Eliminating Musty Odours in Your Home

Why does my home smell musty? What is the cause?

In general, there are five potential causes:

1. Mould and mildew – The most common reason for musty odours in basements is mould growth. The mould may be visible or behind walls, under carpets or in ceilings.
2. Wet building materials – When drywall, wood or fibreglass is wet, it can produce mould and cause foul odours.
3. Plumbing – A sewage smell may be related to a plumbing problem in your home, ranging from an easy fix, such as replacing a ring seal, to a more complicated challenge such as replacing a damaged sewer line. 
4. Iron Ochre – This gelatinous slime is caused by iron bacteria, is rust coloured and bad smelling. 
5. Animal-related – Animal excrement or dead pests can cause funky smells.

It’s important to note that the real problem is not just the foul smell: it might also be affecting the health of your family! A high moisture level in your home due to your wet basement or crawlspace is the ideal breeding ground for mould and allergens, resulting in respiratory problems, allergies, asthma or ongoing symptoms of a cold or flu.

Even if the foul smell is limited to your basement or crawl space, this undesirable air is moving throughout your entire home. This moist air not only affects your family’s health; it also affects the structural integrity of your home, energy costs, resale value and the overall enjoyment of your home.

What can be done to eliminate the musty smell… permanently?

In basements:

-         Waterproof the basement if water is entering through the foundation walls, windows or through the floor.

-         Seal the sump pump lid to keep the foul odours away.

-         Fix any plumbing problems.

-         Remove and replace wet building materials.

-         Install an efficient and low-maintenance dehumidifier.

In crawl spaces:

-         Completely seal the area and keep the humidity at an acceptable level.

-         Remove and replace wet building materials.

-         Install an efficient and low-maintenance dehumidifier.

Ready to get rid of that musty, damp smell for good? We offer a permanent solution!  Please reach out to us for a complimentary inspection and written estimate. 1-800-638-7048