Cooling Orf

[Bazile]

Did I read some where that in this hot weather the thing to do is close windows and draw curtains to keep the heat out ?

[Ken4155]

I kept the curtains shut all day yesterday for the first time ever and, while it was still 26 degrees inside (even with the fan on) it did feel a tad cooler.

[ladybirder]

NeedtoKnow - buy some Magnetic Fly/Insect Screen Curtains for patio doors and windows. I've had one lot up for at least 3 years now and nothing gets through them. I'm told they were selling them for about £4.99 in the Pound Shop and Aldi. But this is what I mean, from Amazon. Brilliant. Get them in whiter black usually.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[davebro]

As an aside a country cottage I pass quite regularly has all its windows wide open - winter & summer!

[NeedToKnowPlease]

Oh they are a good idea aren't they. How easy are they to install please Ladybirder?

[Ken4155]

^
I've used them for the last few years, LB. I leave my back door open throughout the year so my dog can come and go as he pleases, and they are excellent at keeping out flying pests. The back of my house is somewhat exposed to the elements and the screens can get a bit weather-beaten and torn. I have just recently fitted the 3rd such screen.

[Ken4155]

Needtoknow, if i can fit the screens, anyone can :-))

[burlyshirley]

I hate this heat, can't wait for it to end ! Roll on autumn, my favourite season ...

[NeedToKnowPlease]

Ken4155, are they an adhesive or do you need a tool or two?

[barry1010]

That's why traditional houses in hot countries have thick walls and tiny windows with shutters.

[ladybirder]

Dead easy needtoknow. there will be instructions. I remember laying mine on the floor where you have to stick one piece to another, the stickiness is there already. Then you stick them to the window surround. When you want to go out of the door you push the central magnetic strip and go through. Make sure it all shuts behind you again or the little blighters will be in like a shot. My dog goes in and out as well. I do wish I could teach him to close them behind him as they don't always do it themselves. They are a godsend to me.

[Ken4155]

As LB says, there will be instructions. They are fixed in place by a combination of velcro and studs (like large drawing pins) which can be secured with the help of a small hammer, if needed. They come in about 4 or 5 various sizes (width and length) and you should measure the outside width and length of the doorway you wish to screen and choose appropriately. I had to slightly adjust the width of mine by 'trapping' the spare under the studs, to ensure the tautness of the width. And, as you don't want the screen to trail on the floor, you can fold the top over so that the height is to your requirements. If you have fitted it correctly (so that it doesn't sag) and all the magnetic pieces line up, it will always snap shut, even when your pet walks in and out of the house.

[ladybirder]

I didn't get studs with mine Ken.

[Ken4155]

^
To be honest, LB, i don't think i did with the first one i bought (Amazon) but i certainly did with the others (one from in town and the other from Amazon).
If yours isn't closing properly, i suggest you buy some studs (ordinary drawing pins would do but they are a tad small) and try to tighten the width and shorten the length of the screen a little.

[Chipchopper]

I open 2 windows in the conservatory, a jar, keep a hat in the fridge and close the blinds. Plenty of cool (not too cold)drinks and chill

[ladybirder]

They do close properly ken for anyone except the dog. Don't ask me why, perhaps it's the way he hurls himself through them because next door's cat or Mrs Vixen have dared to come into HIS garden.