July 27 THERMAL ROOF PAINT: AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION FOR LOWERING THE TEMPERATURE

In Greece, If the villages are made up of white houses like Santorini in the Cyclades, it is no coincidence. Indeed the white color returns heat, unlike black which absorbs it. In these villages where the temperatures are around 30° or more during the summer, the walls of the buildings are painted white to reflect UV rays and reduce the temperature inside the houses. HAS San Francisco where temperatures can reach 40°, some streets in the city have been painted white to reflect the sun's rays and thus reduce the heat. This technique also reduces energy consumption limiting the use of air conditioning. Usually used on the roofs of buildings, this solution is also effective on the roads since the researchers observed a decrease about 7°C above ground temperature. Two inspiring examples for us to follow adapt to high heat to come, and contribute to the refresh of our cities. This is what certain innovative paints also called "cool roof" promise.

Smart paint to cool buildings (cool roof)

La thermal paint for roof is based on a more elaborate technology than a simple white paint: it is composed of pigments to reflect infrared, and resin to resist UV. It is applied to the roof, which is the part of the buildings that is most subject to high temperatures during the summer period. The process was originally developed for industries: indeed it is particularly effective on buildings with large roofs or in front of keep fresh goods heat sensitive. 

This technology has many advantages:

• Fight against the phenomenon urban heat islands
• Make energy savings limiting the use of air conditioning or other cooling systems
• Improve the thermal comfort occupants
• Comply with the " tertiary decree which imposes a gradual reduction in energy consumption in buildings to achieve a saving of 40% by 2030. Indeed, for tertiary buildings for commercial use: since July 31, 2021, reflective coatings on the roof benefit from a energy saving certificate (CEE) for the French market. 

The company Covalba markets 2 solutions innovative:

1. A reflective paint for the roof (cool roof): Covatherm.

This technology protects surfaces solar radiation and extends their life. The coating keeps the air cooler inside the buildings (up to 10° in the hot season) and reduces the amount of energy bills. It applies in 3 layers to maximize its effectiveness and durability: a pre-coat, a thermal resin and a finishing coat. It is used by large and medium-sized supermarkets, the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The technology offers good performance over the long term: 

• High reflectivity : SRI 118 (NB: the reflectivity index: value indicating the ability of a roof to reject heat)
• Solar reflection: 95%- The majority of UV and infrared are reflected back into the atmosphere 
• Lifetime : 20
• Limits to 35-40°C (instead of 85°C) the heating of a roof exposed to the sun.
• Respect for the environment: water-based paint
• Eligible prime EEC
• Made in France

2. A sunscreen: Covatherm light. 

This protective lacquer for skylights and lighted vaults reduces heat, ultraviolet rays and glare. It completes the thermal insulation of the roof. Not opacifying, it allows to keep 50% of the luminous contribution.

The company Enercool also markets a reflective paint on the principles of the "cool roof" to cool the roofs of buildings.

Key Benefits :

• High reflectivity: SRI 105, down to -6° indoors in summer 
• Solar reflection: 83%
• Compatible with all roofs
• Lifespan: more than 10 years
• Respect for the environment: Paint without fluorinated resin - water-based
• Made in France

To act in the face of global warming, we will have to adapt: reflective paintings are part of effective protective solutions for buildings. In addition, they have the benefit of meeting the challenges of professionals seeking reduce their energy bill.

To find out more and discover other suppliers of eco-responsible cooling solutions, visit our website Takagreen.