Some tips to kill heat
softly this summer
| Coir mats, protective coatings and curtains will squeeze the life out
of heat! The roof of your house is obviously the one that bears the
brunt of the sun's attack, and thankfully, it is only a portion of this
that is passed down to you. Still, that's more than enough to do the
damage. And that's also why the summer market gets increasingly flooded
with thermal insulating roof paints, coir mats, reflective coatings,
shadings and other heat shielding technologies. |
COOL SOLUTION: Insulate your roof and beat the heat.
Hot, sticky, irritating and draining. When these combine, we know summer has
arrived. And this weapon is capable of not only sapping you of your energy, it
can also turn your home into a literal burning hell.
Countering summer is not an overnight task, neither is it
that easy. The steps to fight summer should actually be taken when your house is
in the planning stages. And for those who forgot that, here are a few
painkillers.
From the
roof
Let's start right from the top. The roof of your house is
obviously the one that bears the brunt of the sun's attack, and thankfully, it
is only a portion of this that is passed down to you. Still, that's more than
enough to do the damage.
And that's also why the summer market gets increasingly
flooded with thermal insulating roof paints, coir mats, reflective coatings,
shadings and other heat shielding technologies.
Shielding the roof is important because once the hot sun rays
are prevented from drilling into your home, the first part of the battle is won.
Some of the coatings available in the market, including
reflective coatings which turn the rays away, are those which need fresh coats
every year, while there are some which double up as waterproof coatings once
monsoon sets in.
Heat shield products are now available in the market, that
too in different varieties. Thermoshield India (www.thermoshieldindia.com)
for instance, has roof coats, exterior wall coats, interior wall coats, wood and
deck coats and so on. Coir mats, on the other hands, have been traditional
methods, though the shortage of water to keep these moist can be a dampener for
the concept being effective in cities.
Inside the
rooms
Now, step inside. Rooms have to be well lit and airy if you
want to keep the heat out. And for this, investing in some thin, light and
radiant curtains. Cotton drapes too might just be right.
And even your bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths among
others, can have a telling role on the heat effect. Try to go for colours like
orange, blue, yellow, crème or white while flowery prints could also be
refreshing.
Remember to roll all the thick carpets away and yes, keeping
a few flowers, small and green plants, bonsais etc. around will also help.
Summer is also when house pests are at their irritating best.
With the heat outside getting unbearable for them as well,
they will be seeking some cool corners in your home.
And if they are not controlled, they will be not just
troublesome, but destructive as well.
To tackle termites, do not let wood, furniture or firewood,
too close to the walls and repair all leaks close to wood structures
immediately.
And for the toughest of them all, ants, eliminate all sources
of their food. Keep all food in containers, clean the tables and kitchen
counters regularly and remember to clear the domestic garbage every day.
Courtesy: Property Plus, The Hindu
http://www.hindu.com/pp/2007/02/24/stories/2007022400620200.htm
