Blinds and shutters can help buildings stay cool during a heatwave

With much of the UK currently experiencing hot weather, we’re all looking for ways to try and keep our homes and workplaces cool.

So, as temperatures here rival those of the Mediterranean, it’s time to take a leaf from their book and use shading products to beat the heat.

That’s been the message from several public bodies this week as they tell people that keeping blinds and shutters shut during the day can prevent solar gain entering buildings and help stop them overheating.

Both internal and external blinds can help reduce internal temperatures, however external blinds are the most effective.

During the current heatwave, Age UK is recommending older people keep their window blinds down during the day, while the UK Health Security Agency is also suggesting people shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight.

The government website has a handy checklist to help you beat the heat, which lists installing shading as its number one way of preparing for hot weather AND closing shading as its number one thing to do to keep cool.

City of Westminster Council is also urging people to keep shading closed.

For more information about how shading can help keep your building cool, use our member search to find a BBSA member near you.

You can also go to www.shadeit.org.uk for more information.

Image: Caribbean Blinds