Super Therm® Insulation Coating on Parking Lots, Paths and Roadways
Super Therm® has been successfully used on parking lots in extreme heat conditions, but its application is generally reserved for specific cases where heat reflection creates significant operational challenges.
Refrigerated Trailers & Cold Storage
In parking lots where refrigerated trailers store frozen goods, the intense heat radiating from the pavement was reflecting onto the undersides of these trailers, leading to increased internal temperatures and energy costs. Applying Super Therm® to the pavement effectively blocked this radiant heat from being absorbed and reflected, maintaining lower surface temperatures and preventing unnecessary heat load on the trailers. More about Cold Storage and Refrigerated Trailers
Military & Aerospace Applications:
In military airbases, concrete surfaces around jets were reflecting intense solar radiation back onto aircraft, leading to overheating of onboard electronics. Super Therm® was applied to mitigate this effect, preventing heat build-up and ensuring optimal operational performance for sensitive avionics. Military and Defence
Durability Considerations
While Super Therm® is highly effective at blocking heat, it is not designed for prolonged exposure to heavy vehicular traffic, tire friction, and continuous wear. Over time, mechanical abrasion from vehicles will degrade the coating, requiring reapplication in high-traffic areas. However, in strategic applications—such as under trailers, specific loading zones, or heat-sensitive zones—Super Therm® remains an effective thermal barrier.
Super Therm® on Sidewalks and Pedestrian Areas
Concrete sidewalks and pedestrian pathways absorb and retain heat, leading to uncomfortably hot surfaces, especially in urban environments where the heat island effect is prominent. Super Therm® can be used to block radiant heat absorption and maintain a more comfortable walking surface.
Temperature Regulation
By preventing heat from being absorbed into concrete, Super Therm® keeps sidewalks at ambient or slightly lower temperatures. This effect is especially noticeable in shaded areas, where the underlying earth remains cooler than the air temperature.
Considerations for Visibility and Aesthetics
Because Super Therm® is formulated with high-performance ceramic compounds that reflect radiation heat waves, its natural white appearance can cause a glare effect similar to snow under bright sunlight. To counteract this, the coating can be tinted to a light tan or other subtle shades to reduce reflectivity while maintaining its thermal-blocking properties.
Durability and Maintenance
\Although Super Therm® remains flexible to accommodate minor substrate movement, it is not a high-hardness coating designed for surfaces with heavy foot traffic, dragging objects, or repetitive mechanical wear. Over time, pedestrian use will cause wear, necessitating periodic touch-ups or protective sealants to extend longevity. See Super Therm® Testing
Super Therm® on Structural Surfaces in Extreme Heat Environments
Beyond pavement and walkways, Super Therm® has been applied effectively to surfaces that experience high heat exposure:
Under and Around Refrigerated Trailers
Applying Super Therm® to the undersides, sides, and roofs of refrigerated trailers prevents radiant heat absorption, reducing the energy required for cooling and maintaining stable interior temperatures. Refrigerated Trailers & Cool Storage
Metal, Concrete, and Other Building Surfaces
Roofs & Walls
Super Therm® is primarily designed for roofing and walls, where it excels at blocking 96.1% of total solar radiation, reducing interior heat load without relying on additional energy consumption. Roofs & Walls
Storage Tanks & Containers
In industrial and commercial settings, Super Therm® helps prevent heat penetration into liquid storage tanks, fuel containers, and transport units, minimising temperature fluctuations. Storage Tanks & Containers
Key Takeaways on Super Therm® in External Applications
- Strategic Application Areas: Best suited for specific areas where heat reflection or absorption causes operational issues, such as under trailers, military bases, and shaded pedestrian walkways.
- Tinting for Visibility Management: The high reflectivity of Super Therm® requires tinting to avoid glare in pedestrian-heavy areas.
- Durability Factors: While flexible and impact-resistant, Super Therm® is not formulated for high-friction surfaces like roads or high-traffic sidewalks without reapplication over time.
- Energy Savings and Comfort: Whether applied to parking lots, refrigerated trailers, or pedestrian pathways, Super Therm® effectively blocks heat, reducing cooling costs and improving outdoor comfort.
