Keeping Cool in an Outdoor Room

You might think that an outdoor room would be a poor investment if you live in a variable climate like we have in Missouri. Would you get to use it more if you lived in a more temperate climate? Probably, but the outdoor season is actually quite long here, even in a record hot year like this one.

Let’s consider the calendar. In December and January, most people don’t really give much thought to spending time outside unless they are ice skating, sledding or skiing. By February and March, spring fever usually starts to set in and we can’t wait to be able to spend time outdoors again. The addition of infrared heaters or a gas or wood burning fireplace to an outdoor room will make it comfortable enough at this time of year to enjoy a patio or screened room on those less than frigid days that start to get longer.

April, May and June and September through the beginning of November are generally perfect for enjoying your outdoor spaces, but in July and August, you can still enjoy an outdoor room if it’s built with your comfort in mind. The shade alone from putting a roof over a deck or patio will extend the amount of time it can be enjoyed. In addition to using solar reflective OSB on the roofs we build, Heartlands insulates between the trusses or rafters and the ceiling materials. Both make a huge difference in reducing the amount of heat that is dispelled into the room. For homes whose back yard has a western exposure, late afternoon and evening entertaining may seem impossible because of the unbearable direct heat and sun light. Adding retractable solar roll screens will not only keep out insects, but will block up to 94% of the suns heat and glare as well. Add a couple of ceiling fans and an ice cold beverage from an outdoor refrigerator and you’ll be quite comfortable.

Call Heartlands at 636-728-0003 to make an appointment to get an estimate for adding an outdoor room to your home.