The Founding of Insultec – Ray Brooks' Legacy

In the heart of Australia during the 1980s, a visionary named Ray Brooks set out to solve a growing problem—how to reduce extreme heat transfer into buildings without relying entirely on energy-hungry air conditioning systems. Drawing on his background in construction and a deep understanding of thermal dynamics, Ray pioneered the development of a high-performance thermal insulating paint that would go on to become the foundation of the 

Innovation Born of Necessity

Ray’s journey began when he observed that traditional insulation materials—though effective in some situations—were not always practical, especially in harsh Australian climates or for applications on metal roofs, shipping containers, or industrial infrastructure. He believed there had to be a more adaptable, sustainable solution.

Through years of experimentation, Ray and his small team developed a liquid-applied thermal barrier coating that could be painted onto virtually any surface. This coating, later branded as Insultec, combined ease of use with significant energy-saving performance. The product quickly gained a loyal following across Australia and Southeast Asia, especially in sectors like mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and public infrastructure.

A Quiet Achiever

Ray Brooks never chased fame or headlines. Instead, he focused on results—allowing Insultec’s performance to speak for itself. Over the decades, the product was applied to thousands of roofs and structures, with remarkable results in reducing internal temperatures, lowering energy consumption, and protecting buildings from harsh UV exposure.

Customers consistently reported temperature drops of 10–20°C inside metal buildings after applying Insultec, along with extended roof life and improved comfort for workers. In many regions, it became the go-to product for passive cooling and solar reflectivity, long before “green building” was a mainstream concept.

A Family-Led Legacy

Ray continued to guide Insultec’s growth through a family-led business model, eventually passing operational leadership to his wife. Even after Ray’s passing, his belief in practical innovation, environmental responsibility, and product integrity remained the cornerstone of the company.

A New Chapter

Stuart Fairbourn took over the reins from Ray’s wife following her retirement, bringing new energy to the brand while retaining the core formula and values Ray established. Today, Insultec is being repositioned as a key player in the global drive for sustainable cooling and low-carbon buildings.

Ray Brooks' story is not just one of invention—it’s a story of Australian ingenuity, quiet determination, and a commitment to making a measurable impact on buildings, energy costs, and the environment.