Q: What is the "R value"?
Ans:
R-values are measured by testing laboratories who use, ASTM
(American Society of Testing and Materials) procedures. Existing test procedures require that the sample submitted be 1" thick therefore paints and coatings cannot be tested using established test methods. Tests have been performed on 1" thick materials with a known R value and then compared with the same material coated with insulating ceramic reinforced paint, the difference between the two is equal to an average of 35% reduction of heat transfer. This is supported by most of the customer feedback we receive.
It should be noted that R value is only a materials ability to "resist" heat flow once it has entered your walls or attic space, our ceramic based products, rather than fighting back the heat already absorbed by the roof or wall, reflect the Solar Radiation away from the material, resulting in substantially cooler roofs and walls.. That is the real secret to lowering your utility bills, keep the heat out in the summer and inside in the winter.
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Q: Do the ceramics keep the paint from "breathing"?
A:
A paint coatings ability to breath is known as
"Permeability" which is a measurement of the rate that water or vapor will pass through a membrane. Ceramic filled paints do not restrict a paint coatings ability to "breath".
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Q: What colors are available?
Ans:
All our ready mixed paints come to you in a bright white, tintable base. You can have the paints tinted locally to the color of your choosing in pastel and mid range colors. Our paints will accept all universal tints and this way you can see the exact color you are getting and make any necessary adjustments.
Adding ceramics to a premixed tinted paint will darken the paint very slightly.
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Q: How much paint do I need?
Ans:
Use our Paint Calculator
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Q: Do Insulating paints work in winter months?
Ans:
Yes! The heat inside your home wants to escape
toward the cold outside air! A paint film with Hy-Tech reflective ceramics will help stop this outward heat loss and help to lower your heating bills.
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Q: What brand of paint should I use?
Ans:
Our ceramic additive works with any brand of interior and exterior paint. The Hy-Tech line of ready mixed paints have the insulating ceramics included in them, simply open the can and brush away your high power bills.
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Q: How many coats of paint should
I apply?
Ans:
For best results 2 coats
of paint are recommended to insure an even distribution of the ceramics.
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Q: Should I use Insulating paint both inside
and outside?
Ans:
Yes! For the optimum in
energy efficiency it is best to use Insulating paints both inside and
out, however either application alone will increase your energy efficiency!
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Q: How much of the ceramic additive do I need?
Ans:
Packages are pre measured for 1 Gal, 2 Gal and 5 Gallons of paint. Money saving bulk packaging is available also.
You can figure on an average
coverage rate of 250-300 sq. ft. per gallon for most house paints
on smooth surfaces.
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Q: Can I spray paint with the ceramics in the paint?
Ans:
Yes! Simply remove all
filters from your spray equipment (or they will strain out
the additive) and use a slightly larger spray tip than normal. Recommended tip sizes are .019 - .025.
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Q: Does the additive contain harmful chemicals?
Ans:
Hy-Tech ceramic additive is free of all Volatile chemicals and toxins and is recognized as safe ("GRAS"), under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Non-toxic, odor free, and environmentally friendly.
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Q: How do I mix the ceramic additive into my Paint?
Ans:
Complete instructions are included with every order. The ceramics are a very fine powder and blend into paint quite easily with a simple stirring using a paint paddle. The addition of ceramics to your paint will thicken it slightly and you may have to add a little water ( up to 1 pint ) to bring the paint back to a useable consistency.
We recommend thinning with our Acriflow, the latex paint reducer/enhancer that turns any paint into a "Super Paint". Improves adhesion, durability and flow properties of Any Paint!
You can Print the directions for use instructions Here.
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Q: Can I paint my attic with Insulating Paint?
Ans:
Absolutely! By restricting the amount of heat allowed into your attic you reduce the load on your existing insulation making it more effective.
Mix into any good grade of interior wood primer.
We have formulated a specific ready mixed product just for attics,
our Barrier Coat Radiant heat barrier paint coating gives you all the insulating properties of ceramics Plus the added benefit of pure ground aluminum pigment for added reflectivity. Barrier Coat is a ready mixed paint, not an additive.
Caution: We have seen websites on the internet stating that you can take paint additives and add them to "left over" paint to use in your attic. We strongly suggest you not try this. "Left over" paints are not designed to adhere to dry, very absorbent wood decking and you might end up with a big peeling mess.
Only use a factory mixed wood primer or our special formula for attic decking, Barrier Coat the insulating ceramic filled latex paint containing UV heat blocking properties of reflective, metallic aluminum pigments.
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Q: Can Hy-Tech Insulating Ceramic additive be combined with any of the clear finishes like Super Seal or Elasto-Seal?
Ans:
The ceramics are not crystal clear and thus impart a slightly "milky" look when used with clear finishes. This is not so obvious on light colored roof shingles or wood stained finishes. Our best advice is to mix in the ceramics a little at a time until you reach a finish that is acceptable.
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Q: Can your ceramic additive be use for deck paint or stain?
Ans:
The insulating additive will help keep the deck cooler while providing a slightly slip resistant surface.
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Q: Can you guarantee my utility bills will be cut by 30%, 40% or even 50%?
Ans:
Of course not and anyone that tells you they can is not telling the truth.
The results depend on how many areas of your home you apply the various products to,
other considerations include, amount of attic ventilation, amount of air infiltration
into your home,type of roofing materials,existing insulation and on and on.
We can guarantee you that for the 3-4 cents per sq ft it costs
for Hy-Tech Insulating Additive
you will not find a better solution to your high utility bills for that price.
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At Hy-Tech Thermal Solutions we use our experience, abilities, staff and every resource available
to help you conserve energy and lower your monthly utility bills.
We will advise you as to the best products and applications for your situation, and if you follow our recommendations you WILL notice a big difference in not only your monthly utility bills and also a huge difference in the "feel" of your home. These products are not designed as a substitute for conventional insulation materials but are to be used to make them more efficient by reducing the heat load they must deal with. Be wary of any coating or additive producer that tells you otherwise.
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