The more we learn about chemicals and the ways in which they impact us, the more we want to keep them out of our bodies. Along with the desire for cleaner water and more natural foods, we want to fill our lungs with fresh air. That has driven the movement towards low-VOC and zero-VOC paints, at least for interior painting. However, do VOCs matter for exterior house painting?
There are good reasons to use reduced-VOC paints on your home exterior. Before we discuss that, however, what are VOCs?
House Paint Ingredients
Paint contains three main ingredients: solvents (which keep it liquid), binders (which cause the paint to adhere), and colorants. The solvents in the paint are designed to evaporate once the paint is on the wall, leaving behind a beautiful film of color. In traditional paints, these solvents contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.
In recent years, paint manufacturers have begun crafting house paints with ultra-low levels of VOCs, finding safer solvents that still provide excellent performance. These paints are often called eco-friendly paints, low-odor paints, or zero-VOC paints.
Why VOCs Matter in Exterior Painting
While the open environment and pleasant winds of the great outdoors allow paint fumes to disperse, that does not mean that VOCs are irrelevant. It is true that a large proportion of the VOCs dissipate away from the home in the first day after painting, but that is not the whole story. The compounds in the paint continue to emanate from the new paint for a long time, which means your family is exposed to them in numerous ways. When your windows are open, when you spend time on the deck or in the garden, and even when you walk to your car, you breathe in the VOCs.
In addition, exterior painting releases VOCs into the ecosystem. They contribute to air pollution, they enter our water supplies, and animals breathe or ingest them. When we use low-VOC exterior house paint, we contribute to a healthier environment for everyone.
Are Zero-VOC Paints As Good As Traditional Ones?
When the movement began towards low-VOC paints, there was some doubt as to their quality. However, product development has evolved, and zero-VOC exterior house paints are in no way inferior. In fact, some zero-VOC products are now even superior to their traditional counterparts!
Cherry Hill Painting
For homeowners in New Jersey and Philadelphia who want eco-friendly exterior painting, trust Cherry Hill Painting. We provide exceptional service and unbeatable quality, giving you an excellent overall experience. If you want low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, just ask; we are happy to serve!