Moldy Smell in Finished Basement
Just bought a brownstone with a finished basement and I am beginning to notice a moldy (typical) smell in the basement. Any causes of the smell I should look out for or is my only solution to buy air fresheners (since, after all, it is a subterranean basement)? Thanks!
Just bought a brownstone with a finished basement and I am beginning to notice a moldy (typical) smell in the basement. Any causes of the smell I should look out for or is my only solution to buy air fresheners (since, after all, it is a subterranean basement)? Thanks!
We went through this our full first year in our house.
Most likely there was no sealant put down on top of what is called a rat slab, basically a layer of concrete. Moisture easily seeps through this from the ground and causes the wet, moldy smell in waves depending on the weather and season. The smell will come and go unless you do something about it – have it sealed, or buy a professional grade dehumidifier. We went with the latter and finally aren’t met with that smell when entering the house. Be careful in spots where you have any heavy container or furniture that creates a tight seal on the ground – this traps and turns the moisture into mold.
I’d say wait and see if you still feel it’s damp once the heat is on, before spending bucks on a plumber. Unless you can get a plumber for free or cheap to check of course
I think most basements get damp in summer… might not be a leak. I second the dehumidifier advice. Helps us a lot with that musty smell, which vanishes for us in wintertime.
Thanks! When the inspection was done a few months ago, the plumbing looked good. Who would I contact to investigate this matter…a plumber?
The smell is caused by water. Could be a leak, could be they didn’t put in a vapor barrier, could be you don’t have adequate ventilation. Usually it’s a good idea to find the source of the moisture and get rid of it. Otherwise, you could have water damage, structural problems, termites, and mildew, and have to rip out all the sheetrock.
You should consider getting a dehumidifier.