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In this blog, we will walk you through 12 practical rooftop cooling solutions to overcome the heat in summer.
Does it feel like no matter what you do, your home just feels like a hot box and won’t cool down in summer?
You switch the fan, but it blows hot air. You open all the windows, but there’s no breeze. You mop the floors, close the curtains, try every little trick, but the walls still feel warm and the rooms stuffy like an oven.
If this sounds like your everyday struggle during summer, your rooftop might be the real reason.
A concrete rooftop absorbs all the heat during the day and slowly releases it into your home, making it feel hot even after the sun is gone. But you can easily fix this with our smart rooftop cooling solutions. Here you go!
Also read: How to Waterproof Your Terrace?
Table of contents
- 12 Rooftop Cooling Solutions To Cool Down Your Home
- #1 Hollow Concrete Tiles
- #2 Mud Phuska (Mud + Straw Layer)
- #3 Heat Insulation Tiles
- #4 Inverted Earthen Pots
- #5 Solar Panels
- #6 Shade Nets or Pergolas
- #7 Broken China Mosaic Tiles
- #8 Clay or Terracotta Tiles
- #9 Roof Mist Cooling System
- #10 Green Roof
- #11 White Lime Wash (Chuna)
- #12 Cool Roof Paint (Reflective Coating)
- Which Rooftop Cooling Solutions Should You Choose?
- Final Takeaway
- FAQs
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?
Which Rooftop Cooling Solutions Should You Choose?
- DIY-friendly: Cool roof paint, chuna, misting, inverted pots
- Long-term cooling: Clay tiles, heat insulation tiles, hollow tiles
- Budget-friendly: Chuna, earthen pots, clay tiles
- Eco-friendly: Green roof, solar panels, clay tiles
Rental homes: Shade nets, white lime wash, mosaic tiles
Final Takeaway
In a country like India, the heat is unbearable, especially during March, April and May. So, a cool rooftop is not a luxury, it’s a basic comfort. With our 12 rooftop cooling solutions, you can make your house feel cooler, lower your electricity bills, and most importantly, sleep peacefully.
Read Next: How to Fix Dampness In The Walls?
Did you know that the metal or old windows and doors can also trap heat inside? Yes! And that’s why you should choose uPVC solutions as they are weather-resistant and keep the heat outside. At GreenFortune, we manufacture high-quality uPVC windows and doors that are energy efficient, long-lasting and suitable for Indian homes.
Explore our products now!
FAQs
1) Does spraying water on your roof cool a house?
Yes, spraying water on the rooftop can cool down the heat to some extent. When the water evaporates, it takes away the heat from the surface, thus reducing the temperature inside your home.
2) How to keep the cement sheet roof cool?
To keep the cement sheet (asbestos surface) cool, you can apply a reflective roof coating. Also, make sure of proper ventilation for the hot air to escape. You can also install a false ceiling with insulation to reduce heat absorption.
3) How to release the heat in your roof?
To release the trapped heat from the roof, you can sprinkle water, open nearby vents or windows or use a mist system. These methods help the roof cool faster after sunset.
