A home built without proper ventilation can lead to all sorts of problems, including excessive condensation, lack of air circulation, air pollutants and allergens. Calling in a leak detection specialist will help you to identify potential problems before they cause any serious damage.
Problems caused by unventilated spaces
Condensation
Condensation occurs when cold surfaces come into contact with warm air, or when humidity is prevalent in the home. While condensation is common in colder climates, the humidity of warmer climates can also play a huge part in causing condensation damage.
Without any ventilation in your home, trapped moisture will cause condensation. Ultimately, this can lead to mould, rot and deterioration of the ceiling and walls in places where the condensation is most prominent.
Mould
When condensation begins to build up, it causes mould. Because mould thrives in damp areas, a home with little ventilation and lots of condensation makes the perfect place for it to grow.
The following are signs that you could have mould in the house:
- Visible mould spores
- Dark or coloured spots on the walls or ceilings
- Musty or damp odour
- Dark or pink colouring on the shower floor or in the grout
- Peeling wallpaper
- You experience lingering cold symptoms that won’t go away
- Your asthma or seasonal allergies worsen
Mould can be toxic to humans and when left untreated, it can have seriously adverse effects on your eyes, lungs and skin. If you’re experiencing mould due to excessive condensation in your home, it’s important to check for any water leaks that could be contributing to the problem.
Lack of air circulation
Lack of ventilation in your home can cause the air to become still and stagnant. In turn, this traps harmful pathogens like spores, bad bacteria and viruses inside with no other way of getting out into the open air.
Everyday household items like hairspray, nail polish and general cleaning products often contain chemicals that stay in the air long after the smell is gone. Without proper ventilation, these toxins will hang around for anyone in your home to inhale.
Air pollutants and allergens
As air pollutants like carbon monoxide and cigarette smoke can get trapped inside without proper ventilation, so too can allergens like dust, pet dander and pollen. This can lead to some nasty smells and serious health problems down the line if left unchecked.
Opening up the doors and windows of your home will help to rid the air of pollutants and allergens, while fresh, clean air circulates back inside. An exhaust fan or ventilation system will also help to clear the air – without you having to worry about letting any cold or hot air in.
Make sure your home is properly ventilated
Whether you live in the tropics or a city like Melbourne with colder temperatures in winter, proper ventilation throughout your home will help to prevent any of the above issues from afflicting your abode.
