In the UK, heatwaves are becoming more frequent during the summer months. This has led to more people searching for a way to survive the heat and keep their homes cool.
Unlike European homes, our buildings in the UK have been designed more for dealing with colder winter periods than summer heatwaves. However, there are plenty of ways you can reduce the temperature.
You might not have considered the impact your window coverings can have on reducing the temperature in your home. Plantation shutters, in particular, can play an important part in helping you get through the summer heatwaves more comfortably.
That’s why we’ve broken down all the ways you can use shutters to survive the next summer heatwave…
Can shutters block heat from entering your rooms?
You might be surprised to learn that window shutters can indeed play a role in blocking out heat from your rooms.
The reason shutters are effective at stopping heat from entering your home is because they’re crafted from quality, durable materials like hardwood. This material can absorb heat and release it more slowly into your rooms throughout the day.
To block heat out as effectively as possible, you’ll need to ensure that your shutter slats are fully closed. This will prevent heat from entering your home through the gaps in your window dressing. Unlike other window dressings like blinds or curtains, shutters are fixed directly to your windows. This means they provide more insulation and can prevent heat from entering your home as easily.
Be strategic with when you open and close your shutters
On warm days, there is always that temptation to draw back your window dressing and open your windows. However, during the peak times of heat, this can actually do more harm than good.
Opening your window and drawing back your window dressing allows more heat to enter your home. You can prevent this by ensuring that during the peak times of heat, you keep your shutter slats fully closed.
In the evening or early morning, when the temperature has cooled, you can then open your shutter slats and your windows to let cooler air circulate in your home.
Use shutters in combination with a breeze
As we’ve already touched on, the material of shutters can be effective at absorbing heat. This is most effective when your shutter slats are fully closed.
We have suggested keeping your windows closed during the peak periods of heat, but if there happens to be a nice breeze, you can open your window to let the breeze in.
If you open your windows on breezy summer days, make sure you keep your shutter slats fully closed. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the breeze without losing the heat absorption from your shutters.
Be aware that shutter colours can make a difference
When choosing to buy window shutters, you’ll have a range of different colour and finishing options available. Keep in mind that the colours you select could have an impact on how effectively shutters can help lower the temperature in your home.
Darker colours such as black or grey absorb heat and release it more quickly into your rooms. You might therefore want to avoid black shutters or other darker shades if keeping cool is a top concern.
Alternatively, lighter colours such as light blue or neutral whites and creams will reflect sunlight away and allow you to keep your rooms a little cooler.
Take the next step to more comfortable summers with shutters
If we’ve inspired you to choose window shutters as part of a home cooling solution, simply book a free home survey appointment with us today. One of our local shutter consultants will come to your home, measure your windows and provide all the advice you need about creating the ideal conditions to survive the next summer heatwave!