We have a rental property that has a strange odor. The house almost smells like it has had a problem with cat urine, however, there has never been a cat on the premises. What could cause this? I have heard that wet insualtion can cause a strange smell. Should we be looking for this? The smell is worse on the 1st floor than the 2nd.
There are a number of products that are held together with a urea resin that could release ammonia odors when wet like particleboard, or fiberglass insulation. Ammonium sulfate is often used in cellulose insulation as a fungicide and could release ammonia odors if wet. There are a number of possibilities. You may need to open up a wall. Look for signs of discoloration or staining to narrow down your search.
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