A recent article in Roofing Contractor titled “Big Box Store Chills Out with Cool Roof Coatings” highlights how NanoTech Materials’ Cool Roof Coat is transforming commercial buildings’ thermal efficiency. With commercial buildings consuming $141 billion in electricity and natural gas annually, energy-saving solutions like NanoTech’s Insulative Ceramic Particle (ICP)™ technology are becoming essential for businesses aiming to reduce operational costs and their carbon footprint.
The Challenge: Excessive Heat and High Energy Consumption
A Fortune 500 big-box retailer sought to address the extreme heat challenges of a 180,000-square-foot retail facility with a trapezoidal metal roof. Initial temperature readings on a 90°F day revealed that:
- Uncoated roof surface temperature reached 149°F.
- Internal ceiling temperature was 112°F, putting strain on the HVAC system.
- HVAC cooling load accounted for a significant portion of the building’s carbon footprint.
With sustainability goals in mind, the company needs a long-term, high-performance roofing solution to optimize energy efficiency and support its Net Zero emissions strategy.
The Solution: NanoTech’s Cool Roof Coat
The retailer turned to NanoTech Materials, Inc., selecting Cool Roof Coat, an advanced heat-rejecting coating designed for extreme environments. Unlike traditional reflective coatings that lose efficiency over time, NanoTech’s ICP technology creates a physical barrier against heat transfer, drastically lowering interior temperatures.
“Instead of simply reflecting heat away, the coating creates a physical barrier that stops the heat through low thermal conductivity,” the article notes. NanoTech’s Cool Roof Coat offers:
- Lower thermal conductivity than aerogels, enhancing heat rejection.
- Superior emissivity, reflecting and dissipating solar radiation.
- UV resistance and waterproof properties, ensuring long-term performance.
- Non-cracking flexibility and hail protection up to 2 inches in diameter.
The Implementation: Seamless Application with No Downtime
To ensure minimal disruption to operations, NanoTech’s certified applicators followed a meticulous process:
- Roof cleaning – Removing dust and debris for optimal adhesion.
- Coating application – Two layers applied evenly using spray-on technology.
- Quality control checks – Ensuring thickness and uniformity for maximum effectiveness.
NanoTech’s fast-drying technology enabled the roof to be walkable within 90 minutes and rain-safe within 8 hours. The coating can be applied in temperatures ranging from 41°F to 200°F, making it adaptable for various climates.
The Results: Drastic Temperature and Energy Reductions
The post-application impact was immediate and measurable:
- Ceiling temperature dropped from 112°F to 73°F—a 39°F decrease.
- HVAC cooling load was reduced by 49%, cutting energy consumption nearly in half.
- Projected energy savings of 20% to 50%, surpassing the industry standard of 15%.
These benefits extended beyond cost savings, supporting the retailer’s long-term sustainability initiatives by reducing emissions and operational strain.
Industry Impact: Expanding Opportunities for Roofing Contractors
The case study underscores the growing role of cool roof technologies in commercial roofing. As the article points out, contractors who specialize in energy-efficient coating can differentiate themselves in the marketplace and provide long-term value-driven solutions to their clients.
By offering NanoTech’s Cool Roof Coat, contractors can:
- Help clients comply with new energy efficiency regulations.
- Deliver measurable energy savings to commercial buildings.
- Expand service offerings with high-value, sustainable solutions.
Conclusion: The Future of Energy-Efficient Roofing
The success of this project highlights the immense potential of advanced roofing technologies to mitigate heat, reduce energy use, and extend the lifespan of HVAC systems. NanoTech’s Cool Roof Coat is setting a new standard for thermal efficiency, making commercial buildings more sustainable and cost-effective. To read the full article from Roofing Contractor, visit: Big Box Store Chills Out with Cool Roof Coatings
