Wet Sill Plate ?

[Arthur Sulik]

I can not figure out why the sill plates are wet and the foundation is mostly dry. Condensation is running down the wall from the sill plate. This is in a crawl space in New Jersey very close to a marshland so the water table is high. The beam on foundation wall in the center of the house was real wet, the joists are all dry. The outer plates can not be seen, they have been covered with pressure treated but you can still see the it running down the block. Owner was a florida home inspector at one time. The house is around 90 years old. I have not been an inspector all that long and would appreciate a little help. Floors were well insulated. Temps were around 27 at night to 38 during the days lately. this is my first time on here and do not know how to put pics up yet.


Thank you
Art

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Wood is more porous than concrete, so the water naturally would wick up from the concrete into the wood before condensing on the concrete below.

[Bob Elliott]

When entering a post look at the lower right side and click advanced.You should then see the paper clip symbol.Just hit browse and find the files in your computer then click up load after that.
Once you exit out of that and close the pop up box you should be able to go back to the paper clip and this time when clicking it will show names of the files you download.Those will attach to your message.
Remember the bigger the image the longer to download.
You do not usually need to reduce them here anymore.


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[Arthur Sulik]

http://http://artsworkshop1@comcast....2010-12-12/102

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Link does not work!

[Dale Duffy]

If you have some conditioned air escaping at the base of the sill, condensation will form and run down the blocks. Or if you have cool air entering and the wood is warmer condensation will occur.

Could be lack of sill seal at the base of the exterior walls allowing air inward or outward. The wood will form condensation before the CMU's.

[Arthur Sulik]

these are the pics I was trying to get up, I hope this works

[Arthur Sulik]

Dale your answer about the lack of sill seal makes alot of sense. I did not realize then but I won't forget now.

Thank you
Art

[Christopher Currins]

Is it a dirt floor? Is there any vapor barrier on the floor? Are there any vents on foundation wall?

[Dale Duffy]

Originally Posted by asulik

these are the pics I was trying to get up, I hope this works

What a mess indeed...if its not conditioned space it certainly needs some ventilation, we don't have that problem here with no humidity, but I see you certainly do there.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by asulik

these are the pics I was trying to get up, I hope this works

What is at the exterior wall?
How is the grading and are there any downspouts in the vicinity?
I hope my picture instructional helped.

[Larry D. Kage]

Describe/report what you see...

[wtrprfr1]

I do not believe that that amount of water is condensation. My best guess is water is entering from above either behind the brick fascia or siding, most likely the result of improper flashing on the roof.

Http://www.integritywaterproofing.com

[Jeffery L. Haynes]

Arthur,

Can you provide exterior pictures at the noted location including roof, also side shot to depict the grade.
That is not condensation.
Also note the crack......probably hydrostatic pressure from the moisture issue.


Jeff

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I do not think it is condensation from the size of the stain and the pattern. Arther did you check for any piping going out along that wall. I see a galvanized pipe leak . I am wonder if a exterior pipe is leaking and flowing down the sill Plate. Any one see the pipe connection ?