I live in a 3 year old split entry house that has a semi finished basement. In the laundry room (unfinished) I've noticed a condensation forming along an exterior wall (right where the concrete meets the wall) when the outside temperature dips below -10 degrees Celsius. Is it normal to have this happen? The house is still under warranty and I am wondering if the builder should come and take a look at it. Just on a sidenote... we have a terrible spider problem in the summer months and I'm wondering if maybe they are coming in through that 1/4 inch crevice...
I do have pictures of the area, but I'm not sure how to attach them to this post, please let me know if you want to see them and I will email them to you.

Many thanks!

You need to fill in that crack immediately as you are essentially letting in moisture with the crack. And yes, that's where your spider friends are coming in also. There should not be that much moisture in your basement after you fix the cracks. May I suggest also that you put a dehumidifier in the area to wick up the excess moisture as well.

When your house breaths heat rises -- cold air is drawn in any openings

From outside -- sealing the problem with caulk or foam may be recommended

But the humidity makes surfaces wet and sealant may not stick -- maybe a

(spongy type foam ) squeeze it press it in crack -- used in construction

Your spiders are not coming through those cracks, that would mean they were living underground to start with. Spiders love dark moist areas an you have a gem. If you are not inclined to buy a dehumidifier I would suggest that you move the fan switch on your thermostat from AUTO to ON. It will make your home feel warmer, circulate the air and dry out that basement.

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Originally Posted by calista77

I live in a 3 year old split entry house that has a semi finished basement. In the laundry room (unfinished) I've noticed a condensation forming along an exterior wall (right where the concrete meets the wall) when the outside temperature dips below -10 degrees celcius. Is it normal to have this happen? The house is still under warranty and I am wondering if the builder should come and take a look at it. Just on a sidenote...we have a terrible spider problem in the summer months and I'm wondering if maybe they are coming in through that 1/4 inch crevice....
I do have pictures of the area, but I'm not sure how to attach them to this post, please let me know if you want to see them and I will email them to you.

Many thanks!

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Do you know if the contractor parged and sealed the walls and what the water table is for your area usually the gap is all the way around your basement and is a drain going to a sump pump if caulking with a sealer like np1 doesn't work you may have to put in what is called a french ditch