The article discusses the implementation of a cool seal coating on pavements in Philadelphia as part of a pilot project. The initial application last summer showed issues, with the coating quickly wearing and cracking. This summer, a double coat was applied. The project costs approximately $44,000 and the cool seal coating ranges from $0.60 to $0.80 per square foot.
Research indicates that while cool pavements, like those in Phoenix, can lower road surface temperatures by up to 12 degrees, their effectiveness in cooling air is minimal, with only slight reductions in temperature for pedestrians. Concerns also arose from Phoenix’s findings, where the reflective coating raised temperatures experienced by pedestrians.
In Philadelphia, early evaluations reveal mixed results: while the cool seal effectively lowers road temperatures, there’s no consistent evidence of improved comfort for pedestrians. Experts suggest that strategies combining cooling measures, such as shading, might be more effective overall. The study will continue, with an assessment slated for fall 2026 to determine the project’s future and potential broader applications.
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