In the face of global warming, which is getting stronger every year, cities have no choice but to adapt to reduce the impact on their citizens. In recent years, a new method has emerged: painting roads white. While painting roofs was already a topical issue, this innovation has caused quite a stir. It has already been tested in Los Angeles. Effective in combating the heat, white paint reflects some of the sun's rays.
The technical process at work
White paint's impact on heat is explained by its albedo rating. Albedo refers to the reflective power of a material or surface.
In the case of roads, black asphalt has an albedo value of less than 5%, while white paint achieves an albedo value of between 80 and 90%. This high value translates into a reflection of the sun's rays on the road, as achieved by reflective paint specially designed to maximize the reflection of solar radiation.
. By not absorbing heat, this paint greatly reduces road temperatures and, by extension, combats the urban heat island phenomenon that affects many conurbations.
Find out more about white paint and anti-heat solutions.
Derivatives already in use around the world
Although most people heard of this process when the city of Los Angeles used it on its roads, it's not an isolated case.
In France, for example, the "cool roof" technique has been used for several years to cool buildings through the roof. This approach is in line with the many advantages of white roofs, including their ability to improve thermal comfort while reducing air-conditioning requirements. Elsewhere in Europe, countries such as Greece have also adopted white paint for their building facades.
