health
From yoghurt to luxury sails: how to shade your home from supercharged UK heatwaves
As hot weather becomes more common, companies and homeowners are coming up with innovative ways to keep properties cool
TL;DR
- UK homes are often inadequately shaded, increasing risks during heatwaves for residents, schools, hospitals, and care homes.
- External shading, like brise-soleils and shade sails, is more effective than internal shading in reducing indoor temperatures.
- Innovative solutions include interior clip-on awnings, custom-made shade sails, and traditional options like blinds and pergolas.
- New regulations address overheating in new builds, but existing housing stock requires homeowner adaptation.
- The perception of the UK's climate is shifting, necessitating a cultural adaptation to extreme heat and a focus on shading as a matter of public health and resilience.