Musty Odor In Attic

Little ventilation high humidity and darkness says bill carroll jr an adjunct professor of chemistry at indiana university.

Musty odor in attic.

Microbial volatile organic compounds mvoc are stinky gasses produced by attic mold. Rodent droppings urine. The spores of these ubiquitous fungi drift through the air until they find. If there is moisture damage or the appearance of mildew on any exposed insulation then pull the damaged insulation down and stuff it into garbage bags.

Mildew grows in a thin black or whitish layer on a variety of materials in your attic. This distinct smell can come from towels floor mats and even curtains that may be found in the bathroom that have accumulated moisture within the fabric. The first spots to check are the roof and attic but rain can seep into basements and crawlspaces too. Once they ve inhabited the attic for a prolonged length of time though their urine will saturate the insulation and surrounding floorboard to create a musty odor.

The unpleasant odor can also attach itself to items stored in the attic. If you notice this type of odor coming from your attic avoid entering it unless you are wearing a proper respirator. Clothes often tend to develop musty smells either because they are being washed or stored inappropriately or as a result of being stored in damp mildewy areas. Common sources of musty smells in homes and basements water leaks outside seeping in.

Another common cause of musty attic odors is from infestations of rats mice or other rodents. That unpleasant musty smell some people describe it as akin to a wet dog in is the calling card of mold and or mildew. There are several ways to do this so don t fret. Initially a stray field mouse probably won t create any foul odors.

Three things that musty old houses have in common. If your house smells musty after a rain and it s a significant difference rain is probably going where it shouldn t. Musty odors in a bathroom is a common issue that a lot of homeowners will experience due to the high moisture levels that are present in this small enclosed space. Use a flashlight to look over the attic for the source of the smell.

The musty mold odor can creep down from your attic and take up residence in other areas of your home. Depending on the particular type of mold its mvoc may exhibit a damp musky odor. Moisture feeds mold and mildew growth.