Now that summer is in full swing, homeowners across Michigan are looking to paint their homes. With the weather cooperating and conditions just right, it’s a great time to start your residential painting project. But, as the temperature rises, outdoor work can become challenging, arduous, and – in some cases – dangerous. Sweltering heat and unbearable humidity can transform even the shortest projects into long, laborious slogs. In today’s post, we’re going to look at three ways you can stay cool while painting the exterior of your home this summer.
Drink a lot of water
Our first piece of advice is probably the most obvious: stay hydrated. While working in the heat, sweating causes your body to lose a lot of moisture. Over time, this can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. If you feel yourself getting dizzy or disoriented, stop immediately. And, if you notice you’re no longer sweating, you’ll want to stop for the day, head inside, and rehydrate. To avoid dehydration and stay cool, be sure to keep a full container of ice water on hand.
Plan your outfits
While you probably won’t be winning any awards for “best dressed” while doing your residential painting project, you’ll still want to plan your outfits. Lightweight clothing – cotton and linen – are the best options, as they allow airflow and help to draw sweat away from your body. You’ll also want to wear lighter colors, as they reflect more light, which can help to keep your internal temperature down.
Schedule plenty of breaks
On really hot days, don’t be afraid to take a lot of breaks. If you’re working during the hottest part of the day, be sure to schedule short breaks every hour. Spending a short amount of time in an air conditioned environment can help keep you cool and – perhaps more importantly – it can restore the motivation you need to see your project finished.
At Van Tuinen Painting, we want all of our customers to stay safe this summer. With temperatures climbing and homeowners anxious to see their projects finished, our team is always happy to step in. If you’d like to get your home painted without having to endure the summer heat, reach out to us today to discuss how we can help!
