Now available from Dulux  AcraTex, InfraCOOL Heat Reflective Technology cools roofing surfaces by maximising the total solar reflection before it is absorbed, including the infra-red portion which accounts for over half of the sun's energy.

Dulux AcraTex are committed to continually improving the environmental footprint and sustainability of it's products, and as such have done significant research into the gradual warming of the earth and it's effects. Dulux AcraTex InfraCOOL Heat Reflective Technology can be used to mitigate some of these effects.

The term 'Urban Heat Island' refers to the fact that cities and urban areas are often significantly warmer than the rural areas that surround them. The 'Urban Heat Island’ phenomenon was first investigated in the 1810's when it was discovered that the air and surface temperatures in London were often higher than in the surrounding rural areas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency now reports that on average US cities are up to 5.6°C warmer than the surrounding rural areas.

There are several causes of the 'Urban Heat Island':

  • increased absorption and retention of heat due to decreased surface reflectivity (building and roads as opposed to natural vegetation)
  • changes in the thermal properties of surface materials
  • reduced evapotranspiration due to decreased vegetation cover
Of various mitigation strategies, Cool Roofs offer the simplest and cheapest approach to stabilising global warming - reducing CO2 emissions and paying for itself in direct cooling energy savings. 

Dulux AcraTex InfraCOOL Heat Reflective Technology cools roof surfaces by maximising the total solar reflection before it is absorbed, including the invisible infra-red portion of the sun’s energy. This high solar reflectance means low surface temperatures and, by repelling heat in the first instance, less heat is transferred into the building and living space.

Large, broad roof facilities typically use galvanised roofing, which weathers quickly and becomes a poor reflective surface. Dulux AcraTex InfraCOOL Cool Roof White with InfraCOOL Heat Reflective Technology however, can potentially reduce the surface temperature of the roof by 44°C under medium wind conditions.

Furthermore, as InfraCOOL Heat Reflective Technology maximises reflection of infra-red radiation, even dark colours can be made cooler. InfraCOOL Charcoal, for example, can be up to 16°C cooler than conventionally formulated charcoal, without changing the visual colour.

A cooler roofing surface means less heat penetration, resulting in cooler occupancy zones and lower energy use. This then translates into energy cost savings and reduced associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Dulux AcraTex InfraCOOL was recently awarded the 2010 DesignEX New Product Award in the Building and Construction section. In addition to excellence in design and manufacture, the judging was based on innovative features, ergonomic design, functionality, aesthetics, durability, versatility, safety features and environmental sensitivity.