Heat-Flex® CUI-Mitigation and Elimination Coatings
Designed to Withstand Harsh Conditions Before and During Service
On average, 60 percent of all insulation in service for more than 10 years will contain corrosion-inducing moisture, which will result in Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI). In fact, studies show that organic protective coatings in CUI service last from a range of 5 to 13 years.
Traditional CUI coatings fail prematurely under insulation as they have limitations handling the service and pre-service environments. Water, alkali, chlorides, and elevated temperatures in the service environment lead to highly corrosive environments, while improper coating thickness may lead to insufficient barrier protection or cracking. In the pre-service environment, shipping, handling, construction, and exposure to highly corrosive environments can prematurely deteriorate a coating.
In response to these challenges, Sherwin-Williams has developed the award-winning Heat-Flex® range of CUI coatings to mitigate and eliminate CUI. This comprehensive coatings portfolio includes both anti-corrosive primers for CUI mitigation, as well as Thermal Insulative Coatings (TICs) for CUI elimination.
All of our Heat-Flex coatings have been rigorously tested to provide dependable, long-term performance for your assets.
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CUI Mitigation vs Elimination
The choice between a CUI mitigation or elimination strategy depends on your needs. Whichever option you choose, Sherwin-Williams has a versatile coatings portfolio to serve your needs, backed by our in-house experts who can advise you on the most optimal coating for your requirements.
CUI Mitigation
- Asset steel surface
- Heat-Flex CUI mitigation coating
- Traditional insulation layer
- Exterior jacket/cladding
CUI Elimination
- Primed asset steel surface
- Heat-Flex Thermal Insulative Coating
Heat-Flex CUI Mitigation Coatings
CUI mitigation is achieved using Heat-Flex anti-corrosive primers which are designed to be applied directly to the surface of your steel asset. These coatings form a barrier between the steel asset and the conventional insulation system, forming a last line of defence against CUI.
Mitigation coatings are typically reinforced with Micaceous Iron Oxide (MiO) or available as an advanced epoxy novolac. They are easy to apply and offer long term protection for your assets.
Expand the sections below to explore our Heat-Flex anti-corrosive primers for CUI mitigation:
Heat-Flex CUI Elimination Coatings
To eliminate CUI entirely, we need to tackle the root cause. CUI formation begins when moisture becomes trapped between the steel and the insulation layer. By replacing conventional mineral wool or calcium silicate insulation with a robust and thermally efficient Thermal Insulation Coating (TIC), we remove the corrosion zone and CUI becomes impossible.
TICs are more than just a CUI-proof replacement for conventional insulation. They are a valuable investment for your facility that provides continual benefits and cost savings for years to come:
- Protects personnel working in proximity to hot assets
- Lower energy costs thanks to thermal efficiency improvements - reduces heat loss from hot assets and the impact of solar heat gain on cold assets
- Thermal insulation performance is better retained over time compared to conventional insulation systems
- Quickly and easily applied using spray equipment
- High build thicknesses from just one coat
- Reduced installation cost compared to traditional insulation
- Occupies considerably less space compared to insulation jackets, making inspection and maintenance easier in complex or confined areas.
Expand the sections below to explore our Heat-Flex Thermal Insulative Coatings for CUI elimination:
Award Winning CUI Coatings
Our Heat-Flex coatings are designed with innovation, performance and reliability in mind - and the industry has taken notice. Discover some of our awards and accolades:
CUI Mitigation Range
(Includes Heat-Flex 750, Heat-Flex 1200 Plus, Heat-Flex ACE)
- 2023 Chemical Processing Vaaler Award
- 2025 Materials Performance Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award
Heat-Flex 7000
Heat-Flex Videos
See our advanced CUI coatings in action
Heat-Flex Product Information Sheets
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