Strategically positioned windows and doors are all about flooding our interiors with natural light. Not to mention, providing the best possible view of our surroundings – particularly for those lucky enough to have enviable vistas of Oxfordshire around the homes.
But at the same time, glazed windows and doors can also make it difficult to keep interior spaces comfortable throughout the year. In winter, cranking up the heating is always an option. In summer, it’s not quite as easy to keep your home’s interior as cool as you’d like.
Assuming you don’t have air conditioning, you may often find yourself largely at the mercy of the elements, perhaps with the (very) modest relief of an oscillating fan or two.
If you find yourself dealing with rooms that are more likes saunas than comfortable interior spaces, you’re certainly not alone. On the plus side, there’s plenty you can do to keep your home cool this spring and summer, simply by showing your windows and doors a little TLC.
Here’s how to take back control of your interior temperatures during the warmer months of the year:
1. Install thicker curtains
First up, simply hanging thicker curtains to be drawn when the sun it at its most powerful can make a big difference. Dark interiors on warm summer days aren’t particularly desirable, but it’s better than baking in the sweltering heat all afternoon.
2. Consider light coloured blinds
A more aesthetically pleasing option could be light coloured blinds, which without completely blocking natural light can effectively reflect a fair amount of heat away from your home. Opt for something that’s easy to install and you won’t even need to hire help to get them installed.
3. Check for cracks and air leaks
In the winter, cracks and gaps around your windows and doors let cold air into the home. In summer, the same cracks bring hot air into the house and can make it difficult to control interior temperatures. Sealing cracks and using basic accessories like draft excluders can therefore be just as useful in summer as in winter.
4. Ensure your windows and doors close properly
If you haven’t updated your doors and windows for some time, you may find that they are not closing nearly as securely or tightly as you might think. Again, the tightness of the seals around your windows and doors will affect how much hot air is brought in from outside during the warmer months of the year.
5. Upgrade your windows and doors
Technology has evolved enormously over the years, paving the way for cutting-edge panels with advanced insulating properties, which can also be treated with permanent heat-reflective coatings for added protection.
It’s also worth remembering that the quality and integrity of the frames around your windows and doors will also make a difference – not just the glass panels.
6. Consider hanging shutters
There’s a reason quality window shutters are a staple feature on the vast majority of homes in warmer Mediterranean countries. Closed during the hottest hours of the day, window shutters can prevent almost all exterior light and heat entering your interior spaces. They can also make a beautiful aesthetic addition to the home, potentially boosting your property’s market value.
7. Apply window film
This is a simple and cost-effective solution, providing temporary relief from the warmest weather during the summer months. These unobtrusive plastic films have a metallic, low-emissivity (low-e) coating. It’s designed to reflect heat and infrared radiation when applied directly to the glass panes, with a pre-applied adhesive coating.
8. Exterior options
Last up, you could also consider a variety of exterior options for beating the heat and protecting your windows. Examples of which include awning and strategically planted trees and bushes to provide some welcome shade in the heat of the summer sun.
A Brief Word on Security…
While making every possible effort to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer, it’s essential not to lose sight of the importance of security. Leaving your windows (and doors) wide open day and night could be problematic, unless you’re in a position to keep a close eye on your home’s security.
For more information on the latest in high-quality glazing for windows and doors, contact A&C Glazing today.
