To understand how heat reflective paint, formerly known as COOL-TEC cool coatings, influences the temperature dynamics of building surfaces, let’s explore how it interacts with solar radiation. Normally, when solar radiation hits a surface with standard paint, most of the energy is absorbed, causing both the surface and the building’s interior to heat up. However, surfaces treated with heat reflective paint reflect most of this radiation away, significantly reducing heat absorption and preventing the internal temperature from rising.
Independent Study on the Effects of Heat Reflective Paint
A third-party study employed rigorous scientific methods and thermal imaging to compare how building surfaces emit infrared radiation with and without the paint. Thermal imaging captures this radiation, converting it into a visual format where warm areas appear in reds and oranges, and cooler areas in purples and blues1.
Roof
On a painted roof, the surface temperature can be up to 22°C cooler during peak midday heat.
The surrounding air temperature, both on the rooftop and in the top floor corridor, also decreases, enhancing thermal comfort.
Facade
The facade of a building with heat reflective paint can see a reduction of up to 2°C in surface temperature at midday.
Carpark
In carpark areas, the surface temperature can drop by as much as 12°C during the hottest part of the day.
The study also noted a decrease in the air temperature around the carpark, indicating improved comfort levels for pedestrians.
Universal Thermal Climate Index
This index helps quantify physiological comfort under various meteorological conditions like temperature, humidity, and wind, which influence our body’s response to the environment.
Community Impact
Collectively, heat reflective paint can lower outdoor air temperatures by up to 2.49°C, contributing to a more comfortable community environment.
Although a reduction of less than 3°C might seem small, it can significantly shift the threshold of outdoor comfort from uncomfortable to tolerable, as highlighted by a major study. In climates like Singapore’s, where humidity intensifies discomfort, even minor temperature decreases can significantly improve overall thermal comfort.