Smart Rooftop Cooling Solutions: Tricks To Beat The Heat At Home

12 Rooftop Cooling Solutions To Cool Down Your Home

We have listed 12 smart rooftop cooling solutions below. Read till the end of the blog because you don’t want to miss the most effective technique to block the heat.

#1 Hollow Concrete Tiles

Hollow concrete tiles have air pockets inside them. When you lay them on the terrace, they block direct sunlight and trap air, which slows down heat from getting transferred to the slab.

• Long-term cooling
• Neat and clean look
• One-time investment

#2 Mud Phuska (Mud + Straw Layer)

Firstly, a layer of mud is mixed with straws (called phuska) and is applied on the rooftop. Then, you need to install clay tiles over them. Mud Phuska is an old-school trick, but it cools your terrace naturally. It acts like natural insulation when done properly. It is still used in many rural homes. 

• Budget-friendly
• Completely eco-friendly
• Perfect for dry, hot regions

#3 Heat Insulation Tiles

Heat insulation tiles are special tiles that reflect sunlight and reduce heat. If you want to get them in tile shops, you can ask for “heat-resistant tiles” or “cool roof tiles”. They are either white or light-coloured. 

• Looks neat
• Permanent solution
• Helps reduce indoor temperature

#4 Inverted Earthen Pots

In villages, it is common to find earthen pots kept upside-down on the terrace. If you have ever wondered why, it’s one of the simplest yet effective ways to cool down the home. The air trapped inside the pots forms a natural insulation layer and keeps the slab underneath cool. 

• Low-cost
• Zero construction work
• Reusable every year

#5 Solar Panels

Solar panels do more than just save electricity. When you install solar panels on your rooftop, they create a shaded area that blocks sunlight from hitting the slab directly. So, while they generate power, they keep your home cooler. 

• Eco-friendly
• Dual benefit
• Long-term gain

#6 Shade Nets or Pergolas

To block the sunlight, simply install a green net, bamboo mat or even a pergola on the rooftop. Next, add some potted plants to the terrace. This makes your home feel cool. It is not necessary to change the rooftop always; sometimes, just adding shade can help. 

• Easy to install
• Budget-friendly
• Gives a clean and neat look

#7 Broken China Mosaic Tiles

This is another most commonly followed rooftop cooling solutions in Indian households. All you need to do is lay broken white tiles or Chinese mosaic on the top. This reflects sunlight and prevents the surface from heating up. 

• Long-lasting
• Reflects heat
• Easily available

Also read: Different Types of Roofing Slabs

#8 Clay or Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles don’t just look pretty, but also block heat naturally. They stay cool even on extremely sunny days and prevent heat from passing through the slab into the house. 

• Durable
• Natural material
• Ideal for long-term cooling

#9 Roof Mist Cooling System

Have you ever noticed how cool the air feels after a light drizzle? That’s exactly the concept of how a roof misting system works. This cooling system sprays fine water droplets across the terrace from time to time. As water evaporates, it cools down the rooftop instantly. 

• Works instantly
• Great for dry regions
• You can do it yourself with garden sprays

#10 Green Roof

If you want a cool rooftop and also a beautiful view, GO GREEN! You can grow grass, keep plants or set up a new mini garden to block the sunlight and keep the terrace cool through natural shade and moisture. 

• Improves air quality
• Makes your space more beautiful
• Naturally cools the slab

#11 White Lime Wash (Chuna)

If you want temporary relief, you can apply white lime wash (chuna) on your terrace. This reflects sunlight and prevents the slab from heating up. It is perfect for rental and small homes. 

• Affordable
• Easily available
• Can be applied every summer

#12 Cool Roof Paint (Reflective Coating)

This is the most effective rooftop cooling solution followed these days. 

Cool roof paints are specially made to reflect sunlight and UV rays. You can apply a few coats with a roller on the terrace, and you are good to go. This helps your rooftop to stay cooler, and so do your rooms. 

• Effective immediately
• Easy to apply
• Reduces room temperature up to 7°C, naturally

Also read: How to Get Started With Rainwater Harvesting at Home?