Hello, I am new to this forum, but have already learned so much. Thank you to all whom are knowledgeable and take the time to share their knowledge on this forum. My question is: Is there a product out there that is recommended for external application as an insulation on the outside of concrete basement walls? I'm not talking about just waterproofing(which would be nice also) but actually getting some R-Value out of it. I am going to be the general for building our new home around the Omaha, NE area and since I am in a wheelchair it is a ranch style house and it's huge! 2800 square feet main floor with another 2800 square feet basement and the sheer size of this thing and the fact that I'm not a millionaire...I am having to balance the energy efficiency with being able to build it. The ICF quotes for the basement are all about twice as much as the regular poured basement quotes so I was wondering...if I decide to go with regular poured basement what products are out there to give me some thermal protection for my basement concrete walls.

Usually what is done to insulate a poured removable form foundation is a stud energy wall on the inside and extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation on the outside. But the added expense will put you equal to or near the cost of ICFs with no where near the performance, plus you are putting wood in which may mold.

A better option for a poured foundation is use InSoFast insulation. The best option and worth the added expense, in any, is ICFs.

You should also build your above grade walls with ICFs, for a safer more energy efficient home. With little, if any, additional cost of ownership.

gminow, The obvious choice for a habitated basement is ICF for a multitude of reasons. But if you choose to use a different product besides ICF look at Certainteed's ThermaEZE/T-Roc http://www.certainteed.com/products/foundations/foundation-insulation/311483 It is a decent product for what it is but it is not as good as a quality ICF product. ICF Contractor