When it comes to protecting and beautifying your home's exterior, you have more options than ever before. Traditional paint has long been the go-to choice, but innovative TEX-COTE® products like COOLWALL® are changing the game. This textured coating offers unique benefits that have homeowners reconsidering their approach to exterior finishes.
You might be wondering how TEX-COTE® COOLWALL® stacks up against traditional paint and which option is best for your home. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between these two exterior coatings. We'll look at their durability, energy efficiency, application process, and long-term maintenance requirements. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which option might be the right fit for your needs and budget.
DURABILITY and LONGEVITY
When you're considering exterior coatings for your home, durability and longevity are crucial factors. Let's compare COOLWALL® and traditional paint to see how they stack up in these areas.
COOLWALL® Durability
COOLWALL® is engineered to be exceptionally durable and long-lasting. This innovative coating is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, resisting fading, chipping, and cracking. Its unique composition makes it more resilient than traditional latex paint, offering superior protection for your home's exterior.
One of the standout features of COOLWALL® is its thickness. It's reported to be multiple times thicker than ordinary paint, with only 38% water content. This robust formulation contributes to its exceptional weather resistance and longevity.
Traditional Paint Durability
Traditional exterior paints, while widely used, typically have a shorter lifespan compared to advanced coatings like COOLWALL®. Even high-quality traditional paints usually require repainting every 5 to 7 years. They're more prone to fading, chipping, and peeling when exposed to harsh weather conditions over time.
Comparison
When you compare COOLWALL® to traditional paint, the differences in durability and longevity become clear:
Lifespan: COOLWALL® can last for decades without the need for frequent repainting. In contrast, traditional paint often requires reapplication every few years.
Weather Resistance: COOLWALL® is engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and moisture. Traditional paint is more susceptible to damage from these elements.
Maintenance: With COOLWALL®, you'll enjoy lower maintenance requirements and fewer touch-ups. Traditional paint often needs more frequent attention to maintain its appearance.
Cost Savings: While the initial cost of COOLWALL® might be higher, its longevity can lead to significant savings over time. Some estimates suggest you could save up to $8,000 by avoiding frequent repainting.
Warranty: COOLWALL® often comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment is protected against issues like chipping, flaking, peeling, and cracking for as long as you own your home.
By choosing COOLWALL®, you're investing in a durable, long-lasting solution for your home's exterior. Its superior resistance to weathering and minimal maintenance requirements mean you can enjoy a beautiful, protected home exterior for years to come, without the hassle and expense of frequent repainting.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
COOLWALL® Energy Benefits
When you're looking to enhance your home's energy efficiency, COOLWALL® offers significant advantages. This innovative coating is designed to reflect solar heat, making it more energy-efficient than traditional latex paint. By minimizing heat absorption, COOLWALL® reduces the reliance on air conditioning systems, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
The science behind COOLWALL®'s energy efficiency is impressive. It has been tested by the Department of Energy to lower surface temperatures. In fact, COOLWALL® can decrease surface temperatures by up to 83.2 degrees compared to conventional paints. This substantial reduction translates directly into lower interior temperatures, offering you a welcome respite from scorching summer days.
Traditional Paint Energy Impact
In contrast, conventional exterior paint tends to absorb heat, leading to increased energy consumption for cooling purposes. This absorption can significantly impact your home's temperature and your reliance on air conditioning. Consider this: a central air conditioning system uses about 3.5 kWh every hour, and in some areas, cooling even a moderate-sized house requires over 1,500 hours of air conditioning operation annually.
Cost Comparison
While COOLWALL® might have a higher upfront cost than traditional latex paint, it's essential to consider the long-term benefits. The energy savings provided by COOLWALL® can offset the initial investment over time. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory revealed that COOLWALL® could slash energy usage by as much as 21.9%.*
To put this into perspective, in warm regions, cooling costs could be decreased by 10% to 25% with energy-efficient exterior coatings. These savings can add up significantly over the years, potentially balancing out the higher initial cost of COOLWALL®.
It's important to note that the exact savings can vary based on factors like paint color and local climate. For the most accurate comparison, you should compare the same or similar colors when switching from traditional paint to COOLWALL®. Darker colors in COOLWALL® tend to yield higher savings compared to lighter colors, as the increase in reflectivity is more substantial for darker shades.
By choosing COOLWALL®, you're not just investing in your home's appearance, but also in its energy efficiency. This choice aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable living and environmentally-friendly practices, setting your home apart as a conscientious and cost-effective choice in the long run.
Application Process and Maintenance
COOLWALL® Application
When you choose COOLWALL® for your home's exterior, you're opting for a specialized application process that ensures optimal performance. The installation follows a meticulous 10-step procedure, guaranteeing consistent and efficient results. This process begins with a thorough inspection of your home's exterior to identify any surface deterioration.
The application itself involves several key steps:
Pressure washing to clean the entire house, removing dirt, stains, and loose paint.
Repairing and patching damaged areas using specialized products like TEX-BOND® and FLEX PATCH®.
Applying a textured or smooth primer as the first coat of armor, sprayed on thick at high pressure.
Spraying on the COOLWALL® coating as the second layer of protection.
One unique aspect of COOLWALL® is its ability to be applied over existing paint with minimal stress, provided the previous paint is clean and properly adhered.
Traditional Paint Application
Traditional paint application typically involves a simpler process:
Cleaning the surface to be painted.
Repairing any damaged areas.
Applying primer if necessary.
Painting using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment.
While less complex, this method may not provide the same level of protection and durability as the COOLWALL® system.
Maintenance Requirements
COOLWALL® offers significant advantages in terms of maintenance:
Long-lasting finish: COOLWALL® maintains its shade, tone, and contrast for 10-20 years, reducing the need for frequent repainting.
Water resistance: Its water-resistant properties prevent moisture absorption, reducing issues with mold, mildew, and wall deterioration.
Flexibility: COOLWALL®'s flexibility prevents cracking due to house settling or environmental factors.
In contrast, traditional paint often requires repainting every 5-7 years and may be more prone to fading, chipping, and peeling.
By choosing COOLWALL®, you're investing in a low-maintenance solution that keeps your home looking fresh and well-protected for years to come.
Conclusion
The choice between COOLWALL® and traditional paint has a significant impact on your home's durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance needs. COOLWALL® stands out with its long-lasting finish, superior weather resistance, and energy-saving properties. These benefits can lead to lower utility bills* and less frequent repainting, potentially offsetting its higher upfront cost over time. On the other hand, traditional paint offers familiarity and a simpler application process, but may require more frequent touch-ups and repainting.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals for your home. Consider factors like your local climate, the current condition of your home's exterior, and how long you plan to stay in your home. To get a clearer picture of how COOLWALL® might benefit your specific situation, learn more about its features and application process. Whichever option you choose, investing in a high-quality exterior coating is a smart way to protect and enhance your home's value and appearance for years to come.
Contact AWA Coatings today to schedule a free consultation!
*Percentage of savings are based on the DOE study which showed savings ranging from 4.2-21.9%. Percentage of cooling costs and surface temperature reductions will vary based on color chosen, geographical location, climate condition, and substrate type. In some climates, there may be a heating penalty.