30 Year old Masonite Siding Problems?

Question

Would 30 yr old masonite (fibre cement ) siding that has been wettened from watering plants from last owner be causing mildew smell in house? I have done everyi interior tear out including undlerlayment. no source of mildew but still stinky house. Does the water permeate thru that kind of siding. I hope so because I am replacing with vinyl. Tearing of this weekend. What about old shingles 30 yr old - very old condition - Do they stink too when old? I can't find source inside of stench. Any one with experiences of shingles and siding causing mildew smell? House has been vacant three years. I can't find source of stench.

Answer 1

WITH A HOUSE SITTING 3 YEARS IT WILL HAVE A STENCH TO IT . AFTER YOU PAINT ALL THE WALLS AND CEILINGS MOST OF IT WILL BE GONE . IF YOU HAVE WOOD PANELING INSTEAD OF SHEETROCK THEN IT IS THERE TO . TO FRESHEN THE HOUSE GET A OZONE GENERATOR AND RUN IT OVERNIGHT -----IF THE HOUSE HAS CENTRAL AIR TURN THE FAN ON AND RUN THE OZONE THROUGH THE DUCT WORK TO KILL ANY MOLD YOU HAVE .

Answer 2

possibility: it's IN the wet wall. sheathing, insulation, studs. could be coming from outside, or around the plumbing for the kitchen. if you are re-siding, tear off a bottom piece and see if it's wet behind it. otherwise you'll have to go in from the kitchen side.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

There can be any number of things making your home smell like mold. Yes to the shingles and the siding. Have you checked under your cabinets under the sinks and the floor around your toilet? Those are also areas where the mold and mildew can spread and cause an Oder. You may want to call a professional in to find the source and save thousands of dollars in replacing everything to find the cause. Perhaps if your home has carpet in it, that can store Oders too.  Good Luck.