FAQ

Our coatings insulate in the same manner as other types of insulation, but they’re able to do it in a thin, paint-on application that is resistant to compression, as well as moisture, dust and mold infiltration (things that degrade fibrous insulations).

The technology within Syneffex’s patented line of coatings utilizes a nanotechnology based material, which we call Hydro-NM-Oxide. This is not a ceramic microsphere, it is unique to our technology. This unique material has a very low thermal conductivity, which means it acts as an insulator, like other types of insulation, by reducing heat conduction (both radiant and conductive), to lower costs for heating and cooling in buildings and process heating and cooling costs in manufacturing. In addition to being a next generation insulation, the products also have a combination of other cost saving and protective benefits.

Syneffex™ coatings, as well as other thin film insulators, do not have an R-value. This is because the R-value relies on a material’s thickness for at least 1/2 of the final number value, so attempting to use it for any material less than an inch will give an inaccurate result of the energy saving value of that material. It’s a case where the measurement standard has not progressed as fast as the technological innovations.

This is why we have used thermal testing that measures direct heat conduction in energy units (such as watts), that is not dependent upon thickness. These types of tests measure the ability to insulate and reduce thermal conductivity, no matter how thin or thick a material is.

One of these thermal tests is the European Union Standard for thermal performance of building assemblies, which you’ll see available in our downloads and on our thermal data page. Reviewing this test, and others that we have available, you’ll see that our technology is an excellent insulator, and its insulating value is expressed in reduction of heat transmission in actual energy units.

Yes, we have multiple tests from independent third party laboratories covering the performance qualities of our coatings. You can access many of these results on each product data sheet. The standards tested to include ISO, ASTM, as well as multiple other testing standards for thermal insulation, corrosion prevention, mold/bacteria resistance, and more.

As each environment is unique, we recommend that you do not trust any company that promises you a specific amount of energy savings. That being said, we can provide you with information on what others have experienced as well as independent laboratory testing.

In general, customers that use Syneffex™ coatings in building envelope applications will typically report a reduction in energy consumption by 20% to 40%, depending upon their application, climate, and energy use. Customers that use Syneffex™ coatings for industrial equipment applications will typically report a reduction in energy consumption by 10% to 25%, depending upon application.

Our technology has been tested by a number of independent laboratories for several thermal and related performance characteristics. One of these is to the European Union standard, ISO Standard 8990:1999 for Thermal Performance of Building Assemblies. Product tested on 8cm concrete wall sections with plaster on both sides resulted in a 34.8% reduction in heat transmission as measured in watts.

Thermal Conductivity per ASTM 1530: Product tested on concrete roof tiles. Crystal Roof Coating reduced the thermal conductivity of the concrete roof tile by 29.7%.

Additional information is available on each Product Data Sheet.

Yes, the Energy Protect™ and HomeProtect™ can both be used over windows or skylights, however they will give glass and plexiglass a frosted look and will not remain completely invisible, so they should only be used over windows or skylights where complete clarity is not needed. The coating will reduce heat transfer, while still allowing through approximately 92% of the visible light, and also reducing UV penetration by approximately 80%.

Mainly, the surface needs to be clean and dry prior to application, whether it is a building or equipment application. For roofs, this can mean power washing, or simple cleaning for walls/ceilings; for industrial equipment a handtool clean can be done. Surfaces with pre-existing paint should have any flaking paint removed and the surface should be free of other contaminants such as grease, oil, dust, etc.. Full information is included in our Application Handbooks which are shipped with each order.

The typical dry time for each coat is 1-2 hours in 73F ambient conditions at 50% humidity. Warm conditions, air flow, and low humidity can decrease dry times. Full hard dry is typically within 72 hours.

The cure time is very important for thermal performance of the coatings. We recommend waiting until the product is fully cured before testing thermal capabilities. During the cure time the moisture is evaporating from the coating. A typical cure time for a 3-coat application in 73F ambient conditions at 50% humidity is 30-days. A typical cure time for an industrial application of 10-15 coats in same conditions, is 60-90 days. Warm/hot conditions, air flow, and low humidity can decrease full cure times. See our Application Handbooks for further details.

No. Our coatings are quite different and does not use the same technology that ceramic paints and coatings use. Ceramic coatings come in widely different formulations and ranges of effectiveness and are sold under numerous brand names. Syneffex™ coatings are patented and sold only by Syneffex™ and our authorized distributors.

Many of the ceramic coating products obtain part of their insulating benefit from reflectivity off the white or light colored surface, making them more effective outdoors during hot weather than inside, where there is no sun to reflect off of the coating, and by the use of small glass beads, or ceramic microspheres, which trap air. Syneffex™ coatings’ unique Hydro-NM-Oxide is a micro-sized material with nano-sized internal architecture that inhibits the transfer of heat, causing the material to act as an effective thin insulator – inside or out, and even when sandwiched between other materials.

Additional benefits are that the material is moisture, mold, and corrosion resistant and low VOC. Our coating is also clear, allowing it to be used over surfaces without changing their look. Details on specific thermal and other testing can be found on the Product Data Sheet.

Yes, we offer a limited warranty of 5-years on all products except for our Heat Shield™ EPX-H2O, Crystal Roof coating and interior applications of our LeadX™ encapsulant. We offer a limited warranty of 10-years for the Heat Shield™ EPX-H2O and Crystal Roof coating, and a limited warranty of 20-years for interior only applications of the LeadX™ encapsulant.

All of our clear coatings cannot be tinted due to their ability to be clear over most surfaces. The Heat Shield™ EPX-H2O product has a white base which can be tinted to a desired color with standard paint pigments. Heat Shield™ EPX-H2O also comes in charcoal grey.

Yes, absolutely. We are happy to assist all our customers, both for building and industrial applications, with a recommended product, recommended coverage (number of coats), and the calculations of how much is needed for their project. We can also provide an estimated cost/payback calculation based upon your project information. You can fill out a request on our “Request a Specification Form” or contact us at either 800-858-3176 or answers@syneffex.com for a free project specification.

Infrared or laser thermometers were made to take temperatures over flat, black surfaces, thus they can give false readings on any light, non-black, or reflective surface. This is why we recommend use of surface contact thermometers for the most accurate readings.

If you must use an infrared/laser thermometer, then we recommend painting a flat black target area (Sharpies are NOT recommended, as they are somewhat reflective) on any surface to be measured, then aim the thermometer at that area.