5 DIY tips for a heatwave

Summer has really started now. We've already had a few lovely days and, if the news is to be believed, a real heatwave is on its way. Planning to do some DIY this week? Follow these five tips to avoid overheating or sunstroke.

DIY is best done in nice weather. After all, who fancies knocking a shed together in pouring rain or strong gusts of wind? But when the sun is blazing, it's wise not to overdo it and to keep a few things in mind.

Don't rush! Work in shorter stretches and take more frequent breaks. Ideally take them indoors, somewhere cool.

This sounds obvious, but with all the work going on, people often forget to drink enough. This is incredibly important, because the heat combined with physical work means you can quickly become dehydrated. So make sure you have plenty of water, and consider bringing a cool box to the job site to keep it cold.

Look for shady spots to work in, especially during the hottest hours of the day between 12.00 and 15.00.

Apply a high-factor sunscreen every two hours. Even if you spend much of your time working in the shade on a hot day, you can still get badly sunburnt. Also wear breathable clothing (preferably cotton) and put on a cap or hat to avoid sunstroke.

Working indoors? Keep the house cool with good sun shading, or switch on the air conditioning or a fan. Don't seal the house up completely when you're working with harmful and/or chemical substances. Make sure there's enough ventilation by opening a window or vent.