Holes from basement to outside of house???

Question

We have a walkout basement (please forgive my lack of technical terms). The foundation goes up about 7ft and then wood sits about 2ft high on the foundation (it looks like a mini wall). Then the floor joists sit on top of the wood. In the areas between the joists and the foundation is insulation. While cleaning the other day I noticed that the insulation had moved. When pulling it out I noticed that I could stick my hand from the basement all the way through to the front of the home and outside to our bushes. It's like this around the entire front part of the house. Is this normal or did the contractor mess something up? Is there a way to fix it?

Answer 1

From your description I would assume that when built, Masonite board was used. If not properly maintained it will deteriorate. Your shrubbery has concealed this problem. If flower beds or dirt has been allowed to come against the siding it will rot very quickly and is also an entry point for termites.

Depending on the age of the house (older than 1 year) the homeowner would be responsible for this. The correct way would be to make sure no water or moisture is allowed within 8 inches of that part of the wall. Replace and waterproof.

**JD

Answer 2

If you have access to a nail gun cut blocks and block in between the floor joist.........other wise it sounds like you got cold air blowing about the top of your insulation........how's your heating bills........the trees should be nice an green around your home...........plants never freeze....and a lot of friendly animals....come winter:)

Answer 3

It sounds like the contractor messed up.  Your basement should be totally closed in.  That will give access to your home to insects, rodents, animals, and people as well rain and cold air.

Answer 4

If you could stick your hand through, then something is definitely wrong.

Is the "mini wall" below the level of the dirt out front, or is it only above grade?  Typically the foundation should continue a foot or so above grade; often, if the basement is not dug very deep, they will pour shorter walls and use regular framing to get the basement and first floor to the right height.

However, in any case there should be sheathing and siding on the outside of that wall - it should be finished just like any other exterior wall.  If you can reach through the wall, they either didn't finish off the outside, or you've got a serious rot problem (either termites/ants, or because the foundation isn't high enough above grade).

Answer 5

Any good contractor should have notified you of this, this is not normal and he should have replaced the insulation and repaired the foundation, Unfortunatly foundation are not easy to fix as this can create setlement cracks along the house, The best thing to do, is make sure your insulation is dry, then use Dap Tex to repair the holes. This will give a quick fix and keep water, bugs and rodent from entering the house. You can call a contractor to fix it but most of them will be too expensive just because of the nature of dealing with a foundation. Another thing to do is after you patch the holes with dap tex with cement compound to cover up the dap tex this way it will match the color of  the foundation. This quick fix should last you 10 to 35 years depending upon how well you fix it. Good Luck