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Cool Roof Coatings - The Future of Urban Cooling

Keeping buildings cooler in an innovative and more sustainable way

The frequency and severity of global heatwaves pose significant challenges for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures in many cities worldwide. Consequently, the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions is more critical than ever.

Improving solar reflectance and durability

Scientists have focused on developing new technologies for building and construction applications to address these challenges, starting with the roof, which is the primary recipient of radiant heat from the sun. Traditional dark-colored roofing materials absorb sunlight, leading to higher indoor temperatures. While white-colored roofing is an improvement over dark-colored roofing, it is not necessarily reflective and durable.

One innovative solution gaining traction is cool roof coatings, which reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, thereby reducing interior building temperatures. Nouryon's Levasil® colloidal silica and Expancel® expandable microspheres are playing a pivotal role in this revolution.

Helicopter view of roof tops. Elastomeric cool roof coatings
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The energy conservation challenge and an innovative solution: Cool Roof Coatings

The benefits of cool roof coatings extend beyond individual buildings. By lowering the need for air conditioning, these innovative coatings help reduce both energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This makes cool roof coatings an attractive option for architects, builders, and property owners looking to reduce energy costs, meet stringent environmental regulations, and achieve green building certifications.

Expancel® expandable microspheres enhance the performance of cool roof coatings by improving their flexibility and the total solar reflectance (TSR). By expanding within the coating, these lightweight fillers create a cellular structure that improves the coating's ability to reflect sunlight, significantly reducing the external surface temperature of buildings by up to 15 degrees Celsius (27 degrees Fahrenheit1).

Levasil® colloidal silica further elevates the performance of cool roof coatings by improving their durability and adhesion to the substrate. This advanced ingredient enhances solar reflective properties of roofs due to its dirt pickup resistance properties and performs well in various climates. As a result, buildings equipped with cool roof coatings can reduce the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities.
1) Number may vary depending on intensity of solar radiation and roof type.

Cool roof coatings - city scape. Cool Roof Coatings - The Future of Urban Cooling Keeping buildings cooler in an innovative and more sustainable way

A more sustainable solution reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions

As cities worldwide strive to become more resilient and sustainable, innovative solutions like Levasil® colloidal silica and Expancel® expandable microspheres are essential. By incorporating these cutting-edge materials into cool roof coatings, Nouryon is helping shape the future of urban landscapes, making them greener and more energy efficient. The following performance benefits are made possible with cool roof coatings:

  • Increased Energy Efficiency: Reduced energy consumption because of lower interior temperatures can lead to lower electricity bills and decreased stress on power grids.

  • Decreased Environmental Impact: Reduced CO2 emissions related to the potential for increased energy efficiency can help mitigate urban "heat island" effects, which contribute to elevated temperatures and increased smog and carbon emissions in densely populated areas.

  • Improved Quality of Life for Resource-Limited Areas: For people and animals living in high-heat areas with limited or no access to electricity, cool roof coatings can provide a cost-effective way to help keep interior temperatures lower.
Paint roller. Cool roof coatings - The Future of Urban Cooling Keeping buildings cooler in an innovative and more sustainable way

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illustration showing roof surface interactins with rain, solar radiation and temperature

Cool roof coatings

Expancel® microspheres are optimal for developing highly flexible cool roof coatings and Levasil® colloidal silica enhances the anti-soiling properties.

Expancel® microspheres and Levasil® colloidal silica are registered trademarks of Nouryon in several countries worldwide.

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