 Basement - Damp MUSTY SMELL In many homes musty basement dampness can be a problem. The reasons for the dampness may vary, however the underlying problem is always the same - water penetration. The first step in remedying the situation is to reduce the moisture inside the basement. If it is dry outside open the air vents or windows to reduce the moisture level in the basement. If this is not practical use a dehumidifier. In this situation a dehumidifier works extremely well, removing the excessive moisture from the air. Set the dehumidifier control at about half, while keeping the temperature in the basement above 60 degrees. As the air becomes dryer, mold will stop growing, and the musty smell will usually disappear. Mold may be present on stored goods even if the basement appears to be dry, keep stored items away from the outside walls that may be damp. It will be necessary to wash down the mold covered areas with a bleach solution to kill the living mold. If the outside drainage is sloping away from the foundation and there are working gutters with downspouts that are draining away from the house the next thing to look at will be the concrete foundation walls. If the walls have been painted it will be impossible to apply any sealant that penetrates the concrete without power washing or sandblasting the paint off the walls. Topical sealants should not be used as they will not remedy the situation, for a lasting repair use a penetrating sealant that will bond with the concrete in the wall. For sealant information, see Sealants NOTE: Mould can pose a serious health problem if let get out of control, particularly for those who suffer from allergies. | Welcome to BIS | About BIS | Home Inspections | Get Started | Technical FAQ | Contact us |
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