Why Does My Basement Smell Musty?

Do you avoid going down to your basement because there’s an odd smell you can’t get rid of, no matter how many air fresheners you’ve tried to mask it with? Read further to understand what could cause this smell and why it’s important to get it fixed quickly.

Musty odors in basements stem primarily from the growth of mold and mildew, both of which are types of fungi commonly thriving in damp, humid environments within homes, but there are some key differences between them. Mold typically manifests as white, green, or black growths, reproducing through airborne spores that pose health risks if inhaled. Mildew, on the other hand, appears as a powdery substance and is considered an early stage of mold growth, typically found on plants, clothes, and other organic materials and it can damage the materials it grows on. The main difference between these two fungi is that mildew grows on visible surfaces, whereas mold can develop anywhere. Basements, with their typical damp, dark, and warm conditions, provide an ideal breeding ground for mold, requiring only oxygen and organic matter (such as drywall, wood, clothing, or shoes) to grow and thrive, a process that can occur within a mere 24 to 48 hours. Factors like foundation cracks, plumbing leaks, and water infiltration or spills elevate humidity levels, fostering mold infestation, which can easily spread to pipes and roofs which are surrounded by drywall and insulation.

Why is mold dangerous?

Exposure to mold poses significant health and home-related risks. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, approximately 5% of individuals are predicted to suffer allergic airway symptoms due to mold exposure in their lifetime[1]. Allergic reactions to mold are widespread and can manifest immediately or after a delay.

Potential health problems:

• Respiratory issues (asthma attacks, difficulty breathing, coughing)
• Allergic reactions (sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, etc…)
• Heart problems
• Migraines
• Depression[2] 

Potential home problems:

• Structural damage (weakened walls, floors, and ceilings)
• Poor indoor air quality
• Unpleasant stains and odors
• Decreased property value

To avoid these problems, it's important to enlist professional assistance to identify the root cause of mold growth and explore permanent eradication solutions. These solutions may entail basement or crawl space waterproofing, dehumidifier installation, implementation of a new drainage system, and/or repairing of foundation cracks. If you suspect mold problems in your home, you can contact us for assistance. We offer free, no-obligation quotes & inspections.

[1] PMC, E. (n.d.). Adverse human health effects associated with molds in the indoor environment. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/med/12762072/reload=0

[2] Potera, C. (2007, November). Molding a link to depression. Environmental health perspectives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2072855/