You just got home from a weeklong vacation and walked through your front doors. You’re greeted with the sun shining through the windows, the clock ticking away in the living room, and that same old musty crawlspace smell…yep, home sweet home.
Now you’re thinking, “What causes that musty, wet crawlspace smell?”
If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your crawlspace, you’re not alone! Read on to learn about 4 major causes of crawlspace odor from Crawlspace Remediation, a local company with over 10 years of experience!
Cause 1 – Dampness
If your crawlspace smells damp, chances are that it is!
Dampness can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Leaky plumbing pipes
- Poor exterior drainage around the home
- High humidity levels
- Cracks in the foundation around a home
As this water sits in the crawlspace, mold and mildew can begin to grow, releasing foul, musty odors. Mold can also emit mycotoxins which can be hazardous for you and your family to breathe in. If you believe your crawlspace is damp, a crawlspace remediation expert should be called right away.
Cause 2 – Pests
Pests are another common source of bad smells in crawlspaces.
While many people assume that this odor is a result of rodents or other animals entering the space, insects are more likely to be the culprits.
Spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish are common insects that make their home in crawlspaces. These creatures can produce odors as they move around and excrete waste, often leaving behind an unpleasant smell that can be difficult to eradicate. Calling an exterminator or a crawlspace remediation expert is the first place to start to begin to remove these unpleasant odors from your home.
Cause 3 – Sewage Leak
This issue is something no homeowner wants to deal with—sewage in the crawlspace.
Sewage leaks or backups in the crawlspace can emit a horrible odor and can be extremely difficult to clean, not to mention hazardous. If you suspect a sewage leak, call sewage removal experts right away.
Cause 4 – Exposed Soil
If your home has a dirt floor crawlspace, you can expect to smell odors.
Since organic materials live in the ground, anything that decays poses the risk of producing an odor. Especially if your crawlspace is damp, organic materials decay at a faster rate.
In order to help keep odors and moisture levels low, homeowners should consider encapsulating their crawlspaces to add a barrier between the open soil and their homes.
Call the Crawlspace Repair Experts
If crawlspace odors continue to pervade your home, it’s time to call in the experts.
Crawlspace Remediation specializes in crawlspace encapsulation, mold removal, sewage cleanup, and more! We’ll examine your crawlspace and provide you with a free quote. Call (248) 716-6166 to get started.