The complex chemicals, including alcohols and aldehydes produced by molds as
they grow create the funky, earthy odors that make us recoil from breathing
"bad" air. Occupants of such homes and buildings become desensitized to such
smell as the nose becomes overwhelmed. Buildings may "just plain smell bad."
Masking of the odors by perfumes is quickly recognized by the human nose,
and usually, humans unconsciously begin to take shallow breaths as the nose
says, "Don't breathe this air."
It is likely that the body's instinctive protective behavior influences the
visitor's attitude toward the person who operates a business in such a building.
We know of one high end real estate office in Naples, Florida that has a serious
odor problem. The occupants seem unaware of it (desensitization), and the office
manager is in denial that the office has an unpleasant smell. We believe that high end real estate customers detect and react to the
odor. The odor impairs the office's bottom line. If the office manager could set aside his denial and realize how easily and
effectively we could make the air in that office clean, clear and crisp, without
any odor whatsoever, he would likely fix it
immediately and find the profitability of the business increased significantly.
Growth of bacteria causing foul odors in medical facilities and offices is
not uncommon. Most people think that ventilation needs to be increased in order
to eliminate such odors. but the truth is, usually bacteria growth is rampant
because in certain areas or wall cavities, there is too much ventilation, and in
a hot, humid climate, such excess ventilation delivers excess moisture
that the bacteria need to thrive. And they do. Such problems often continue
because of "unintended airflows" deliver moisture into such remote wall cavities
where the foul smell is generated but cannot be easily found. Putting in a
completely new air conditioning system and dehumidification system often makes
no difference at all in eliminating the smell because it does not address the true cause.
Key Benefits
Guests and customers can be overwhelmed by building odors that owners have become
desensitized to. (Housitosis) Embarrassing, but true. "Yes, but their
beautiful home or office stinks; you would think they would do something about
it"
Homes with moldy or funky odors may remain on the real estate market a
long time before a prospective buyer with no sense of smell comes along.
Remarkably, it has been our experience that when we eliminate an odor in a
property that has not sold, it sells almost immediately thereafter, and
always for a higher price.
Unpleasant odors consist of complex organic chemical compounds which may
impair good health. Prospective buyers' noses are telling them that they should not be inhaling
such chemicals.
Simply put, Odor Elimination, not masking, is evidence that mold problem tendencies
are being reversed, and that mold issues may be undergoing a natural process of
elimination once the building gets the "medicine" it needs to "heal itself."
Capabilities
Identification of True Cause by sophisticated, effective testing
Our study of Building Science has given us a perspective that causes us
to examine a building as a whole, living organism consisting of many organs
and elements. This whole organism approach allows us to recognize
complex interactions that escape detection even by others who are experts in
their own fields, such as roofing, plumbing, air conditioning, fenestration,
flooring, etc.
Correction of the Actual Building Defects creating the mal-odor
Often, correction of the building defect is simple, but it has just been
overlooked because it is outside of the expertise of the person engaged to
find it. The facts uncovered by research building scientists have been slow
to transfer to the trades and professions of those who can benefit from
them. We look for new facts every day in the research abstracts, journals of
air conditioning, plumbing, and in our discussions with other building
scientists, especially with those who conduct pure research. Such knowledge
is the basis for correct identification and corrective decision-making.
Monitoring of building performance to assure continued success
Surprisingly often, building defects causing bad odors result from
modifications to the building or its systems by persons who do not know of
the unexpected, adverse consequences of their modifications. For example, in
a hot, humid climate, such as SW Florida, to increase ventilation to
eliminate an odor is likely the most wrong thing that could be done.
Constant vigilance and monitoring of the building will allow such unintended
consequences to be corrected soon after begin to operate..
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