Does anyone have experience with the insulating paints developed from the space program that contain small ceramic particles? (Insuladd is the brand I’m considering. )Supposedly they adhere over almost any substrate on roofs or walls, including old asphalt shingles, and provide a hefty R-factor. Our finished attic is hot despite our adding as much insulation as we could. As air conditioning is not an option for us, is this roof paint the answer? Insuladd lists enough substantial references to convince anyone–but still I’d like to hear from someone who has used it and lived under it. The stuff is very expensive. (It is also used for siding.)
Harriet Hodges
Replies
Most of these paints work great in evacuated environments... like outer space. Back on earth, I have my doubts because there are more factors than mere radiation to consider when it comes to insulating your home.
I would save money and insulate the roof properly instead. Have a look over at buildingscience.com to see some proven designs.
Well--as a person who has worked with insulation, paints, and heat transfer, I think I can add a comment.
First, what do these paints actually do? They do not absorb radiation from the sun. So, with the sun beating down on the house, they will not pick up as much heat. So, compared to an asphalt shingled roof, the surface will be cooler.
BUT................
This is only a small part of you house's heat gain. The biggest source of heating is through the windows, and the paint will not help you there.
Also, recall that I said "radiation from the sun". There is no insulation from contact with hot air, so especially in places like Arizona, the 100+ temperature will still heat up the walls on the outside.
Finally, the hot roof STILL must get into your house. That is why you have insulation inside the house. If you have it, the extra gain from minimizing solar heating will be minimal.
All that said, if you have *NO* insulation in the house, you will note a benefit from this kind of paint.
A couple of thick coats of this paint could possibly add another insulation value of R .01
Wow!
I agree.
BUT--heat does get into the house by many ways, and the standard way of measuring insulation (putting the insulation between two layers at different temperatures and measuring the heat flow) does not address the problem of radiant energy buildup. So, you really will get some benefit from this stuff. The question is how much? And, is the payback worth the cost.
Not sure if your roof is black, but I started with a light colored roof years back and then coated it black to gain a few life years. I gained about an extra 40 degrees in the upstairs.
So, you might be able to use my experience backwards.
-zen
Edited 3/15/2005 6:56 pm ET by zendo
I, like everyone else that posted to you so far, do not have any direct experience with this product. The best source I could find, when I looked into this product years ago is via this link:
http://www.dulley.com/
It has been 10 years since I investigated this product and I don't remember the details, but I decided it was not worth the cost for the benefit. You should get good information and determine this yourself.
Edited 3/18/2005 2:02 pm ET by Timbo
A institute associated with a Florida state univesity is has done a large number of studies on solar radiation and it's affect on houses.So of it has been in JLC and the last time I looked they have a lot of it online.A google for Florida Solar Institue should find it. Don't know if they have studied thtis or not.