Low-Cost White Paint Used to Cool French Homes During Heatwave

French residents are applying inexpensive white paint to their roofs to lower indoor temperatures during a June 2026 heatwave ^[1].

This low-cost method provides an immediate alternative for homeowners with poorly insulated houses who lack access to expensive cooling systems. By reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, the paint helps mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat in urban areas like Paris ^[1], ^[2].

The solution is highly accessible, with the cost of the paint reportedly less than five euros ^[1]. This minimal investment allows residents to combat rising temperatures without requiring significant renovations or high energy consumption from air conditioning units ^[1].

Reports said the application of white paint can result in indoor temperatures that are several degrees Celsius lower ^[1]. The process involves coating rooftops and, in some instances, potentially applying the paint to roads to reduce the ambient heat trapped by asphalt ^[2].

This approach targets the "urban heat island" effect, where concrete and dark surfaces absorb heat and radiate it back into the environment. By changing the color of these surfaces, the reflective properties of the white paint prevent the structures from heating up as rapidly during peak sunlight hours ^[2].

Local homeowners have begun adopting this practice as a temporary measure to maintain livable conditions inside their homes. The strategy is particularly effective for those living in older buildings that lack modern thermal insulation ^[1], ^[2].