Smart steps to beat the heat in favourite outdoor spaces

Are summer's sizzling temperatures causing you to retreat from your favourite outdoor spaces? Garages, patios, sheds, gardens and other outdoor areas should be enjoyed throughout the year. Unfortunately, heat and humidity can quickly make being outside intolerable during the hot days of summer.
The good news is keeping outdoor spaces comfortable doesn't have to be a challenge. With the right tools and some thoughtful planning, you can stay cool and continue your favourite hobbies, no matter how high the temperatures rise. Whether it's wrenching on a car, in the garage tackling a DIY project, tending to your patio container garden or simply kicking back on the deck, the following steps can help you stay cool and safe.
Step 1: Shade
Direct sun on decks and patios can make it nearly impossible to enjoy hot days. Strategically install shade features like umbrellas and awnings to add instant protection and ambience. An alternative is vine-covered trellises that block sunlight and align well with the natural elements outdoors. For covered areas like garages and sheds, direct sunlight isn't a concern, but those rays can raise the temperatures in those spaces fast. That's why it's important to take additional steps to cool the air within.
Step 2: Portable cooling
Fans alone simply circulate stagnant, hot air throughout outdoor living spaces. Instead consider an evaporative cooler. Available in a variety of sizes, evaporative coolers drop temperatures through the naturally occurring process of evaporation using water and the surrounding air, without creating mist. Open backyard spaces, patios and garages can be more comfortably cool on the hottest days by rolling the evaporative cooler wherever it's needed.
Step 3: Insulation
For covered spaces like garages and sheds, adding insulation can help regulate temperatures. Batt insulation is inexpensive and an easy weekend DIY project to instal if drywall isn't present. Add to walls and ceiling spaces where applicable and then cover with drywall. If you already have drywall, you can look into blown-in insulation options. By insulating these spaces, you'll help keep sweltering heat out and cool air in for more enjoyable summer days.
Step 4: Colour
Keep colour in mind when evaluating outdoor spaces. Light colours reflect the sun and dark colours absorb it, causing temperatures to rise. For decks and patios, opt for rugs and furniture in light colours to stay cool and comfortable. For garages and sheds, consider the colour of the exterior. If you find the afternoon sun beats mercilessly down upon it, consider painting the exterior a lighter shade of paint, and when it's time to replace the roof, choose a new colour in a lighter hue.