October 2, 2023 | Filed under: Energy Efficiency,Research,Sustainability,Ventilation
In July of 2023, hazy gray skies and thick smog plagued US cities as wildfires spewed smoke from Canada. At one point, New York had the worst air quality in the world, with an orange sky looming over millions of residents.
Throughout, medical professionals advised us to skip outdoor exercise and limit our exposure to smog. Even in Kentucky, we experienced consistent haze blocking the clouds and dimming the sun. Wildfires continue to occur yearly in Canada, California, and Australia, devastating the surrounding plant and animal life and carrying smoke for miles.
Unfortunately, you can’t affect the quality of outdoor air, but you can improve the quality of your indoor air.
As a homeowner, how can you prepare for bad air?
- Listen to our conversation with Caroline Blazovsky last year. She travels the country, helping homeowners create healthy homes. She shared some risks of poor indoor air quality, ranging from respiratory diseases to increased cancer risk.
- Improve your home’s ventilation. According to the EPA, the most effective steps you can take are reducing sources of pollution, increasing ventilation by opening windows and doors (especially when working with paint or chemicals), and using an air cleaning system.
- The EPA also recommends watching for mold growth, adding carbon monoxide monitors, and maintaining ventilation. Learn more from The Environmental Protection Agency.
- Ventilation and air quality go hand in hand, and many people are unaware of just how important proper ventilation is. Today’s homes are built more tightly, so moisture is often trapped in the attic. When warm, moist air hits a cool surface, the air contracts, and moisture is forced out as condensation. We explain more about condensation in this short video.
- Beyond the quality of indoor air, many people suffer from allergies, asthma, and sensitivity to VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Choosing the right building materials can be a matter of health, not preference. Last year, we were fortunate to help Julie, a Washington homeowner who can now live without triggering her allergies and causing severe health problems.
Prioritize the Quality of Indoor Air
As our homes and environments evolve, prioritize the quality of your indoor air through excellent ventilation. No matter your situation or home, you can improve the quality of indoor air and your quality of life, too.
Every Classic Metal Roofing System installation includes a thorough evaluation and plan for your home’s unique ventilation needs.
Before the next round of air challenges, contact our knowledgeable Customer Service team to get a FREE estimate and learn more about the protection of your home and air quality.
Get a permanent roofing solution that’s good for your health, and good for the earth.