{"id":3283,"date":"2026-07-08T12:22:06","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T12:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/?p=3283"},"modified":"2026-07-08T12:22:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T12:22:07","slug":"10-external-door-tips-to-help-beat-the-heat-at-home-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/10-external-door-tips-to-help-beat-the-heat-at-home-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"10 External Door Tips to Help Beat the Heat at Home This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019re seeing more and more days of extreme temperatures in recent years and when the temperature climbs, most of us follow the usual routine. Fans appear from cupboards, curtains are drawn and we suddenly start wondering whether sleeping downstairs would be socially acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there may be another source of heat hiding in plain sight\u2026 your external doors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While all that gorgeous natural light flooding your living space is lovely, sometimes comfort has to take precedence and Front doors<\/a>, French patio doors<\/a>, sliding doors<\/a> and bifold doors<\/a> can all affect how warm and unbearable your home becomes. It might seem obvious but large areas of glazing allow sunlight into the room, worn seals can let hot air creep indoors and an open door at the wrong time can turn your hallway into a welcome mat for the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That doesn\u2019t mean external doors are the enemy. Used properly, they can also help block direct sunlight, retain cooler indoor air and flush warmth out of the house once the temperature falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Matt Shaw, Technical Director here at Express Doors Direct<\/a>, points out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cPeople often treat external doors differently from windows during hot weather, even when the door is mostly made from glass. As far as the summer sun is concerned, a patio door is simply a very large window with a handle. It needs shading and managing in much the same way.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n

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So, here are ten practical external door tips to help keep your home cooler during a heatwave…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Add Solar-Control Film to Glazed External Doors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your patio doors<\/a>, bifolds or glazed back doors<\/a> are subjected to hours of direct sunlight, solar-control film could help reduce the amount of heat and glare entering your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You apply these films directly to the glass and they\u2019re usually available in different finishes, such as clear, lightly tinted and reflective options. Some are designed mainly to filter UV light, while others are specifically made to reduce solar heat gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That distinction really matters. UV film may help protect flooring, furniture and soft furnishings from fading, but it won\u2019t necessarily make the room noticeably cooler. Look for a product that clearly states it provides solar or heat control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solar film can be particularly useful on south-facing and west-facing doors, which are often exposed to strong sunlight during the warmest parts of the day. It may also help in kitchen diners, conservatories and living rooms with large glazed openings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BUT\u2026 this is not a job for the first mystery roll of mirrored film that appears on Marketplace with a price that\u2019s too good to be true. It could end up costing you big in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before fitting anything, check that the film is compatible with the type of glass in your doors. Double glazing, Low-E coatings, laminated glass and toughened glass may all have different needs and limits. An unsuitable film can cause areas of the pane to heat unevenly, creating thermal stress and potentially causing the glazing to crack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the film manufacturer\u2019s guidance and, when necessary, speak to the door manufacturer or a professional installer as well for added peace of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n

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2. Close Blinds or Curtains Before the Room Heats Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Blinds and curtains can make a substantial difference to rooms with large glazed doors, but timing is everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t wait until the room already feels like an airing cupboard with ambitions. Close the blind or curtain before direct sunlight reaches the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once sunlight has entered the room and warmed the floor, furniture and other surfaces, that heat will continue radiating into the space. Blocking it earlier is much easier than trying to remove it later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For patio doors, French doors and bifolds, consider blinds designed specifically for door glazing. Depending on the door system, options may include perfect-fit blinds, tension-fit products, integrated blinds or blinds fitted above the opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curtains can also work well, particularly on wide glazed openings. Light-coloured or reflective linings can help reflect sunlight, while thermal or blackout curtains may provide an additional barrier in rooms that become especially warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure any covering allows the doors to open safely and doesn\u2019t become trapped in hinges, runners or locking points. Curtains should also be kept clear of thresholds and escape routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cA blind that stays open until the room is already roasting is mainly decorative. Close it before the sun hits the glass and it has a much better chance of doing something useful.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

3. Stop the Sunlight Outside Where Possible<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

External shading is often more effective than any internal blind or curtain because it blocks direct sunlight before it reaches the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the property, this might mean adding an awning, canopy, porch, pergola, external shutter or some strategically placed planting. Even a large, securely positioned parasol may help shade French doors or patio doors during the strongest afternoon sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be particularly valuable for west-facing doors, which are subjected to intense sunlight later in the day when the outside temperature is already high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Permanent shading needs careful planning. Any canopy, awning or structure should be suitable for the building and installed securely. Planning permission or other approvals may also be needed in some circumstances, particularly in listed buildings, conservation areas or managed developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planting can provide more natural shade, but choose carefully. Large shrubs and climbing plants shouldn\u2019t obstruct the door, interfere with drainage or trap moisture against the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

