Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- We are joining a brick outhouse to our mobile home - like a 'lean-to' and it will be of single brick, do we need to paint outside as well as inside the brick dwelling?
- How to apply Thermilate using spray?
- Am I right in thinking I can apply two of emulsion containing Thermilate followed by one coat of emulsion without Thermilate. I am a professional decorator trying it out in my best home to see how it performs and what the finish is like before before I offer it to my customers?
- How long can I expect for delivery?
- How can I order?
- Where can I buy Thermilate?
- How long has the technology been around?
- Has Thermilate been tested by any labs?
- Is Thermilate required on the repainting of a previously treated surface?
- How do I use Thermilate? (Mixing)
- How does Thermlilate compare to cavity wall insulation?
- How does Thermilate differ in comparison to double glazing (UPVC)
- Can Thermilate be applied in high temperatures?
- What is a U-value?
- What is an R-value?
- How do R-values combine in a wall?
- Can you paint it on the outside and can it be mixed with Sandtex (outside paint)?
- I have one room that is particularly cold in the room, what is the best way to paint?
- Can you put Thermilate behind tiles?
- I have polystyrene tiles which i've been told are dangerous, can I paint them with Thermilate?
- Can Thermilate be mixed into wallpaper adhesive?
- What is the texture, when Thermilate is mixed into paint?
- Would Thermilate affect the colour of my paint when I mix it into my paint?
- I really want to apply 2 coats of Thermilate to my walls, but also want to do one final coat to have a perfect flat/coloured finish, but don’t want to spend lots of money on paint, what could I do?
- How do I know Thermilate really does work?
- Can Thermilate be used on Timber frames?
- How much water is needed to thin paint when Thermilate has been added?
- Can Thermilate go into Render?
- Can Thermilate be used on handrails?
- Can Thermilate be used on conservatories?
- Can Thermilate be used on steel pipes?
- Can you apply Thermilate on top of wallpaper?
- Can Thermilate go under printed wallpaper?
- Can you apply Thermilate onto an anaglypta type wallpaper?
- Do I have to use Thermilate both on the exterior and on the interior walls in order to obtain the maximum result for winter and for summer?
- Do I have to apply Thermilate on the internal partition walls as well or just on the perimeter walls and ceilings?
- Usually the house in Greece are made out of a concrete skeleton and build the walls using bricks then plaster. When you renovate you attah to the exterior walls 5cm Styrofoam panels and then I apply the plaster on them. How can I compare the insulation effect provided by Thermilate and by DOW Styrofoam?
- Can Thermilate be used on a metal barn roof to reduce condensation?
- Will Thermilate Anti-Condensation and Insulation Coating with Anti Mould retain its propertiesif painted on top with an ordinary paint?
- Can Thermilate be applied to a metal box profile on the inside to reduce condensation?
- What is the difference between the Anti-Condensation and Insulation Coating and I-Coat if they both have similar properties?
- Can Thermilate be mixed into Render?
- Will Thermilate work with a polystyrene insulation?
- What will the effect on the insulatory properties of the product be if I need to paint over with more than one coat of paint in order to achieve a smoother finish?
- Can you give me any technical details of the u value of your product when applied internally to an exterior, solid brick wall?
- If I have painted the plastered part of the wall should I also paint the skirting board with Thermilate?
- If it works through "thermos flask"microspheres - it should be possible to get more insulation with more layers of paint. Do you have any information on this?
- Using Thermilate on external paint simply heats u the walls without affecting insulation. If the walls can be kept hotter, then less heat should be escaping outside?
Q. We are joining a brick outhouse to our mobile home - like a 'lean-to' and it will be of single brick, do we need to paint outside as well as inside the brick dwelling?
A. You can paint the inside and this will keep the warmth in and if you paint the outside too then during the summer it will keep the building cooler. This is more of a comfort feel.
Q. How to apply Thermilate using Spray?
Q. Am I right in thinking I can apply two of emulsion containing Thermilate followed by one coat of emulsion without Thermilate. I am a professional decorator trying it out in my best home to see how it performs and what the finish is like before before I offer it to my customers?
A. Yes you can do that, paint 2 coats and finish with one without Thermilate. Using it is easy.
Q. How long can I expect for delivery?
A. Please allow 48 hours for delivery from date of despatch. Usually it is despatched on the date of ordering.
Q. How can I order?
A. You can order direct from us over the phone. Alternatively, you can visit our website and click "Buy Now" or send a cheque to our address.
