Beating Florida Heat With Smart Outdoor Designs
Floridians can stay cool and safe outdoors with elements that include shade trees and awnings, says the Building Resilience Against Climate Effects program.
TAMPA, Fla. – According to the Florida BRACE Program, many areas throughout the state have been experiencing longer, more frequent and intense heat waves. Experts further project the number of hot days in which temperatures can soar beyond 95°F to increase as the climate continues to warm.
With extreme heat events being a public health threat that can cause illnesses, even fatalities, Floridians are turning to innovative, smart designs to increase the comfort, safety, and functionality of outdoor spaces. With these adaptations, residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy the outdoors despite high temperatures.
Join us in today's guide as we explore the various ways to transform outdoor spaces into oases that offer reprieve during Florida's hot summer months.
Strategic natural shade additions
Natural shade elements block direct sunlight and reduce the amount of solar radiation that makes surfaces hot. They can transform outdoor areas into cooler, safer spaces where people and pets can enjoy themselves and feel more comfortable.
Mature trees, particularly those with broad canopies, are excellent examples. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) says that planting the right shade trees at the right spots can provide a much-appreciated cooling effect. Placing them in strategic areas on your Florida property may even help lower your home's energy use.
Factors to consider during mature tree selection
When choosing mature trees, it's crucial to pick species that thrive in Florida's warm, humid climate. Factoring in environmental conditions during tree selection can help ensure their survival and healthy growth.
Drought tolerance and resistance are other vital factors when deciding which trees to get. Drought-tolerant trees can survive with minimal water, while drought-resistant ones can thrive even during extended periods of dryness. Such characteristics allow them to withstand water scarcity and have a lower risk of experiencing problems like:
Since drought-tolerant or resistant species can survive with little water, they also have a reduced need for irrigation. They help conserve resources and energy from maintenance efforts.
Covering outdoor spaces
Covered outdoor structures installed correctly by trustworthy and reliable patio or deck builders also work as innovative, smart designs. Patios and decks don't always come with a roof, but with one, they can help beat the Florida heat by:
Large umbrellas and shade sails that use light-colored materials are other ideal options for covering smaller sections of outdoor living spaces.
Extending usable outdoor areas with awnings
Another tactic for covering outdoor spaces is by installing awnings. You can attach awnings to the exterior wall of a building, where they can provide shade and serve as a form of weather protection. Once installed, they can extend a building's usable outdoor area and, with the right materials, enhance its aesthetic appeal.
Awnings can be permanent or retractable. Permanent awnings deliver consistent shade, while retractable awnings are adjustable and provide shade and weather protection as needed.
Retractable awnings are more expensive, though, given that they offer more convenience. They also need more maintenance due to the increased level of wear and tear their movable components face.
Adding beautiful plants to pergolas
Pergolas covered with climbing plants can also provide extra shade and respite from the sun's heat and UV rays. As with tree selection, it's crucial to choose climbing vines that can thrive in Florida's climate and require little watering or can tolerate droughts.
Since vines grow fast, they need some "training" to ensure they grow in the direction you want them to take. One way to do this is by weaving new shoots sideways through a pergola's trellis. Once they've covered the top area, you can then begin weaving their stems downward.
Just as crucial is to steer clear of clinging vines with adhesive rootlets, like the Virginia creeper or the English ivy. They're aggressive and quickly grow out of control. They can also cause damage to materials since they tend to retain moisture, and their roots can dislodge mortar.
Investing in water-efficient outdoor misting systems
Misting systems are devices that use evaporative cooling technologies. They transform water into a fine mist and release it into the air. The evaporating water then absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, which helps lower the temperature.
During times of hot weather, misting systems can help make outdoor spaces more refreshing and comfortable. With strategic placement, proper use, and careful maintenance, they won't use much water.
To maximize the cooling effect of misting systems, pair them with air movement from outdoor fans. Fans can help spread the mist and enhance evaporation by ensuring the air keeps moving. They also enhance the cooling effect of misting by aiding in the even distribution of water droplets across the space.
Although misting systems don't use as much water as traditional irrigators, they can still leak. If they do, they can waste a lot of resources. Routine maintenance, including regular cleaning of nozzles and professional servicing, can help prevent such problems.
With innovative, smart designs for outdoor spaces, such as adding shade trees, covering patios and decks, and using misting systems, Floridians can enjoy the outdoors safely, even during summer. Such additions can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of properties, making them all the more worth it.
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