How Attached Garages Can Impact the Indoor Air Quality of Homes in Puerto Rico

For many people in Puerto Rico, having an attached garage is a major convenience that allows them to keep their vehicles in a secure location that is out of the rain and sun.  These garages also often act as a storage and work area and may even house components of a home’s mechanical system.
 
While an attached garage does provide many benefits for homeowners and renters, they can also be a source of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues within the rest of the home.  In some circumstances they can even lead to safety concerns.   This is due to the fact that any gases, vapors, fumes and particulates that are airborne in the garage may be able to infiltrate the interior of the home itself.
 
This can happen in a number of ways.  For example, if the garage is positively pressured as compared to the house, the garage air will try to make it into the attached home.  This can occur because of an improperly sealed door leading into the home, through the HVAC system if it is located in the garage or if there are vents or leaking duct work in the area.  It can also occur if there are unsealed, cracked or damaged garage walls and ceilings.  Even opening the door to the garage can allow pollutants to enter.
 
“A major concern with attached garages is carbon monoxide,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas which can cause sudden illness and death. It is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned so a vehicle idling in the garage or a clothes dryer, hot water heater or furnace in the garage that is powered by propane or natural gas and is not properly vented could create unhealthy or deadly levels of carbon monoxide.”
 
The storage and use of various fuels, paints, cleaning compounds, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals in a garage can also cause issues.  While being used, or if not properly stored, these materials can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemical compounds into the air that could make their way into the home. Garages that suffer from leaks or have had water damage or elevated humidity levels can even be the source of mold growth. Mold spores and fragments can easily become airborne and enter a property.
 
People in Puerto Rico that suspect they may have indoor air quality issues in their property can turn to the building science professionals at Zimmetry Environmental for answers. Their experts offer comprehensive testing and inspection services to identify the presence of carbon monoxide, VOCs, mold and other indoor environmental health and safety issues.  Zimmetry has also sponsored a video with tips for preventing indoor air quality issues associated with attached garages that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/axzby86uf54
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their building science, indoor environmental quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail