6 Best Reflective Paint For Metal Roofs To Reduce Heat That Lower Energy Bills
Cut cooling costs with a reflective metal roof paint. Our guide reviews the top 6 coatings designed to reflect sunlight and lower your energy bills.
That midday summer sun can turn a metal-roofed barn into an oven. You can feel the heat radiating down, and you know if you’re uncomfortable, your animals are, too. A sweltering barn isn’t just a comfort issue; it impacts animal health, feed intake, and your own energy bills from running fans all day. A good reflective roof coating is one of the most effective, straightforward investments you can make to tackle that problem head-on.
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Why Reflective Coatings Lower Barn Temperatures
A standard metal roof, especially if it’s dark or rusted, absorbs a massive amount of solar energy. It soaks up the sun’s rays and radiates that heat down into the building below. This is why the air in the peak of your barn can be 20 or 30 degrees hotter than the air outside.
Reflective coatings, often called "cool roof" coatings, work in two simple ways. First, they have high solar reflectivity, meaning their bright white or light-colored surface reflects a huge percentage of sunlight back into the atmosphere before it can be absorbed as heat. Think of it like wearing a white shirt instead of a black one on a sunny day.
Second, they have high thermal emissivity. This just means they are very good at releasing any heat they do absorb. So, instead of holding onto that heat and pushing it down into your barn, the roof surface quickly sheds it. The combination of reflecting sunlight and releasing absorbed heat dramatically lowers the roof’s surface temperature, which in turn keeps your barn, workshop, or shed significantly cooler.
Henry 887 Tropi-Cool: Superior Silicone Option
When you’re looking for a top-tier, long-lasting solution, Henry’s Tropi-Cool is the product that comes to mind. This is a 100% silicone coating, which sets it apart from the more common acrylic formulas. The big advantage of silicone is its incredible resistance to ponding water; it won’t break down or soften even if you have flat spots on your roof where water sits after a rain.
The tradeoff is the price. Silicone coatings are a significant upfront investment compared to other options. However, you’re paying for performance and longevity. It adheres exceptionally well to properly prepared metal and forms a seamless, waterproof membrane that can last for decades. For a critical building like a main barn or a workshop with valuable equipment, the peace of mind can be well worth the cost.
Another practical benefit is its quick resistance to rain. Some coatings need a full 24 hours of clear weather to cure, which can be a gamble. Tropi-Cool can often withstand a rain shower just an hour or two after application, giving you a much wider and more forgiving window to get the job done.
Gardner Sta-Kool 770 for High Solar Reflectivity
If your primary goal is maximum heat reflection, Gardner’s Sta-Kool 770 is a fantastic acrylic option. It boasts a very high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), which is the standard measure of a roof’s ability to reject solar heat. A higher SRI means a cooler roof, and this product is engineered specifically to max out that number.
Being an acrylic elastomeric, it has good flexibility to handle the expansion and contraction of metal roofing panels through hot days and cool nights. This prevents cracking and peeling over time, ensuring the reflective surface remains intact. It’s a solid, reliable workhorse for reducing barn temperatures.
The main consideration with high-performance acrylics is application. You need to be more mindful of the weather forecast. They require a clean, dry surface and typically need a longer curing time before they can handle rain. Rushing the job or applying it in humid conditions can compromise the finish, so patience and proper prep are key.
Liquid Rubber Cool Footing for Lasting Durability
The name says it all. Liquid Rubber’s coating provides a thick, rubbery membrane that’s not just reflective but also incredibly durable and waterproof. This is an excellent choice for an older metal roof that might have some surface imperfections or tiny pinholes you want to seal up for good.
The real strength here is its flexibility and adhesion. It creates a seamless layer that moves with your building, which is critical for metal roofs. It’s less likely to crack under stress from temperature swings or building settlement. Think of it as putting a protective, reflective skin over your entire roof.
This coating is often applied a bit thicker than other products, so you’ll want to calculate your square footage carefully to ensure you buy enough. The result, however, is a robust finish that not only cools the interior but also extends the life of the roof itself by protecting the metal from the elements.
Ames Maximum-Stretch for Weather Resistance
For a roof that has seen a few seasons, Ames Maximum-Stretch is a serious problem-solver. This is a high-solids elastomeric coating with incredible elasticity—up to 1200%, according to the company. That extreme flexibility is its defining feature.
What does that mean for your barn? It means the coating can bridge small gaps, seal hairline cracks around screw heads, and move with the metal without failing. If your roof isn’t perfectly new or has some complex seams and flashing, the "stretch" in this product provides a huge margin of error and a much more durable, waterproof seal.
It’s a fantastic choice for preventing future problems while also getting the cooling benefits. The application is straightforward, but for maximum effect on older roofs, using their specific primer and seam tape system is highly recommended. It turns a simple coating job into a full-on roof restoration.
Jetcoat Cool King: A Commercial-Grade Finish
Sometimes you just need a no-nonsense product that delivers reliable performance without a premium price tag. Jetcoat Cool King is a commercial-grade acrylic coating that offers a great balance of reflectivity, durability, and value. It’s designed to be a tough, bright white finish that gets the job done.
This is a go-to for large roof areas where cost is a significant factor, like a long hay barn or a series of sheds. It provides significant temperature reduction and UV protection, extending the life of the underlying metal. It may not have the extreme elasticity of some specialty coatings, but for a standard, well-maintained metal roof, it’s more than sufficient.
Because it’s a commercial product, it’s formulated for straightforward application with a roller or sprayer and provides a consistent, professional-looking finish. It’s a practical, cost-effective way to make a big impact on your buildings’ internal temperatures and your energy usage.
Rust-Oleum LeakSeal for Sealing and Reflecting
If your roof has a few trouble spots—some minor rust starting to show or questionable seams—Rust-Oleum’s LeakSeal is a great two-in-one solution. It’s a rubberized coating designed first and foremost to stop leaks, but its bright white finish also provides excellent solar reflectivity.
This is the perfect choice for a smaller project or a roof that needs some TLC before you even think about cooling. Instead of a multi-step process of rust treatment, sealing, and then a separate reflective coating, this product combines the steps. You’re sealing and reflecting in a single application, saving a ton of time and effort.
While it might not have the absolute highest SRI value of a dedicated premium coating, the utility is undeniable. For a workshop, chicken coop, or older shed, the ability to waterproof and cool the building with one product is a massive win for any farmer with a long to-do list.
Applying Coatings for Maximum Effectiveness
Putting on the best coating in the world won’t do you any good if the roof isn’t ready for it. Preparation is everything. A shoddy prep job is the number one reason these coatings fail. You can’t just slap it on over dirt and rust and expect it to last.
Your process should always start with a thorough cleaning.
- Power wash: Use a power washer to remove all chalking, dirt, mildew, and loose paint.
- Treat rust: For any rusted areas, you must get back to bare metal. Use a wire brush or grinder, then treat the spot with a rust-inhibiting metal primer. Do not coat over active rust.
- Check fasteners: Tighten or replace any loose screws. Apply a dab of roofing sealant over each screw head for extra security before you coat.
When it’s time to apply, pay attention to the weather and the clock. Don’t work in the direct, blazing sun, as it can cause the coating to dry too fast and not adhere properly. Early morning is often the best time. Apply two thin coats rather than one thick one. This ensures a stronger, more uniform finish that will last for years.
Choosing the right reflective coating isn’t just about painting a roof; it’s about making your farm more resilient. A cooler barn means healthier, more productive animals and a more comfortable workspace for you. By investing a weekend in proper preparation and application, you’re not just lowering an energy bill—you’re improving the core function and sustainability of your farm.
