Erbach Castle reopened: renovation against pollutants completed!

Erbach Castle reopened: renovation against pollutants completed!

After extensive renovation, Erbach Castle in the Odenwald district is finally opening its doors to visitors again. The work, which has now been completed, was carried out under the direction of the State Office for Construction and Real Estate Hesse (LBIH) and had the aim of bringing the historic building to a safe state. The first preparatory work began a good two years ago, which included a detailed examination of the structural structure.

In recent months the focus has been on opening floors, walls and ceilings. These measures were necessary to evaluate the construction and statics of the castle and to determine the need for renovation. It was found that lead dust was affecting air quality in the affected areas, particularly on the third floor. The Counts' Collections and the German Ivory Museum are located on this floor, which is why special care was required to exclude possible health risks. According to Echo Online, this is not the first challenge in renovating historic buildings.

Problems with pollutants in historic buildings

The renovation of old buildings can turn out to be a challenging undertaking, especially when pollutants are involved. Homeowners who live in older buildings often struggle with fears surrounding mold, asbestos and dangerous lead pipes. These substances can not only cause health risks, but can also cause financial holes in household budgets, especially if complex renovations are necessary. As Living and Financing explains, the costs for removing pollutants can vary significantly.

Prices for mold removal are between 10 and 100 euros per square meter, while asbestos removal is between 30 and 50 euros per square meter. Removing lead pipes, which must be replaced by January 12, 2026 due to legal requirements, is also not cheap. Here the costs are between 40 and 70 euros per meter. When renovating, you should also consider the financing options: modernization or renovation loans can help to obtain the funds for such measures.

Health risks and recommendations

The relevance of thorough pollutant remediation cannot be overestimated. Homeowners should be aware of the risks posed by contaminants such as mold and asbestos. In the case of mold, a clear sign is a musty smell and a grayish-green coating. When it comes to asbestos, which was often found in buildings before 1990, professional testing is essential. If you are not careful, you can face health problems and the associated high costs.

It is advisable to contact building pollutant experts early on if you live in an older building or are even planning to purchase one. Early access to experts can help minimize health risks and avoid long-term financial burdens. Erbach Castle itself is an impressive example of how targeted renovation and specialist knowledge can preserve a historic building and prepare it for future generations.