Advantages | KOFARB

Advantages of application

Advantages of application

KOFATERM coatings and pastes provide thermal insulation because of their reflective properties and result in cost-of-energy savings of up to 40%. It should be noted that each of these products works within a different range of electromagnetic waves, therefore, to ensure maximum efficiency it must be used in accordance with their intended purpose.

KOFATERM indoor

To fully understand the principle of KOFATERM INDOOR properties we must focus on two physical phenomena that have a direct impact on the energy losses used to warm up a room.

The first phenomenon pertains to the properties of building partitions, which, having specific thermal resistance, allow the energy of heat waves to penetrate their structure and to escape outside (heat always moves from places with a higher temperature to places with a lower temperature). In this way, we experience significant energy losses which can be seen in thermal imaging pictures.

Vertical movement of warm air masses

...before application of the coating ...after application of the coating

Horizontal movement of warm air masses

...before application of the coating ...after application of the coating

The second phenomenon is related to a heat exchange inside rooms, where the thermal energy wave is traveling in two directions: vertically from the heat source (radiator) through convection and in all directions as thermal radiation, including horizontally. Vertically the heat wave travels toward the ceiling where it is always the warmest, while at the floor, where the temperature is the lowest, the so-called “feeling of cold feet” appears. Horizontally thermal energy wave travels away from the heat source so the further it is the cooler it becomes. Until now, the only way to improve thermal comfort was to increase the temperature of the radiator which resulted in increased energy demand.

In the first case, KOFATERM INDOOR coating acts on the wall like a mirror for thermal waves where the heat practically does not penetrate the partition (wall, ceiling) and is returned to the room at a 90% rate.

In the second case, KOFATERM INDOOR thermal waves reflected by the coating equalize the temperature across the room and exhibit temperature differences not to be exceeding 1-2°C (1.8-3.6°F).

It should also be noted that KOFATERM INDOOR coatings are characterized by very low water permeability and water absorption while showing high water vapor permeability. They are considered to be hydrophobic and breathable which significantly contributes to drying the building partition (wall) in case of accidental dampness and as a result, it further enhances its thermal resistance.

In summary KOFATERM INDOOR products effectively eliminate the undesired effects of the aforementioned phenomena, allowing for 7°C (12.6°F) higher room temperature compared to a space outfitted with conventional forms of insulation while reducing the demand for higher-use energy which results in savings of up to 40%.

View from thermal imaging camera in winter

...before application of the coating ...after application of the coating

KOFATERM outdoor

Heat transfer through the wall

...before application of the coating ...after application of the coating

KOFATERM outdoor

To understand the mode of action of KOFATERM OUTDOOR it is necessary to recall the physical phenomena acting on the external wall.

The first phenomenon occurs in hot climates or during hot seasons in temperate climates, where the external wall is heated by solar energy in the form of electromagnetic waves in the full spectrum of visible light including IR thermal waves. On a sunny day when the air temperature reaches 35°C (95°F) the surface temperature of the wall can reach as high as 60-70°C (140-156°F).

In this scenario, a thermal energy wave penetrates a wall and enters an indoor space. To reduce the temperature indoors we are most likely to use air conditioning, a fan, or both, which translates to an increase in electricity usage. The lower the thermal resistance of such a wall the more energy is required to cool the room. It is also important to note that a wall constantly heated up by solar radiation acts like an accumulator, gathering and storing thermal energy that it continues to release well into the evening even when it is already cool outside thus continuously warming the interior. Depending on the structure’s designation it may require prolonged hours, if not constant, usage of cooling equipment.

The second phenomenon mainly occurs in temperate climates where during rainy seasons the wall absorbs water from precipitation and the air. Moisture entering the partition is reducing its thermal resistance which increases the demand for thermal energy during the heating season leading to a significant increase in energy usage.

View from thermal imaging camera in summer

...before application of the coating ...after application of the coating

KOFATERM OUTDOOR coatings address both undesired phenomena described above. In the first example, thanks to the thermal reflection properties 90% of thermal radiation is reflected off wall surfaces, causing the wall to have a temperature only a few degrees higher than the air temperature. The previously mentioned external wall then has a surface temperature of less than 40°C (104°F), rather than 60-70°C (140-158°F), which means that the air conditioner will consume less energy.

In the second example, KOFATERM OUTDOOR coatings protect the wall from moisture penetration while allowing free water vapor permeability as a result of its diffusion. This means that water not only does not enter the partition, but also that moisture that was previously trapped in the wall can now freely escape from it, resulting in a dry partition, increased thermal resistance, and lower thermal energy consumption.

In summary, KOFATERM OUTDOOR coatings not only operate in hot climates, providing energy savings of up to 40% but also protect and preserve the wall from the outside in temperate climates, resulting in significant savings during the heating season.

KOFATERM roof

KOFATERM ROOF coatings were created in response to the physical phenomena that affect the roof surface and cause energy losses and degradation of the thermal insulation materials of the partition, which are the two biggest problems in today’s thermal insulation.

The first problem arises in hot climates or during hot seasons in temperate climates when the roof surface is subject to intense solar radiation, which arrives in the form of electromagnetic waves, including IR heat waves. A hot day with an air temperature of 35°C (95°F) causes the temperature of the roof surface to reach up to 80°C (176°F).

Heat transfer through the roof

...before application of the coating ...after application of the coating

The accumulated thermal energy from the heated surface penetrates the roof and, in time, reaches the interior of the building. To lower the interior temperature the utilization of cooling equipment (air conditioner, fan) is required, and that increases the consumption of electrical energy. The lower the thermal resistance of the roof the more energy is needed to cool the room. Additionally, sun-exposed roof continuously heats up and stores thermal energy. As a result, even during evening hours when it is already cool outside, the thermal energy accumulated in the partition continues to heat the interior. The air conditioner works at high efficiency not only during the day, consuming large amounts of energy, but also in the evening and at night.

The second problem is the insulating materials used inside the roof partition, which when exposed to high temperatures over a long period lose thermal resistance, i.e. insulating efficiency. It should be noted here that many thermal insulation materials experience permanent degradation and irreversibly lose their insulating properties. The outcome is reduced thermal resistance of the roof, up to 50% of its initial value, and results in increased demand for energy needed for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

The solution to both problems presents itself in easy-to-use KOFATERM ROOF thermal reflective coatings and pastes which allow for a return of over 90% of thermal waves’ energy back to the atmosphere. The roof subjected to the application of KOFATRERM ROOF products does not experience a long-term heating process and the temperature on its surface is close to the ambient temperature. Thermal energy entering the interior reaches very low values or is close to zero. Additionally, our products help preserve thermal insulation materials used inside the partition which allows for a longer life cycle and thermal insulation efficiency.

The energy demand needed for maintaining the desired temperature inside the structure is decreased which translates to up to a 40% of cost reduction.

Last, but not least, KOFATERM ROOF coatings eliminate micro-cracks on the roof surface and our paste perfectly seals it and enhances soundproofing.