I have a brick house that has a driveway on the southern exposure, any suggestions on how to keep it cool?

Question

I have a driveway on the southern side, no where to plant a tree, the bricks are getting heated and retain the heat, making the house an over.

Answer 1

I had an idea for my own same situation.  Its parallel to a "heat-shield" that is used behind wood-burning stoves.  Properly built "heat-shields" can reduce the clearance of space between a stove and flammable materials like wood by as much as 50%.



If you attach white or light colour cloth-like panels or tarp, spaced an inch or two from the brick wall, you create a reflective surface that shades the bricks from overheating.  The air gap behind it lets air circulate to prevent moisture build-up and help to shed heat, or at least prevent accumulating heat.  When the cold months come, take it down and save it for next summer.  Maybe its best to do some thinking and use a non-flammable material while you're at it, for safety, prevent creating opportunity for arson, and to keep your insurer content.

Answer 2

Unless you have 20 years to wait for a tree to grow, there is not much you can do except get air con ( which is not a good option for our planet ) or make sure you have white curtains, and be sure to stay out of the home and in your garden for the hottest hours. It also may help to put sun reflecting glass or curtains, and it helps to keep the windows closed for some reason, as the air outside can be hotter thus making the home even warmer. I would suggest moving...

Answer 3

can you built a car port over the driveway? it could shade at least the lower portion of the house as well as keep the car cooler when parked. they sell these tent looking ones that loks like they can be put up fairly quickly if you don't want anything permanent.

Answer 4

Shade from large trees or paint everything white.