I have a balloon framed house built in the 50s in PA where the joists are embedded into the concrete block wall foundation. I recently found there are about 3 embedded joists that have holes in the concrete block nearby or gaps around the joists and I see some black mold on the concrete as well as water drops and wet joists and live bugs in there. All other joists that I have seen appear to be dry and most do have gaps around joists.
Humidity in basement during winter is 30-35% according to dehumidifier. Now that spring is here, I noticed no more water drops inside and joists appear to be dry. This makes me think it is a condensation issue. If it is, why is it only happening to these three joists and not the others which have gaps and openings in the concrete?
During heavy rain this spring, I checked and no water droplets or wet joists. I know this can't be good for the joists and eventually they will rot. Does anyone have any ideas what may be causing this?
I attached some pictures. You will notice that just for these few joists, it looks like one of the previous owners formed concrete against the original block. I have a thick 4' x 5' concrete slab directly above for the front porch and wanted to avoid breaking it up if I didn't have to. Another theory was that water is getting in a crack in the wall at that location.
Humidity in basement during winter is 30-35% according to dehumidifier. Now that spring is here, I noticed no more water drops inside and joists appear to be dry. This makes me think it is a condensation issue. If it is, why is it only happening to these three joists and not the others which have gaps and openings in the concrete?
During heavy rain this spring, I checked and no water droplets or wet joists. I know this can't be good for the joists and eventually they will rot. Does anyone have any ideas what may be causing this?
I attached some pictures. You will notice that just for these few joists, it looks like one of the previous owners formed concrete against the original block. I have a thick 4' x 5' concrete slab directly above for the front porch and wanted to avoid breaking it up if I didn't have to. Another theory was that water is getting in a crack in the wall at that location.
