The temperature of the surrounding environment significantly impacts the quality of our lives. In the UAE which has one of the highest temperatures in the world, such a comfortable environment is absent. A study by the UAE National Center of Meteorology shows that the annual sunshine duration of the country amounts to about 3500 hours.

Such a scenario demands the need for cooling systems in the interior spaces. This brings another problem. This is the need for excess energy for cooling systems. As per the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry, air conditioning accounts for nearly 70% of electrical consumption in the country during the summer months.

Here is a dilemma that needs a practical solution. This is exactly what is being offered by sun reflective paint for roof. These paints mixed with pigments that help to reflect sunlight provide maximum reflection with minimal absorption of sunlight and UV rays. As a result, the faceoff between cooling and energy demands could be mellowed.

Here are some more insights into the effectiveness and benefits of reflective roof paints.

Cooling Features of Reflective Roof Paints

High Solar Reflectance

According to a study by Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory high solar reflectance materials reduce roof temperatures by about 28 degrees Celsius, in comparison to traditional roofing materials. High-quality reflective paint for the roof with this feature thus reduces the heat absorption by the roof. As a result, less heat gets transferred to the rooms causing minimal energy requirements for cooling.

Thermal Emittance

In scientific terms, it is the energy radiated by the surface of a body per second per unit area. To put it simply, it is the ability of a material to release absorbed heat. According to the reports by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), this feature can reduce the temperature of a roof by up to 60%. Similar to solar reflectance this feature ensures a reduced amount of heat which is transferred to the indoor spaces of a home. Thus they ensure indoor comfort.

Sustainable Features

Two aspects need to be covered here. One is the urban heat island effect and the other is carbon emissions.

Urban heat islands are a situation in which metropolitan areas have a higher temperature compared to their suburbs or rural neighbors. This is because of the abundance of heat-absorbing surfaces like rooftops and pavements. Here, the above two features offered by sun reflective paint for roof strives to inverse this condition.

Then there is the carbon emission from cooling systems. There is no doubt that the emissivity and reflectivity offered by the reflective roof paints reduce cooling demands. As a result, the burden on cooling systems and the consequent carbon emissions are reduced.

Thus it can be said that the reflective roof paints have a sustainable aspect.

Other Benefits of Reflective Roof Paints

Energy Efficiency and Reduced Peak Energy Demand

To reiterate the obvious reflective roof paints reduce cooling needs and thus the energy requirements. If the reports by the U.S. Department of Energy are to be believed cool roofs reduce the building’s annual energy bill in hot climates by up to 15%.

Another aspect here is the load applied on the power grid during peak seasons, which is the summer, and peak times which is the afternoon. However, in the case of the UAE, these variations between seasons can be minimal. So there is almost a consistent pressure on the power grid.

By increasing the energy efficiency such high-loads can be reduced so that we can prevent blackouts and power shortages. Another report by the U.S. Department of Energy conforms to such observation with a finding that cool roofs reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15% and thus a reduction in the energy required for the same.

Improved Indoor Comfort

The Lower the temperature in indoor spaces, the higher will be the comfort of its occupants. Sun reflective paint for roof ensures this comfort with minimal pressure on the cooling systems.

Increased Roof Life

Cool roofs provide an effective blockade against thermal stress and temperature fluctuations. Thus it protects the roof material from premature aging and deterioration. Studies show that it can extend the life of roofing materials by up to 20 years.

Thus sun reflective paint for roof protects the integrity of roof tops reducing the need for frequent replacements. This further benefits the environment as minimal stress is exerted on the manufacture, transportation, and disposal of roof materials.

Minimal Maintenance Cost

Cooler temperature also protects the roof from common issues such as cracking and blistering. Moreover, it reduces the growth of mold and mildew. As a result, there is only a minimal requirement for maintenance. This in turn reduces the maintenance costs. Studies by agents such as the Environmental Protection Agency can be found to reassert such observations.

Enhanced Property Value

Those properties that have been treated with sun reflective paint for roof are hailed to be energy-efficient and sustainable. This feature appeals to potential buyers looking to reduce utility bills and their environmental footprint. Moreover, the extended life and the lower maintenance costs are perceived to be a long-term investment.

Then there is the point of comfort. In high-temperature areas like the UAE, the comfort offered by reflective roof paint is much valued. Thus the market value of your properties will go high.

Improved Building Performance

Energy efficiency and thermal comfort offered by these solutions are already discussed. Other than that improved thermal regulation offered by these roof cooling solutions enhances air quality and reduces the humidity levels in your indoor spaces. Thus a healthier living environment can be ensured. The final output is the optimal performance of the building including the HVAC systems.

Green Building Certifications

The UAE has a staunch commitment to sustainable practices. The Estidama program spearheaded by the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) in Abu Dhabi is a classic example of such commitments. The program with a name that translates to ‘sustainability’, strives to ensure developments in the Emirates adhere to sustainability practices.

Ratings or certifications by such programs are slowly becoming a necessity in the UAE. In this direction, the energy-efficient sun reflective paint for roof ensures the chances of your property being awarded with such local green building certifications.

Not just local certifications, you can also grab internationally accepted certifications such as the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) with such building choices along with a broader sustainability plan.

Better Resilience to Climate Change

A rise in global temperature is the aftermath of development and its environmental impact in recent decades. UAE which is already a high-temperature region is not exempted from the impacts of such a global phenomenon. The frequency and intensity of heat waves can be expected to increase. In such a scenario buildings prepared with sun reflective paint for roof can offer preparedness for climate change.

So the features that make it appealing to choose reflective roof paints to cool your homes have been made clear. By now you might have made a decision. In case you decide to go ahead with its purchase, here are some useful tips.

Tips for Finding the Right Reflective Roof Paints

Look for the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)

The higher the SRI, the higher will be the ability of the product to reflect heat. Usually, sun reflective paint for roof with an SRI of 80 or above is recommended by experts. This helps to get the maximum of the benefits listed above. Benefits such as reduced room temperature, lower energy bills, and enhanced indoor comfort are guaranteed with such products. Pay special attention to the product specification to ensure this factor is secured.

Assess Thermal Emittance

High thermal emittance ensures that the heat reflectance is complemented by a fast release of the absorbed heat. As a result, there will be a considerable reduction in roof and indoor temperature. The ideal value of thermal emittance is above 0.80. Make sure to skim through the product details for thermal emittance rating.

Consider the Climate

The arid desert climate of the UAE particularly requires reflective roof paints with high SRI and thermal emittance. However, it is recommended to look at the local weather patterns while choosing the paint. Sunlight intensity and average temperature are factors to consider. Such a choice will guarantee optimum performance alongside energy savings.

Evaluate Durability

Roof paints that are known for durability withstand harsh climates and reduce maintenance requirements. In the long run, such choices will turn out to be cost-effective. To evaluate this aspect consider online reviews and professional recommendations. Narrow down the products that have left positive reviews for a consistent performance.

Look for Certifications and Standards

Energy Star, and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) are some of the reliable certifications to look for. This will ensure that the product has been verified for top-notch performance including reflectivity and energy conservation. However, to double-check the veracity of the certifications visit the concerned website to see if the product is given under their certified products list.

These key factors are cherry-picked so that they will guide you to the right sun reflective paint for roof. Now that you have enough knowledge of the relevance of choosing such roof paints and the ways to find the right one, it is time to look for a supplier. In this direction, Fort Specialties with its track record of delivering heat resistance coating products will be a prudent choice. Reach out to us to make an order as per your requirements.