Q. Where can I buy Thermilate?
A. Thermilate is available by ordering online by clicking here.
Q. How long has the technology been around?
A. Once developed, it has now been used around the world for 7 years - proven to work.
Q. Has Thermilate been tested by any labs?
A. Thermilate has been tested and proven by GEOSCIENCE - Worlds' leading laboratory who test for NASA and insulation manufacturers around the world. It has also been tested by many other heading bodies.
Q. Is Thermilate required on the repainting of a previously treated surface?
A. It is recommended Thermilate is added to the paint again when repainting a previously treated area in order to maintain insulation qualities.
Q. How do I use Thermilate? (Mixing)
A. Thermilate can be mixed with virtually all commonly used coatings. Each 550g pack can be mixed with 5 litres of paint. When mixing, we strongly recommended mixing in a separate bucket to avoid spillage. The use of Thermilate does not make a difference to the original properties of the paint e.g. colour. However, for high gloss of silk emulsions, it is advised Thermialte is used in two applications in the under coat followed by the gloss paint.
Q. How does Thermilate compare to cavity wall insulation?
A. Cavity wall insulation only slows down the process of heat loss through the walls and eventually the heat is lost. Thermilate dosen't allow heat to transfer out of the building as it reflects the heat energy back into the room.
Q. How does Thermilate differ in comparison to double glazing (UPVC)
A. With double-glazing windows, heat loss is reduced from passing through the windows only but not the walls. Heat is still able to pass through the walls. With Thermilate, heat is reflacted and radiated and radiated from the walls, which forms insulation of the whole room.
Q. Can Thermilate be applied in high temperatures?
A. Thermilate reflects heat and its effect is immediate and noticeable. When used on internal walls and ceilings. Thermilate reduces the rate of heat loss creating a warmer environment indoors. However, if used on external walls and roofs. Thermilate reflects direct sunlight leaving a cooler and more comfortable environment internally.
Q. What is an U-value?
A. The U-value is for an assembly and the reciprocal of the sum of the R-values of all layers that make up the assembly. The units of U-value and BTU / (hr.degreeF.sq.ft)
Q. What is an R-value?
A. The R-value is the measure of a given material's resistance to heat flow. It tends to be specified as an R-value per inch or as the R-value of the particular thickness listed.
Q. How do R-values combine in a wall?
A. Our walls are not homogeneous materials, but made up of many layers. An example of serial heat flow. The total r-value of an assembly will be the sum of all the individual R-values. To work out the overall R-value of the wall, we need to know the R-values of the wood studs, siding andsheathing and insulation - all of which make up the wall.
Q. Can you paint it on the outside and can it be mixed with Sandtex (outside paint)?
A. Yes it can be mixed with outside paints and you can paint Thermilate on the outside of buildings. It will help to reduce heat loss.
Q. I have one room that is particularly cold in the room, what is the best way to paint?
A. The best way to paint it is to paint all the walls and ceiling with Thermilate added paint.
Q. Can you put Thermilate behind tiles?
A. Yes they can. But the effect of Thermilate behind the tiles is reduced. It is best to paint the ceiling as well.
Q. I have polystyrene tiles which I've been told are dangerous, can I paint them with Thermilate?
A. You will need to remove the polystyrene tiles and replace ceiling with Thermilate added paint.
Q. Can Thermilate be mixed into wallpaper adhesive?
A. Thermilate can not be mixed into wallpaper adhesive.
Q. What is the texture, when Thermilate is mixed into paint?
A. The texture is ever so slightly rough, most of our customers don’t even notice the difference, however some prefer to apply another final coat of paint, without Thermilate mixed in, for a perfect flat finish.
Q. Would Thermilate affect the colour of my paint when I mix it into my paint?
A. Thermilate doesn’t affect colours which are lighter, for example whites and creams, however if a colour is quite dark, for example dark blue, Thermilate would lighten the colour slightly.
The reason for this, is because of course if you add a pouch of something white to a dark colour it will affect the colour.
However, it is not a problem, simply paint a final coat of paint without Thermilate mixed in, and you’ll have the colour you want.
