> I recently saw a product made to apply to the surface of extruded
> styrofoam insulation, often used around basements. Its a concrete
> like material, intended to protect the styrofoam from bangs and
> gouges. Comes in a 5 gallon can (at Menards) to which one adds
water.
> Has anyone worked with something like this for a dome? Foam
panels
> with this material on top as a stucco? Would it help support and
> protect the panels, or just weigh them down and make them sag? I
know
> Grailcoat is formulated to be applied to wood. Just
wondered... -Dan
> G.
>
I used a foam form system for my foundation wall. I coated it with
a tar-like substance for water resistence before backfilling around
it. Where it is above ground, it is fairly easily chipped and gouged
so something like this would be nice but I wonder how good it
really is as it seems that with the soft backing it would crack and
chip fairly easily, too. I'd also be interested if anyone has had
experience with it. Do you have a name for the product?
Janet
Yes, I've seen a lot of the tar-like products. I think they are
often applied directly to concrete or stone foundation walls to
prevent moisture intrusion. I didn't know it could be used on
styrofoam.
This stuff is called Instant Foundation Insulation Coating, made by
Stone Mason, sold at Menards in a 50 lb bag for $17. It says it
covers 115 sq ft at 1/16 inch. It would be interesting to know if
this is really anything special, or whether there are comparable
products for less cost, or even whether some garden variety concrete
mix (available for under $2 a bag) would work just as well. I
suspect cracking might be an issue on a dome unless the panels were
*really* rigid. You do get some shrink/swell underground, but there
is usually some moisture, so this stuff might not be formulated to sit
in open air and dry out. Just some guesses there. If anyone has
experience doing any of this, I'd like to hear your comments.
Janet, I've been thinking about using some of those styro blocks
myself - starting as the riser wall for my dome shed. I've looked at
Blue Max and a number of brands. They are all a bit different in terms
of features, but basically all the same idea. Any thoughts to share
on how they were to purchase, use, etc.? Strong and weak points?
Things you'd do differently *next* time...?
-Dan G.