Thermoreflective finishes contribute, in some cases significantly, to the comfort of our homes through a series of specific actions.
REDUCTION OF THERMAL LOAD
Paints with a high SRI value have the ability to reflect a greater amount of solar radiation rather than absorb it. This reduces the heat absorbed by the building and, consequently, the internal thermal load. A reduced internal thermal load means that the environments in which we live require less energy for cooling, contributing to greater environmental comfort.
REDUCTION OF ENERGY DEMAND FOR COOLING AND HEATING
By using thermoreflective finishes on exterior walls, the need to cool the environment with air conditioners is reduced. Using thermoreflective finishes on interior walls benefits heating needs because these finishes reflect more thermal energy compared to traditional finishes. This not only contributes to greater thermal comfort but also to greater energy efficiency and reduced operational costs.
LONGER DURABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS
Thermoreflective finishes, with a high SRI, tend to reflect a greater amount of solar and thermal energy, thereby reducing the heat absorption in the structures where they are applied. This decreases the range of thermal contractions and expansions of the structures, with an unquestionable benefit in terms of durability.
NOTE:
It is always good to specify that, despite the numerous benefits provided, thermo-insulating finishes cannot replace conventional thermal insulation systems. Thermal insulation, understood as the transmittance of materials, is a very different concept, in which, in addition to thermal conductivity, the thickness of the applied material plays a crucial role: it is obvious that, no matter how low the thermal conductivity value may be, the applied thickness of a finish cannot provide significant increases in thermal insulation.