Are you looking forward to sitting outside in the warm sunshine this
summer? Or do you remember the afternoon rays beating down on your
patio or deck making it unusable for much of each day? Here are some
pointers to make your outdoor living space more comfortable this
year. At the same time, you'll save money by using less energy to
cool your house.
The most effective way of cooling a living space, whether indoor or
outdoor, is keeping the heat from the sun from building up in the
first place. You can do this by either blocking heat or reflecting
heat.
* If you have the space to plant trees, do so. For summer cool, place
trees on the south side of the house. If you live in a year-round
warm climate, use evergreens. If you want to take advantage of winter
sun in a cooler climate, plant deciduous trees that will lose their
leaves in the fall and allow the rays of the winter sun through their
bare branches.
* If you don't have room for trees, use smaller greenery such as
shrubs or climbing vines. Grown on trellises, vines are a quick way
to provide shading and cooling. Even on a small balcony, plants or
vines can be used effectively to block sunlight. If you don't like
the look of a climbing vine, try trailing vines in a raised planter
box. Ask your local nursery which vine is best suited to your climate
and needs.
* An overhead structure such as an arbor may serve a dual purpose by
providing shade to your deck and at the same time casting shade on
the walls and windows of your house to keep the inside cooler.
Wisteria is a favourite vine for such overhead structures, although
any vigorous, fast-growing vine is suitable
* Consider shading an open living area with an awning that will block
direct sunlight. A light-colored awning will do double duty by also
reflecting sunlight.
* Blinds, shutters and curtains can all be used effectively in
outdoor spaces to block the sun. Tightly woven, light-colored, opaque
fabrics reflect more of the sun's rays than they let through. Two
layers of draperies improve the effectiveness.
* Paved surfaces such as concrete patios or walkways absorb sunlight
and then radiate it as heat. Reduce paved surfaces in your outdoor
living area as much as possible. If you can't eliminate them, then
shade them to prevent heat build-up. Although you may not sit
directly in shade that covers a paved walkway, you will benefit
indirectly by the reduced temperature in the surrounding area. While
you're at it, shade your air conditioning unit, and increase its
efficiency by as much as 10%.
* If you do opt for a surface other than pavement, consider greenery
such as grass or groundcover. Green surfaces are cooler than bare
earth. Using native groundcovers or grasses will reduce the need to
water during dry spells and eliminate the need for chemical
pesticides and fertilizers.
Besides providing shade, trees and vines create a cool microclimate
that dramatically reduces the temperature (by as much as 9