Together with insulation, solar shading belongs to step one of what is known as the "trias energetica" of the building envelope, geared to using as little energy as possible. Solar shading is therefore rightly called a passive measure that reduces
the need for active cooling drastically. Outdoor solar shading block 85T to 90% of the heat energy.
The lower the g-value, the solar factor of the system, the more heat-resistant it is.
There are various forms of outdoor solar shading: dynamic blinds and structural blinds. Dynamic exterior solar shading includes (windproof) screens and exterior blinds, articulated arm awnings, dropdown screens and roller shutters. Structural solar shading
includes slats, sliding and folding screens as well as awnings.
Fabric solar shades get their name from the glass fibre cloth that most of these shades/screens are equipped with. The fabric falls vertically downwards along the glass and is held in place by a lateral guide in the form of a profile or cable.
These screens can be controlled individually or coupled with two or more screens. They are very highly efficient because they cover the glass completely. Screen fabrics not only create a comfortable indoor climate, but also prevent annoying
reflections or glare, while maintaining the view to the outside.
Some screens are more wind-resistant than conventional varieties. The fabric is equipped with a zip on both sides to ensure a tight, reliable attachment to the side guides. This means there are no gaps in the light and the fabric also has an insect-repelling
function.
Automated screens can be operated individually or per façade/area, or by connecting to the overall building management system based on indoor temperature, light radiation or wind.
Wind meters ensure that the screens are automatically raised when the set wind speed is exceeded.
There are also screens that run entirely on solar energy. The big advantage is that they can be installed without any breaking or electrical work. The powerful battery is also nicely concealed in the cabinet.
In these systems, a solar shading fabric is mounted in an aluminium surface-mounted or recessed box. The fabric can be rolled up and down by means of an electric tubular motor.
The fabric itself consists of open weave, glass fibre or polyester. The transmission, reflection and absorption values vary depending on the characteristics and colour of the chosen fabric: the darker the fabric, the better the view to the outside.
- Energy-saving solution.
- Windproof solution.
- High thermal comfort.
- No light gaps and also insect-repellent function.
- Good visibility to the outside and no reflection on screens, visual comfort.
- Comfort in all seasons.
- Functional and decorative.
- Several fabrics and colour variants.
- Fits within the framework of sustainable building and renovation.
Maintenance
The appearance loses its shine due to pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the contamination from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the awning inspected at least once a year for function, damage, etc. Fabric stretching may cause the bottom slats and front frames to no longer
reach the originally set end position. This can be adjusted during maintenance.
The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must be cleaned regularly. Please refer to the cleaning instructions.
The dry cloth can be made dust-free by vacuuming, blowing, beating or brushing. To remove finger or grease marks, use a clean cloth with a non-aggressive cleaning agent.
Access to the cabinet, for example for any interventions on mechanical or electrical components, is easy.
Conservatory awnings are mounted on verandas, skylights or roof windows. The solar shade is equipped with a roll-up shaft on which the solar shading fabric is rolled up. When the fabric is unwound, the tensioned springs and the cable system will
pull the dropout tube and the fabric outwards or forwards. The fabric will be kept taut in any position of the dropout tube. Optimal tension on the fabric is obtained in the lowest position of the dropout tube. The dropout tube (or tubes)
is guided to the front by means of runners that run in the guide profiles.
Conservatory awnings can resist the odd (wind) knock: usually up to 5 to 6 Beaufort.
Electric operation is also possible, whether or not linked to a wind/sun control or rain sensor.
In these systems, a solar shading fabric is mounted in an aluminium case, and it can be rolled up and down by means of an electric tube motor.
The fabric itself consists basically of acrylic or polyester fibres treated with a special water-repellent coating that repels dirt and grease, resists mould and is rot-proof. The transmission, reflection and absorption values vary according to
the characteristics and colour of the chosen fabric.
- Energy-saving solution.
- Thermal comfort.
- Good visibility to the outside and no reflection on screens, visual comfort.
