Basements & Crawl Spaces

Below-grade Nudura ICF walls in basement applications, where the interior floor level is below the exterior grade, should use a continuous, fully adhered waterproofing membrane system paired with a dedicated drainage layer to help manage hydrostatic pressure and direct groundwater away from the wall assembly. If the wall is simply a stem wall or frost wall that is backfilled on both sides, a waterproofing membrane is typically not required. 

Recommended components: 

• TREMdri 540 peel and stick waterproofing membrane for primary below-grade protection or TREMdri 160 liquid waterproofing for penetrations and transitions 
• TREMDrain DPI drainage board to relieve hydrostatic pressure 

Nudura Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) basements combine structure and continuous insulation in a single step. Poured concrete with exterior insulation requires two separate stages. During curing, the ICF form protects the concrete from harsh exterior temperatures: it retains hydration heat in cold conditions and shields the concrete from rapid temperature swings in hot weather. The insulation on both faces of the wall also creates a moist curing environment, which reduces the internal forces associated with post-placement concrete shrinkage and wall movement. ICF also offers advantages in labor efficiency, thermal consistency and reduced risk of insulation gaps during backfill.

EPS foam is hydrophobic and does not absorb water, so the concrete core and foam forms typically remain structurally sound after a flood. In most cases, only the drywall needs replacing (not the wall system itself) significantly reducing repair costs and downtime. Learn more about how ICFs simplify home remediation after flood damage.

Nudura's EPS foam is hydrophobic and does not retain moisture that promotes mold growth. The solid concrete core also eliminates the wall cavities where moisture and organic material collect in wood-frame construction, supporting healthier indoor air quality and airtight assemblies required by green building programs.

Nudura ICF homes require minimal structural maintenance. Homeowners primarily maintain exterior finishes and sealant joints over time. 

• Concrete core does not rot, warp, or need structural upkeep 
• EPS foam resists moisture absorption and hidden deterioration
• After flooding, only interior finishes like drywall typically need replacement