In a nod to the late Michael Mosely’s “Just One Thing” health podcast and radio shows, in these “Just One Change!” articles we will focus on one change to consider which could make your home more comfortable, save you money and/or reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
This month, we look at external shading to keep homes cooler during hot days.
Although closing windows and curtains will help to keep out the heat from the sun, external shading is far more effective, which is why homes in traditionally hotter countries than ours often have external shutters.
But external shading can be achieved in various other ways, from cheaper options such as putting up a garden parasol or using relatively cheap “sail-shades” outside sunny windows to create shade, all the way up to more expensive options such as external retractable blinds or awnings. Half round parasols are available now specifically for window shading. With any of these solutions beware windy weather!
External blinds can be fitted to upper storey as well as ground floor windows, including velux style windows. They are operated from inside the home and can be manually controlled or motorised. The blinds come in a variety of colours and densities, but all allow light into the room while keeping out the worst heat of the sun. Here are some photos here of external blinds in use:
Retractable awnings can also be controlled manually or motorised, and the more expensive awnings can detect wind speed and automatically retract if it becomes too windy, preventing possible damage to the awning and potentially your home. Free standing awnings are also available if wall space is limited or not suitable. Note: some awnings may be subject to planning constraints, so do check first if you live in a listed building or conservation area.
If you are building an extension, consider incorporating features that will reduce direct sunlight at midday in summer, but will still allow morning, evening and winter light, known as a “Brise Solei”. Please see here for more details and other practical routines to keep your house cool in hot weather: https://lep.swce.co.uk/2025/06/14/keeping-your-home-cool-in-summer/