Heat islands are urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. Structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes, such as forests and water bodies.
This phenomenon causes a rise in temperature in highly populated areas. A great example of this is Los Angeles
—
a huge city where the population is dense, buildings are compact, and vegetation is scarce. These factors combined cause the patch of land to be considerably higher in temperature than its surrounding areas. The outcome of this issue can be troubling.
Why Is Urban Heat Island Effect an Issue?
Urban Heat Island Effect causes a rise in the demand for cooling, not only inside homes and offices but more crucially in hospitals and restaurants where a cool, controlled environment is necessary. This can lead to significant increases in costs and raises the demands for fossil fuels that emit sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Utilizing these fossil fuels has led to a rise in greenhouse gases and a decline in the health of our environment.
How Can Westcoat Help?
There are a few ways we can help combat the Urban Heat Island Effect, including planting rooftop greenery (aka a green roof), applying cool coatings on asphalts and pavements, and
—
where we come in
— using cool roof coatings. Westcoat's products:
-
Meet California Title 24 requirements
- Help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect
- Lower the surface temperature
Solar Reflective Systems for Cool Roof Coatings
Westcoat offers both solar reflective waterproofing and concrete coating systems. These systems help combat the Urban Heat Island Effect by lowering surface temperatures. Cool, right?
What Systems Are Available?
ALX Solar Reflective Finish System is a waterproof walking deck system that also meets the Cool Roof requirements of California Title 24. It is reinforced with metal lath, is installed with a series of three separate white polymer-modified cementitious applications, and sealed with Westcoat’s Solar Reflective series of SC-10 Acrylic Topcoats, which utilize infrared (IR) pigments. This system is suitable for commercial and residential environments. Some uses include balconies, corridors, stairs, and landings, and it is regularly specified for hotels, condominiums, apartments, and office buildings.
Advantages
- Achieves IAPMO Evaluated ER 587
- Meets Class A Fire Test ASTM E-108 and One-Hour Fire Rating ASTM E-119
- Is considered Class I Vapor Retarder ASTM E96 option
MACoat Solar Reflective Finish System is a fiber lath reinforced deck system installed with a series of two or three separate waterproof acrylic applications and sealed with Westcoat’s series of Solar Reflective SC-10 Acrylic Topcoats, that utilize infrared (IR) pigments. Unlike traditional urethane coatings, MACoat allows water vapor to migrate up and pass through the coating, while still shedding liquid water from off the top. This system is suitable for commercial and residential environments. It is designed for use on balconies, corridors, stairs, and in many cases, it can be applied over existing deck systems to provide an excellent method for the rehabilitation of problem surfaces.
Advantages
- Achieves IAPMO Evaluated ER 587
- Is flexible
Texture-Crete Solar Reflective Finish System is a series of polymer-modified, white cementitious coatings that are bonded to the substrate then sealed with Westcoat’s Solar Reflective series of SC-10 Acrylic Topcoats, which utilize IR pigments. The Texture-Crete (TC) Solar Reflective Finish System helps reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect and can lower the surface temperature. This system also meets the requirements of California Title 24 and can be installed with various textures and patterns that will work in many different applications. This system can be applied directly over existing concrete and is suitable for commercial and residential environments. Some uses include driveways, roof decks, and pool decks.
Advantages
- Is cost effective
- Offers low maintenance
By utilizing one of these cool coat solar reflective systems on your client's decks and rooftops, you can help to stop the progress of the Urban Heat Islands and heal the atmosphere one coating at a time!
Would you like to learn more about the Urban Heat Island Effect or do you have an upcoming project?
Our skilled Westcoat experts can help guide you to the right choice for your next project — whether it's a
facility, home, or multi-family building. We provide information about the manufactured product, installation process, as well as maintenance after install and warranty details. The floor you choose should be formulated for the conditions of your space, allowing your operation to run smoothly for many years.