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Hi All,
I'm looking at turning this garage into a studio but I'm first trying to treat it as best as I can before laying laminate floor, insulating the walls and then placing plaster board over them.
After cleaning the floor, I've noticed that the space still has a very musty odour. As the place is only 15 years old, and judging by the looks, I don't think it's mildew or mould, but rather coming from the bricks themselves. this is backed up by the fact that the smell is emanating from the bricks and is evenly distributed amongst them.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this: paint, seal or vanish the bricks? Or do you think the smell won't be a problem after the insulation and plaster board is laid? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Hi @fadetoblack
I suggest following Mitchell's recommendations before you seal your garage floor. The last thing you want to happen is to have your sealer peel and lift due to rising damp from underneath. It definitely has to be addressed before you move forward with sealing.
If you need further assistance, lease let us know.
Eric
Hi @fadetoblack,
The same goes for the concrete slab. I get the feeling that moisture is transferring through/under the bricks and into at least the edge of the slab. So, it's best to try to resolve the issue with the bricks first before sealing the slab.
Mitchell
I just realised that this gutter pipe goes straight into the ground. I’ll dig around it to see if it’s the culprits.
once I remove all gravel/soil from the outer brick, how long do u think I should wait until applying concrete sealer. Until the smell goes away or the damp spots turn to ‘normal’?
For the outside, I'd apply the sealer after you've had a couple of days of dry weather @fadetoblack. That will allow the wall to dry out.
Mitchell
I'd seal the outside and then wait a week before sealing the inside @fadetoblack. The staining won't go away on the concrete, but you might see it dry out a bit during the week.
Mitchell
