Yes, we do need to start thinking about saving our planet and using the renewable energy when we can.
But, although using solar-powered homes might be a bit overboard for most people, there’s no reason why you cannot use solar reflective paints in your home.
In fact, because you will be aware of the damage the existing photovoltaic panels can do to the regional habitat and hardscape, you can use means to eliminate the adverse environmental effects. Especially, if you’re getting solar-powered electricity.
Below, I have outlined my favorite solar reflective paints along with their pros and cons.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| HEAT-BLOCK – 5 Gallon | Best Overall |  |
| HENRY HE587046 Roof Coating | Budget Pick |  |
| Gaco Roof 100% Silicone Roof Coating | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. HEAT-BLOCK – 5 Gallon
2. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating
Pros:
- High quality solar reflective paint product
- Does what it says – provides good insulation
- Product has a long shelf life (up to 5 years)
- Fairly simple to apply with normal paint brushes
(5-75 sq. ft.) – Made in USA
If you are looking to improve the insulation performance of your RV or other roof, then Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating is probably the only product that you need to consider. This solar reflective paint is specially formulated to reflect the sun’s rays and help in keeping your RV cool when it’s parked in the blazing sun. The Liquid Rubber product is very safe to use as it is made in the United States and is quite simple to apply. You can apply the coating yourself for maximum solar reflection performance. Since the product company puts a lot of efforts into making high quality products, the product does not have toxic ingredients like some of its counterparts.
Probably the only downside of this product is that the top layer tends to crack at very low temperatures such as below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can fix this problem by fixing a rubber roofing underlay over the top layer.
3. HENRY HE587046 Roof Coating
4. Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof Coating
Pros:
- Self-leveling
- Excellent for cool storage units
- Good paint coverage
This is a brand-new product for home and business use. You can use this product on any type of roof from new to old, and the results will look the same the first time you apply it.
The best thing about this product is that it will not need a primer unlike some other products.
It is completely environmentally friendly, and it is safe for your home and the environment. It does not need to be stripped off the surface of your roof. It can also be applied on top of any old reflective paint that you have on your roof without any problems. It is however not a new roof paint, but instead a roof coating that can be used on top of the paint that is already there.
5. GARDNER-GIBSON 6245-GA Series 4.75GAL Roof Coating
Pros:
- One of the best reflective paints on the market
- Safe for use around kids and pets
- Quick and easy to use
- Low odor
- Non-flammable and non-toxic
- Seals roof, gutters, and chimney
- Leaves a gorgeous metal-flake finish
Cons:
- Low temperature cure time
- Takes a couple of days to cure completely
Since 1956, this reflective coating has made it easier for homeowners to keep their properties cooler. As it is 100% water, rain, and UV resistant you don’t have to worry about reapplying after harsh conditions.
This 4.75 gallon bucket makes enough reflective coating for your roof, gutters, and chimney to use in one application. The water base is also non-toxic, making it good for anywhere your family spends quality time. Available in gray or silver, this reflective paint is an affordable way to keep your property cooler during the hot summer months.
Considering the length of time it lasts, this product is also an economical choice. This paint is also easy to apply with its roller system. The only downside is that you have to wait a day or two before climbing back on the roof to finish sealing it. Also, make sure to apply this when the temperature is over 85° so that the paint can cure properly.
6. HENRY HE587372 Roof Coating
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Affordable
White.
Henry makes a great waterproofing paint kit that is perfect for DIYers looking to save money and do the job themselves. The Henry HE587372 Coating is specially designed for RV decks, roof tops, patios, and other similar places. It contains a rubberized binder system that provides a tough but flexible barrier that seals, bonds and protects roof surfaces. All materials are environmentally friendly, non-polluting and recyclable.
Any person who is familiar with working with standard paint brushes knows that it's always best to use a full size. The smaller brush that comes with this kit is perhaps not the best to use, so if you're not keen on using painting tools you may want to use your own.
7. Great White HIGH SOLIDS 100% Silicone Roof Coating
Pros:
- Very strong non-silicone formula
- Provides 5 to 10 years of protection [depending on factors such as local conditions, roof type, quality of coating, etc.]
- Ideal, quick, and simple DIY results
- Unique formula bonds to everything—not just the roof
- Covers 100 sq. ft. per gallon
- Applies in temps as low as 30 degrees
Cons:
- May not stick to a wet roof
- Some users have reported slight yellowing after 1 year
8. Gaco Roof 100% Silicone Roof Coating
Pros:
- Paint is 100 percent silicone, providing durability and UV protection
- Low-VOC content means enhanced air quality and low odor while applying the paint
- Temperature-reflective, resists fading
- Protects against water penetration
Gaco’s Roof Coating is a well-made product for repairing and maintaining the weatherproofing on your roof.
