ICF cladding : fiber cement vs Aluminium

[MariaD]

Hi,

I'm researching the best cladding for an ICF structure covered with a membrane. My priorities are in order:

1. Low maintenance
2. Durability (at least 50 years)
3. Ease of installation
4. Pricing

5. Aesthetic

From what I've read, fiber cement and aluminum cladding seem to be the best choices. I'm leaning towards fiber cement because it's more affordable and I might prefer its aesthetic (based on what I've seen). Additionally, there shouldn't be any risk of discoloration.

I understand that the main downside of fiber cement compared to aluminum is its weight.

My questions are:

1. Would the difference in weight significantly impact the stability of the house, require a stronger foundation, or be more prone to loosening from the facade in the future?
2. Have you quoted both options, and what was the actual difference in pricing when labor was included?
3. Is aluminum cladding simpler to install?

4. Would the installation of both be compatible with having wrapped the ICF walls with a membrane?
4. Do you have any real experience with either of these materials that you could share?
5. If you seriously considered them when building your house but opted for something different, what were the reasons?

 

Not sure if it may affect your response, but the house I designed is a 3-storey (the last storey is the attic made livable) with a mono pitch roof. The perimeter is 6.8m x 14.8m, with walls 5.7m high at the back and 9.6m at the front.

 

Edited December 10 by MariaD

[Mr Punter]

If you have room on the foundation, brickwork or rendered blockwork can be cheaper than cladding and should meet all your priorities.

[MariaD]

32 minutes ago, Mr Punter said:

If you have room on the foundation, brickwork or rendered blockwork can be cheaper than cladding and should meet all your priorities.

Thanks for your reply. I have a few questions regarding your response, and forgive my ignorance in advance if I'm going to ask something silly:

1. What would be the advantage of rendered blockwork compared to applying the render directly on the ICF?

2. Doesn't render normally last 30 years or less?

3. Is brickwork really cheaper than fiber cement or aluminum cladding? My understanding is that fiber cement may cost about £50 per sqm while aluminum is £70 per sqm, including installation. How much do you expect brickwork to cost?

4. How would you anchor the brick wall? Using something like in the video below? If so, wouldn't this method create a lot of thermal bridges and allow water to contact the concrete (which would defeat the purpose of the membrane)?

5. Are there any special precautions you need to take when building brick walls 6-9m high?

6. Don't brick walls require some maintenance, while (from my understanding) fiber cement and aluminum require none?

Edited December 10 by MariaD

[Conor]

Render (Sto, Webber, k-rend etc) on to your ICF is by far the best option. 

[Mr Punter]

15 minutes ago, MariaD said:

• What would be the advantage of rendered blockwork compared to applying the render directly on the ICF?

Drained ventilated cavity, much loved by warranty providers.  Other than that, none I can think of.

 

15 minutes ago, MariaD said:

Doesn't render normally last 30 years or less?

No, up to 80.  Many over 100.

 

16 minutes ago, MariaD said:

Is brickwork really cheaper than fiber cement or aluminum cladding? My understanding is that fiber cement may cost about £50 per sqm while aluminum is £70 per sqm, including installation. How much do you expect brickwork to cost?

You would need to price it up.  I have not found brickwork to be expensive v. cladding.

 

21 minutes ago, MariaD said:

How would you anchor the brick wall? Using something like in the video below? If so, wouldn't this method create a lot of thermal bridges and allow water to contact the concrete (which would defeat the purpose of the membrane)?

I imagine there are a number of wall tie options, either embedded pre-pour or post installed.

 

22 minutes ago, MariaD said:

Are there any special precautions you need to take when building brick walls 6-9m high?

This would be one for your engineer.

 

24 minutes ago, MariaD said:

Don't brick walls require some maintenance, while (from my understanding) fiber cement and aluminum require none?

Not really.  Fibre cement and ali have coatings that deteriorate.