Why Are People Cutting Holes in Their Doors?
February 10, 2025
Source: Reddit
If you’ve ever lived in or visited an older apartment, particularly in cities like Berlin, you may have noticed something peculiar about some bathroom doors. Instead of sitting flush with the floor, they have deliberate cut-outs at the bottom. At first glance, this might seem like damage or an unfinished repair. However, there’s actually a practical reason behind it: ventilation.
A Clever Fix for Poor Airflow
Many old apartment buildings were constructed before modern ventilation systems became standard. Bathrooms often lacked windows or exhaust fans, leading to moisture buildup after showers. Without proper ventilation, humidity could linger, increasing the risk of mold and mildew—common problems in older buildings.
To counter this issue, a simple and effective solution was implemented: cutting a section out of the bottom of the door. This ventilation cut-out allows air to circulate more freely. As a result, it reduces dampness and prevents mold growth. The ventilation cut-out, while not the most visually appealing fix, remains a practical and low-cost alternative. It is more economical than installing an expensive ventilation system.
Other Possible Reasons for Door Cut-Outs
While ventilation is the most common reason, there are a few other potential explanations for these cut-outs:
- Pet Access – Some tenants may have cut openings so their cats or small dogs could freely move in and out of the bathroom.
- Floor Clearance Issues – Older buildings settle over time, causing doors to scrape against floors. Rather than replacing the entire door, cutting a section off is a quick fix.
- Plumbing or Heating Considerations – If heating pipes or radiators were placed near the floor, modifying the door could have been necessary to accommodate them.
Keeping the Tradition Alive or Upgrading?
If you live in an apartment with a ventilation cut-out, you might be wondering whether to keep it or upgrade to something more aesthetically pleasing. While the cut-out serves a functional purpose, some alternatives include:
- Installing a door with built-in ventilation grilles
- Adding a louvered panel to allow airflow while maintaining a neater look
- Using a vented door sweep, which provides air circulation without a large opening
That said, in many cases, the ventilation cut-out remains a charming and practical piece of the apartment’s history.
A Quirky Detail With a Purpose
What might seem like an odd design choice at first is actually an ingenious workaround for a long-standing issue in old buildings. The utilization of a ventilation cut-out in old apartment doors is a testament to the creativity and practicality of past residents. So next time you see one, you’ll know—it’s not just a hole in the door, it’s a clever solution!