Floating Odours

Bredabe

We have an odour randomly floating in from what I think is the common wall/flooring between us and next door, once in the house it floats up all through the house and is causing a lot of distress as we have people with breathing issues.

We dont want to hide the smell but to block it getting in at all, can anyone give me any direction on how to do this or any resources that might help?

MicktheMan

Describe the odour / smell

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058399519/floating-odours

That is really weird, because I was going to post something similar. There is a sort of sweetish smell that comes and goes in my bedroom. If it was a long forgotten about kebab, it might explain it, but its been coming and going for about a year now. So, if it was a kebab, the smell would have changed by now.

Doing some googling, my research led me to decide it is mold or mildew. That is possible, as my shower regularly gets mold on the tray, so that part of the house does seem to be susceptible to it.

Improving ventilation seems to be the best thing to get rid of it.

Bredabe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123255089#Comment_123255089

It changes, but lately it's a turps/petrol type smell, other times it's a heavy dirty type smell with a sharp undertone. It seems to be flowing in the windows as well.

DC999

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123256679#Comment_123256679

Like Jays fluid? My neighbour pours it down her drains to clear them. Was used by a lot of older people for that purpose.

It really smells. Can't recall the exact smell now but not bleach and not petrol. Maybe like something in between. Will smell much stronger on a hot day.

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123256679#Comment_123256679

Definitely not mould then. Does your neighbour have an oil tank?

Bredabe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123257489#Comment_123257489

Yes they do.

Bredabe

I remember that jeyes fluid stuff, its def not that and it gets worse in the middle of the night when they have company.

MicktheMan

How old is the house and what history of renovation have it and your neighbours?

Any chance of an old unsealed waste pipe of sorts buried somewhere within / under the house / party wall?

Bredabe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123259131#Comment_123259131

It all seemed to be fine before they moved in, not a sewage smell, more herbal/floral/petrol/turps and thats just the stuff I can name.

lucalux

Any chance it's the smell of weed or synthetic cannabis being smoked by your neighbours?

phormium

Above answer was my first thought! Lovely smell wafts in my attic windows from next door when they are having a chat and a smoke outside! Even with windows closed which is odd.

Bredabe

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123261692#Comment_123261692

While I can't say for sure, I feel something like that is at play. I wouldn't care if it was confined to their house; it's causing havoc in mine and needs to be blocked.

Bredabe

I had that in my last rental, it was a sign that the windows needed refitting/new insulation. Once that was completed I never smelled it again once the window was closed.

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123261692#Comment_123261692

As soon as the OP said sort of herbal that was my first thought too. The smell sure travels a long distance. I, for one can not stand it. It instantly makes me feel queasy.