Q. I really want to apply 2 coats of Thermilate to my walls, but also want to do one final coat to have a perfect flat/coloured finish, but don't want to spend lots of money on paint, what could I do?
A. Thermilate doesn’t affect colours which are lighter, for example whites and creams, however if a colour is quite dark, for example dark blue, Thermilate would lighten the colour slightly.
The reason for this, is because of course if you add a pouch of something white to a dark colour it will affect the colour.
However, it is not a problem, simply paint a final coat of paint without Thermilate mixed in, and you’ll have the colour you want.
Q. How do I know Thermilate really does work?
A. Thermilate has been tested and approved by:
- Geosciences Laboratories
- US Army USA - US Dept of Defence
- Energystar – A worldwide body for energy saving products.
- UKAS approved laboratories - UK
Thermilate is used across the world by many famous companies to save on energy costs, just a few examples
- Hyundai
- Pratt & Whitney Aerospace
- Ford
- Linde Gas
- Shell
- Saudi Readymix
- Piper Aircraft
- Mathschool UK
We have many many customers throughout the UK, who have used Thermilate in their homes, and have told us they really cannot believe Thermilate has made such savings for them, and are amazed by the fantastic results, take a look at our website where you can see some examples by clicking here.
So much test data, from leading labs and government bodies, approved by Energystar, many of the countries coming on board carry out their own tests too first, and each time Thermilate proves again and again, it works.
Q. Can Thermilate be used on Timber frames?
A. Yes it can but, it slightly makes the clear varnish go opaque.
Q. How much water is needed to thin paint when Thermilate has been added?
A. You will need 200ml for 5 litres of paint. 20ml for one litre. The water will not affect the paint adhesion. You need to thin it down so that it flows and it flows well with a rollwe or a brush.
As long as you use the same batch of paint in the room, you will not notice the shade change. The texture will be slightly rougher than that or a roller finish and can only feel it with the hand.
Q. Can Thermilate go into Render?
A. Thermilate can go into render but you would need a lot as the render mix is quite thick and you would put it into the top screed in the first 4-5mm.
Q. Can Thermilate be used on handrails?
A. Yes it can. If you apply a primer suitable for metal, mix the Thermilate into the paint and apply to the handrail. It will make the handrail warm to the touch and non-slip.
Q. Can Thermilate be used on conservatories?
A. Yes it can. Thermilate can be applied to a varnish or lacquer, that can be applied to the inside or outside of the conservatory roof. It will make the glass go opaque, not totally clear. The colour will be an off white as Thermilate is not clear.
Q. Can Thermilate be used on steel pipes?
A. Yes it can. Thermilate can insulate your pipes - it is used extensively in climates to keep the heat in and the heat out of pipes. One of our big customers, ARMCO Saudi Arabian oil use Thermilate on their pipes.
Q. Can you apply Thermilate on top of wallpaper?
A.You can apply Thermilate straight on to the walls of your house if you are not wallpapering. However, if you are going to wallpaper it is better to apply the wallpaper first and then apply the Thermilate.
Q. Can Thermilate go under printed wallpaper?
A. Thermilate will work under printed wallpaper. The Thermilate under the wallpaper will work but it will have a slightly reduce effect as to if it was applied on top of the wallpaper.
Q. Can you apply Thermilate onto an anaglypta type wallpaper?
A. You can apply Thermilate on top of the anaglypta type wallpaper covering. You can mix Thermilate into the emulsion paint and apply onto the wall covering and you will still have the same insulation properties.
Q. Do I have to use Thermilate on both the exterior and on the interior walls in order to obtain the maximum result for winter and for summer?
A. Thermilate can be applied to the external and internal walls. So that you can remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you paint Thermilate on the inside this would help to keep your heat within your home during the cold winter months. In the summer by painting the external walls this would reflect teh heat from the sun back out of the building.
Q. Do I have to apply Thermilate on the interior parition walls as well or just on the perimeter walls and ceilings?
A. You would need to apply Thermilate to all walls and ceilings. The reason for this is that if you just painted say two walls in a room the heat would reflect back off the walls that have been painted with Thermilate and the heat would leave through the other walls that haven't been painted with Thermilate. This is the same when painting externally. You would need to paint all the walls and the roof.
