In today’s changing climate, finding ways to keep our homes comfortable without relying on energy-consuming cooling systems is more important than ever. External solar shading offers a promising solution to reduce heat and glare from the sun without using electricity. In this guide, we explore the benefits and importance of external solar shading. We also provide a brief guide to some of the solar shading solutions available for your home.
What is external solar shading?
External solar shading refers to any device installed on the exterior of a building to control the amount of heat and sunlight that can enter it. It is especially useful in hot weather or in buildings with large windows and significant exposure to direct sunlight.
What is the difference between internal and external shading?
Internal shading is located within the home. You almost certainly have some in your rooms right now. Common examples include curtains, blinds, and shades. Internal shading is much more common than external, but less effective when it comes to heat control and solar gain. Internal shading blocks sunlight after it has entered the building – but by this point, the heat has already penetrated the space. While the shading absorbs some of the heat and radiation, and a small amount is reradiated back outside, the majority of the heat remains inside.
On the other hand, external solar shading consists of devices installed on the outside of a building. Some examples we will be looking at today include awnings, external screens, external blinds, and external shutters. Because external solar shading blocks heat before it enters the building, it is much more effective. By preventing solar radiation from reaching your windows, external shading solutions can significantly reduce cooling loads and improve energy efficiency.
Why is external solar shading important?
External solar shading is an investment in the future of our planet. By blocking or diffusing direct sunlight, it reduces the need to cool the insides of our homes by fossil-fuel powered methods. Lower energy consumption directly translates to fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
External solar shading is a key component of passive building design, which aims to maximise the use of natural resources for heating, cooling, and lighting. In the broader context, widespread use of solar shading could contribute to a substantial decrease in energy demand across urban areas. Built-up areas of the country tend to be warmer than their rural surroundings due to the absorption and retention of heat by buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. External solar shading can help mitigate this effect by reducing heat absorption in buildings.
How does external solar shading help you save money on energy bills?
Thanks to the climate crisis, we are more likely than ever to experience heatwaves. As we all know from recent experience, our homes in the UK are not built for intense heat! Most houses in this country do not have air conditioning. Some choose to use a fan all night during the summer months. With current energy prices, that can really add up.
External solar shading allows you to open your doors and windows and let a cool breeze into your home, all while preventing the sun’s rays from heating up your property’s interior throughout the day.
How does external solar shading protect the interior of your house?
External solar shading products are designed to protect your rooms from direct sunlight or filter out UV rays. UV rays cause damage to your soft furnishings and furniture. When exposed to direct sunlight, fabric and artwork fades over time with colours losing their vibrancy. Excessive UV exposure can also cause wooden furniture to become dry and brittle, while plastics yellow and become fragile. By filtering out the harmful UV rays from the sun, external solar shading can protect and extend the lifespan of your interior furnishings.
If you live near a lake, pond or some other body of water, external solar shading also reduces glare from the reflective surface of the water. This makes reading and watching TV at home much more comfortable.
What are some other benefits of external solar shading?
- External solar shading allows you to control levels of privacy at home. Adjustable shading options offer flexibility depending on your needs.
- External solar shading solutions can be very aesthetically appealing, adding to your property’s curb appeal.
- Buildings equipped with solar shading are often worth more money, as they offer improved comfort and reduced energy costs to the buyer.
- If you have double glazing on your property, external solar shading can improve its performance. The two can work together to prevent temperatures from becoming uncomfortably hot in the summer.
External solar shading options for your home
Weinor awnings
Weinor offers awnings for windows, patios & balconies, as well as conservatory awnings and free-standing pergolas.
If your main goal is to reduce solar gain in your home, we recommend awnings for your windows and balconies. Weinor offers a range of beautiful fabrics, frame colours and accessories. Design your awnings to be the focal point of your home, or opt for a design that blends into the exterior of your property – the choice is yours.
Bespoke external screens
Custom-designed to meet your specific requirements, our bespoke external screens offer a stylish solution to solar gain.
External screens block between 30-80% of UV rays. They keep your home from experiencing excessive heat gain, so there’s less requirement to use fans or aircon (if you have it) on hot days. Our external screens are fitted with fabric technology that keeps the colour looking vibrant. They’ll also protect your soft furnishings from UV damage.
Phantom Screens
Phantom screens offer an elegant solution to keep your home comfortable and insect-free.
Manual door screens keep bugs out and air flowing on hot days. While they are an extremely effective barrier against insects, Phantom Screens are nearly invisible to the human eye – so you can still enjoy your full view of the garden. Phantom Screens also block up to 50% of UV rays, protecting your interiors from the sun.
If you have large bifold or sliding doors, motorised Power screens can help you regulate the temperature inside your room. They also reduce glare, prevent heat from building up, provide ventilation and keep insects out. We recommend using recesses to integrate Power Screens into your property fully. This allows them to disappear when not in use.
Window screens are also available up to 2m wide and 2m high. Essential for properties on the water, these versatile screens can fit most types of windows – even Velux and tilt-and-turn varieties.
We can colour match all Phantom Screens so that they blend in perfectly with the interior of your home.
Trojan External Venetian Blinds
These stylish external blinds offer efficient and versatile solar control for your home.
With the louvres closed, as little as 10% of UV rays transmit through the glass. You can raise the blinds completely during the winter months or on overcast days to maximise natural light in your home. On sunny days, you can tilt the angle of your external blinds to allow natural daylight to filter through – without unnecessary glare.
Solar shading solutions from Solihull Blinds
External solar shading is a smart investment for any homeowner. Not only does it offer a practical solution to heat and glare, it also adds value to your property and can reduce your energy bills. Each of our solar shading solutions is built to last, so you can contribute to a more sustainable world for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of external solar shading, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your home. Contact us or visit our showroom and take the first step towards a cooler, more comfortable home today.
