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.
Besides making sure your garage doors are well-insulated with the help of Stormstop garage door seals, there are a few additional garage cooling solutions that can make a big difference when it comes to keeping a garage cool in summer:
Park Your Car Outside: 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.
No Air Conditioning? Use a Fan: If your space is not equipped with an air conditioning system, fans are a great non-expensive way to keep the inside temperature lower.
Paint Your Garage a Lighter Colour: 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.
Invest in a Quality Dehumidifier: 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.
Clean up Your Space: 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.
Use a Good Ventilation System: 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.
Insulate Your Garage Door: 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!
