Solar Reflective Paint can reduce the roof surface temperature by 37° C
You probably already know that in hot weather people generally put on light-colored or white clothes to help keep themselves cool.
They recognize that light colors reduce heat and also reflect sunlight, whereas dark colors absorb heat and light.
Roofs are similar to people.
If you have a dark-colored roofing system your building will accumulate more heat than if it had a cool roof.
Today they are a lot of products on the market, like white reflective membranes or solar reflective paints that effectively prevent the roof from solar radiation and reduce the heat inside the building.
But which should you pick and make your roof cool?
If want to know exactly what you need to look at when you choose solar reflective paint for your new cool roof, read on.
A good solar reflective paint is ready-to-use and easy to apply. It doesn’t require heavy equipment and specials skills and training.
However, while most of the solar reflective paints have these features, there is a product that is slightly more likely to surpass your expectations.
I’m talking about Solar RFX, produced by Copernit S.p.A, Italy
What makes Solar RFX the best solar reflective paint
While testing Solar RFX, I considered factors like solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and SRI value.
SOLAR RFX is decorative and protective elasto-plastomeric liquid white paint in water emulsion.
Once dry, it forms a flexible and elastic film resistant to atmospheric agents.
It adheres perfectly to the roofing membrane and it prevents any micro-cracks that may form on the supports.
These are all important points when considering which solar reflective paint to pick and ultimately, make for a better listening experience.
THE BEST SOLAR REFLECTIVE PAINT FOR BITUMINOUS ROOFING SYSTEMS RIGHT NOW: SOLAR RFX
Solar RFX is the best solar reflective paint for a variety of reasons, but there’s one in particular that stands out.
It has the highest Solar Reflectance Index = 103%
Not everybody could claim these results.
Other than having a high UV resistance and an excellent infrared radiation reflective ability, the solar reflective paint not only extends the life of the roof coverings but also reduces the temperature, both outside and inside the building.
Solar RFX has a variety of applications
SOLAR RFX is specially designed to protect bitumen waterproofing membranes.
But it can also be used on concrete, fiber cement, wood, and metal surfaces.
Consumption Rate
The total average consumption is 0.30 to 0.50 kg/m2 upon plain (sand, talc, TEX) bitumen waterproofing membranes, 0.50 – 0.70 kg/m2 on slated (MINERAL) membranes.
These values may vary depending on the nature and porosity of the support and on the desired thickness.
How to apply solar reflective paint
Stir the product before use.
Apply at temperatures between +5°C and +35°C and don’t apply in very damp conditions or if there is the risk of rain while the film is still drying.
The surfaces must be clean, dry, without impurities or remaining old paint; substrate must be inclined at least 3% to facilitate outflow of rainwater and to avoid ponding water.
The application must include at least two coats, preferably crossed, to ensure uniform color and effectiveness of reflective insulation.
Apply the first layer of SOLAR RFX by brush, roller, or spray, diluted with about 10% – 15% of water.
The second coat should be applied as it is or diluted to 5% only when the first one is completely dry, approximately after 12 hours.
It is recommended to apply SOLAR RFX on new bitumen waterproofing membranes only after a certain period from their application.
The reason is they could still release hydrocarbons, causing adhesion problems of the paint over the membranes.
It is advisable to wait the following periods before coating freshly applied bituminous waterproofing:
– 6 months for torch-on bituminous membranes;
– 3 months for cold applied bituminous products.
Before painting it is advisable to wash the substrates with water and brush to remove any remaining dust.
SOLAR RFX cannot be considered a walkable coating.
It can be walked on only during occasional maintenance.
Not frost-proof, keep at temperatures above +5°C.
After use clean the tools with water and, if the product has dried, it is recommended to remove it with hot water.
There is something I don’t like
However, Solar RFX isn’t without shortcomings.
It’s not recommended for roofing systems where bitumen membranes are applied directly upon thermal insulation.
Application in damp conditions or in case of rain while the film is still drying put the quality of application at the risk.
For best adhesion to the roofing system, it requires a clean and dry surface.
Before painting it is advisable to wash the substrates with water and brush to remove any remaining dust.
It is recommended to apply SOLAR RFX on new bitumen waterproofing membranes, immediately after application.
It’s recommended to wait for 3 to 6 months.
But for that time the roof would get dirty and it would need to be washed and dry out again.
Why choose Solar Reflective Paint Solar RFX
- Ready-to-use
- Easy to apply
- Create an elastic film
- 200% elongation resists cracking
- Reduce the temperature of the roofing covering
- Excellent resistance to weathering agents
- Create a high reflectivity barrier against sunlight
- Ensuring very good thermal insulation
- Protect the roof from the heat
- Energy costs saving
- Improve the efficiency and yield of the photovoltaic panels
- Esthetics
- Longer life for your roof
- Save from maintenance cost
- Superior moisture control performance
- Great for high mold & mildew environments
- Reflects infrared radiation using advanced ceramic sphere technology
- High UV resistance
- Breathable – Does not trap moisture
- 100% Eco-Friendly: Low VOC
- 10 years of material warranty available
Conclusion
Solar RFX is a solar reflective paint that creates a high reflectivity barrier against sunlight, ensuring excellent thermal insulation and energy savings. If you have a bituminous roofing system and want to make a cool roof this would be an excellent choice.