Summer in New Hampshire’s Seacoast brings warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor living. Keeping your deck cool allows you to enjoy this space comfortably without the discomfort of hot surfaces or trapped heat.
Allan Trant’s Exterior Finish Work helps homeowners design pleasant decks even in peak sun. By choosing the right materials and adding shade and airflow, your deck becomes a cool retreat all summer.
Why Decks Get Hot in New Hampshire’s Seacoast
Deck surfaces absorb intense solar radiation during long summer days, often heating up 30 to 50 degrees above air temperature. Dark boards and dense materials trap heat, while decks exposed to full afternoon sun and lacking airflow hold onto this warmth long after sunset.
This heat buildup reduces the usability of your deck during prime daylight hours. Understanding these causes helps you select strategies to reduce deck temperature effectively.
Best Decking Materials for Summer Comfort
Selecting decking materials designed to reflect heat and resist thermal buildup improves comfort underfoot. These options combine durability with cooler surface temperatures:
- Composite Decking: Made from recycled wood fibers and plastics, composites resist moisture and fading. Lighter shades absorb less heat, and capped composites with heat-reflective additives keep surfaces cooler.
- Mineral-Based Composites: These use mineral fillers and microscopic air pockets to reduce heat absorption and expansion, offering a cooler, more stable decking surface.
- PVC Decking: Plastic-based and non-porous, PVC decks reflect sunlight better than wood and traditional composites, staying cooler and resisting moisture damage.
- Wood Decking: Natural wood like cedar and redwood cools faster than dense hardwoods such as Ipe, but can heat up if stained dark. Lighter finishes paired with shading improve comfort.
Choosing the right material ensures your deck is not only beautiful but also comfortable during hot New Hampshire summers.
Shade Solutions for Keeping Your Deck Cool
Shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce the heat on your deck. Here are a few strategies that can make your deck more comfortable:
Permanent Shade Options
- Covered Roofs: A solid roof over your deck keeps it fully shaded and protects you from rain, so you can enjoy your outdoor space year-round.
- Pergolas: These open-beam structures provide partial shade and allow for ventilation, ensuring your deck stays cooler without blocking air flow.
- Louvered Roofs: Adjustable louver systems allow you to control the amount of shade and airflow throughout the day, which is perfect for changing sun angles.
Movable Shade Solutions
- Retractable Awnings: These offer flexible shade options and can be extended or retracted as needed.
- Cantilever Umbrellas: Adjustable and movable, these umbrellas provide targeted shade without obstructing seating areas.
- Shade Sails: These fabric panels attach to posts or walls and can be repositioned to provide shade where it’s needed most.
Greenery for Natural Cooling
Using plants to provide shade not only cools the air but also enhances the beauty of your outdoor space. Consider:
- Tall Planters: Fast-growing plants can block the sun where it’s needed most.
- Climbing Vines: Adding trellises or growing vines like Virginia creeper or grapevine can create dense shade.
- Potted Trees: Trees like serviceberry or birch in large planters can provide seasonal shade that can be moved as needed.
Airflow and Ventilation for Cool Comfort
Good airflow is essential for keeping your deck comfortable. Here are a few ways to increase ventilation:
- Ceiling or Wall Fans: Fans can help circulate warm air, making your deck feel cooler.
- Misting Systems: Low-pressure misting systems can drop the temperature by several degrees, keeping you cool on hot days.
Protecting Your Deck from Heat
Even the best materials can get hot in direct sunlight. If you want to protect your feet and keep your deck cooler, consider:
- Outdoor Rugs: These provide a cool surface to walk on and can reduce heat transfer to your feet.
- Temporary Deck Mats: These are perfect for high-traffic areas or places like grilling zones where you want to reduce heat.
These strategies work together to create a cooler microclimate on your deck, making outdoor living enjoyable even during peak summer heat.
Build a Cooler Deck with Allan Trant’s Exterior Finish Work
Your deck should be a comfortable summer retreat, not a hot spot. Allan Trant’s Exterior Finish Work in New Hampshire’s Seacoast offers expert guidance on materials, shade, and airflow solutions tailored to our local climate.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and transform your deck into a cool, inviting space perfect for summer enjoyment.
Keep Your Deck Cool FAQs
How can I keep my deck from getting hot in New Hampshire’s Seacoast?
Select decking materials with heat-reflective properties and lighter colors. Combine this with shade structures and improve airflow to minimize heat buildup.
What decking materials stay coolest in summer?
Mineral-based composites and PVC decking typically stay cooler than traditional wood or standard composites, especially in lighter shades.
Are wood decks comfortable in hot weather?
Softwoods like cedar cool faster but can still get hot if stained dark. Dense hardwoods retain heat longer and may be less comfortable without shade.
What shade solutions work best for decks?
Permanent structures like covered roofs and pergolas provide consistent shade, while retractable awnings and umbrellas offer flexible coverage.
How does airflow help keep a deck cool?
Fans circulate warm air away, reducing surface temperature. Misting systems can lower ambient air temperature by several degrees through evaporation.
