An attic apartment, traditionally often referred to as a mansard, represents a unique lifestyle for a number of reasons. For many individuals, looking out over their garden’s lush trees or the sea of city lights at night seems like a dream come true. It certainly can be, yet despite its appeal, this way of life is not without its drawbacks.

Along with the limitations imposed by the sloping ceilings, another one is unquestionably the tremendous heat buildup throughout the summer. We offer advice on how to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

What can be done to prevent this?

Tip 1 – Shield all windows from the sun’s rays

Blackout blinds, venetian blinds or thick curtains are suitable for this purpose. The efficacy is also determined by the material and the color. Window films have the advantage that they keep the heat out, but at the same time allow a certain amount of light to penetrate.

Tip 2 – Proper ventilation

If you are accustomed to opening windows when it gets too warm inside, you should resist the urge to do so in an attic apartment. The most effective method of airing is so-called cross ventilation. This involves opening opposite windows completely, if possible, so that the fresh air can sweep through the flat.

Tip 3 – Evaporative cooling

Using a fan to achieve evaporative cooling is an effective way to keep your body and mind cool in the hottest parts of the year. Or you can simply hang a wet towel in the airstream of the fan, which cools the air in the room.

Tip 4 – Structural measures

In the long run, roof insulation improvements and/or the installation of special windows are the most sustainable solution. The heat protection is determined by the so-called g-value of the windows. It denotes the total energy transmittance, which indicates the solar heat gain through the window.

Tip 5 – Avoid additional heat sources

Your home’s electrical equipment all produces heat. Therefore, it is advised to limit your exposure to this extra “heating” throughout the summer. Use switchable sockets and totally shut off the power supply when not in use to replace the stand-by feature.

If at all possible, avoid using the dryer and instead air dry your clothes in the garden.