Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Endothermal Effect®?

Thermo-Shield® Roof, Wall, Tank and Texture coatings will absorb water during the night and then release it slowly during the day. The ceramic microspheres used in the coatings have a great attraction to the water molecules and tend to hold on to them; more energy is required for evaporation, which results in a cooling effect (adiabatic cooling).

Will dust buildup affect Thermo-Shield®'s performance?

The US Government sponsored a 3-year testing program to determine the benefits of reflective coatings in reducing Heat Flux into structures, and the effects of aging - dirt, air pollution, weathering, etc on the Effectiveness of the reflective coatings. The US Government's premiere lab Oakridge Ridge National. Laboratory conducted these test during a period expanding from 1997 to 2000. The 3-year term was chosen because, in extensive testing all over the USA, it was determined that roofing products loose initial reflectivity at first but at the end of 3 years reach a plateau where their reflectiviy remains constant until evetual failure of the coating. The results showed that after loss of reflectivity by all the products tested, Thermo-Shield®'s heat reduction was an incredible 66% - this was 30% better than the average of the other white coatings in the test. So the question is: why does Thermo-Shield® maintain better reflectivity? Because the coating is made of 40% ceramic microspheres dispersed evenly throughout the membrane. These ceramics are extremely good at shedding dirt and self-cleaning with rain or even breeze and wind. You can look at a sample of any of our coatings under a microscope and see that a great deal of the surface is ceramic microspheres. A second point, much of the Thermo-Shield® benefit is from the dissipation of the heat, 94%. This figure did not change throughout the 3-year testing. So wahtever heat is developed from any dust buildup will be 94% emitted right back into the atmosphere as infrared energy.

In Busan, South Korea, they have started using Thermo-Shield® to coat walls and ceilings of all their subway stations. One can see that surfaces coated with Thermo-Shield® 3 years ago have remain practically spotless, even above the train tracks. Comparing these areas with other areas approximately of the same age coated with regular high quality paints, these areas were very dirty on the walls and absolutely black over the tracks. The authorities said their testing showed no lectrostatic charge buildup in Thermo-Shield®, thus the clean surfaces even over the subway tracks. Busan is recommending Thermo-Shield® to all the subway systems in South Korea now.

What strong chemicals can Thermo-Shield® resist?

Thermo-Shield® coatings were tested under ASTM 1308 Chemical Resistance for Cured Coating Films, a 16-hour spot test with 27 different chemicals including hydrochloric acid 20%, sulfuric acid 25% and sodium chloride 40% with no harmful effects. There are 12 hysdrochloric acid 35% holding tanks (Hal Chemicals) in Jabel Ali, UAE, coated externally with Thermo-Shield® for over 5 years now. In spite spillage of acid on the coating every time tanks are refilled, the coating has suffered no damage. Thermo-Shield® was chosen here for its insulation performance, its durability and resistance to harsh chemicals.

Can you reduce heat flow effectively with Thermo-Shield®?

Can Thermo-Shield® stay clean?

Thermo-Shield® is made of 40% ceramic microspheres dispersed evenly throughout the membrane. These ceramics are extremely good at shedding dirt and self-cleaning with rain or even breeze and wind. You can look at a sample of any of our coatings under a microscope and see that a great deal of the surface is ceramic microspheres. In the United Arab Emirates, there are many Thermo-Shield® flat roofs, and blowing sand and dust are always present in this part of the world. Looking at these roofs after 7 and 8 years, they are very white, almost like new. In fact, some consultants actually believed these roofs were less than one year old. The ceramic bubbles, which one can see embedded throughout the surface (under a microscope) are very good at avoiding dirt buildup.

Is there any performance analysis for a Desert Climate?

The University of Nevada in Las Vegas, USA, conducted a "Performance Analysis of Thermo-Shield® Reflective Coatings in a Desert Climate" using a computer simulation. The report was prepared and presented by Samir F Moujaes PhD PE, associate profesor of Mechanical Engineering of the UNLV, and Richard A Brickman PhD, research consultant.