Spraying your roof tiles with water can help cool your home during soaring summer temperatures, according to a heating expert. As 90 million people across Europe continue to swelter in a record-breaking heatwave, many Brits are searching for efficient ways to beat the heat.
UK Records Hottest June Day
Yesterday (Wednesday, June 24), the UK saw its hottest June temperatures on record, with Hampshire reaching 36.1C and hundreds of schools closing. The Met Office has forecast highs of at least 38C today, with red extreme heat warnings in place. Much of the UK’s infrastructure is not built for such extreme heat, leaving many relying on fans and longing for air conditioning.
Simple Hack: Water Your Roof
Adam Chapman, founder of the home-heating resource Heat Geek, highlighted the trick in a 2024 YouTube video. He said: "I'm just watering our roof, which is actually tip number two - spray down your roof tiles. Roof tiles absorb heat then radiate it back down into the house. If you can cool off those tiles, you're also cooling down the house."
However, the hack may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if you cannot safely spray your roof or are under a hosepipe ban, such as in Kent.
Other Cooling Methods
Earlier this week, reports shared additional cooling tips. Keep blinds, curtains, and shutters closed during the day and open windows when it cools in the evenings. Home experts at Country Living advise: "Do this early on in the day, long before temperatures peak. You may also wish to consider using a reflective surface at windows, such as a reflective window film, external foil screens or budget-friendly tin foil, to bounce the heat away."
For evening cooling, they add: "While you seal everything shut during the day, these are the times to fling open the window (and doors when awake), especially those upstairs, to flush out the hot air and let in the cool air."
Focus on One Room
The Red Cross suggests focusing on cooling one room. It says: "Keep windows covered and shut and close doors to stop warm air entering." It adds: "Try to avoid, or spend as little time in as possible, rooms that will be hard to keep cool, like a kitchen where heat is generated by appliances and cooking devices, or rooms with large windows where the sun is shining."
Fan Usage Tips
Consumer watchdog Which? suggests not turning on a fan unless you are in the room, placing your fan by a window if it is cooler outside than inside, and placing a bowl or glass of ice under the fan to enhance cooling.
