Urban heat island effect causes an increased need for cooling in buildings, from homes and offices to hospitals and restaurants. In many spaces, temperature is a matter of health and safety rather than an amenity. As people crank up the air conditioning, their energy bills also rise, accompanied by increased demands for fossil fuels that emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide—creating a rise in greenhouse gases.
Fortunately, there are ways to combat the urban heat island effect, including installing green roofs, applying cool coatings on asphalts and pavements, and adding solar reflective coatings on balconies and pool decks. In fact, solar reflective coatings have many benefits, as they reflect sunlight and decrease surface temperature. Here are six reasons to consider using them:
1. Lower Energy Costs
When city dwellers experiencing urban heat island effect turn up their cooling systems, their electric bills will increase. Solar reflective coatings provide a cooler urban area, which helps lower energy costs.
2. Reduced Air Pollution
Perhaps even more concerning is the amount of greenhouse gases emitted when an entire population has its air conditioning turned on. More electricity usage means more fossil fuels—and a lot more air pollutants released into the atmosphere.
3. Decreased Surface Temperature
Cities absorb more heat than outlying, rural areas. In the same way that applying cool coatings over asphalt or pavement can reduce the urban heat island effect, so can putting a solar reflective coating on patios, balconies, and walkways.
4. Bond to Existing Surfaces
Solar reflective systems can be built over plywood decking or concrete that’s already installed. Though just a few layers thick, solar reflective technology effectively blocks out sunlight and water to create a long-lasting system.
5. Prolong a Deck’s Life
Because these coatings reflect sun, they actively prevent deterioration from harmful UV rays. Solar reflective systems also contain a thin membrane that helps to waterproof its layers and stop leaks. The less rain, snow, or pool water that gets through, the longer the substrate lasts.
When a high school in Hawaii didn’t want to remove its old concrete pool deck to pour a new layer, administrators looked into waterproofing the pool deck and sealed it with a solar reflective coating to ensure durability and cool surface during high temperatures.
6. Comply with Building Energy Standards
Solar reflective coatings’ light-colored, layered cement and infrared pigmented topcoat help projects achieve a Cool Roof rating. The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC)’s standards for solar reflective roofs and walls call for a particular thermal emittance and Solar Reflective Index. In short, a cool roof is one that is designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof.
When looking for a Solar Reflective Coating, make sure it meets California Title 24 standards, which promote cutting out needless energy consumption in the state’s buildings.
For more information on how solar reflective coatings can lower the temperature of your next project, visit the Westcoat website at https://www.westcoat.com.
