When people own properties they are often keen to protect them from the elements. They may quickly address a storm-damaged roof or apply fresh paint as a shield against the winter weather. The sun is an amazing thing that gives us light, heat, and vitamin D, yet too much of a good thing can be bad for us. This article discusses some home improvements that will help protect your family from too much sun exposure.

Why Do We Need Protection?

It can be uncomfortable and unpleasant when the sun is shining, whether we are indoors or outdoors. Our skin has the natural ability to protect itself from UV rays by producing melanin, a pigment that absorbs UV light before it reaches our cells.

If we are exposed to high levels of sunlight over time, the production of melanin slows down and then stops altogether. This leaves our skin vulnerable to damage from UV radiation. UV light can cause premature aging, sunburns and some forms of skin cancer.

Install An Awning

An awning is what covers the windows to prevent sun exposure in your house. It provides shade when you are outside and it can also help protect against humidity. They don’t take up space as umbrellas do, and some have motorized retractable functions. This means you only need to extend it when it’s needed, and you don’t need to hurt your back in the process!

There are many awnings you can discover online, on specialist websites. People who purchase a Naples awning show that people often want a free estimate, a ten-year warranty and help with the installation. Thanks to modern innovations people are keen to use wind sensing technology, encased hood housing and long-lasting fabrics.

Buy A Gazebo

A gazebo is an outdoor structure that provides shade. It can be used as a garden feature, for relaxation or to house some items such as tools and garden equipment. There are many benefits of having a gazebo in your garden or backyard:

  • The gazebo can help protect you from direct sun exposure
  • You can entertain guests in the shade
  • If it has mosquito netting, you don’t have to worry about bug bites

It is important that when building one yourself that you use quality wood so that it won’t fall apart after prolonged rain exposure. Ensure there are no splinters on any surfaces for safety purposes and use screws rather than nails.

Protect Your Windows

Here are some great general tips:

  • Consider installing window tinting, sunscreen or solar shades, especially if you live in an area with a high UV index
  • Alternatively use decals to cover up windows where the sun is coming in
  • Buy window coverings that are made out of materials like bamboo, linen, or cotton (rather than synthetic fabrics like polyester) because they breathe better and don’t retain heat as much
  • Replace all your old windows with new ones (especially if they are single-pane)
  • Add blinds, shutters, light-blocking curtains or drapes
  • Add exterior shutters or curtains to protect you from too much sunlight

Protect Yourself Indoors

Put up curtains around your bed to protect yourself from early morning light and heat. Cover your furniture in sheets or blankets to protect it from fading or getting damaged by direct light exposure. Keep all doors open during the day so that the heat doesn’t get trapped inside where it can damage items like furniture and carpets.

Invest in an air conditioning unit because it will help cool down your house when it gets too hot outside. It can also reduce your energy bills during other seasons of the year.

Use Nature To Create Some Shade

You need the shade to protect yourself from the sun, and getting creative will be a great way to achieve this. You could install some shade-making plants in pots near windows or patios so they can help insulate you against the heat while still allowing light through them.

Adding trees and hedges can be an excellent solution and they are comparatively easy to maintain. Plant trees around your house so they can provide shade for key parts of the day and let natural breezes cool you down during hot days. You’ll also be able to increase your privacy levels this way.

Add A Shed Or Some New Fencing

If it’s installed in the right place, a shed can be another great way to provide extra shade and privacy for your home. They are typically inexpensive and can be either DIY or professionally installed. You can use it for storing tools and garden equipment or anything hobby-related. If you install some electric sockets you will be able to do even more things with it.

If you have a 6-foot fence around your home it can provide excellent shade during the summer months. Some communities offer incentives and discounts on fencing which can help save money in both initial installation costs and ongoing maintenance fees.

Paint The Outside

Sanding or scraping off old paint exposes bare wood, which absorbs more sunlight than painted surfaces. You should paint the outside of your home white or light gray colors instead of dark colors which can absorb heat and cause it to build up indoors.

Using less reflective paint colors will help lower the amount of UV rays that reach your windows.

Add A Privacy Screen To Your Porch

A privacy screen is a sturdy structure that you can use to block your porch from the view of outsiders or neighbors. They are typically made out of wood or metal and on average they’re anywhere between six and ten feet high. This addition will not only provide you with more shade, but it will also add an aesthetically pleasing look to your home’s exterior – you can even grow vines on them for added style.

Hopefully, this has given you a list of possible activities you can undertake in order to keep your home and garden cool. By doing so, you may be benefiting the property as well as stewarding the health of both your family and friends for many years to come.