6 Smart Ways to Summer-Proof Your Home
Image courtesy of G.J. Gardner Homes
Whether you’re building a holiday home or your dream family home, one thing’s for certain – you want to ensure it’s cool and comfortable during the summer.
While Melbourne’s weather is known to be contrary in nature, we definitely see our fair share of hot and humid days between the months of December and February. And there’s nothing worse than feeling sweaty and uncomfortable in your home.
To ensure your home can beat the heat every summer, and provide a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere all year round, here are our tips for designing a home that is summer savvy.
1. Window glazing
The majority of heat in your home will come in through the windows in the form of sunlight. So it makes sense to ensure your windows, especially those that will be receiving the harsh afternoon sun, are double glazed to minimise intense heat.
2. Quality blinds and curtains
For the times you want to block out the sun completely, good quality blinds and curtains combined with double glazed windows will effectively reduce heat entering your home. If you don’t want to feature block-out blinds around your entire home, be strategic and place them only where they’re needed.
3. Building design and materials
The materials your home is built with, and the way it’s designed, can have a big impact on the heat it retains. Dense materials such as stone and concrete act as good insulation from the heat and will help to keep interiors cooler for longer. High roofs and ceilings will also allow heat to rise and escape the used areas of the home. Installing covered porches and awnings can also protect interiors from intense sunlight and heat.
To learn more about eco-friendly and top quality building materials and home features, read our blogs:
4. Air conditioning and ceiling fans
It goes without saying that every Aussie home needs a good quality air-con. The trick is to find the right size and style to suit your home’s spaces, as well as. your own preferences. From evaporative cooling, to split systems and ceiling fans, there are a range of products you can install to promote airflow and cool down your home. The best approach is to speak with an expert who can provide informed insights based on the layout, size and structure of your home and its interiors.
5. Insulation
Ensuring your home is properly insulated ensures that the cool air in your home takes longer to escape, helping your interiors stay cooler for longer in the warmer months.
6. Light exterior colours
We all know that dark colours absorb heat and light colours reflect it, so it makes sense to paint your home’s exterior and roofing with light colours to help deflect the sunlight. Chat with your builder to discuss what exterior colours you can select to help reduce heat absorption.
For more home design tips and inspiration, check out our extensive library of blogs.
