Design a sheltered entryway
In addition to reducing exposure to bad weather, providing shade, and cutting down on energy loss, a sheltered entryway can help keep the house cleaner.
With planning, the entryway can serve as a place to clean dirt from shoes before entering the house or to dry wet shoes and clothing.
Design an entry with a 15 ft.-long walk-off mat. This will collect 85% of shoe dirt before it gets tracked in. An exterior grate in front of the mat will improve that number. The mat should be cleaned once a day, more in high-traffic areas. Also, provide space in the entry for hanging coats and storing rain boots and other outdoor shoes. In cold climates, the entry should provide an airlock so that one door can be closed before the next is opened.
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