Reducing Cooling Costs With Thermal Barrier Coatings

There is significant interest in "thermal barrier" paints and their potential to reduce cooling costs. Some claims even suggest these coatings can replace air conditioning entirely. However, to understand how these products actually work—and why most fail—you need to look at the science of solar heat.

The Science of Solar Heat Gain

Heat gain from the sun isn't just about what you can see. It is composed of three primary elements:

• Visible Light (Long & Short-Wave): This is the light we see. It accounts for only 35% of solar heat gain and can be managed through reflectivity.

• Infrared (IR) Light: This is invisible to the eye but accounts for a massive 65% of heat gain. To stop this, a coating must have high emissivity (the ability to reject or release absorbed heat).

Why Standard White Paint Isn't Enough

Almost any white paint—from a cheap hardware store brand to an expensive industrial finish—will reflect some visible light. The problem? Most "thermal" paints rely solely on being white. Once the paint inevitably yellows, dulls, or collects dirt, its reflectivity plummets. More importantly, these standard paints lack the emissivity required to reject the 65% of heat coming from IR light.

The ThermalBlock Difference

ThermalBlock is engineered to address both reflectivity and emissivity. While many competitors rely on internal "university studies," ThermalBlock has been rigorously vetted by independent laboratories:

Testing Authority	Test Type	Result
UL Labs	Reflectivity & Emissivity	.89 Reflectivity / .88 Emissivity (Scale of 0-1)
Intertek Labs	Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)	95% Reduction of solar heat gain

The SHGC result of 95% is particularly impressive, as it outperforms most high-end energy-efficient windows and doors on the market today.

Real-World Impact of Thermal Barrier Coatings

By applying ThermalBlock to surfaces exposed to the sun, the results are immediate and measurable:

• Surface Temperature: Typically lowered by 40°F to 50°F.

• Cooling Load: Proven to reduce cooling costs by 30% or more, depending on your climate.

• Durability: Unlike standard paints that yellow and fail, ThermalBlock is tested to UL, ISO, and ASTM standards to ensure long-term performance.

While no coating can fully replace a cooling system in extreme climates, ThermalBlock significantly reduces strain on your HVAC system, lowering energy bills and improving comfort. Contact our team to learn more.