Why Crawlspaces Smell Musty

A musty odor is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds, which are gases released by mold and bacteria as they digest organic material. Crawlspaces in Newberg stay damp because of groundwater intrusion, poor drainage, and vented designs that pull in humid exterior air. Once moisture levels rise above 60 percent, mold colonizes wood framing, insulation, and any cardboard or fabric stored in the space. The smell you notice upstairs is the off-gassing from that microbial activity.

How Crawlspace Odor Enters Your Home

Your crawlspace is not sealed from the rest of the house. Air moves upward through gaps around plumbing pipes, floor registers, and ductwork in a process called the stack effect. Odor molecules and mold spores travel with that air. You might notice the smell strongest in rooms directly above the crawlspace, or near HVAC returns that pull air from lower levels. Surface cleaning and air fresheners do not fix this because the source is underneath the house.

Professional Crawlspace Odor Removal

We start by inspecting the crawlspace with moisture meters and thermal cameras to locate wet zones and identify mold growth. Then we remove contaminated insulation, treat visible mold with antimicrobials, and dry structural components using dehumidifiers and air movers. Once the space is dry, we install a heavy-duty vapor barrier across the floor and up foundation walls, sealing vents to prevent humid air from entering. This transforms the crawlspace into a controlled environment that stays dry year-round. Only after moisture levels stabilize and the odor is gone do we install new insulation.

Insurance and Crawlspace Issues

Insurance covers crawlspace damage if it resulted from a sudden plumbing failure or sewer backup. Odor from long-term moisture or maintenance neglect is usually excluded. We document the timeline, photograph all findings, and provide a scope that explains whether the damage was sudden or gradual. If a covered event caused the problem, we handle the claim and ensure you get the restoration you need.

If your home smells musty and the odor will not go away, call for a free crawlspace inspection. We'll find the source, remove contaminated materials, and eliminate the smell before mold spreads further.