Damp Musty Smelling House!

scarlet100

I have managed to find an answer to my question.

Doozergirl

If it's a suspended floor, which it sounds like, then the earth under the house could be wet. If the damp proof course works, it won't transfer up the walls, but there could still be stagnant water underneath. I'd lift some boards up and have a look under the house. Or start by shining a torch the the air bricks if you can see anything.

scarlet100

Doozergirl wrote: »

If it's a suspended floor, which it sounds like, then the earth under the house could be wet. If the damp proof course works, it won't transfer up the walls, but there could still be stagnant water underneath. I'd lift some boards up and have a look under the house. Or start by shining a torch the the air bricks if you can see anything.

Thanks, we have already lifted floorboards and underneath is dry. There is a solid concrete base but the smell is definately coming from down there. But yes i'd agree about stagnant water, who knows what's under the concrete.

minimadtrix

Have you checked for airbricks? Are there any? You might have to have a look near the ground or higher up the outside of the building. Check to see if they are blocked.

Also, does the property have chimneys? It's possible that the fireplaces have been blocked, but can't breathe and would benefit from having airbricks to get the air circulating.

scarlet100

Behind the kitchen units the wall is rotten and the floor is bouncey, obviously this will need replaced however i'm concerned there may be dry rot or wet rot in the joists contributing to the musty smell.

There are vents and air bricks but they seem clear enough, also i've just discovered the smell has been there for many years (20 years plus possibly).

Obviously the previous owners didn't realise there was a problem or couldn't afford to fix it. What should i do, who can help us? Thanks.

PS. The house does not have chimneys.

scarlet100

Anyone help please.

Also would a dehumidifier help.
I've tried to encourage them to buy one, but can't force them, what would the benefits of having one be, would it help to rid the musty smell through time, thanks.:mad:

dibuzz

My mum's house is really musty but she doesn't seem to notice it.
Her clothes smell and if she comes to our house when I'm out I know as soon as I open the door that she's there.
Even my son's birthday card smelled awful and he sprayed it with febreeze before he put it up and her car also smells probably becasue of her clothes.
I'd love to know how to get rid of the smell as it really knocks me sick.

scarlet100

dibuzz wrote: »

My mum's house is really musty but she doesn't seem to notice it.
Her clothes smell and if she comes to our house when I'm out I know as soon as I open the door that she's there.
Even my son's birthday card smelled awful and he sprayed it with febreeze before he put it up and her car also smells probably becasue of her clothes.
I'd love to know how to get rid of the smell as it really knocks me sick.

This is my problem too, but how do you politely tell someone without offending them. More importantly how do get rid of the smell.

mozzy10

What was the answer then?

I have a musty smell in my house too.