- Functional and decorative.
- Several fabrics and colour variants.
- Fits within the framework of sustainable building and renovation.
- Depending on the model, the vertical glass panes are also screened from the sunlight.
- Large glass panes can be spanned.
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading systems inspected at least once a year for function, damage, etc.
Maintenance of the profiles
The profiles should be cleaned regularly with lukewarm water and a neutral soap, for example car shampoo, and then rinsed with tap water (at least twice a year).
Never use corrosive or aggressive products. We strongly advise against using scouring pads or other abrasives.
Maintenance of the fabric
- The solar shading fabric has been treated with a special dirt-repellent product; this slows down the soiling.
- The dry solar shading fabric can best be made dust-free by means of vacuuming, blowing, beating or brushing.
- For watery stains, moisten well and rub with a clean cloth. Detergents such as soap or other chemical products should only be used in very exceptional cases.
- For finger or grease stains, use a clean cloth with a drop of mild detergent (trichloroethane III is always to be avoided).
Also bear the following points in mind
- In case of heavy rain and wind, ice or snow, the solar shade should remain closed.
- If the fabric is continuously exposed to all types of weather, there is a good chance that a deposit of atmospheric pollution will form. This can affect the quality of the fabric.
- The fabric can be rolled up moist for a short time. However, it must always dry when unrolled.
- If the fabric remains damp when rolled up for a longer period, mould can develop and/or the fabric can suffocate.
An articulated arm awning, blind or sun canopy is mounted horizontally and hanging on a facade, wall, balcony or rafter. The hinges of the arms run cables that are attached to springs under tension. This pushes the dropout tube outwards and keeps
the fabric taut and tense.
The wind resistance of articulated arm awnings depends on their size and the surface to which they are attached. Articulated arm awnings can withstand wind gusts of 6 Beaufort.
Electric operation is possible and it can be linked to a wind/sun sensor or a rain sensor.
In these systems, a solar shading fabric is mounted in an aluminium case, and it can be rolled up and down by means of an electric tube motor.
The fabric itself consists basically of acrylic or polyester fibres treated with a special water-repellent coating that repels dirt and grease, resists mould and is rot-proof. The transmission, reflection and absorption values vary depending to
the characteristics and colour of the chosen fabric.
- Energy-saving solution.
- Thermal comfort.
- Good visibility to the outside and no reflection on screens, visual comfort.
- Functional and decorative.
- Several fabrics and colour variants.
- Fits within the framework of sustainable building and renovation.
- Some models also have a balance or vario-valance to block out the sun's rays when the sun is low.
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
- In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading system inspected at least once a year for operability, damage, etc.
- The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must be cleaned regularly. Please refer to the cleaning instructions.
- The dry fabric can be made dust-free by vacuuming, blowing away, knocking or brushing. To remove finger or grease marks, use a clean cloth with a non-aggressive cleaning agent.
- Access to the cabinet, for example for any interventions on mechanical or electrical parts, is easy.
Dropdown screens consist of a hood with a fabric tube inside. The fabric is rolled up around it. Using 2 arms, this fabric can be lowered to more than 90 degrees. These screens can be controlled individually or linked with two or more screens.
They not only provide a comfortable indoor climate, but also prevent annoying reflections or glare, while maintaining the view outside.
The wind resistance of these screens depends on the arms used, but is lower than that of a windproof screen.
Automated screens can be operated individually or per façade/area, or by connecting to the overall building management system based on indoor temperature, light radiation or wind.
Wind meters ensure that screens are automatically raised when the set wind speed is exceeded.
In these systems, a solar shading fabric is mounted in an aluminium surface-mounted or recessed box, and the fabric can be rolled up and down by means of an electric tubular motor.
The fabric itself consists of open weave, glass fibre or polyester. The transmission, reflection and absorption values vary depending on the characteristics and colour of the chosen fabric.
- Energy-saving solution.
- Heat-reflecting, thermal comfort.
