Why Your Basement Smells Musty
Do you have problems with a musty odor inside your basement in Northern Virginia? You might get hit with that damp, stale odor the second you walk downstairs. Basements can be a sanctuary, an office, or even another bedroom, but not if they constantly have musty air circulating about. A musty smelling basement is usually not just an inconvenience, but rather a warning sign, telling you to look for moisture problems, mold growth, or poor ventilation. This blog will help you locate and eliminate the source of the musty odor, and Summit Waterproofing Solutions can help ensure that your basement is protected in the future with our waterproofing services.
What Causes a Musty Smell in the Basement?
- Excessive moisture and humidity: because basements are below ground, they are prone to groundwater seeping in and a lack of air circulation, both of which can contribute to moist and humid conditions that create musty smells.
- Mold and mildew growth: musty smells often indicate mold and mildew growing somewhere in the basement, even if you can’t see it. Mold and mildew thrive in moist and humid areas.
- Poor drainage or foundation cracks: if your downspout is clogged, it can impede drainage on your property, which can let in water, causing musty smells. Foundation cracks can also let in water
DIY Attempts That Don’t Work Long-Term
It’s important to identify and deal with the underlying issues causing musty smells in your basement, instead of just masking the issue with scented sprays or baking soda tricks. Getting a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air is a good start, but often isn’t enough to deal with what’s actually causing the problem. Ignoring the structural issues causing musty smells can lead to health issues, and a steep decline in your home’s value.
How To Get Rid of Musty Smell in the Basement
- Step One: identify and eliminate the source of moisture: the experts at Summit Waterproofing can help you locate whatever is creating the moisture in your basement, be it foundation leaks, sump pump failure, or something else.
- Step Two: waterproof the basement: Summit Waterproofing Solutions offers effective basement waterproofing services including exterior and interior drainage systems as well as sump pump replacement and repair services
- Step Three: Install a proper dehumidifier: if you don’t already have one, getting a professional dehumidifier installed will help remove the moisture in the air that’s causing musty odors
- Step Four: Remove mold and clean surfaces: Summit Waterproofing Solutions also offers professional mold remediation services to remove the mold and mildew in your basement contributing to the damp, stale odor.
Professional Waterproofing Services in Northern Virginia
Musty odors in the basement are often caused by mold, mildew, and water damage, which can be fixed with proper basement waterproofing practices. If you want to get rid of the musty smell in your basement in Northern Virginia, contact the experts at Summit Waterproofing Solutions today for professional waterproofing services! We offer drainage systems, sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and more! Give us a call today to get started with a FREE estimate at 703-291-1516!
