Trying to keep cool in your outdoor living area when the weather heats up seems like an impossible task, but it’s not. With some clever planning and investing in hi-tech outdoor blinds, you can not only spend more time outside this summer but can also help to keep your house cooler.
Here are some tips on how to keep your outdoor living area cool this summer:
- Our number one tip begins before your outdoor living area is built. When considering building a new patio, pergola or verandah, think about the best location. Consider seasonal factors such as average temperatures, the angle of the sun and the general direction of the wind, as well as the direction where you get your hottest wind. These factors will obviously be different depending on where you live. Also consider surrounding buildings and trees. In general, a west facing outdoor living area will be the hottest while a south facing one will generally be the coolest (but may not be an ideal location in winter).
- Add a roof to your outdoor living area or, at the very least, some form of shading. The temperature difference between sitting in the sun and sitting in the shade can be 5 – 8 degrees Celsius.
- Shading your windows and walls will help to keep the inside of your house cooler, so if you have one side of your house that really cops the heat consider placing a patio or verandah with a roof in this location. This will probably mean your outdoor living area will be warmer than it could be, but this may be a good compromise.
- Add hi-tech outdoor blinds. The plastic café blinds many of us are familiar with may have been great in cooler conditions but they were awful for the heat. Today’s outdoor blinds are entirely different, and can help keep your outdoor living area cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Contact Outside Concepts for a quote on outdoor blinds today.
- Ceiling fans are a cheap and efficient solution to help cool your inside space and it’s no different outside. Installing a ceiling fan or two in your outdoor living area will provide a pleasant breeze. You can even buy ceiling fans or pedestal fans that add a mist of water, a great solution on a hot day.
- You’ll generally have your barbecue in or near your outdoor living area but on a hot day all you’re going to do is increase the heat. Move your barbecue, and your barbecuing expertise, to another shady spot and your friends and family will be appreciate your cooking even more!
From concept to clean up, you can rely on us. Give Outside Concepts a call on 1800 601 674 to organise a free quote.