Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors
Mold and mildew often occur when there is a water leak somewhere in the house. This can happen on the roof, in the foundation, in a crawlspace under the house, or even in shower walls if they aren’t properly sealed. The key to getting rid of musty odors is to identify the source of a water leak. If the source isn’t obvious, call in a professional.

After you’ve found the problem and fixed it, you can address the smells using common household products. You can click to read how you could go about the process. Scrub the area with white vinegar mixed with lemon juice. The vinegar mixed with the acidity of the lemon will kill any bacteria, and the lemon juice will leave it smelling fresh. After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the area, sprinkle on some baking soda to eliminate any lingering odors. It would also be smart to put a dehumidifier in the area to suck out any extra moisture in the air.

Peeling Paint
Peeling paint can be a sign of a moisture problem in the house. It could be anything from a leak in the roof to a lack of insulation in the walls. Call in a professional to take a look. It is important to fix the problem right away so mold and bacteria don’t begin to grow.

Once you’ve identified and fixed the problem, you can address the peeling paint. Start by sanding down any areas that are peeling. Clean the walls with soap and water and then apply a coat of primer. Once that dries, you can begin painting.

Damp Basement
A damp basement is a good indication of there being a leak in the foundation. If the problem is not addressed right away, it can lead to mold and mildew growth. If the leak is severe, it can lead to structural damage and rot as well.

The first step to fixing a damp basement is to find out where exactly the problem is occurring. Check all the walls and ceiling. If it is localized on a spot under a bathroom, it is likely a leaky water pipe, toilet, bathtub, or shower. The best solution is to call in a plumber to fix it.

If you have standing water in the basement after a heavy rain, you likely have a leak in the foundation.

• Clean out the gutters on the roof and run the downspouts away from the foundation.
• Check the sump pump to make sure it is running properly

If the moisture is spread throughout the whole home, it’s likely an issue caused by humidity.

• Check to make sure the clothes dryer is vented outside the house correctly
• Use ventilation fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to control moisture in the air.
• Have a heating/AC specialist check out your heating and cooling system to make sure it is running properly.
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

Moisture problems are never fun to deal with. They usually lead to more headaches and dollar signs. It is best to take action and avoid the problem before it even occurs. All Cypress homes are equipped with a dehumidistat as a part of our Focus on Energy Program. Dehumidistats will help control moisture throughout the whole house.

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A Cypress Homes, Inc. Blog

Credit: more about JC’s Heating and Air here