Paint exterior walls a light color

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A dark facade absorbs much of the solar radiation that hits it, heating the walls and, through conduction, the inside of the building. A light color or reflective coating on the most exposed walls (typically south- and west-facing) applies the same principle as a white roof, on a smaller scale.

A light-colored surface reflects more solar radiation instead of absorbing it, which lowers the facade's own temperature and, by conduction, limits how much heat is transmitted indoors.

• Simple, quick, and low-cost to implement
• Effectively complements roof treatment
• Can be bundled with a facade repaint you're already planning
• Also improves the building's visual appearance

1. Identify the most sun-exposed walls (typically south- and west-facing)
2. Choose a light-colored paint or render suited to the surface (render, concrete, cladding)
3. Piggyback on a facade repaint already planned to add this at no extra cost
4. Check any local planning color restrictions before starting work