Case Study: Waterproof & Thermal Upgrade of a Coastal Grain Storage Facility
Large-scale grain storage facilities face a dual challenge: water ingress and thermal instability. In coastal regions, these risks are amplified by high humidity, heavy seasonal rainfall, and strong solar exposure.
This case study highlights the successful waterproof and thermal upgrade of a steel-structured grain warehouse operated by China Grain Reserves Corporation (Dalian Division), using EnduRE30C WaterLock™ Radiative Cooling Coating — a single-system solution delivering both waterproof protection and radiative heat reduction.
Project Overview
- Facility type: Steel-structure flat grain warehouse
- Location: Dalian, Liaodong Peninsula (coastal climate)
- Coated area: Roof approx. 1,700 m²; Vertical surfaces approx. 1,500 m²
- Climate conditions: Annual rainfall 550–950 mm; average humidity 65–75%; summer temperatures 30°C+; long cold winters with condensation risk
The Problem
Waterproofing Risks
- Seasonal rain and high humidity increased the risk of roof seepage and moisture migration
- Moisture ingress can lead to grain mould, clumping, and pest activity, impacting stored grain quality
- Water penetration accelerates corrosion of steel structures and reinforced concrete, reducing asset lifespan
- High groundwater levels increase moisture rebound from the floor, especially affecting lower grain layers
Thermal Risks
- Excessive summer heat can accelerate grain ageing and spoilage
- Winter temperature swings raise condensation risk, which can degrade storage conditions
- Temperature instability increases reliance on ventilation and cooling systems, driving up energy use
The Solution: EnduRE30C WaterLock™ Radiative Cooling Coating
To address both waterproofing and thermal challenges in one system, the project adopted EnduRE30C WaterLock™, a water-based rare earth radiative cooling coating designed to deliver:
- Seamless waterproof membrane performance
- High solar reflectance to reduce heat build-up
- Efficient heat emission through the 8–13 μm atmospheric window
This approach reduces system complexity by combining waterproofing and insulation performance in a single coating layer, helping to lower long-term maintenance risk.
Application Scope
- Applied over the warehouse roof waterproof substrate (retrofit upgrade)
- Formed a continuous protective layer supporting both waterproof sealing and radiative cooling
- Delivered dual performance without major structural disruption, suitable for refurbishment projects
Measured Results: Temperature Reduction
Test Method
- Temperature data was collected from coated vs. uncoated areas
- Hourly averages were calculated to normalise differences in device sampling frequency
- Peak temperature comparisons were made at identical time points
Results Summary
- Maximum recorded temperature reduction: 6.5°C
- 14-day monitoring period: all 14 days showed reductions above 4°C
- Consistency: 12 of 14 days exceeded 5°C; remaining 2 days were between 4–5°C (during a cooling weather trend)
- Coated surfaces maintained lower peak and average temperatures than uncoated areas across the test window
Key Benefits Delivered
- Improved waterproof protection against heavy rain and coastal humidity
- Reduced surface temperature, helping stabilise storage conditions
- Lower risk of mould, condensation, and grain spoilage
- Reduced dependence on mechanical cooling and ventilation
- Enhanced durability by limiting moisture-driven corrosion and thermal stress
- Single-system solution replacing traditional multi-layer waterproof + insulation assemblies
Why It Matters
For grain storage, temperature and moisture control directly impact food safety, operational cost, and asset longevity. This project demonstrates real-world, measured performance for a demanding coastal environment — beyond lab conditions.
Best For
- Grain warehouses and agricultural storage facilities
- Industrial roofs requiring waterproof refurbishment
- Coastal and high-humidity environments
- Steel and concrete roof structures
- Projects seeking waterproof + thermal performance in a single coating system
Conclusion
This case study validates EnduRE30C WaterLock™ as a practical, data-backed solution for facilities requiring both waterproof integrity and thermal control. By combining rare earth radiative cooling technology with elastic waterproofing performance, WaterLock™ offers a robust pathway to protect assets, reduce heat load, and improve storage stability in harsh environments.
