AboutDavid Deal Expertise Indoor air quality, mold, compliance questions as well. Also, expert on lead, asbestos, radon, and most any other environmental/industrial hygiene issues.
Expert: David Deal Date: 1/10/2008 Subject: Really Bad Musty Odor from Basement
Question We purchased a house in November of 2007. When we looked at the house, we noticed nothing unusual about the separate finished basement. It has just a very slight "basement" smell, but nothing terrible. We moved in the weekend before Christmas and somehow the basement developed a SEVERE musty odor! The basement level has no interior access to the main level and is only accessible from and outside door. There is a finished section that is roughly about 1000 sq. ft. and a separate, unfinished crawl space. There is a dehumidifier down there and it pretty much runs all day! We empty it every night (we don't yet have a hose installed to automatically drain) but no matter how vigilant we are, we can't get rid of this musty smell. When I open the basement door I'm just hit with it and it feels all gross down there. We are wondering what else we can do to get rid of it. Could it be trapped in the berber carpet? We do not see any condensation or leaks present and the finished walls are drywalled (except for 1 small, separate room which has painted cinder block walls and a large pipe running along the back wall).
We are hoping this doesn't turn out to be a costly problem requiring all knew flooring or professionals to do some sort of treatment to the place.
I'd appreciate any help you could give about what we can do to resolve the situation!
Thank you,
Lisa
Answer First, musty odor does mean active mold growth, somewhere, somehow. BUT, this doesnt mean major expense. If you dont have any signs of visible mold or water damage or leaks, then general humidity control should suffice. First, I'd make certain the dehumidifier is setup for auto drainage. Next, I'd insure some sort of fresh air via vents or slightly opened window. If its not under conditioned air, then some sort of ventilation is needed with outside air. Small vents in foundation is best.
Also, check crawlspace area. Is there a plastic moisture barrier over the soil? If so, check under it for moisture and odor. IF its damp and smelly, then replace it. Same from here if you dont have one. Spread about 50 lbs of garden lime over soil. Any type will do, just make certain its lime. Then cover soil with 6-mil black plastic.
Main thing, if its not conditioned space, its outside space and needs outside ventilation.