- Good visibility to the outside and no reflection on screens, visual comfort.
- All-season comfort.
- Functional and decorative.
- Several fabrics and colour variations
- Fits in with sustainable building and renovation
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading system inspected at least once a year for operability, damage, etc.
The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must be cleaned regularly. Please refer to the cleaning instructions.
The dry cloth can be made dust-free by vacuuming, blowing, beating or brushing. To remove finger or grease marks, use a clean cloth with a non-aggressive cleaning agent.
Access to the cabinet, for example for any interventions on mechanical or electrical components, is easy.
An exterior blind is a vertical, retractable and orientable system made of retractable, stackable, curved horizontal slats, available in different widths. Depending on the situation, the outdoor blind can be partially or completely raised or lowered,
and the slat angle can also be adjusted according to the desired amount of natural light.
These screens can be controlled individually or linked to two or more screens. Because they can completely cover the glass, their efficiency is very high.
The permissible wind load lies between that of screens and wind-proof screens. Depending on the width of the blind, the package of slats is raised and lowered by means of 2, 3 or 4 cords or cables.
In the case of automated external blinds, operation can be either individual or per façade/area, or via connection to the overall building management system based on indoor temperature, light or wind.
Wind meters ensure that exterior blinds are automatically raised when the set wind speed is exceeded.
An exterior blind is a vertical, retractable and orientable system made of retractable, stackable, curved horizontal slats, available in different widths. Depending on the situation, the outdoor blind can be partially or completely raised or lowered,
and the slat angle can also be adjusted according to the desired amount of natural light.
These screens can be controlled individually or linked to two or more screens. Because they can completely cover the glass, their efficiency is very high.
permissible wind load lies between that of screens and wind-proof screens. Depending on the width of the blind, the package of slats is raised and lowered by means of 2, 3 or 4 cords or cables.
- Energy-saving solution
- Windproof solution.
- Strong heat-reflecting, thermal comfort.
- Good visibility to the outside and no reflection on screens, visual comfort.
- All-season comfort.
- Functional and decorative.
- Multiple slat types and colour variations.
- Fits in with sustainable building and renovation
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading system inspected at least once a year for operability, damage, etc.
The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must be cleaned regularly. Please refer to the cleaning instructions.
Access to the cabinet, for example for any interventions on mechanical or electrical components, is easy.
Roller shutters consist of horizontal hinged slats made of plastic (PVC), aluminium or steel which may or may not be rolled up above or in front of the window opening by an electric or ribbon driven system. The characteristics differ depending
on the materials used, with the following possible objectives: solar shading, blackout, burglary prevention, additional thermal resistance, privacy protection. Roller shutters build up an additional thermal resistance to the glazing. The thermal
properties of the roller shutter depend on the slat and the air permeability of the roller shutter. A roller shutter can (optionally) be fitted with or without daylight slits..
There are different types of roller shutters:
- Roller shutters can also be fitted later (after the house has been built or new windows have been installed). So without any major cutting and breaking work.
- Pre-fitted roller shutters are first mounted against the window frame before they are installed as a whole with the window in a facade. Because such a roller shutter remains outside the thermal shell of the house, it can be used in new construction
projects of passive and low-energy houses. This sustainable roller shutter is installed in the cavity using an innovative technique, which means that no cold bridges are created. It is therefore ideal for passive and near-zero energy buildings.
- Surface-mounted roller shutters are ideal when you are replacing windows. A built-on roller shutter is pre-mounted on the window frame and is therefore installed as one unit.
- Built-in roller shutters are ideal when building or renovating because they fit seamlessly in with the façade, are invisible when opened and tighten in the façade surface when lowered.
- The slats roll in and out thanks to an electric tubular motor.
- The slats are strong and made of PVC or aluminium and can be executed in numerous colours.
- Energy-saving solution
- Windproof solution.
- Strong heat-reflecting, thermal comfort.
- Provides the necessary privacy.
- All-season comfort.
