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Insulation

Mysterious musty odour in hallway but can't find any signs of moisture

Anonymous user 03/09/2026 - 3:25 PM

There's a really musty, earthy smell coming from the front door hallway area of my house. I've checked everywhere for any signs of moisture downstairs and sniffed the carpets and floorboards but I can't figure out where it's coming from. Could it be from under the floor? The smell is kind of like wet wood or a musty washing machine. It's been coming and going for six months now and seems to have gotten worse with the hot weather, which makes me wonder if it's dampness. It's mostly just in that one area. Who should I call for help? I'm really at a loss about where to begin. I know the house has some damp spots because there's mould on an upstairs wall. It's become much stronger over the past few days, even lingering on a bag I left on the floor and took to work, and now the smell has stuck to that too :(

2 answers

Insulation

basement insulation on top half-frost line

Anonymous user 03/09/2026 - 3:23 PM

Dear experts, I am on a project to finish my basement by myself. My basement has the pink insulation with poly on the top half, above grade and nothing on bottom half. Existing insulation is looks okay and I really don’t want to rip it off to install new full insulation. My plan is to cover bottom half with rigid foam board, seal it all around with low expansion spray foam. Also spray foam where rigid foam meets the existing insulation. Then install 2x4 on top of it and maybe optionally fill the frame cavity with wool batt up from floor to existing insulation level. No poly! do you think it is a good solution? Appreciate your comments.

2 answers

Gardening and outdoors

Pool safety fence

Eva 03/09/2026 - 1:11 PM

Hello, do we need a permit to install a MESH temporary pool safety fence? We already have an enclosed backyard (wooden + chain link). Location: Courtice

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