As a homeowner, you know the struggle of finding time to complete repairs and renovations. Summer might seem like the perfect time to begin home construction since the weather is warm and schedules clear up. However, there are some projects that you should avoid completing in the summer heat. 

1. Driveway

If you want to repave your driveway, there are better times to do it than summer. While it’s true that you should pave when it’s warm and dry, the highest yearly temperatures can make working with asphalt unbearable. 

Blacktop can get around 40 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the surrounding air, which may make you think you can work safely. However, liquid asphalt can get even warmer. In addition to being uncomfortable to work with, it can also burn you. If the air temperature is 90 degrees, the asphalt is likely at least 140 degrees. 

2. Roof

Construction on your roof is not the best decision when it’s hot out, regardless of where you are. If you’re working with tar, you’ll find a similar problem as your driveway. It gets significantly warmer than the surrounding air, potentially causing severe discomfort and burns. 

If you’re working with metal roofing, the sunlight heats up and increases your risk of burns. Even with protective gloves, the reflection of the metal can cause you to overheat or get sunburned. 

3. A/C

You should not plan to repair or replace your air conditioner in the summer unless it is not working. What begins as a day project could take longer due to product delays or unexpected distractions. Going without A/C on hot days could increase your risk of heat-related illness. 

If your air conditioning is not working effectively, renting window versions or purchasing fans might be worthwhile until the weather is cool enough to focus on your permanent system. 

4. Patio

Pouring a patio is not the job for a hot summer day. Concrete is hot to work with and using wood or composite planks could mean you’re outdoors for a while. 

Hammers, nails and saw blades can get especially hot when sitting in the sun, burning you or causing your materials to warp. The sawdust from a wood patio could increase the discomfort you already feel from the heat. An in-progress patio can also be dangerous for kids and pets to navigate when running to play in the sun. 

5. Windows 

Your windows are powerful insulators that impact your curb appeal and add natural light to your home. However, your neighborhood can afford to look at an old window during hot summer days. 

Taking out a window makes the air conditioning in that area virtually useless since the hole lets warm air into it as your system tries to cool it down. New glass could also let more sunlight in, increasing the temperature. 

Why You Should Avoid These Projects in Summer Heat 

Construction puts a lot of physical strain on your body and the heat exacerbates it. When you work in hot temperatures, it increases your risk of heat-related illness. 

There are two conditions that primarily emerge when working in warm temperatures — heat stress and heat stroke. 

Heat Stress Symptoms 

Heat stress is a serious condition that could catch you off-guard when working in the summer sun. Here are some symptoms to know about:

• Constant thirst: You can’t seem to quench it. 

• Nausea: Your body temperature begins to rise, which irritates your stomach. 

• Excessive sweating: Sweating when it’s warm out is normal. If you sweat more than normal, it could mean your body is getting too hot. 

• Weakness: Your body spends a lot of energy to keep you cool, making you feel weak. 

• Dizziness: When you sweat, you lose electrolytes which can cause your blood pressure to drop. 

If you start feeling these symptoms, get to a cool place, strip off any excess clothing and sip cool water or electrolytes. You should seek medical attention if your symptoms don’t improve within an hour. 

Heat Stroke Symptoms 

Without proper attention, heat stress can turn into heat stroke:

• Dry skin: You eventually stop sweating when your body is so dehydrated it can no longer sweat. 

• Confusion: You might forget where you are or what you’re doing. 

• Unconsciousness: Your body could get so overheated it causes you to faint. 

Heat stroke is an emergency and you should call 911 if you notice these symptoms. 

How to Avoid Getting Overheated

If you can’t avoid doing one of these projects in the summer, there are ways to avoid heat-related illness:

• Work at dawn and dusk: Doing your project when the sun isn’t high can keep you cooler than you would be mid-day. 

• Take preventive measures: If you have to work in the heat, wear heat-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE) and sip cool water and electrolytes the whole time. Take plenty of breaks out of the sun and stop if you feel unwell. 

• Always have a partner: You should never work alone on a construction site, especially in the heat. There should always be someone else around for help if something goes wrong. 

When you take the right steps to be as safe as possible, you can work in the summer if you must. 

Working in the Summer Heat 

Summer is a popular time to complete many home projects, but these five are best to save for cooler temperatures. You can get things done by making wise project decisions while staying safe and healthy. 

Author: Rose Morrison

Cover image by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash