As the UK swelters through its fourth heatwave of the summer, homeowners are finally wising up to the fact that traditional British property design - built for retaining heat rather than keeping cool - is woefully inadequate. The result: a surge in demand for cooling measures, from external shading systems to DIY solutions like repurposed fitted sheets.
Experts say it's not just about aesthetics; properties with large glazed areas are particularly vulnerable to overheating. Tom Greenhill, an engineer and author of the Heatwave Toolkit website, points out that external shading can prevent up to three times more solar heat from entering a building compared to internal blinds - a principle gaining traction within the industry.
The British Blind & Shutter Association has seen a notable increase in demand for external shading products as homeowners seek proactive cooling strategies. "We don't heat a building without insulating it, so why are we cooling a building without shading it first?" asks Stuart Dantzic, vice-president of the association. Options range from £80 manual awning blinds to electric aluminium shutters costing up to £530.
For those on tighter budgets or in rented properties, more affordable solutions are emerging. Temporary measures like camouflage nets (£10) and fabric-based solar sails (from £20) offer a low-cost, non-permanent alternative to making structural alterations.
The trend towards larger glazed areas has inadvertently amplified solar heat gain in many residential buildings, according to Mr Greenhill: "If your home looks like a greenhouse, it will perform like one too." As the UK's heatwaves become more frequent and prolonged, homeowners are being forced to rethink their property design - and find ways to stay cool.
The market for external shading solutions is expanding rapidly, with various products available to suit different budgets and property types. Installation times vary, but professional fitting is often required for electric shutters, which can take up to 18-19 working days to arrive.