Rid a musty basement of its unpleasant smell

Follow on Twitter
on September 03, 2008 at 3:09 PM, updated February 01, 2010 at 2:21 PM

Q. Do you have an opinion on a product called Musty Basement Solutions? I have a 1951 ranch-style house that I have been renovating, with a cement-slab basement. It does not take water as far as I can tell, but does have a musty smell that I want to get rid of. The prior homeowners left an older dehumidifier that ran 24 hours a day but did not completely remove the odor. Rather than invest in another dehumidifier, I wanted to check out this product. Any advice?
-- Verona

A. The product's website indicates that the Musty Basement Solution draws air from the basement or crawlspace and exhausts it outdoors. This creates a negative pressure in the basement or crawlspace that is equalized by drawing air from the upper levels of the house. The manufacturer states that, in turn, the negative pressure that is caused by this is equalized by drawing air from the outside through all the cracks and crevices that are found in most homes. So the MBS acts as a sort of air-to-air exchanger.

My concern is that if the door to the basement is closed and reasonably tight -- in the case of a crawlspace where the heating appliance is located -- there is a risk of backdraft of the combustion gases drawing carbon monoxide from the venting system and distributing it into the living quarters. For today's tighter homes, they offer a fresh-air intake system to balance the air pressure. Interestingly, the website does not include costs of their various units; you have to send your personal information and wait for a dealer who will undoubtedly call you for a hard sell. The company offers a number of testimonials, but these testimonials are often made up. Caveat emptor.

New dehumidifiers are efficient and have a relative-humidity control that you can set to the desired level. By generating some heat, they also raise the ability of the basement air to hold more moisture, reducing mustiness.

Q. Approximately four years ago, I had a concrete patio installed in my back yard. Recently, the concrete has been scaling off layer upon layer. The person who did this job is no longer in business and cannot be contacted. Can you tell me if there is anything I can do to remedy this concrete peeling and scaling? I cannot afford to replace the entire patio. 
-- via e-mail

A. Concrete will spall (scaling) from a variety of reasons. If the spalling is extensive, you are better off having a competent mason or concrete contractor perform the repair. If the scaling is small enough that you to wish to handle it yourself, you can do so with Thorocrete. Be sure that you follow the directions carefully. You should be able to buy Thorocrete in well-stocked hardware and building-supply stores.
