LRV is an acronym for Light Reflectance Value. LRV means the amount of visible light reflected from a solid surface. LRV is expressed as a value from 0 to 100. An LRV of 0 means that 0% of the visible light is reflected from the surface. Black surfaces are close to LRV 0. Since these dark colors are unable to reflect light, they absorb the most solar radiation energy and heat to higher temperatures in direct sunlight. This is the reason black surfaces are much hotter in the sun, even on mild temperature days.


Clopay has LRV recommendations for all products and LRV requirements for Coachman, Premium Handcrafted 4 layer, and Settlers collections.  Please see the attached Tech's Corner newsletter for LRV requirement information and to see images of common issues related to improper paint LRVs.