How GAF Cut Roof Temperatures by 20°C: Solar Reflective Colorants Redefining Energy-Efficient Building Materials

Problem

GAF Materials Corporation used conventional pigments and colorants in coatings, plastics, and construction materials absorb a large portion of near-infrared (NIR) solar radiation-especially dark or saturated colors. This absorption causes excessive surface heat buildup, leading to higher indoor temperatures, increased cooling energy demand, accelerated material aging, and color fading. In roofing, façades, and outdoor equipment, these drawbacks raised operating costs and reduced service life.

Solution

Shepherd Color Company adopted Solar Reflective Colorants, advanced pigments engineered to selectively reflect near-infrared (NIR) radiation while maintaining visible color appearance. This technology delivered:

High NIR reflectance even in dark colors
Surface temperature reduction of 8-20 °C under direct sunlight
Improved UV stability and color durability
Compatibility with coatings, plastics, roofing membranes, and composites
Compliance with cool-roof and energy-efficiency standards

By reflecting invisible heat radiation rather than absorbing it, solar reflective colorants significantly reduced thermal load without sacrificing design flexibility.

Result

After implementation, GAF Materials Corporation achieved measurable benefits:

Building cooling energy consumption reduced by 10-25%
Roof and façade material lifespan extended by 20-40%
Improved occupant comfort and lower HVAC peak loads
Reduced urban heat island contribution in dense developments

Overall, solar reflective colorants enabled energy-efficient design, enhanced durability, and better sustainability performance across multiple industries.

QY Research has recently published a comprehensive market study on Solar Reflective Colorant. Key findings are summarized below.

Core Market Data

Global market size: USD 1.2 billion
CAGR (2024-2030): 9.1%
Average price: USD 8300 per ton
Annual production: 145 kilotons
Gross margin: 36%
Production capacity: 185 kilotons

List of Main Players

BASF (Germany) - Public (FWB: BAS)
Venator (UK) - Public (NYSE: VNTR)
Nippon Paint (Japan) - Public (TYO: 4612)
The Chemours Company (USA) - Public (NYSE: CC)
Tronox (USA) - Public (NYSE: TROX)
LANXESS (Germany) - Public (FWB: LXS)
Clariant (Switzerland) - Public (SWX: CLN)
DIC Corporation (Japan) - Public (TYO: 4631)
Shepherd Color (USA) - Private
Vibrantz (USA) - Private
Sun Chemical (USA) - Private
Tex-Cote (USA) - Private
Precision Coatings (USA) - Private
Seal Coatings (UAE) - Private
Nutech Paint (USA) - Private
Shiroki (Japan) - Private
Fujitex (Japan) - Private
Chilcoat (Japan) - Private
Takase Painting (Japan) - Private
Ugam Chemicals (India) - Private
Vinayak Industries (India) - Private
Ferro Corporation (USA) - Private

1. By Pigment Chemistry

Organic Colorant
Inorganic Colorant

2. By Reflective Type

High-NIR Reflective
Moderate Reflective

3. By Application

Residential Building
Commercial Building
Industrial Facility
Infrastructure

Case Study for Bidding

Time: July 2024
Supplier: Shepherd Color Company
Buyer: GAF Materials Corporation
Product: Solar Reflective Black Inorganic Colorant (High-NIR Grade)
Quantity: 9,800 tons
Contract Value: USD 61.4 million
Delivery Timeline: March 2025

Detailed Application Scenario

The roofing manufacturer integrated Shepherd Color's solar reflective black pigment into elastomeric roof coatings and composite shingles. Despite maintaining a deep black visual appearance, the coating reflected a significant portion of NIR radiation, lowering roof surface temperatures by over 15 °C during peak summer conditions.

This thermal reduction decreased heat transfer into buildings, reducing air-conditioning demand and improving indoor comfort. The inorganic pigment's excellent UV and weather resistance ensured long-term color stability and coating durability. By replacing conventional carbon-black-based pigments, the project demonstrated how solar reflective colorants support energy-efficient construction, regulatory compliance, and long-lasting exterior materials.

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This release was published on openPR.