Tips For a Cool Home in Summer

Make your home cool and fresh this summer with these simple do-it-yourself tips. The first step is to keep the heat from building up. The main source of heat is sunlight through the roof, windows and walls.

Roof: Since about a third of the heat shines in through the roof, painting the roof with a reflective coating could harness the heat. The first coat could be of white latex which can be applied over common roofing material like asphalt and shingles. The second application should be asphalt based with aluminium particles and glass fibres. Dark coloured roofs absorb more heat so painting the roof in light shades can stall the heat build up to a certain extent.

Windows: About 40 percent of heat comes in through the windows. Reflective window coatings are one way of keeping off the heat. Besides cutting off the glare from the sun, this kind of sun control protects the upholstery, drapes and carpets from fading.

However, tinted sun control film can also darken the room. Combination film which keeps away the heat and yet lets in the brightness seems to be the best choice. Seal the gaps around the windows and doors to keep away outside heat.