Regardless of what you use your garage for, spending time in it when the temperatures are sweltering hot can be a challenge. In the UK, knowing how to keep a garage cool in summer can make an especially big difference since our buildings aren’t usually designed to accommodate warm weather. With summer fast approaching, you may already be dreading having to endure the hot, humid air that often gets trapped inside.
No need to worry, though: in this blog, we’re sharing some handy garage cooling ideas to help you beat the heat.
During summer, the temperature inside your garage can become 5-10° Celsius warmer than the outside temperature. This can be affected by various factors, including which direction the structure is facing, its colour (darker colours are better heat conductors) and whether you tend to park your vehicle inside after having used it.
However, the two most deciding factors about how hot a garage can get in summer are a lack of a ventilation system and a lack of proper insulation.
There are several garage cooling solutions that can make a big difference when it comes to keeping the temperature in your garage down. Here are our top 7 tips on how to keep a garage cool in summer:
If you’ve used your vehicle on a hot summer day and you’re planning to spend time in your garage later, make sure to park the car outside once you get home. It will radiate heat for hours after being used, raising the indoor temperature higher if parked inside.
Using reflective materials such as self-adhesive reflective aluminium foam or reflective paint on the outside of your garage’s walls and door can actually make a big difference when it comes to keeping the temperature cool in summer. This is because glossy, reflective surfaces cause light to bounce off instead of absorbing it and transferring heat to your space.
This method is quite inexpensive. It also means that any cooling devices you use won’t have to work as hard and you’ll also save on energy bills.
If your space is not equipped with an air conditioning system, fans are a great non-expensive way to keep the inside temperature lower.
You likely already avoid equipment that obviously contributes to high levels of heat in your garage. There are, however, some inconspicuous heat sources many people don’t realise can also affect temperature, some of which include:
- Tumble dryers
- Battery chargers/power tool charging stations
- Old fluorescent or halogen lights
- Mini fridges
- Grow lights/indoor gardening equipment
- Home gym equipment (treadmills, ellipticals)
The closer a colour is to black, the quicker it absorbs heat from the sun. Choosing a lighter colour for the exterior of the structure will prevent it from absorbing as much heat from the sun and will help the interior feel cooler.
Did you know greenery can help lower temperatures significantly? In fact, studies have found that plants can reduce local temperatures by as much as 10–20°C! The trouble is, unless you already have a mature tree near your garage, planting one and waiting for it to grow can take years, and a tree transplant can reach up to £10,000+.
There is a better solution, though: why not install a vertical plant setup or a living wall on the sun-facing exterior wall of the garage? This is a much faster (and cost-effective) approach as climbing plants like ivy or jasmine can cover a trellis in a single season.
As you undoubtedly know, the UK can be quite humid, especially in summer, making the temperature feel even hotter than it actually is. A good dehumidifier can prevent this.
Bare soil tends to absorb heat and transfer it along the bases of your garage walls. To counteract this, consider mulching around the base of your garage. Since it doesn’t absorb as much heat as paving or soil, mulch contributes to passive cooling of the surrounding area. If you have any plants around your garage, this will also benefit them as mulch helps retain moisture and improves soil health
Did you know that having large items clutter your space can actually get in the way of proper air circulation? Try placing bulkier items along the walls or, if possible, on shelves for optimal airflow.
To minimise the heat absorbed by your garage, consider installing exterior shade. There are many options you can choose from. Shade sails are relatively easy to install and you can attach them to the structure of your garage using posts for support. Pergolas are another option, as are tarpaulins.
Proper ventilation will fill your garage with healthy air rich in oxygen, keeping the space feeling fresh and helping with airflow without letting warm air inside.
A lot of garages don’t have proper insulation, which can be a huge issue if you’re trying to keep your garage cool. Consider insulating the walls and ceiling using drywall or a garage radiant barrier, for example. Door insulation, in particular, can make a big difference when it comes to preventing warm air from seeping in.
If we had to pinpoint a single place within your garage where the most temperature is gained or lost, that would be the door. A well-insulated garage door can dramatically reduce heat transfer from the structure’s exterior to its interior, blocking heat from entering while keeping cool air inside. As a result, a lower indoor temperature is easier to maintain.
This is especially beneficial if you use a cooling system such as air conditioning or a fan since it doesn’t have to work as hard, keeping your bills lower.
Stormstop garage door seals are a great way to reduce heat transfer and keep the space cool during summer months. Seals help close the tiny gaps underneath and along the sides of your door, effectively preventing the hot air from coming in and the cool air from escaping. Here are some options to consider:
In addition to being exceptionally effective, door seals are an affordable solution that is simple and easy to install. Take a look at our step-by-step fitting guides to find out how you can do this on your own!
If you’re not sure what the best product for your garage door would be, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!