External shading should protect the opening, not slowly eat the house.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Climadoor Anthracite Grey Aluminium Bi-folding Patio Doors<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

4. Keep External Doors Closed During the Hottest Hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Opening the doors feels like the natural response when a room is warm. Unfortunately, if it\u2019s hotter outside than it is indoors, that fresh breeze may be bringing a large gift of additional heat with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the hottest part of the day, keep external doors and windows closed where it\u2019s safe to do so, particularly on the sunny side of the property. Close nearby blinds or curtains to reduce solar gain and retain the cooler air already indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best time to ventilate is usually early in the morning, later in the evening or overnight, once the temperature outside has dropped below the temperature inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A simple indoor and outdoor thermometer can take the guesswork out of this. When the outside reading is higher, keep the heat out. When it falls below the indoor temperature, open up and let the cooler air through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Matt puts it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cOpening the front door at the hottest point of the afternoon does not necessarily cool the house. Sometimes you are simply inviting the heat inside and offering it a cup of tea.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, security comes first. Don\u2019t leave accessible doors open unattended, particularly overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Create Cross-Ventilation at the Right Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once the air outside becomes cooler, external doors can become one of your best tools for shifting trapped heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open doors and windows on opposite sides of the property to create cross-ventilation. This gives warm indoor air somewhere to escape while drawing cooler air through the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening bifold or French doors at the rear of the property alongside windows at the front can create a useful airflow through a kitchen diner or open-plan ground floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening windows upstairs can also help release warmer air that has risen through the house. However, the exact arrangement will depend on the layout, security and how safely the openings can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cross-ventilation works best when there is a clear route between openings. Keeping selected internal doors open during the cooler part of the day can help air move through, while closing unnecessary rooms may help direct it where it is most useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to close the doors and windows again before the outside temperature rises the following morning. Otherwise, yesterday\u2019s cooling strategy becomes today\u2019s hot-air delivery service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TOP TIP: Also open your loft hatch if you have one. This will create a sort of vacuum, as the warm air rises into the loft space it will pull the cooler air with it, reducing the temperature in your house as it moves.<\/p>\n\n\n

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6. Check the Seals Around Your Doors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weather seals are normally discussed as a way to keep cold draughts out in winter. On the flip side, they can also help limit warm outdoor air entering the house during hot weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the seals around the sides and top of your external door, as well as the threshold. Look for areas that have cracked, compressed, come loose or disappeared entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may notice daylight around the door, movement in the curtains, dust gathering near a gap or a draught around the frame. The door may also rattle slightly when closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the door, replacing worn weatherstripping, adjusting the hinges or fitting an appropriate threshold seal may improve its performance. A letterbox brush or seal can also help reduce uncontrolled airflow through an older front door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure not to block intentional ventilation, including trickle vents. Controlled ventilation is important for managing moisture, reducing the chances of condensation and maintaining indoor air quality throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the door doesn\u2019t close properly or has large gaps, the issue may be with the installation, hinges, frame or alignment rather than the seal itself. In that case, repeatedly adding strips of foam is unlikely to solve the underlying problem, you just inadvertently end up creating a strange abstract sculpture around the frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Hang a Lined Curtain Behind a Solid Front Door<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Glazed doors aren\u2019t the only doors that can contribute to overheating. A solid front door exposed to strong sunlight can become very warm, particularly if it\u2019s solid wood, has a dark finish or limited insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lined door curtain may help create an additional barrier between the door and the hallway. This can be a useful option for older properties where replacing the front door isn\u2019t always practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the best result, hang the curtain so it covers the opening properly but can still be drawn clear when the door is in use. A pale or reflective lining facing the door may be more suitable than a very dark fabric, especially if it does have glazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a curtain may reduce heat transfer, but it won\u2019t fix serious gaps, warped frames or poorly performing glazing. Think of it as a supporting actor, not an emergency structural engineer wearing velvet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Consider How the Door Colour Responds to Sunlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dark colours absorb more solar energy than lighter shades, meaning a black, navy or dark green external door can become particularly hot when exposed to direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That doesn\u2019t mean darker doors are automatically unsuitable. Their performance will also depend on the door material, construction, finish, orientation and the amount of shade available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A dark north-facing door beneath a porch will likely experience far less heat than the same door installed on an unshaded south-facing elevation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re choosing a new external door, check whether the manufacturer places any restrictions on dark finishes in highly exposed locations. Some products may need specific coatings or maintenance to protect the surface and preserve the warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For an existing dark door, external shading and an internal curtain may help reduce the effect on the hallway. Keep the finish in good condition too, as cracking, peeling or fading can leave the surface more vulnerable to weathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colour matters, but it\u2019s just one piece of a larger, slightly sunburnt jigsaw.<\/p>\n\n\n

