“To sustain longevity, you have to continuously evolve”- Aries Spears, American entrepreneur
Longevity of a product always reflects its quality and value for money. Striving to launch a product which stands the test of time is both aspirational as well as challenging.The same is true in case of Cool Roof paints. Application of the paint once is not a silver bullet solution.A cool roof coating’s efficacy can very well last between 3 to 5 years depending on a lot of factors, only if sufficient care is taken.
A cool roof’s solar reflective index value can change after installation. Adequate measures must be put in place to ensure that cool roof paints perform to their maximum capacity, even years after their application.The long term benefit of cool coatings is frequently reduced by a decrease in solar reflective index, in the first few years of on-site exposure.The reduction in energy savings due to soiling of cool roof surfaces is estimated to be 10-15%, according to Dr Kanopacki’s research
Challenges to longevity of cool roof paints
- Rain:
One of the most active agents of denudation, gravely affects the longevity of cool roofs. It can percolate, forming air bubbles between the paint coating and roof surface. This inturn would lead to cracks and crevices on the paint surface.
Rainwater can also lead to oxidative stress, lead to the germination of moss, mildew etc which can be detrimental to the solar reflective value of painted surfaces.
- Dust build up:
Has a direct bearing on solar reflective value of cool roof paints. The accumulation of dust and soot particles decrease the albedo (ability to reflect back heat) of the paint surface. Further, harmful pollutants like particulates, NOx,SOx,salts,acid rain could also induce material degradation through corrosive oxidation reactions.
- Atmospheric weathering:
Atmospheric weathering involves exposure to harsh outdoor conditions and analysis of meteorological factors that affect the performance of exposed roof paint surfaces. During outdoor exposure, the physical/chemical damage of the coatings can be induced by sunlight, especially the UV part of the spectrum.Solar radiation results in thermally induced degradation, the defects of which can be observed at elevated temperatures over long periods of time.
- Wind patterns:
Precipitation, relative humidity in the atmosphere can accelerate hydrolytic reactions and can result in morphological structural changes in the roof coat materials applied on the surface.
- Lack of professional paint work:
Amateur paint jobs done on roof surfaces can significantly reduce the longevity of cool roof paints. It is a technical item which require certain degree of proficiency by painters to do the job.
Figure 1: A newly painted roof surface
Figure 2: An eroded cool roof surface subjected to agents of denudation over time
How to make cool roofs last longer?
Although it is next to impossible to shield the paint surface from natural agents of denudation and weathering over long periods of time, some corrective steps can certainly be taken to increase the overall longevity and performance.
1.Hire professionals for the paint job:
Professional painters know that preparation is more time consuming than the actual painting. To get good results, make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. Scrape peeling paint and sand the surface where ever necessary. Remove all traces of mold and mildew, only then apply the cool coats.
2. Paint at the right time:
Spring and winter are the best times to paint when chances of rain are very minimum. It is advisable to have a look at weather forecasts before taking a cool roof painting assignment up.
3. Use a primer:
The purpose of a primer is to provide the paint a much better surface on which it can make a tight bond. The chances of the paint peeling or bubbling gets significantly reduced and the final finish is much smoother.
4. Regular maintenance:
Cyclic maintenance through cleaning of roof coatings shown to restore 90% of the initial value of solar reflectance of cool roof coatings. Washing the roof surfaces with pressurised water can help clean the dust that accumulates on the surface. Any stagnant water accumulation on the roof surface must be drained. Stagnant water besides percolating and affecting the adhesion of the painted surface, also leads to germination of moss, algae on the roof surfaces which decrease the albedo.
5. Keep some left over paint:
Storing a small amount of paint for future touch ups is recommended. This can be used to conceal stains or other minor imperfections that might arise later.
How LuminX cool roof paint provides longevity?
1. The company provides a warranty of 3 years:
For every purchase post application.
2. Professional painters provided:
In the majority of the cities.
3. Nanoparticles used as a paint constituent:
These nanoparticles are hydrophobic in nature thereby repelling water.The paint is elastomeric and is easily washable to clean off dirt accumulation.
4. Tested under various conditions:
Across several geographies in India and abroad.
5. Constant improvement of product through regular feed backs from existing customers:
Striving to provide the best solution in the market at the most affordable cost.
