While there’s usually a lot of talk regarding the interiors of our homes, not much is being said about their exteriors. However, in as much as a beautiful interior is something all of us strive to achieve, the exterior of our homes is equally important.
Now, aside from making sure our exteriors are well-maintained and neat, we also need to make sure that they are healthy. This entails making sure that all the structural elements of the home’s exterior are in optimum condition and functioning in a manner conducive to a healthy existence. Now, let’s see how that can be achieved.
[1] Exterior Paint
First and foremost, in order to have a truly beautiful house exterior, you need to make sure that there is no chipping or peeling paint. But when choosing the most suitable outdoor paint to touch up or change colors altogether, make sure you go with zero-VOC and lead-free alternatives. This will go a long way to ensure your outdoor environment is as healthy and safe as the indoor space.
Exterior, as well as interior paints, can off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which may contain fungicides and even biocides. Not only can these compounds be extremely detrimental health-wise, but they also contribute to smog accumulation and the overall ozone layer damage.
[2] Siding
The siding of your home also requires some further inspection if you want to make sure that your home’s exterior is completely healthy and safe for the environment. This may come as a surprise, but home siding can account for the single largest PVC use in a household. The process of manufacturing and recycling these PVC products also contributes to overall planetary pollution, since this releases dangerous toxins that can be linked with endocrine disruption and even some types of cancer.
So, if the time has come for you to replace the siding on your home, make sure you steer clear of the vinyl materials and opt for aluminum, natural wood, or cementitious ones.
[3] Deck and Patio
Furthermore, you should inspect your deck or patio to see if there are any signs of termite infestation or other damage. Termites can significantly hinder the safety of the entire structure, so make sure you take care of the problem as soon as you notice it. You will also want to check for the accumulation of mold on surfaces, and then take the necessary steps to fully eradicate it.
Also, when it comes to your outdoor patio furniture, you should make sure you choose eco-friendly and natural furniture as pieces made of synthetic materials can also contain VOCs. Current outdoor furniture collections demonstrate just how beautiful this type of furniture can be and, most importantly, how sustainable and durable it is.
[4] Garden Upkeep
Now, when talking about your home’s exterior, we must not forget about the garden. If you use pesticides and other synthetic solutions to fight unwanted plants or insects in your garden, do know that you are directly contributing effects to the overall population. Instead, find a way to battle these menaces naturally. There are numerous plants that act as natural insecticides towards the detrimental insects but are not harmful to the useful ones, such as bees and butterflies.
[5] Water Damage
Finally, you should pay attention to potential water damage. Not only can water cause serious structural problems to your property, but if there’s a plumbing leak you’re not aware of, you’ll be wasting this natural resource and causing unseen damage to your home.
So, inspect your home’s exterior thoroughly and see if there are any wet patches. Also, check out your drains and shingles to make sure they’re in peak condition. Finally, if you do happen to notice a problem, contact the appropriate experts to take care of it before it becomes a more serious issue.
As you can see, the exterior of your home is as equally important as the interior, and it requires the same level attention to ensure it contributes to making your dwelling healthy.
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