Expancel for elastomeric cool roof coatings

Solar reflectance in cool roof coatings

Compare Expancel Microspheres with other fillers commonly used in cool roof coatings. You'll find that most of them are not only heavier, but also offer less protection from the sun. That´s because our microspheres are packed with powers that include high solar reflecting and thermal insulating properties. Expancel's proven track record for reflecting visible and near-infrared light, and its resilient nature, makes it a perfect ingredient for formulating an elastomeric cool roof coating with superior quality.

In warm climates, air conditioning takes the lion's share of total energy consumption, with percentages around the 70 mark in residential areas. Our tiny microspheres make it possible to reduce this number by minimizing the need for turning up the AC when it's hot. Elastomeric cool roof coatings with Expancel can bring down the external surface temperature of a building by as much as 15°C/27°F*. Not only does it help keep things cool inside, it also makes relying on energy-draining air conditioning a whole lot less. In fact, by applying an Expancel-formulated coating to the metal roof of a large, one-story commercial building, cooling energy consumption was reduced by more than 40%. 

*number may vary depending on intensity of solar radiation and roof type.

The science speaks for itself. The graph above compares spectral reflectance of binders with TiO₂, CaCO₃ and Expancel Microspheres (WE). From this graph it is obvious that by replacing inorganic filler with Expancel, the hiding power as well as the total solar reflection of the coating improve. This also makes the coating appear whiter.

Elasticity in wall and roof coatings

When compared to Expancel, mineral fillers are heavier and have a higher specific surface area which requires more binder. The spherical shape of our microspheres require less binder. Its reciliency also allows you to up the PVC without jeopardizing the coating's elasticity. This leaves the coating to maintain its elasticity, acting as an impenetrable barrier that protects against cracks. All the while, the coating is able to breathe. The elasticity of elastomeric coatings filled with Expancel has proven to be more superior when compared to other alternatives – even when tested in severe weather conditions. This together with the closed cell structured microspheres makes Expancel the ideal addition in water proofing coatings.

Watch the videos below to see the elasticity of Expancel Microspheres in coatings.

Technical seminar at the European Coatings Show 2019

At the European Coatings Show 2019, we teamed up with our sister product line Levasil Colloidal Silica to explain how the performance of elastomeric cool roof coatings can be further enhanced. Levasil's anti-soiling properties helps the coating to be clean and, thus, maintain its cooling power over time. 

Watch the video below for a 15 minute technical seminar recorded at the show.

Speakers are: 
Dr Jan Nordin, Senior Application Engineer, Expancel
Dr Peter Greenwood, Technical Development Manager, Levasil Colloidal Silica