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9. Consider Replacing Poorly Performing External Doors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your home overheats every summer and feels draughty every winter, the external doors may be a big part of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Older doors can have worn seals, poorly insulated panels, inefficient glazing or frames that no longer close correctly. Large areas of older glass may also allow more solar heat into the property than a modern glazing system designed with thermal and solar performance in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern external doors<\/a> can offer improved frames, more effective weather seals and better-insulated panels. Glazed external doors may also be available with Low-E coatings, solar-control glass or other performance options, depending on the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When comparing replacement doors, do not look only at their winter U-value. Ask about the glazing specification, solar gain, orientation and whether the product is suitable for the amount of sunlight the opening receives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highly glazed door can bring in wonderful natural light and connect a room to the garden, but more glass is not automatically better in every position. A west-facing kitchen with no shade will have different needs from a north-facing utility room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacement is not the quick fix when the forecast says 30\u00b0C tomorrow. However, if the same rooms overheat year after year, it is definitely worth considering new external doors as part of a longer-term plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cPeople understandably focus on how a door keeps warmth in during winter\u2026 because Britain, but summer performance matters more than ever now. The right glazing, good seals and a door suited to its orientation can make the room more comfortable throughout the whole year.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

10. Avoid Improvised Coverings That Trap Heat Against the Glass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During extreme heat, it can be tempting to tape foil, cardboard, dark fabric or reflective sheets directly to the inside of glazed doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must approach improvised coverings like this with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Materials pressed against part of a pane may cause one area of the glass to become hotter than another. Uneven temperatures can increase thermal stress, particularly if the glass type, edge condition or existing damage makes the pane more vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark material positioned very close to the glass may also absorb heat rather than reflecting it effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use blinds, curtains, solar-control products or external shading specifically designed for the job. Follow the installation instructions and check compatibility with the glazing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep the glass and frames clean too. Dirt and pollen will not usually be the main cause of overheating, but clean surfaces make it easier to inspect seals, spot damage and apply suitable film correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, whatever you choose, don\u2019t cover locks, handles, drainage holes or safety markings. Your cooling solution should not make the door harder to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A Simple Hot Weather Routine for External Doors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to launch all ten measures at once. Start with the basics and work out where the heat is entering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the morning, close blinds or curtains on glazed doors before they receive direct sun. Keep external doors closed once the outside temperature becomes warmer than the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the hottest hours, shade sun-facing doors and avoid opening them simply because the room feels warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, once the temperature outside falls, open doors and windows in secure positions to create cross-ventilation and release the heat that has built up indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside that daily routine, inspect seals, glazing and door alignment. Small maintenance jobs can help your external doors work more effectively in summer and winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

External Doors Play a Big Part in Summer Comfort<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More than many people realise, exterior doors are a big deal in summer. Glazed patio doors in particular can allow intense sunlight into a room. Gaps around front and back doors can let hot air creep indoors. Throwing everything open at midday can make a warm house even warmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The key is to treat external doors as part of the wider heat-management plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shade the glass before direct sunlight reaches it. Keep doors closed while the outdoor air is hotter. Check seals and gaps. Then use doors and windows to create airflow once the outside temperature falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt concludes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cMy biggest advice is to treat external doors in the same way as windows during a heatwave. If they contain glass, shade them before the sun hits. If there are unwanted gaps, deal with them. If they face strong afternoon sun, use film, blinds, curtains or external shade that is suitable for the door and glazing.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A few sensible changes won\u2019t transform a heatwave into a crisp autumn morning. Sadly, doors have limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But they can help you stop unnecessary heat entering the home, make evening ventilation more effective and keep your rooms considerably more comfortable when summer turns the thermostat up without asking.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re seeing more and more days of extreme temperatures in recent years and when the temperature climbs, most of us follow the usual routine. Fans appear from cupboards, curtains are drawn and we suddenly start wondering whether sleeping downstairs would be socially acceptable. But there may be another source of heat hiding in plain sight\u2026 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":3285,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,49,60],"tags":[9,75,76,72,11,79],"class_list":["post-3283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","category-interior-design","category-trade-tips-installation","tag-diy","tag-external-doors","tag-home-improvement","tag-home-renovation","tag-patio-doors","tag-summer"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3283"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3297,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3283\/revisions\/3297"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expressdoorsdirect.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}