Do Cool Roof Coatings Work?

First we should define what a "cool roof" actually is. For that I am going to one of the leading authorities on cool roof coatings, the Cool Roof Rating Council. The CRRC describes a cool roof as:

"A cool roof is one that reflects the sun’s heat and emits absorbed radiation back into the atmosphere. The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat transferred to the building below, keeping the building a cooler and more constant temperature. "Coolness" is measured by two properties, solar reflectance and thermal emittance.  Both properties are measured from 0 to 1 and the higher the value, the "cooler" the roof"

"Cool roofs are an effective alternative to bulk attic insulation under roofs in humid tropical and subtropical climates. Bulk insulation can be entirely replaced by roofing systems that both reflect solar radiation and provide emission to the sky. This dual function is crucial, and relies on the performance of cool roof materials in both the visible spectrum (which needs to be reflected) and far infra-red which needs to be emitted".

There are a number of coatings that rely on their ability to reflect light, usually with high amounts of titanium dioxide, a common ingredient in paint. But once they get dirty their effectiveness drops off dramatically. Often 20%-40% in the first three years.

Others rely on microscopic glass or ceramic beads. Glass beads offer some insulative ability because they form millions of tiny air pockets. The problem is the glass can break during application and/or there is limited adhesion to the surface. (It can be peeled or worn off fairly easily). Generic ceramic microspheres are a step up from glass. Ceramic has many positive inherent properties. But not all are created equal, and the vast majority have very little insulative properties in a coating. Most of the ceramics added to coatings become little better than the coating they are added to. Some coatings are good, some are less so.

It is safe to say Super Therm will meet or exceed the averages just given. From a consumer's stanpoint, think of it this way. Super Therm is an insulation coating, a paint and a weather barrier. By any one of those and get the other two free. And whatever energy savings you get after the ROI are bonus.

Looking for a fast and fair company to work with for your heating system’s repair or replacement needs?  Give Aaron’s Mechanical Service a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436

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Aaron’s Mechanical Service
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