This product has the unique characteristic of being a 100 percent silicone-based paint, which means the only offgassing that you’ll see is minimal and the outgassing is minimal. This is a huge plus for those who want to add a fresh coat to their roof without having to worry about making their neighbors sick.
A primary function of roof coating is as a water barrier. Roof Coating can also be used as a water repellent, and many companies market their product by highlighting this function. However, it is important to realize that any water-repellant product will not stop a roof from leaking at the seams, or from missing shingles.
9. 280DC – White Elastomeric Roof Coating
Pros:
- It reflects near 100% of the sunlight
- Reduces cooling costs
- Low odor, easy application, easy to remove
Cons:
- If you are not applying it correctly or by the right method it is not going to work.
- The 280DC White Elastomeric Roof Coating is a product that helps you to increase the insulation of your roof and to also help to also provide a nice reflective barrier.
The 280DC represents a perfect combination of a high VOC white elastomeric roof coating giving you a near 100% reflectance. This lets you save money in a couple of different ways. This product reduces the heat gain that comes from sunlight by decreasing the surface temperature underneath where you have applied this product.
For those summer days when you are not running your air conditioner, this product also helps to reflect back the heat during the day. This will still let your home get cool, but will do it a lot faster.
This product is one of the most reflective products you can put on a roof. The 280DC is a combination of a high VOC coating with a silicone coating that give it the mirror-like ability. To top this, the product gives a 7.7 Solar Reflectance Index. This is a measurement that is normally just achieved by insulating roof coatings.
10. 100% Silicone Roof Coating
Pros:
- Cheap Price- tag
- 5 Gallon bucket, which is super cheap and also very quick to work with
- Good size coverage. Coverage varies depending on the surface area to be coated but generally speaking you can cover close to 200- 250 sq.ft. with one bucket.
Cons:
- The chemical can have an odd smell (as do all silicone paints)
- The chemical can be stickier and harder to paint with than regular water based paints
- Depending on the condition of your roof and the success rate that you have with most coatings, the coating may need to be reapplied every couple of years.
Silicone gives smooth brighter and shinier surface. Durable as it is, it is also easier to clean when it is first applied.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a paint that reflects heat?
Yes, there is a very special kind of paint that does just that. It's called Solar Reflective.
Solar Reflective paints contain metal beads in the top coating. When the sun hits the metal, it reflects the heat and also brightens the wall where it's applied.
These metal beads do not adversely affect the texture of the paint. They are like glitter in paint form. It's metallic, but still rolls on and has nice coverage.
There are a variety of different colors available too.
SEE ALSO: How To Choose The Best Solar Power System For Your Home
This paint has a special reflective layer with no metal particles in it (these particles are called lirettes). It's important to know the difference because most solar reflective paints have the metal.
Does solar reflective paint work?
And how does solar reflective paint work?
In a nutshell, yes. A roof covered in solar reflective paint is more efficient at keeping your home comfortable at the appropriate temperature than a roof not covered in solar reflective paint. The process involves the same energetic properties we harness in order to generate electricity: solar radiation.
This is how a reflective finish works on your car, isn't it? The light hits your shiny car, and is reflected off of the vehicle. The outer layer of the car actually heats up, absorbing the light and heat so that the inside of the car does not heat up. The same principle applies when looking at reflective finishes for your home.
What is the best reflective roof coating?
Although it doesnʼt happen very often, it is possible for your roof to develop issues with sufficient sunlight exposure. If your roof is made of any metal (iron, aluminum, zinc), it may develop a problem from corrosion. To fix this, you have a few options.
The first is to replace your roof. This option is only practical if you aren't planning on living in your home for a long time or if it isn't worth much.
That leaves you with three options for fixing your roof:
What is solar reflective paint?
Also known as solar control paint, these types of paints are used in your home, car, and other places to reduce heat and UV rays entering the house. They reflect both heat and light, saving you on your energy bill.
Solar control paint is often recommended as a coating to be used on the north-facing walls of buildings and on windows. Using the paint, you essentially turn the walls to heat reflectors.
If you are using a dark color paint, it can absorb the sunʼs rays, instead, you can simply go for a lighter Ultraviolet (UV) reflective paint.
Conclusion
Using solar reflective paints on south facing walls of your home and office can save you a substantial sum of money. If your state has a rebate on using these paints, it would pay you to get installed. This article is a detailed information about the best low-e coatings and varnishes you can buy in 2019.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| HEAT-BLOCK – 5 Gallon | Best Overall | |
| HENRY HE587046 Roof Coating | Budget Pick | |
| Gaco Roof 100% Silicone Roof Coating | Upgrade Pick | |