The heat of the summer sun can make homes hot and uncomfortable, and this problem intensifies if your room is north-facing. Even east and west facing windows are susceptible as the sun moves throughout the day. In this article we look at the best ways to shade your home in the summer months for a cooler and more comfortable environment.
North-facing windows and rooms experience the most direct sunlight, and therefore the most extreme temperatures. Pergolas and other fixed horizontal shading devices are ideal for these windows and rooms. They can stop the high sun from hitting the glass and heating the room, while also allowing the low-level sun to give a warm glow late in the day. Some pergolas have louvers that can be adjusted to provide complete shading in summer, while still allowing the sun access in winter.
Awnings and roller shutters are also helpful with north-facing windows in summer. Opt for a thick, opaque material for a better shading effect. Outdoor shading products are adjustable for you to control how much sun exposure you like.
Window that face east and west are best shaded by adjustable vertical shading devices such as awnings or blinds. These allow you to make adjustments on a day-to-day or even hour-by-hour basis as the sun moves throughout the day. Blockout blinds, traditional awnings and shutters provide the flexibility to block the low-angled morning sun experienced in rooms with east-facing windows, or the afternoon sun in rooms with west-facing windows.
A cool breeze in summer usually comes from the south, so a south-facing window is useful for cross-ventilation. Keep this window open in summer to release the heat in the room, however, you may want to dress your south-facing window with lined curtains or blinds to prevent loss of heat in the winter.
If you want to stay cool but still enjoy the sunlight, sheer curtains or light-filtering blinds allow you to embrace both.
Open up your doors and windows in the evening to naturally cool down your home. Allow the nighttime breeze to flow through the house, just remember to close and lock everything before going to sleep.
