Spraying Roof on Hot Louisiana Day Has Benefits and Drawbacks

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - Summer in South Louisiana is in full swing, and it's been brutal. Many are looking for ways to cool their home on very hot days, but does spraying the roof of your house really cool it down?

I recently came across a post on Facebook, and so many people were admitting online that their home air conditioner just can't keep up with the outdoor temperatures.

While many admitted the actual temperature in their home was way higher than the temperature they had set on their thermostats, others shared ways they try to cool their house down during the summer.

Ways to Cool Home Down in Summer

Some in the comments said they added blackout curtains to their homes to eliminate direct sunlight, while others admitted to adding window units to help their central unit keep up on peak days.

One person's comment under the social media post also caught my attention because I've heard of this attempt before when it comes to cooling down your home during the summer. They said that at times they take out their garden hose and spray their roof down with water.

But does spraying your roof down with water really cool down your home? I looked it up, and it may shock you.

Does Spraying Roof Down With Water Cool House?

In short, the answer is yes; spraying water on your roof can help cool the attic on a very hot summer day. However, the cooling process can only happen when the water on the roof evaporates, thus removing heat from the surface. It works best in dry climates with little to no humidity, which doesn't always apply to those in South Louisiana.

And while spraying your roof with water may help cool your house, there are some drawbacks. First, it is not sustainable. You can't sit there for hours spraying your house down with water, while wasting water and ringing up a high water bill.

Plus, the constant moisture on your roof or house can lead to mold buildup and even possible corrosion of things on or around your house.

Cooling Home During Summer

If you are having trouble keeping your house cool in the summer, there are a few things you need to check on. One, have an expert check the amount of insulation you have in your attic. If you don't have enough insulation, the heat that builds up in the attic will affect your ability to cool down your home.

Also, speaking of watering things down here, on a very hot day, it is ok to spray your outside AC unit down with water to cool the coils and to clean them. However, you don't want to do this every day, as the water can corrode parts on your unit.

And lastly, if your AC unit is struggling this summer to cool your home, check the air filter. A dirty filter will make it more difficult for your unit to work and run properly.

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We hope some of these tips help you stay cool this summer in your house, and when in doubt, get a certified HVAC repairman to inspect your unit if you feel like it's not functioning properly.