Hi

For some reason there are pieces of wood embedded in my foundation. These boards (1x4 approx) are below the basement windows and go right from one side and out the other. They are above the grade on the outside but when it rains serve as a channel for water to leak into the house.

Obviously it won't be long before this rots (however, these bits are probably as old as the house (60), unless they were added when the windows were replaced. They are about two inches below the window frame, 2 per window)

Since they are accessible from the outside (currently painted), I wonder if I could just caulk them with something to keep water out. Or should I look into having them removed and the hole filled properly? I just moved in here and budget is an issue.

There are other wooden board in the foundation, long verticals, about 2 inches wide that must have been a frame for the poured foundation. They do not leak (well, except one, but it looks like that was a long time ago)