FAQs

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How do our IR Heat-reflective products work?

The low toxic, mixed-metal oxides and mineral formulas used in each of our IR reflective coatings is an optimized blend developed to give the highest reflectance of the sun’s radiation for that given color. Highest efficiency is seen in lighter colors, however, in direct comparison to standard tinted paints and coatings, consistent 15-50 degrees heat reductions vs original painted exterior surfaces occurs. This is what we call, ECO-THERM® Technologytm and it is in both our THERMO-SEAL® paints and ECO-THERM® Elastomeric coatings.



How much Air-Conditioning usage reduction will occur?

Based of Univ. of Nevada at Las Vegas studies (UNLV 2007) using these pigmented and white coatings on exterior house walls and roofs respectively, the combination of cool coated surfaces there for the entire “building envelope” produced averaged savings of 41% per year in Las Vegas. Depending upon building location, orientation to the sun, building wall color(s), amount of insulation, and whether both walls and roof are cool coated, this percentage will vary. In a federal Oak Ridge National Lab study (ORNL 2004), based off a similar type IR pigmented paint used just on exterior walls, the best savings measured was 21.9% achieved in Los Angeles. This was on a typical, 1950’s cinderblock home painted in a medium blue IR reflective color....... THERMO-SEAL paint in charcoal black color on doors of a professional office building facing due west, demonstrated a measured direct temperature difference vs. standard black (original paint) of 40 F. degrees less in direct late Spring sunlight. On a low-slope roof renewed with ECO-THERM Elastomeric color white in south Arizona in June, a 53 F. degrees temperature reduction in mid-afternoon direct sunlight was achieved vs original grey capsheet. The direct benefits of these are summarized as: Dramatically lowered exterior heat = lower interior temperature + lowered AC use. Your exact savings will only be determined over time after application of the paint, and will be a function of: Color, Exposure to Direct Sun, Orientation to the Sun of the building(s) and Quantity of Insulation. Formulae will need to be determined by a LEED accredited consultant and/or via systems now in development through Lawrence Berkeley Labs (LBNL) National Cool Wall Coatings Study (2016-2017). Greatest savings occur where there is no or poor insulation in place in either the building walls and/or roof where the colors are changed to IR colors the same or lighter the original building colors. Where darker colors are desired, our coatings are ideal due to their high SR color-for-color.



How else do TUCC’s cool paints and cool coatings save money?

THERMO-SEAL and ECO-THERM both will give a Return-On-Investment (ROI) that ensures your buildings materials last longer when our coatings are correctly applied. Why this is so is due to less building movement and “working” due to heat expansion and contraction across daily and seasonal heat cycles in sunlight. Since thermal, IR radiation coupled with UV deteriorative frequencies create the most wear and tear of building structures, less movement means less wear and minimized seam opening yielding fewer repair visits in the longer term. Therefore, maintenance costs are lessened and major repairs more likely to be avoided.



How do our products last longer than regular paints?

The lifespan of 10-12 years, for THERMO-SEAL and ECO-THERM can be almost double that of regular paints, due to the reflection away (“bounce”) of the sun’s heat, not just from the building, but from the paint coating itself. It is also due to our use of premium cross-linking top acrylics, unlike the vast majority of paints, even premium branded on with regular type pigments.



How can THERMO-SEAL and ECO-THERM waterproof but also breathe?

Our cross-linking, 100% acrylic formulations have very tight surfaces. For vertical walls, these hold out rain very well while at the same time they “perm” or breathe out water vapor from inside the building. Key is sufficient amount of coating thickness aka “millage” applied correctly onto properly prepped surfaces. Likewise on correctly sloped roofs that drain well and on tile roofs, our coatings applied at specified millage (thickness) will hold out water very well. Our cool coating products are not made to withstand ponding (standing) water past a couple of days spoke we do not advise their use for flat surfaces that do your drain within 48 hours. For that situation you would require a completely different technology.



How can our coatings save roofs and make them indefinitely renewable?

By correct inspection of coated surfaces every 2-4 years, you will know whether anything has happened out of the ordinary like building movements causing cracks, ac, microwave, or PV service vendors causing damage, contractor error, and even bird damage. High strength cross-linking chemistry and lessened heat loading of the paint itself means mitigatation of damage and what’s underneath it longer than standard products. Recoating will typically only be required at the end of the coating’s warranted lifespan. Almost any properly draining roof surface can be renewed and later recoated using either our THERMO-SEAL (tiles, metal) or ECO-THERM (capsheet, torch-down, BUR metal, membrane) and so on indefinitely after proper prep and cleaning.



