Organic Material Is Decomposing in Wet Conditions
A rotting smell after water damage is distinct from a musty mold smell. It is heavier and more organic the smell of wet wood beginning to decompose, of wet drywall paper that has been colonized long enough for decay to begin, or of biological material that was contaminated by the water source. This smell develops when water damage was not professionally dried and materials remained wet for long enough to begin breaking down.
The timeline for this kind of deterioration is longer than most people expect. A wood subfloor that stays at elevated moisture content for three to four weeks begins to soften and show early signs of decay. Drywall paper that stays wet develops mold within 24 to 48 hours and begins decomposing within weeks. By the time the smell is noticeable, the affected materials are typically past the point where drying alone resolves the situation they need to come out.
How We Assess It
We use thermal imaging to identify the extent of moisture retention and moisture meters to measure depth. In cases where the smell indicates significant material decay, we probe affected areas to assess the condition of framing and subfloor before giving you a scope. A family in Henderson called us about a smell that developed six weeks after a roof leak was patched. The smell was coming from the attic. The insulation and sheathing boards had been wet for long enough that wood decay was beginning. The scope was insulation removal, sheathing assessment, and mold remediation of affected framing.
When the Source Was Flood Water
Monsoon flood water in Las Vegas is Category 3 contaminated water. It carries organic material from the storm drain system that accelerates decomposition and mold growth in anything it soaked into. A homeowner in North Las Vegas called us eight weeks after a monsoon event. The visible water had been cleaned up the same day. The rotting smell started two weeks later and worsened steadily. Penicillium and Aspergillus were at significant multiples of outdoor baseline. The framing behind the exterior wall had been wet and contaminated since the flood event. Surface cleanup had not addressed the Category 3 material inside the assembly.
What We Do
We identify what is causing the smell, give you a clear scope of what needs to come out, and handle the remediation and reconstruction. If the water source is still active or unresolved, we address that first. Read more about our water damage restoration and mold removal services. Free inspection for property owners. Call (702) 442-1126.