Maximising Sun Protection through Low-Cost Home Improvement Projects
Before summer hits its stride this year, it’s best to prepare your home and keep yourself protected from the sun and sweltering heat. After all, the UK is no stranger to record temperatures and heatwaves after 2022 saw temperatures rise above 40C for the first time, and more than 4,500 people died due to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
As the Met Office notes that this trend could continue and even become more intense by 2050, it’s time to think about ways to keep your home cool and protected despite the high temperature and ultraviolet (UV) index.
Besides posing health risks through heatstroke and increased risk of skin cancer, exposure to intense heat and sunlight can also damage your residential property. The high-energy UV rays can cause housing and furnishing materials like wood, paint, fabric, and dye to deteriorate and become unstable over time, necessitating sun protection measures to be built into your home.
A previous post explains how you can start beating the heat by installing effective shading solutions in your garden, which include retractable awnings for easy setup and modern sun shades to balance functionality and visual interest.
While sun damage can also be observed indoors, the good news is that you won’t have to spend a lot on huge renovations to reduce the amount of heat and sunlight that enters your home, as illustrated by the home improvement ideas below.
Home Improvement Ideas For Sun Protection
Invest In High-quality Blinds and Curtains
Sunlight mainly enters the home through the windows, making it crucial to invest in high-quality blinds and curtains to filter the amount of heat and light coming in. Although you can opt to get your curtains and/or blinds custom-made, there are also inexpensive and ready-made ones that can adequately cover your windows as long as you take note of the right measurements.
For instance, furniture company Wayfair offers curtains and drapes made of synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester for adequate UV protection, such as the Biller Eyelet Thermal Light Reducing Curtain and its thermal triple-weave technology for light management. Consider combining a set of curtains, blinds, fabrics, linings, and poles to block the harsh midday sun while still creating a cohesive interior design.
Install Window Tints or Films
Another affordable way to minimise sun exposure through the windows is by installing tints or films, especially if you live in an area with a high UV index. A notable example of sun-safe window treatments is mirror film, which recently became popular on social media as a low-cost investment with a starting price of £6 per metre.
Purlfrost, one of the UK’s leading window film retailers, notes the multiple benefits of mirror films beyond thermoregulation and glare reduction. Since these films reflect the outside world, they can provide an additional layer of privacy, which is especially important if you have neighbours in close proximity or live in a high-traffic area.
Consider External Shutters
External shutters can also reduce the amount of heat buildup inside your home and keep the internal temperature cooler, especially during the sweltering summer months. This can help you save on energy bills as you can rely less on ventilation and air conditioning units.
The slatted design can also help you maximise natural daylight while still blocking or reducing glare from the outside. Lastly, since these shutters are designed for exterior use, they can make your home look less cluttered while still protecting your property not only from the sun but also from outsiders. Window shutter installation can start at £199 here in the UK, but you can also DIY them from natural wood.
Pay Attention to Your Furniture
Rugs, curtains, and furniture like couches, ottomans, and coffee tables can be susceptible to sun damage. So, if you’re due for an interior design change, consider looking for lighter colours so the fading will be less noticeable.
Fabric choices can also make a huge difference, so prioritise synthetic blends over natural materials like cotton, which can fade or deteriorate faster than nylon and polyester. If you’re working with furniture you already own, you can still introduce sun protection through UV-repelling sprays for fabrics and furniture, which have starting prices of £11-£15 here in the UK.
Add Flooring Protection
Flooring can significantly influence indoor thermoregulation, but certain materials like hardwood can be expensive to maintain due to their sensitivity to sun damage. So, following the same principle as furniture management, it’s best to go for lighter colours when installing new flooring since darker shades tend to fade faster.
It’s also practical to add flooring protection through pigment-based treatments, coatings, and finishes that provide UV resistance, stability, and durability through absorbers like epoxy. Keep in mind, however, that UV-resistant floors require a different cleaning or maintenance routine, such as avoiding floor waxes and petroleum-based cleaners.
Learn To Use Plants
Since biophilic designs have been trending in recent years, consider incorporating plants into your home to provide shade and heat protection. Annual climbing plants like tromboncino and pumpkins can block the summer sun while also being beneficial for growing your own food. Meanwhile, indoor plants like snake plants, ficus trees, and aloe vera can have a cooling effect for improved air quality and ventilation.
Personal Ways To Stay Sun-safe
In addition to these home improvement projects it’s important to remember that you’ll want to personally stay sun-safe when you’re carrying out any home improvements when you’re spending prolonged periods working outside, under the sun.
Apply sunscreen
Personal sun protection always starts with sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF30, so be generous in applying the formulation to key areas like your face, ears, neck, and arms. While most sunscreen products promote all-day protection, make sure to reapply every few hours for optimal sun safety.
Additionally, chemical sunscreens can be designed to suit specific skin types, but mineral sunscreens like the Avené SPF 50+ Mineral Fluid have a fluid and light texture that protects and soothes even the most sensitive skin.
Wear sunglasses
Since sunscreen can’t protect your eyes, which are otherwise still vulnerable to UV-induced retinal damage, remember to wear sunglasses outdoors, regardless of the temperature or weather conditions. These however shouldn’t be substitutes for protective eyewear when they are best suited for tasks.
Stay healthy and hydrated
Lastly, beat the heat and keep yourself safe from dehydration by drinking plenty of water. The British Red Cross also reminds individuals that proper hydration includes avoiding beverages with caffeine and alcohol. Instead, stick to water or sports drinks that replenish the body’s salts, sugars, and fluids for more effective thermoregulation. It’s also advisable to watch out for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches, to treat it promptly and prevent heat exhaustion.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with easy-to-follow ideas on keeping yourself sun-safe and protected throughout the summer.
