Outdoor water sources: Have all outdoor water sources been frost proofed? Then they're ready for winter!

Roofs: Are house and garage roofs and balconies able to withstand the weight of winter snowfalls? Find out the snow load calculated for your region by asking the planner/architect of your house or inquiring at your local council building authority. In addition, balconies and patios should regularly be cleared of snow to prevent water from seeping through the (balcony) door.

Roof underside: Have icicles formed on the underside of the roof? This may be an indication of physical defects in construction. If in doubt, consult a specialist company and have the roof inspected.

Indoor climate conditions: Correct heating and airing is critical in creating healthy indoor climate conditions. The best way of combating mold is dryness, achieved by airing rooms sensibly. Airing with windows fully open enables indoor air to be exchanged in the shortest possible time without cooling walls. To keep humidity under control at all times, a hygrometer is useful. As a rule of thumb, humidity in new buildings should not exceed 50 percent. In older buildings problems may arise when windows are replaced with newer airtight models. When outside temperatures fall below zero, indoor humidity should not exceed 45 percent; otherwise mold may form at weak points in the construction known as "cold bridges."

For more information, contact:
Dr. Thomas Oberst
Telephone: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91-23 72
Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 57 91-212
Email: thomas.oberst@tuev-sued.de
Internet: www.tuev-sued.de