Blog: Environmentally-Safe Exterior Home Products

As warm weather ushers people outside to enjoy their outdoor spaces and yards this summer, many people pay more attention to the exterior appearance of their homes. There may be peeling siding, missing fascia, old windows or rotting deck boards that could use a bit of sprucing up or replacement.

It may finally be time to give your home's exterior a much-needed makeover. Yet, instead of using regular, everyday materials, many homeowners are seeking out more environmentally-safe, upcycled or recycled exterior products for their homes.

Choosing environmentally-conscious products for your exterior renovations provides a whole range of short-term and long-term benefits.

Aluminum Gutters and Downspouts

Keeping the rain away from the exterior walls of your home and your foundation can prevent water penetration that could ruin the items that you have inside as well as damage the building's structure. Gutters and downspouts can help direct the water away to offer the ultimate leak protection.

While it's always important to clean your gutters regularly and keep them free from debris, Rollex’s heavy-gauge aluminum gutters and downspouts are far more durable than other plastic gutters.

They can handle more leaves, ice and storms without sagging or pulling off the side of your home. These outdoor rainware products are ideal when you are looking for gutter systems that will not rot, rust or bend, and they can be recycled at the end of their life cycle, greatly reducing their impact on the environment compared to other gutter materials.

Composite Decking

For outdoor decks, balconies and railings, composite decking may be the best alternative when you want to have a structure that mimics the appearance of wood but is more environmentally friendly.

Composite decking is made from wood fibers that have been ground up and pressed together using high pressure, heat and resin without being treated with arsenic -- like treated lumber -- to preserve its materials. The decking will not rot or require painting like some wood products, and it can withstand the outdoor elements to provide a deck that will last for years.

Picking the Right Environmentally-Safe Products for Your Home

Today, the home products market is filled with certified green products for the interior and exterior of your home.

Just remember to keep the style of your home in mind when choosing products. Select products that fit into the architectural design of the house and offer the benefits you want like reduced utility costs, reduced carbon footprint, sustainably resourced, etc.

You should also look into the tradeoff between initial investment and future savings.

These savings could be in the form of lower utility bills, less maintenance expenses, a higher property resale value, or a more comfortable environment for yourself and your family.

Evaluate home product manufacturers to determine how the materials in the products are harvested, produced and shipped to different locations to ensure that you are truly getting a green product that is safe for both the environment and your home.