Insulated Roofing Paint has Limited Effectiveness

Insulating Paint Benefits are Marginal At Best

Although insulating paint was NASA's Ames Research Center, it can't fairly be compared to an inch of fiberglass or closed cell polyurethane foam. Although it may provide a reflective surface, and even if it does trap vapor movement, as most manufacturers claim, (according to Hy-Tech the paint creates a super-thin vacuum) it is too thin to be completely effective. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on the Energy Star site states that they have not seen any independent studies confirming the insulating quality of ceramic or insulating paint and that it cannot take the place of normal insulation.

Some architects swear by insulating paint, although no independent studies can back up their insulating claims. If you're building a storage container home, such as the one below, where there's no space for insulation in or outside the home, insulating paint may be your only alternative. Otherwise, as advised by the EPA, traditional insulation is a much more effective choice.

Insulating Paint Was Designed For Outer-space

Keep in mind, this product was designed by Nasa to create a reflective surface for an outer-space environment where solar radiation and the lack of an atmosphere create an extreme environment. Back here on Earth the paint does not seem to be all to effective, and as stated by the EPA, there are no independent studies which can back up the paint's effectiveness.

When To Use Insulating Paint

If you decide you're ready to foot the bill for insulating paint despite the expense and the lack of any proof of effectiveness (perhaps because you've got no other alternatives), be sure you've already covered all the other fundamentals of making an energy efficient home. This includes traditional fiberglass insulation, or spray foam insulation, and natural passive cooling such as adding trees or greenery around your home to create shade.