Tighter buildings, different smell paths

Westminster has housing from several eras, including older ranch houses and many townhomes and more recent developments. Newer buildings tend to be sealed more tightly, and they often rely on mechanical ventilation. That can concentrate odor inside a unit if windows stay closed, and it can move smell between rooms through exhaust and supply paths. Your own building may differ, so verify through the manual, the builder or the manager.

In townhomes, the shared wall is the obvious route, but outlets, attic spaces and garages can be just as important. A shared attic or roof space may connect units above the ceiling, which means smell can drift without any visible gap.

Westminster lies across Adams and Jefferson counties, so the right agency for permits, health questions and complaints depends on your address. Look up your parcel before calling.

Checking a newer townhome or house

  1. Find the ventilation setup

    Locate the bath fans, kitchen hood and any whole-house ventilator and check where they exhaust.

  2. Test with systems off and on

    Compare smell with fans on, off and with windows open.

  3. Inspect shared paths

    Look at outlets on shared walls, the garage door joint and attic access.

  4. Check filters

    Inspect the furnace filter and any ventilator filter for a tinted or tacky look.

  5. Keep a record

    Log timing, location and strength, and attach photos.

What the pattern might point to

  • IfSmell is strongest when bath fans runCheck backdrafts and shared exhaust paths.
  • IfSmell appears with the furnaceCheck filters, returns and the duct path.
  • IfSmell is steady near the shared wallCheck outlets, attic and garage joints.
  • IfSmell is strongest in the lower level of a houseCheck for moisture and past use of that level.
Map of Westminster. It shows an area, not an office or a job site.

Common questions

Are newer homes easier to treat?
Sometimes, because materials are simpler, but tight construction can also trap odor. It depends on the case.
Does a tight building trap odor?
It can, because less outdoor air leaks in to dilute smell. Check the ventilation system and filters, and compare smell with fans on and off.
What if the odor seems to come from the attic?
Shared attic space in townhomes can connect units. Photograph what you see from the access hatch without entering unsafe areas, and ask management to inspect.

General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.