I recently moved into a home with an above-garage addition built in 1985, and I've noticed a sour smell at the entrance of the room, specifically at the "bridge" area connecting the house to the addition. The roof and carpet are only 8 months old, and my family and I didn't notice this smell when we first toured the house back in January. The problem seems to get worse with the heat and rainy weather we're experiencing now. I'm concerned it could be due to old insulation or drywall, especially since we recently installed French doors nearby and haven't patched the drywall yet. Additionally, there's a closet at the entrance where the smell is strongest, but I can't see or feel any moisture. Any thoughts before I start tearing out walls and carpet?
3 Answers
Is there a chalk outline of a body on the floor perhaps? Just kidding! But seriously, make sure to rule out any pest issues before you start tearing into walls.
It sounds like you could be dealing with termites or carpenter ants! Their presence can lead to some weird smells—especially if they've been munching on the wood in your addition. It might be worth checking for any signs of infestation.
Have you looked into ventilation issues? A lack of proper airflow might be contributing to the smell. I had a musty smell in my basement, and using baking soda helped a ton. Just sprinkle it on the floor, let it sit, and vacuum it up later. Costco sells big bags if you need a lot!
We did cut off the registers that led to the garage because it was a CO hazard. I wonder if that has harmed the ventilation of the space at all… Thanks!
How did I not suspect this?? Thanks.