How is Urban Heat Island Effect reduced with TUCC coatings?

Due to the effectiveness of these coatings highly solar reflective and thermal emissive values (color-for-color). Cooler buildings translate to cooler communities and less reheating of the atmosphere.



How is Carbon Footprint reduced with our coatings?

By the reduced need for electricity from fossil fuel power-plants during the hot weather, high AC usage months and doubled lifecycle of repainting.



How do our products reduce Smog Pollution?

Reduced volitile organic compounds are released at the time of application and manufacture due to our state-of-the art ultra-low VOC chemistry throughout our product line. Lowered local air temperatures when building(s) have our paints and/or coatings on them quantitatively help reduce air pollutant catalyzation. When clusters of buildings such as in an apartment complex or HOA have their buildings all done with THERMO-SEAL and ECO-THERM, especially their low slope/flat roofs, this local catalyzation is signifigantly enhanced.



Net Energy and Pollution Offset savings achieved with our coatings?

From manufacture through the delivery and application life-cycle, the environment is impacted half as much or more due to longer time between repaint cycles and the need to make new batches for any project.



How is Net Zero Energy use achieved with our coatings?

Net Zero Energy used is made more the norm for new construction and an achievable goal for existing buildings with both THERMO-SEAL and ECO-THERM solar-reflective wall and roof coatings because they contribute to the overall reduction of energy use and last a long time. Where the sun is strongest and temperatures on buildings is highest, our cool coatings will make a consistent difference in an overall energy management plan on your buildings.



How many gallons will we need of THERMO-SEAL? (coverage rates)

Both THERMO-SEAL 1000 and 1500 cover approximately 200-225 sq ft per gallon. 10 gallons will cover 1000 sq ft with two sprayed coats and backrolled coats (more with a roller only since it spreads the paint further but not an ideal paint thickness will be applied per square foot in this case). Optimal coverage and performance is acheived with THERMO-SEAL sprayed and back-rolled. THERMO-SEAL 1000/1500 Conservative coverage rates: 20 gallons = 2000 sq ft 25 gallons = 2500 sq ft 50 gallons = 5000 sq ft 100 gals = 10,000 sq ft



How many gallons will we need of ECO-THERM Elastomeric? (coverage rates)

ECO-THERM 2500 Elastomeric generally covers 80-100 sq ft per gallon depending upon how it is applied and the texture of the surfaces being coated. Optimal performance durability and surface blocking occurs when ECO-THERM is applied by sprayer and backrolled with at least 2 coats (total 20 dry mils). ECO-THERM 2500 Elastomeric coverage rates prepared low-slope roofing (2 coats): 100 gallons = 5000 square feet 150 gals = 7500 sq ft 175 gals = 8750 sq ft 200 gals = 10,000 sq ft 300 gals = 15,000 sq ft 400 gals = 20,000 sq ft 500 gals = 25,000 sq ft 1000 gals = 50,000 sq ft ECO-THERM 2500 Elastomeric theoretical coverage rates* over fully primed or prior painted/coated architectural surfaces incl smooth painted stucco: 3/4 of the above listed amounts per total sq footage to be covered. On more pronounced textures, coverage will be even less. *Customer/contractor solely responsible for ordering correct amount of product for job.



What kind of Warranties are available and how do they work?

No-Peel Warranties of 10, 12, and 15 Years Are Available for both THERMO-SEAL and ECO-THERM. Only to be made by written confirmation directly from us on jobs completed by Approved Applicators. No other warranties are implied or provided. Matgerials warranties can only be made in writing from THE ULTIMATE COATINGS COMPANY after specification confirmation upon specific job completion. Liability is strictly limited to replacement of product. Warranty Fees* and Minimums Basis: 5,000 sq ft -10,000 sq ft surfaces. : 10 years $0.10/ sq ft plus $1500. 12 years $0.12/sq ft plus $2000. 15 years $0.15/sq ft plus $2500. *(Basis same for larger surfaces, walls and roofs, as direct multiples of these enumerated costs.)