Summer is the time for outdoor parties. Lucky you if you have a rooftop patio that you can use for entertaining. If you plan to host your party during the day, you may need to think about how to keep everyone cool. Depending on where you live, the sun may be a bit too much in the heat of summer for entertaining. Luckily, there are ways to stay cool so you can enjoy your rooftop patio all summer long. Here are some ideas.

Ways to stay cool on your rooftop

1. Invest in large umbrellas

This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to stay cool in the summer. A simple patio umbrella can provide the necessary shade to block the sun’s bright rays and heat. They are often adjustable and attach to a patio table, which you’ll probably have anyway for entertaining and dining purposes.

You can also get free-standing patio umbrellas that don’t require a table to attach to. They are limited in the shade they provide, but if you have a large space, then you might want to invest in a few umbrellas to provide sufficient shade coverage.

Alt text: A large umbrella against the blue sky

2. Install awnings or canopies

Awnings are an easy way to provide some much-needed shade. If possible, opt for a retractable awning so you can maximize the sun when it’s not too hot out, but have shade when you need it.

An awning can be installed over a window looking out or a door leading out to the roof. There are a number of materials you can use for your awning, including colorful cloth that you can use to decorate with. For really large spaces, you might want to consider installing a canopy instead.

3. Build a pergola

If there is no shade structure on your rooftop patio, you can add one by building a pergola, which can be stylish as well as functional for providing shade. A pergola also allows you flexibility to attach lightings, plants, flowers, and other decorative accents for even more stylish impact. For something low impact and less permanent, you can hang up some shade sail pergolas as well.

A rooftop patio with tables, grill, lounge area and pergola

4. Place some fans around

Having moving air can help cool you down, even when the temperatures are high. Strategically place fans around your rooftop to help provide some much-needed breeze on a hot day.

Opt for high-velocity fans to make the biggest impact. The benefit of fans is that you can move them around and use them indoors as necessary. There are also fan models that are incredibly stylish as well.

5. Add some swamp coolers

Swamp coolers are another cooling option and a step up from fans. Also known as evaporative coolers, they use moisture to provide relief from the heat.

Warm air enters the cooler and gets cooled down with evaporative cooling pads. The cooled air is then blown out, much like a fan. Some units allow the use of ice for even better cooling abilities. Place them all around the rooftop to help cool things off when a fan alone won’t cut it.

If you need help installing your swamp coolers, call a professional company like the HVAC Glendale team at UFirst.

6. Upgrade to misting fans

Outdoor misting fans can provide even more relief from the heat. They are basically large fans with misting jets that spray out water, which then gets blown out by the fan. You can place them where you want for a refreshing cooling mist that will be a delight on a hot day. Similar to swamp coolers, they work best in drier climates, but are still helpful even when it’s hot and humid.

7. Block hot surfaces

Depending on what material the floor of your rooftop patio is, it can get incredibly hot in the blistering sunshine. If you have concrete, then you might want to paint over it to cut down on the heat that gets absorbed. Opt for a light color to better reflect the heat of the sun.

If painting the floor of the rooftop patio is too much or not feasible, you can get a bunch of outdoor rugs to place all around. Look for all-weather rugs that will stand the test of time and extreme weather. They can be used to make a decorative impact as well.

8. Build an outdoor bar

If you plan on entertaining on your rooftop patio, you probably want to have an outdoor bar anyway. Having cold drinks is a great way to cool off on a hot day, and what better way than having an easily accessible bar with a fridge and coolers to store cold beverages? Just be sure to include non-alcoholic options as well and plenty of ice.

Staying cool on the rooftop

As you can see from above, there are many options that you can use to help stay cool on your rooftop when the sun shines down and the temperature soars. You can use one or all of the options listed above at your next party to keep you and your guests cool.

There’s no need to wait until the weather cools down to plan your next rooftop party. If you’ve got a great rooftop venue, make the most of it and party it up all summer, all while staying cool and refreshed.