Summer is coming and with it come hot days, muggy nights and that immense desire to live in a cool house. If you spend the hot months longing for a lighter, fresher environment, perhaps it´s time to take a step forward and remodel your home for the summer.
What´s on the floor and walls makes all the difference.
Building materials and cladding play an essential role in keeping the temperature pleasant, even without the air conditioning on all day.
Cool floors:
Marble, slate, granite: natural, durable and cool to the touch. Perfect for living rooms and corridors;
Ceramic and porcelain stoneware: keep things cool and there are even versions that imitate wood;
Microcement: modern, uniform and cool - excellent in open spaces.
Walls that help you breathe:
Opt for mineral paints or aerial lime, which allow the wall to absorb and release moisture. And if you like a more Nordic feel, light wood coverings reflect light and prevent overheating.
Opening windows can be as effective as turning on the air conditioning.
Few people take advantage of cross-ventilation, but it´s actually one of the simplest (and most natural) ways to cool the room. This method uses no energy and can make a huge difference, especially in the morning and evening when the outside temperature is lower:
Open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a draft;
Use louvered doors or overhead vents for circulation between rooms;
Install passive exhaust fans in high areas (such as kitchens or hallways).
Well-placed shade can be better than air conditioning.
Controlling the sun´s entry is half the battle to keep the house cool:
External blinds (Venetian, roller): block out the heat before it gets in;
Thermal and blackout curtains: ideal for bedrooms or living rooms facing south;
Awnings and pergolas: perfect for balconies and terraces, although they can compromise on aesthetics.
It´s not just in winter that insulation matters.
Thermal insulation is one of the most effective strategies for keeping your home cool in summer (and warm in winter). It´s a long-term investment, both in terms of comfort and energy savings.
Insulate the attic or roof: this is where most of the heat comes in;
Replace old windows with thermal cut frames and double glazing;
Apply thermal panels on the inside (if not possible on the outside).
More than resisting the heat, the aim is to live better inside your home.
By remodeling your home for the summer, you are taking care of your health, your well-being and even your energy consumption. Your home can be a space where you breathe lightness, where the hot days are more bearable and the nights are quieter.
Source: https://www.idealista.pt