Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, concise, and free of empty promises. If you need an assessment of a specific building, we will gladly recommend a suitable system based on the type of structure, substrate, and problem.
What clients most often ask at the start
What is a thermal insulation coating?
It is a specialized coating system that works with thermal radiation and helps reduce overheating, heat loss, or condensation depending on the type of application. It is not an ordinary facade paint, but a functional layer designed for a specific technical problem.
Is it the same as conventional insulation?
No. Conventional insulation and a thermal insulation coating are not the same thing and do not address every situation equally. The coating makes great sense where minimal thickness, less intervention in the structure, fast application, or resolving details where a conventional insulation build-up is complicated or unsuitable are important.
Is it suitable only for industry, or also for houses and apartments?
The technology is used in industry as well as in construction and households. In practice this can include roofs, facades, interior walls, technological equipment, piping, or problem areas with moisture and mold.
When does the coating make the most sense?
Its greatest advantage is where you need to reduce overheating, address cold surfaces, condensation, mold, or protect the structure without major construction work. It is also often strong on complex details, historic buildings, or operationally sensitive structures.
The principle of the technology without needlessly complex theory
How do these coatings work?
The system works on the principle of high reflectance of thermal radiation and low thermal conductivity. Microspheres play an important role, allowing the coating to reflect a large portion of incoming energy while also limiting heat transfer into or out of the structure.
What are microspheres and why do they matter?
Microspheres are very fine particles that are part of the coating material. They are what helps create the reflective and insulating effect that makes the system behave differently from a regular coating or ordinary paint.
What does TSR mean?
TSR is Total Solar Reflectance. Simply put, it shows how much solar energy a surface is able to reflect back. The higher this value, the lower the surface's tendency to overheat.
What does SRI mean?
SRI is the Solar Reflectance Index, which helps evaluate how much a surface will heat up in the sun. A high SRI is important mainly for roofs and facades, where the goal is to reduce the thermal load on the surface and thus on the building itself.
Is lambda worth considering with these coatings?
With reflective insulation technologies, lambda is not the only or primary figure by which the system should be evaluated. What matters here is how the system handles the radiant component of heat, the reflectance of the surface, and the overall behavior of the system in the specific structure.
Is it just reflection, or also insulation?
It is not only about reflection. A properly designed system combines a reflective effect with an insulating effect and, depending on the type of application, can help against summer overheating as well as heat loss or condensation.
What the technology is suited for and where it is strongest
Will it help against roof or facade overheating?
Yes, overheating is exactly where a reflective insulation system is very strong. Thanks to its high solar reflectance, it helps lower the surface temperature and thus the thermal load on the structure and interior.
Will it help against mold?
Yes, if the mold is related to a cold surface and condensation. In such cases, a suitable system can help raise the surface temperature and limit the conditions in which mold forms. However, it is always important to assess the true cause of the problem.
Is it also suitable for interiors?
Yes. There are systems designed specifically for the interior side of perimeter walls, cold corners, problem areas with condensation, or spaces where the client does not want major renovation work.
Can it also be used on technological equipment or piping?
Yes. In industrial applications, coating systems are used for example on hot surfaces, piping, storage tanks, HVAC equipment, or places where condensation and heat loss need to be reduced.
Is the solution also suitable for historic buildings?
Very often, yes. The minimal layer thickness and lower impact on the building's appearance are among the main advantages where conventional insulation is not architecturally or heritage-appropriate.
Can the coating also help in winter?
Yes, depending on the type of application it can help stabilize the surface temperature of the structure and reduce heat loss. The result, however, always depends on the build-up, the substrate, and the specific use.
How design and application work
Does the building always need to be assessed before application?
Yes. A proper design starts with an assessment of the substrate type, the problem, the scope, and the goal of the project. Without it, it is impossible to responsibly recommend a suitable system or a realistic expected benefit.
How does the application itself work?
It depends on the specific system. It usually involves substrate preparation, a suitable primer, possibly a multi-layer build-up, and a final protective or reflective layer. Application can be done by roller, brush, or spraying.
Is application faster than conventional insulation?
In most cases, yes. The advantages tend to be lower thickness, fewer construction details, simpler logistics, and often less disruption to operations during the work.
Can the system be applied while the building stays in operation?
In many cases, yes, especially with industrial and commercial applications. It always depends, however, on the specific building, safety conditions, and the type of system designed.
How long does the system last?
Service life depends on the type of product, correct application, substrate quality, and operational load. Selected systems are rated for long-term durability, but the specific use always needs to be assessed.
Is special maintenance required?
In most cases maintenance is standard and depends on the type of surface and the level of exposure. For exposed areas we recommend periodic inspection of the surface condition, just as with other construction systems.
The questions that decide the investment
How much does such a solution cost?
The price depends on the type of application, the surface area, the condition of the substrate, the accessibility of the building, and the chosen build-up. That is why we always prepare each proposal individually and do not work with a single universal price.
Is the coating cheaper than polystyrene or mineral wool?
In some scenarios, yes, especially where conventional solutions are made more expensive by details, build-up thickness, demanding installation, or operational constraints. Elsewhere the comparison may be more balanced. The specific building and the goal of the project decide.
How do I know whether the investment makes sense for my building?
The best way is to have your specific situation evaluated. For some buildings the main advantage is a lower investment, for others the speed of application, less intervention in details, reduced overheating, or solving mold and condensation problems.
Can the payback be calculated?
Yes, but always only as a model and based on the building type. Payback depends on the scope of application, energy prices, building operation, and whether the main goal is heating savings, reduced cooling, or a technical improvement of the structure.
What if I am not sure whether the coating is right for me?
That is completely fine. That is exactly why we offer a technical assessment and a no-obligation consultation. If a different solution would serve your building better than a coating, we will tell you straight.
What is the best next step?
Send us the building type, a description of the problem, the approximate surface area, and ideally photos as well. This allows us to evaluate more quickly whether the system is suitable and which approach will make the most sense.
Do you have a specific question about your building?
Get in touch. We will gladly recommend a suitable system, or tell you openly when a different path would be better.