Short version: I've tried sealing a gap between the floor and wall with foam to prevent bad odors from coming up. It doesn't seem to be working as the smell seeps through the foam. Is this normal, and what should I use instead?
Long version: The gap is 1-2 cm, under a kitchen cabinet. The smell is most likely rat urine. According to Anticimex who have been here, there's not much to be done, but the smell can linger for a long time, so it's important to seal it as best as possible. There are no signs of any rats in the subfloor right now (I live in an apartment on the fourth floor).
I sealed it generously with Danalim Construction Foam, but the smell still seeps through. Perhaps it's natural considering the foam is porous? What can I use instead? Preferably something that doesn't smell bad on its own... Additionally, it's tricky to reach under the cabinet, and the floor is solid wood, so there should ideally be some room for expansion and contraction.
I'm considering thick tape, like duct tape, mostly because it would be easy... but that's probably not a smart idea.
Long version: The gap is 1-2 cm, under a kitchen cabinet. The smell is most likely rat urine. According to Anticimex who have been here, there's not much to be done, but the smell can linger for a long time, so it's important to seal it as best as possible. There are no signs of any rats in the subfloor right now (I live in an apartment on the fourth floor).
I sealed it generously with Danalim Construction Foam, but the smell still seeps through. Perhaps it's natural considering the foam is porous? What can I use instead? Preferably something that doesn't smell bad on its own... Additionally, it's tricky to reach under the cabinet, and the floor is solid wood, so there should ideally be some room for expansion and contraction.
I'm considering thick tape, like duct tape, mostly because it would be easy... but that's probably not a smart idea.
I actually think the smell penetrates the foam itself. At least it's absorbed by the foam, because if you break off a piece and sniff it, it smells like ape. However, after a few hours, the smell has aired out.
Anyone have other suggestions on what I can seal with?
Anyone have other suggestions on what I can seal with?
There are all sorts of flexible sealants (latex) for both narrow and wide gaps. The next step up is various flexible sealing compounds for roofing and flame stop for fire sealing.
Whether these are gas-tight is not really clear from the specifications, but they are certainly all better than the porous foam sealant.
I would go and browse a bit in the hardware store, there is much to choose from.
Whether these are gas-tight is not really clear from the specifications, but they are certainly all better than the porous foam sealant.
I would go and browse a bit in the hardware store, there is much to choose from.