Q. Usually the house in Greece are made out of a concrete skeleton and you build the walls using bricks and then plaster. When you renovate I attach to the exterior walls 5cm Styrofoam panels and then I apply plaster on them? How can I compare the insulation effect provided by Thermilate and by DOW Styrofoam?
A. The way that cavity wall type insulation works is by slowing down the heat once it actually goes through the wall. However, Thermilate actually reflects the heat back from the surface of the wall before it gets the opportunity to go through the wall. It will help to reflect up to 25% of the heat back into the room. So the two products can also work well together. Externally of course Thermilate would reflect the heat back out.
Q. Can Thermilate be used on a metal barn roof to reduce condensation?
A. Thermilate can go into a paint that is suitable for metal so that you can paint the inside of you barn roof to reduce condenation. As the surface will be warmer, the production of water droplets and condensation is considerably reduced.
Q. Will Thermilate Anti-Condensation and Insulation Coating with Anti Mould retain its properties if painted on top with an ordinary paint?
A. The Thermilate Anti-Condensation and Insulating Coating with Anti Mould, will retain its properties if it has been painted by another coat of paint on top.
But if you would like to buy directly from us, then the ideal one for you is Thermilate I-coat. This would be a better paint for you to coat on top of with an other paint.
Q. Can Thermilate be applied to a metal box profile on the inside to reduce condensation?
A. You can use the Thermilate Additive to paint on to the metal box profile. You will need to get a paint that is suitable for metal and apply it to all sides of the box profile on the inside.
Q. What is the difference between Anti-Condensation and Insulation Coating and I-Coat if they both have similar properties?
A. The Anti-condensation paint is an acrylic paint and the I-coat is a vinyl silk. This is the main difference between the two products. They both have similar properties as they both contain Thermilate. And will work very similarly also. However, many customers prefer to use an acrylic paint for anti-condensation purposes, rather than a vinyl silk.
If you just purchased the Thermilate Additive to mix into your paint you would still have the same properties to the above products, but you would just have to mix it in yourself. The above products are simply ready mixed for your convenience.
Q. Can Thermilate be mixed into render?
A. You can apply Thermilate to the render on your building. However you would need to put it in a paint.
If you put the Thermilate in the “wash” it wouldn’t hold and flake off. So you would need to put it in the paint as there is a resin to hold it.
Q. Will Thermilate work with a polystyrene insulation?
A. Thermilate additive will work with or without the use of the polystyrene. Thermilate will help you save energy of 2-3°C.
Q. What will the effect on the insulatory properties of the product be if I need to paint over with more than one coat of paint in order to achieve a smoother finish?
A. It is ok to paint over the Thermilate with a few coats with no impact on performance.
Q. Can you give me any technical details of the u value of your product when applied internally to an exterior, solid brick wall?
A. Please look at the table on our website which shows different build types and the improvements it can give. Currently we do not work with U values as the Thermilate product is too thin to have a U value.
The Improvements are measures as percentages.
Q. If I have painted the plastered part of the wall should I also paint the skirting board with Thermilate?
A. There is no need to paint the wooden skirting with the Thermilate.
Q. If it works through "thermos flask" microspheres - it should be possible to get more insulation with more layers of paint?
A. Thermilate technology works in more than 1 way, it works by reflection and by the vacuum method.
Due to the fact that the costing generally applied in domestic application, the effect is mostly for the reflective nature of the technology.
Now you are correct in saying more layers should also influence the energy savings. -- yes as we do specify a thicker coating in hot climates. On the outside of the buildings. And gains are made.
But the thickness for the coating goes to around 250 microns. We are working on a technology which would allow us to offer a thicker layer of the Thermilate and also benefit from the resistive side of the technology.
In the meantime if you look at the geosciences test data this should help you further, please also look at the article feature by NASA on our website.
Q. Using Thermilate on external paint simply heats up the walls without affecting insulation. If the walls are kept hotter, then less heat should be excaping outside?
A. Thermilate does indeed work if applied on the outside and you are quite correct.
Now what we say is that if you are in the hot climate - most of the radiation gain to your building is from the outside so it should be used on the outside.
In the UK where our radiation is from heating on the inside its best applied to the inside.
Now if you applied it outside of a solid wall off course it will work. But if you put on the outside wall with a cavity wall insulation in the wall then the effect is reduced considerably.
