Summer is the perfect season for parties and other activities outdoors. The sun is out and the sky is blue, creating the perfect opportunity for people to hang out in their gardens and patios. However, it can also be hot. Because of climate change, summers seem to be growing hotter which forces people to seek comfort indoors.
The majority of people already spend most of their time indoors. This isn’t good for anyone’s health because they don’t get enough sunshine for a daily dose of vitamin D, and they don’t get to breathe fresh air.
Previous studies show that spending time outdoors can improve mental health. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while increasing self-esteem, confidence, and happiness.
But with the high temperature and humidity during the summer, not everyone wants to spend time outside. And even if they do, the heat will make it unbearable. The best way to go about this is to invest in some patio cooling ideas that allow you to keep your patio cool while spending time outdoors.
Insulate
Most patios already have a cover of some sort. Many people have a roof extending over the outdoor living space. Others rely on umbrellas and awnings to keep them cool when the sun is up. However, a cover is not enough.
Insulate. An insulated roofing can protect against intense heat by reflecting the sunlight and keeping some of that heat out. This will allow you to enjoy your patio during the day without feeling like it is burning up. It will also keep the area warm during winter, allowing your patio to be comfortable enough to use all year round.
Look for roof tile options that are made with materials that help keep your home comfortable while reflecting hard-to-miss sunlight.
Furniture
Even if your patio cover does a great job of reflecting heat and light, you may still feel the heat. One of the best ways to keep cool during hot summer months is to invest in some furniture that repels heat.
Look for patio furniture pieces that are designed with materials that won’t absorb any solar energy. Natural materials such as wicker and wood are great for this. There are even specific types of fabrics designed to hold up well in direct sunlight — making it great for outdoor use. You should invest in outdoor furniture that allows airflow on all sides. Look for patio sets that have mesh tops so that they allow air to flow through.
Water
One of the best ways to keep the air surrounding your patio cool is by adding a simple water feature. Water cools the air because it evaporates. This evaporation process removes heat from the surrounding area, allowing you to enjoy your patio for longer. Choose a water feature that is placed in an area with high exposure to sunlight so that the water evaporates fast enough to keep the area cool.
If you don’t want an entire water feature, you can also invest in some smaller items like a water mister. Water misters work by making it seem like there is more water than there actually is. They also add a little humidity to the area, which will help keep your skin from drying out. You can even use a water mister in combination with a water feature so that it is more powerful and efficient.
Appliances
If you can, invest in an overhead fan to keep your patio cool. Overhead fans are great for keeping the air moving so that you don’t feel like it is standing still, or worse yet, blowing hot air onto you!
This simple move will help keep the area around your patio comfortable enough for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
Meanwhile, for cooking appliances, keep them away from the patio. While outdoor kitchens create more opportunities for people to spend time outdoors, they can also add more heat to a living space.
Grill in the garden under the shade of a tree instead of a patio. If you want to install a brick oven, move it away from where people are meant to sit down and eat their meals.
Plants
Surround yourself with plants. Plants are known to cool their surroundings through a process called transpiration, which occurs when water evaporates from the leaves of the plant. It’s known to significantly lower the temperature around the plant and for this reason, it can help you stay comfortable outdoors. You can use shrubs and vines to surround your patio or invest in some potted plants that will give you an opportunity to move them around according to where they’re needed most.
Don’t forget to remain hydrated by drinking lots of water when the sun is out, even if you have all the above cooling strategies in place.
