Historically Useful: Warm Climate Features
Wide, overhanging eaves form a two-story, wrap-around porch to shield the building from the sun, and provide shaded outdoor work and living space.
Large trees growing near the house provide shade during hot summer months, preventing exterior walls from being exposed to high temperatures.
Sheltered interior courtyard space like this provides much need shade during hot summer months when high temperatures make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
Thick adobe walls provide substantial thermal mass that slows passive heating and cooling. Rooms stay cool even on hot summer days and warm when heated in the cooler months.
Interior shutters like these are not only decorative, but can be closed to keep a room cool by reducing solar gain on hot days.
Want to dig deeper? Visit our Whole House Resource Bank for links to some of the best weatherization information and materials available online. From insightful blogs and articles by the experts, to checklists and how-to's, you’ll find it all here.
Submitted by jrgallivan at: March 10, 2010
Historical Society of Pomona Valley, Pomona Heritage
Submitted by Big Swede 1 at: October 13, 2009
I'm the current caretaker of a registered 1850's Greek revival in MS. I'v installed outside glass panels over the original windows. But the floor is freezing. What's the best insulation for floor joists? Should I also have the contractor put down a layer of plastic to help further? I'm having major confusion over icylene and batt insulation products. I'm afraid the icylene won't adhere to the old floor boards. HELP!