It’s no secret that the heat in Miami can be extreme. Beating down on your deck, porch, or patio, the sunlight can make your outdoor spaces nigh uninhabitable in the daytime. Reclaim these outdoor havens from the sun and make them more enjoyable with these tips and tricks.
1. Fans and Misters
One of the most obvious solutions is simply to use some fans. Not only will they help the air circulate, which lowers the temperature, but they’ll create the feel of a pleasant breeze. If you have an enclosed porch you can use a ceiling fan.
Another alternative is to use misting fans, which feed a steady stream of moisture into the air. While misting fans are more effective in dryer climates, they still have a noticeable effect in hot, humid weather. Misting fans require both a power source and a water supply, which can come from either a garden hose hookup or a tank.
2. Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas can provide shade over your outdoor furniture, but they have a disadvantage in their limited coverage area. Still, the umbrellas are generally portable. A few patio umbrellas can transform the place into your own personal oasis.
3. Rugs
Outdoor rugs can make it easier to walk on outdoor surfaces because they don’t become as scorching hot as stone, cement, or concrete. Look for an all-weather rug that can stand up to the elements… but consider rolling it up and stashing before the rain hits to keep it in good condition.
4. Paint
If you have a concrete deck or patio, consider painting it. Painted concrete absorbs less heat than bare concrete. Look for a light color that will reflect the majority of the sun’s rays rather than absorb them (creating a hotter surface). You can also look for special overlays designed to help keep concrete cool.
5. Get Solar Panels
For an eco-friendly solution, consider installing solar panels to cover your deck or patio and use them to light the area. Solar panel lights don’t generate heat, and they’ll also provide relief from the sun. If that’s not an option, at least consider LED or compact fluorescent bulbs that have low heat signatures.
6. Awnings and Canopies
Awnings have been used for more than a century as a way of cooling homes, and today they work just as well, or better. Custom awnings not only make your home look more attractive but save on energy bills by preventing solar heat gain through the windows.
In addition to covering doorways and windows, consider placing awnings over your porch. They’ll block the sunlight and lower the temperature while still allowing air to circulate.
For larger spaces, such as your deck or porch, consider a canopy. In addition to lowering the temperature in the shade, they’ll also keep the surfaces cool, allowing you to walk on them more comfortably.
