I've been dealing with significant heat loss in my home, especially upstairs where it gets unbearably warm during the summer. My upstairs rooms seem to be right in the attic space, but I don't have direct access to check it out, and I suspect the insulation up there is minimal. While I know replacing windows would help, it's not an option right now. I'm curious if thermal interior paints can really make a difference in keeping cool air in during the summer or if they're just a gimmick. Has anyone had actual success using these paints?
3 Answers
I haven't heard much about thermal paints, and I really doubt they'd make a significant difference for your situation. Have you considered blown-in insulation for the attic space? It'd likely have a more noticeable impact if that's the problem.
Honestly, the hype around thermal paints is pretty exaggerated. A better approach might be to balance the airflow in your ducts to get more AC up to the bedrooms. Since it sounds like your upstairs is almost like an attic, it might not have much insulation either. If you can see the roof from the outside, maybe consider looking for ways to seal up any spots where air could be getting in or out. And hey, if sunlight is an issue, blackout shades could really help keep things cool during the day.
That makes a lot of sense! I'll definitely look into the airflow and get shades.
From what I've read, these thermal paints can improve heat transfer a bit, but they won't act like insulation. It's more like comparing a white car to a black car in the sun; both will heat up, but the white one won't get as hot. If you do go for it, just keep in mind that it shouldn’t replace proper insulation.
Gotcha! I appreciate the clarity on that.
That's tough because the space is practically inaccessible. I'll focus on sealing any leaks in the upstairs instead.