Paint chemistry has advanced exponentially in the last 25 years. Modern paint formulas offer more protection and more benefits than ever. Two examples are solar reflectivity and insulation.
Did you know there are paints with both proven insulation and solar reflective properties? One such paint is our Rhino Shield ceramic coating.
Everyone from homeowners to architects want an energy-efficient building to lower utilities. This can be achieved in multiple ways. One such way is using a heat-reflective and insulating exterior coating.
At Rhino Shield, we receive two common questions: “How is Rhino Shield energy efficient?” and “Does it have proven energy efficacy?”
We’ll answer both questions honestly and discuss various factors that lead to Rhino Shield’s performance under thermal stress and insulation properties.
Understanding the Variables in Energy Resourcing
The energy efficiency of a home is a sum of various factors, including:
- The insulation value of the windows.
- The efficiency of the HVAC system.
- The quality of roof and wall insulation.
All these variables come into play when considering energy consumption and costs. Rhino Shield, our UV reflective coating, addresses several of these factors, offering a holistic solution to homeowners looking to enhance the energy efficiency of their residences.
UV Reflectivity and Thermal Conductivity
One of the standout features of Rhino Shield is its UV reflectivity. Unlike traditional paints that absorb light and accumulate heat, our paint is designed to reflect both visual and infrared light. The key to this reflective property lies in the 3m ceramic microspheres tightly packed within the Rhino Shield resin.
Evenly configured yet varying in size, these spheres tightly interlock upon application to the material surface. The smaller spheres fill the gaps between the larger ones, facilitating a denser packing that enhances the coating's thickness. This results in heightened durability and improved insulation properties for your home.
Thanks to this ceramic composition, brick or stucco exterior walls gain the capability to repel detrimental solar ultraviolet (UV) rays, thereby achieving a reduced surface temperature. Rhino Shield boasts a solar reflective index of 106 and tested an impressive R-value equivalent of 6.89. This reduction ultimately can translate into decreased energy consumption and lower utility bills.
To enhance solar reflectivity, Rhino Shield incorporates top-grade titanium, zinc oxide, and other pigments. It's important to note that the choice of color significantly influences the efficacy of the UV reflective technology. Lighter colors provide superior heat resistance, making them ideal for regions with intense sunlight.
On the other hand, darker colors offer less heat resistance, which is why we recommend avoiding very dark shades in hot climates, especially black. Independent testing, such as the solar reflectance test conducted by Atlas Labs, has confirmed Rhino Shield's exceptional reflectivity.
Rhino Shield Testing
We completed a thermal imaging study in 2011. A wall was constructed consistent with Florida building codes. The exterior cladding used was cement board siding. Half of the wall was coated with a grey latex paint, the other with Rhino Shield in a matching grey color.
This next image was taken on a roofing system with an enclosed attic space. The roof structure was built to Florida code and utilized asphalt shingles. Half of the shingled roof was coated with Rhino Shield’s Super Shield Ceramic Roof Coating, the other half remained with bare shingles.
As the image displays, the roof coated with Rhino Shield is significantly cooler.
Our ATLAS UV reflectance test result:
Does Rhino Shield Have Insulation Properties?
Walls encompass the most surface area of your home. So, finding additional ways to further insulate them will keep your energy costs down. If you are going to paint, why not choose a paint that is not only long-lasting, which saves you money over time, but also saves you money on insulation?
Insulation works to both keep harsh temperatures out and trap in your desired temperature. Because of Rhino Shield’s thickness, it has the added benefit of insulation. Not only that, but it has a low thermal conductivity. This means that during the scorching summer months, the heat from outside struggles to penetrate the walls, and in winter, when the heater is on, the warmth won’t escape through your walls as easily. Investing in Rhino Shield not only ensures long-lasting protection but also translates to ongoing savings on both maintenance and energy costs.
Our Insulation Testing:
Temperature readings on the surface of the materials opposite the heat source were taken at the beginning of the test at 5-minute intervals of up to 15 minutes. Heat from the source, by means of conduction, transferred through each of the materials at a different rate based on the different R values of the materials.
The temperature readings were taken via an infrared thermometer and the temperature of the sample was compared to the temperature of the R-value materials. The initial temperatures at 0 minutes and the temperatures at 15 minutes were as follows:
Rhino Shield’s Government Recognition
Rhino Shield is California cool wall approved. This is reserved for products that are proven to save energy. For the category of walls, they deemed it to be a “cool wall” product. This recognition underscores our paint’s effectiveness in regulating temperature, especially for exterior walls.
The designation is particularly significant for hardy board and stucco homes, where the impact of temperature regulation is more pronounced due to masonry’s propensity to absorb heat. Additionally, Rhino Shield's benefits are amplified when applied over metal surfaces, as metals tend to absorb more heat than most other surfaces.
The government recognizes the value of energy-efficient coatings, which is evident in their Energy Star rating for roof coatings. Because they are the most susceptible part of a building or home to heat, a roof’s coating is a crucial element in a structure’s energy efficiency.
Rhino Shield's sister product, Super Shield, which is designed for roofs, underwent rigorous evaluation, and received Energy Star approval. This acknowledgment further validates our promise to you that Rhino Shield products contribute to sustainable and energy-efficient systems and practices.
Rhino Shield is Eco-Friendly
Numerous exterior painters opt for Rhino Shield not solely for its energy-saving benefits. Our ceramic coating system surpasses industry-standard latex paints by 50% or more in longevity. This reduction in the frequency of repaints contributes to a decrease in:
- Energy usage
- Transportation needs
- The demand for raw materials
In contrast to conventional paint, our product boasts minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is not only non-toxic but also poses no inhalation or skin contact hazards. Additionally, it can encapsulate lead paint, thereby reducing exposure to this hazardous substance.
Real-world Testing with Rhino Shield
In a practical application of Rhino Shield, we conducted a comparative test at Destin High School by coating one part of a wall with Rhino Shield and leaving another part untreated. The results revealed a measurable temperature difference, providing tangible evidence of our exterior coating's impact on thermal regulation.
No Rhino Shield
Rhino Shield
This real-world test is one of many we do, and we always get similar results. We believe anecdotes like this underscore Rhino Shield’s ability to create a more energy-efficient environment.
Conclusion
Rhino Shield's impact on energy efficiency is multi-faceted. From UV reflectivity to insulation and low thermal conductivity, our coating offers a comprehensive solution for homeowners seeking sustainable and energy-conscious choices.
As the home-improvement industry continues to prioritize eco-friendly practices, Rhino Shield stands at the forefront of home-exterior coatings, making a significant contribution to the quest for energy-efficient living.
If you’re interested in investing in Rhino Shield, scroll down to get a free, no-obligation quote.
