Why proper ventilation is crucial in fall and winter
The cold season not only brings with it falling temperatures, but also increased humidity – an ideal breeding ground for mold, which can develop particularly in poorly ventilated rooms. It is particularly important to keep moisture under control in apartment buildings and shared rooms in a condominium owners’ association (WEG). Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the building fabric and possible health risks for the residents. Correct ventilation is therefore an essential measure to prevent mold growth and maintain a healthy indoor climate.
In this article, you will find out why an effective ventilation strategy is essential, especially in the fall and winter, and what steps residents and the condominium as a whole can take to ensure long-term quality of living.
Causes of damp and mold growth in autumn and winter
In the cold months, there is often an increase in humidity indoors. This is because warm air can store more moisture than cold air – but as soon as the warm indoor air meets cold outdoor surfaces, the moisture condenses and settles on windows, walls and other cool surfaces. This process is one of the main reasons for moisture accumulating in living spaces during the fall and winter, which can eventually lead to mold growth.
In addition, there are certain areas in a building that are particularly susceptible to moisture. In communal areas such as stairwells, basements or laundry rooms, where air circulation is often restricted, moisture can be particularly persistent. Activities such as cooking, showering and drying laundry also produce moisture, which can penetrate the building fabric without proper ventilation.
It is therefore crucial to raise awareness of the causes of damp and to take targeted measures to prevent mold. After all, once moisture has penetrated the walls, this can lead to long-term damage and costly remedial work.
The basics of correct ventilation in the cold season
To effectively reduce moisture and prevent mold growth, the right ventilation technology is crucial. A common misconception is that tilted windows provide sufficient fresh air. However, so-called continuous ventilation is inefficient, as it provides a continuous but small supply of air, while the walls and furniture continue to cool down and retain moisture. Instead, shock ventilation – a targeted, brief opening of the windows – is the more effective method, especially in the cold season.
Shock ventilation instead of continuous ventilation
When airing a room, the windows are opened wide for 5 to 10 minutes so that a rapid exchange of air takes place. This method allows the humid indoor air to escape quickly to the outside without the walls or furniture cooling down too much. It is recommended to repeat this process several times a day, especially in rooms where moisture is generated by everyday activities such as cooking, showering or drying laundry.
Ventilation frequency and duration
As a rule of thumb, living spaces should be ventilated at least two to three times a day, ideally in the morning and evening. In rooms with high humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms, additional ventilation can be useful. Depending on the outside temperature, just a few minutes are enough to exchange the room air.
Optimum ventilation times
Another important point is the time of day: In the morning and evening, the air outside is often cooler and drier, which promotes exchange and minimizes moisture absorption. This regular and targeted ventilation can significantly improve the air quality and indoor climate – an important step in preventing mold in the long term.
Mold prevention in communal areas
There are many communal areas in a condominium that are potentially susceptible to moisture and therefore mold growth. These include stairwells, corridors, cellar rooms and communal laundry rooms or kitchens in particular. As these areas are often less monitored and used than private living spaces, a targeted ventilation strategy is important to keep them mold-free.
Stairwells and corridors
Stairwells and corridors are often poorly ventilated and are only used occasionally. However, as temperature differences and moisture can accumulate here, it is advisable to ventilate these areas regularly too. Daily ventilation is particularly advisable in the colder months. If possible, windows can be opened wide for a few minutes in order to exchange the air completely. In particularly large stairwells or in houses without windows in the corridors, the installation of small ventilation grilles can be helpful.
Cellars and storage rooms
Basement rooms are often particularly susceptible to moisture as they are directly adjacent to the outside walls and are generally cool. As a result, warm, moist air that enters the cellar quickly condenses and settles on surfaces. The rule here is: cellar rooms should only be ventilated when the outside air is colder and drier than the cellar air – this is often the case in the early morning in fall and winter. It can also be useful to place stored goods such as boxes or wooden shelves on a small elevation to reduce the moisture on the floor.
Communal kitchens and washrooms
In laundry rooms and shared kitchens, cooking and drying laundry creates a high level of humidity. Here, ventilation should take place as soon as possible after use to remove the moisture. Cross ventilation is ideal, where two opposite windows are opened for a few minutes to allow the moisture to escape quickly.
With these targeted ventilation measures in communal areas, the COA can actively prevent mold growth and at the same time contribute to maintaining the value of the property.
Communication and sensitization of residents
To successfully prevent mold growth in communal areas, the cooperation of all residents is essential. A good information policy and regular awareness-raising can raise awareness of the importance of correct ventilation and strengthen residents’ personal responsibility. In this way, everyone can play their part in ensuring the quality of living in the condominium and preventing long-term damage.
It is important to motivate residents to look out for signs of damp and mold on their own and to react in good time. It should also be emphasized that preventive measures not only benefit the community, but also protect the individual living comfort and health of the residents. A positive communication culture and an emphasis on the common goal – a mold-free and healthy living environment – encourage residents to play an active role.
With these communication measures, WEG is creating the conditions for successful and sustainable mold prevention in which everyone involved pulls together.
Early detection and action plan
Despite all precautionary measures, mold can still form. In this case, it is important to act quickly and purposefully to prevent further spread.
Residents should be encouraged to report potential mold problems at an early stage. Small stains or discoloration on walls and ceilings, especially in less frequented common areas such as basements or laundry rooms, should not be ignored.
If mold infestation is confirmed, a rapid response is crucial. Smaller areas of mold can often be removed by professionals using special cleaning measures. However, it is important to analyze the cause of the mold infestation and ensure that the source of moisture is eliminated to prevent it from spreading again.
Conclusion: For a mold-free and healthy living environment
Correct ventilation in the cold months is a simple but extremely effective measure to prevent mold. Especially in a condominium owners’ association (WEG), all residents can contribute to ensuring the quality of living and the preservation of the building through targeted ventilation and the correct handling of moisture. A mold-free environment requires personal responsibility and an awareness that each individual can make an important contribution. With a well-informed community and the right ventilation practices, the cold season and the associated challenges can be successfully overcome.
