How to remove musty smell in garage?

[fadetoblack]

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 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @fadetoblack,

Thank you for the update.

I'd suggest you start by clearing out the drainage pit that you've uncovered and see if there is anything connected to it. Take the grate off and scoop out any of the material you find inside. If the drainage is blocked, this could have some connection to the smell.

The plastic is a vapour barrier that is placed under the concrete slab to prevent moisture from rising through the slab. You can see that it was rolled up the side of the concrete at one point in time. Having the edge of the slab exposed can allow water to travel sideways into your concrete slab which can in turn move up through the slab and inside the home. I'd suggest removing any soil that is sitting on the plastic, then rolling it up the side of the slab and backfilling to keep it in place.

Pressure cleaning the wall will remove any dirt and contaminants that can affect the adhesion of the sealer, so it is definitely a worthwhile step.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[fadetoblack]

Thanks Jacob, should I look to seal the concrete on the outside wall as well. The plastic looks a bit tattered and I'm worried it will just be a matter of time before it degrades?
Also, would it be worthwhile backfilling with pebbles or something to keep the soil from reaching it?

#Edit. I just inspected the plastic a bit more closely and found that there are indeed a few holes in. I wonder if it's worth placing a new barrier up or if sealing it would be sufficient.

I also took the grating of. Whilst the grating was jammed pack with clay and gravel, the pipe was thankfully clear of any dirt. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @fadetoblack,

Anything we can do to keep water away from the bricks and slab is worthwhile. Even if it is not the cause of the smell, keeping water away from direct contact with the slab and brick is going to help prolong their life.

Considering the condition of the plastic, painting the side of the slab with this Bastion Matte Concrete Sealer would certainly be worthwhile.

Backfilling with gravel is also a great idea as it will help stop the soil from coming into contact with the side of the slab. You could also add some garden edging to retain the soil and create an aesthetically pleasing division between soil and stone in your yard.

Check out How To Install Garden Edging for some guidance.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[fadetoblack]

Thanks Jacob, 
I actually bought a tin of Baston concrete sealer from Bunnings on the suggestion of another team-member.
I guess now I should clean the outer slab and brick with a pressure cleaner as much as I can, wait a week for it to dry and then apply the sealer?

My question is though, how deep should I dig to reveal the slab, clean it and seal it?

Also, for the sake of longevity, would it be work sealing the entirety of the outside and inside brick wall?

[JacobZ]

Hi @fadetoblack,

Yep, what you've said is correct. Clean the slab, wait for it to dry and then apply the sealer.

I'd suggest painting the sealer on the top 150-200mm of the slab. I would be surprised if it went down further than this, but if it does, then 150-200mm should be fine.

Sealing the bricks would also be worthwhile as it will prevent water from seeping into the bricks and degrading them over time. You can use this Crommelin Water Based Brick And Render Sealer if you'd like to retain the natural aesthetic of the brick, or you could paint the bricks with a suitable exterior paint.

Let me know what you think and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[fadetoblack]

Thanks Jacob, 
I'll give it a try.