Given where Michigan is located geographically, we experience a major influx of moisture in the spring and summer months compared to the wintertime. But if you own a home in Grand Rapids, Holland, Grand Haven, or Kalamazoo, you already know that!
While we love our seasons, the fluctuation of moisture in our environment can wreak havoc in our homes, creating challenges like funny smells. Is this a problem in your home?
3 Most Common Causes of Musty Basement Odor
Here are the most common reasons for odor emanating from your basement:
- Animal Smells
- As uncomfortable as it can be to discuss, dealing with pests is a normal part of homeownership. If you’re seeing signs of animal activity like droppings, gnawed holes in your belongings or your home’s structure, or pests themselves, it’s time to act. Bad smells can arise due to anything ranging from these creatures’ daily routines to the musty smell of decay if one should die in your walls.
- Mold and Mildew
- As the ground thaws during the spring and summer months, a lot of moisture is released back into the air and environment. This natural seasonal transition can wreak havoc on your home by enabling mold and mildew growth, which requires urgent intervention to avoid health problems and structural damage.
- Soggy Building Materials
- If you’re dealing with standing water, leaks, or other sources of excessive moisture, they could be causing some nasty smells. Soaked drywall can give off a musty smell, while other materials like soggy fiberglass can omit a smell more like sulphur — also referred to as the smell of rotten eggs.
How to Get Rid of the Stench
Wondering how to dry out your basement fast? It’s tempting to think that musty smells or excessive moisture are short-term problems. Unfortunately, these visible issues often create almost invisible health risks like mold and mildew growth. Removing the moisture is a temporary solution to a problem that will recur every year at a minimum — likely much more often.
Though there is no quick fix, you can prevent the issue from starting in the first place by bringing in the professionals to perform the best service to suit your needs, including:
Concerned About Cost?
The cost to insulate a basement doesn’t have to be extremely high, especially when you consider the damage and repairs your investment would prevent. The experts at WMGB are here to guide you by providing a free Energy Audit to help you get started.
