summer is actually fun!!!

KILLING HEAT, SOFTLY

The steps to fight summer should actually be taken when your house is in the planning stages. And for those who forgot that, here are few painkillers.

ROOF

Let’s start right from the top. The roof of your house is obviously the one that bears the brunt of the sun’s attack, and thankfully, it is only a portion of this that is passed down to you.
Still, that’s more than enough to do the damage. And that’s also why the summer market gets increasingly flooded with thermal insulating roof paints, coir mats, reflective coatings, shadings and other heat shielding technologies.

COATING

Shielding the roof is important because once the hot sun rays are prevented from drilling into your home, the first part of the battle is won.
Some of the coatings available in market, including reflective coatings which turn the rays away, are those which need fresh coats every year, while there are some which double up as waterproof coatings once monsoon sets in.
Heat shield products are now available in the market, that too in different varieties.
Thermoshield India (www.thermoshieldindia.com) for instance, has roof coats, exterior wall coats, interior wall coats, interior wall coats, wood and deck coats and so on.
Coir mats, on the other hands, have been traditional methods, though the shortage of water to keep these moist can be a dampener for the concept of being effective in cities
Now, step inside. Rooms have to be well lit and airy if you want to keep the heat out.
And for this, investing in some thin, light and radiant curtains. Cotton drapes too might just be right.
And even your bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths among others, can have a telling role on the heat effect. Try to go for colours like orange, blue, yellow, crème or white while flowery prints could also be refreshing.
Remember to roll all the thick carpets away and yes, keeping a few flowers, small and green plants, bonsais etc. around will also help.

TERMITES

To tackle termites, do not let wood, furniture or firewood, too close to the walls and repair all leaks close to wood structures immediately. And for the toughest for them all, ants, eliminate all sources of their food. Keep all food in containers, clean the tables and kitchen counters regularly and remember to clear the domestic garbage everyday.