Your frequently asked questions answered

At Insultec, we believe in clarity and transparency. This section is dedicated to answering the most common questions our customers have about our products, services, and our operations. We aim to provide you with all the information you need to understand how we work and how we can best assist you.

Common queries about Insultec

Here you'll find answers to questions about our business, products, and services. We've compiled this list to help you quickly find the information you're looking for, whether you're a new client or a long-standing partner.

Why is Insultec only manufactured in Sydney, Australia

Insultec is manufactured using unique extenders and proprietary additives developed over many years, we do not wish to pass this technology outside of Insultec. For this reason, Insultec is currently manufactured exclusively at one location in Sydney, Australia, under strict quality control procedures.

From our Sydney factory, we supply and export Insultec products worldwide. The Insultec formula and manufacturing process must remain protected, as the product is unique within the market. Over more than 30 years, there have been numerous attempts by others to replicate Insultec; they have not been able to match its performance in heat re-radiation, waterproofing, durability, or long-term longevity.

Insultec is not like ceramic or conventional coating formulations. It is not a standard membrane or conventional paint product. Insultec has a highly specialised and complicated manufacturing process that has been refined over decades and is extremely difficult to replicate successfully. Maintaining strict control over manufacturing is essential to ensuring the quality, consistency, and performance that Insultec is known for worldwide.

What is Insultec?

Insultec is a high-performance thermal insulating coating and waterproof membrane designed to drastically reduce heat transfer through roofs, walls, tanks, containers, and other structures. Unlike conventional paints, Insultec is a specialised coating system developed over more than 30 years for thermal performance, energy efficiency, and surface protection.

How does Insultec work?

Insultec works by reducing conductive and radiant heat transfer through the surface it is applied to. It helps keep heat out during hot weather and reduces heat loss during cooler conditions, helping buildings maintain more stable internal temperatures.

Is Insultec just another reflective roof paint?

No. Insultec is not a conventional roof paint or standard ceramic coating. It is a specialised elastomeric thermal membrane with unique heat-reducing properties proven over decades of use in harsh environments worldwide.

What surfaces can Insultec be applied to?

Insultec can be applied to many surfaces including:

  • Metal roofs including Colorbond
  • Concrete and masonry
  • Shipping containers
  • Fibreglass
  • Timber
  • Plasterboard
  • Tanks and silos
  • Modular buildings
  • Industrial equipment
  • Walls and ceilings
  • Terracotta tiles

Correct primers must be used depending on the substrate.

Does Insultec require a primer?

Yes. Proper surface preparation and primer selection are critical for long-term performance.

Typical examples include:

  • Bare metal: Etch primer or anti-corrosive primer
  • Masonry/concrete: Masonry sealer/primer
  • Existing painted surfaces: Surface cleaning and compatibility assessment
  • New Colorbond roofing: Suitable etch primer recommended

Check with Insultec when ordering to ensure you have the correct primer.

Is Insultec waterproof?

Yes. Insultec acts as a waterproof elastomeric membrane while also providing thermal insulation benefits.

Can Insultec help reduce energy costs?

Yes. By reducing heat penetration into buildings, Insultec can significantly reduce the load on air conditioning systems, lowering electricity consumption and operating costs.

BASIX and NatHERS certification

How much area does Insultec cover?

As a general guide:

  • 1 x 20L drum of Insultec covers approximately 40m² using two coats.
  • Coverage can vary depending on substrate texture and application method.

How is Insultec applied?

Insultec can be applied by:

  • Airless spray
  • Roller
  • Brush

Most professional roof painters and commercial coating contractors can apply Insultec.

Can Insultec be customised for special environments?

Yes. Insultec can be tailored for specific project requirements such as:

  • High humidity environments
  • Mold resistance
  • Special colours
  • Industrial applications
  • Marine environments
  • Government and defence projects

Minimum order quantities may apply for specialised formulations.

Does Insultec work with solar panels?

Yes. Customers have reported that Insultec helps keep roof surfaces cooler, which may improve solar panel efficiency and longevity by reducing operating temperatures.

Insultec may be especially beneficial under bifacial (double-sided) solar panels where increased reflected light and reduced substrate temperatures can improve performance.

How long does Insultec last?

Insultec has been used globally for more than 30 years, with many long-term applications still performing successfully decades after installation when correctly applied and maintained.

Is Insultec environmentally friendly?

Insultec supports energy efficiency by reducing cooling demand and lowering building energy consumption. Reduced HVAC energy use can contribute toward sustainability and ESG objectives.

Where is Insultec manufactured?

Insultec is manufactured in Sydney, Australia, at a long-established ISO-certified coatings manufacturing facility.

ISO 9001 and APAS.

Has Insultec been independently tested?

Yes. Insultec has undergone various testing and field evaluations over many years, including thermal performance assessments and real-world commercial applications.

What industries use Insultec?

Industries and applications include:

  • Residential housing
  • Commercial buildings
  • Warehousing
  • Data centres
  • Mining
  • Agriculture
  • Transport infrastructure
  • Modular housing
  • Government facilities

Marine and defence projects

Can Insultec be used on shipping containers?

Yes. Insultec is highly effective on shipping containers and modular structures where heat penetration is a major issue.

Opal miners offices using Shipping containers.

Is Insultec suitable for data centres?

Yes. Insultec can help reduce roof and façade heat transfer, potentially lowering cooling loads and improving operational efficiency in data centre environments.

Why is Insultec different from conventional coatings?

Insultec was specifically developed as a thermal insulating membrane system, not simply as decorative paint. Its long-term thermal performance, elastomeric flexibility, waterproofing capability, and ability to keep surfaces cooler differentiate it from many conventional coatings and ceramic-based products.

Elastomeric membrane. Very long lasting, customers reporting still effective after 30 years.

Is Insultec fire proof?

Fire Performance

Insultec has been independently tested by the CSIRO and achieved a BS 476 Part 7 Class A fire rating for surface spread of flame. This classification demonstrates a very low rate of flame spread across the coated surface, making Insultec suitable for a wide range of commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential applications where fire performance is an important consideration.

The BS 476 Part 7 test assesses the surface spread of flame characteristics of building materials and coatings, with Class A representing the highest level of performance under this classification system.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Your inquiries are important to us, and we're always ready to provide the information you need.