- Functional and decorative.
- Multiple slat types and colour variations.
- Fits in with sustainable building and renovation
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
The profiles should be cleaned regularly with lukewarm water and a neutral soap. Never use aggressive products, scouring pads or abrasives.
This type of solar shading is installed horizontally or vertically and gives each building a unique appearance.
It moreover excellent thermal insulation properties, low maintenance costs and a long lifespan. These solar shading systems are permanently in place and therefore constructed to be very wind-resistant.
Wing or slat blinds can also be used as a movable system. Usually motorized, the blades can be placed in any position.
For a south-facing façade, a fixed awning is sufficient. In this case, the slats are fixed, but the step of the slat and the slope are variable in the design.
For an east- or west-facing facade, a movable awning is required. In this case, the slats are tilted (usually motorized). If dynamically automated, the incidence of sunlight is controllable, leading to an increase in personal comfort and higher
productivity. At the same time, it drastically reduces the energy consumption of the cooling systems in a building.
The blinds can be done individually or per façade/zone, or by connecting to the overall building management system. The slats can be installed either horizontally or vertically, depending on the desired aesthetic effect.
The system consists of extruded aluminium profiles. There is a wide choice of shapes, sizes and materials for the slats. There are flat slats, but also elliptical, diamond or wing-shaped slats in various widths.
The slats can be finished in natural aluminium for an industrial look, but it is also possible to have them made in any desired RAL colour.
The dimensions, shape and wall thickness depend on the aesthetic properties and wind load.
The ends of the profiles are closed off with end panels. Corrosion-resistant shafts are fitted in these, which fix the blades or the supporting structure.
The substructure and façade fastening are determined on the basis of statistical and aesthetic requirements.
- Energy-saving solution
- Windproof solution.
- Strong heat-reflecting, thermal comfort.
- Good visibility to the outside and no reflection on screens, visual comfort.
- All-season comfort.
- Functional and decorative.
- Multiple types and colour variations.
- Fits in with sustainable building and renovation
- The maximum span is approximately 4000 mm, depending on the type and direction of the slat.
- Favourable g-value for movable systems due to adjustable light incidence.
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading system inspected at least once a year for operability, damage, etc. The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must
be cleaned regularly. Aluminium should be cleaned with neutral, non-aggressive agents Heavily soiled aluminium parts can be cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner. Make sure that the water jet is directed only at the aluminium parts and not
directly at the mechanics.
Permanent solar canopies are extruded aluminium profiles with a specific aerodynamic design that gives the system extra stability when exposed to strong winds.
These slats can be mounted at various intervals and slopes. They can be fixed or adjustable. Adjustable slats allow the amount of daylight allowed into the building to be adjusted. At the same time, they drastically reduce the energy consumption
of the building's cooling systems.
The supporting profiles, which are in turn fixed to the building structure, can be placed horizontally or inclined.
The canopies are usually finished off at the front and both ends with a decorative profile.
- The system consists of extruded aluminium profiles. There is a wide choice of shapes, sizes and materials for the slats. There are flat slats, but also elliptical, diamond or wing-shaped slats in various widths.
- The slats can be finished in natural aluminium for an industrial look, but it is also possible to have them made in any desired RAL colour.
- Size, shape and wall thickness depend on aesthetic properties and wind load. The ends of the profiles are closed off with end panels. Corrosion-resistant shafts are fitted in these, which fix the blades or the supporting structure. The substructure
and façade fastening are determined on the basis of statistical and aesthetic requirements.
- The solar shading properties (g-values) should be calculated for each project. For example, the type of slat and the slat spacing are decisive for the g-value.
- Energy-saving solution
- Windproof solution.
- Functional and decorative.
- A canopy can draw attention to a certain part of the façade or be applied as a decorative element. But it is more common to design functional canopies to combine their function with beautification of the building.
- Multiple types and colour variations.
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading system inspected at least once a year for operability, damage, etc. The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must
be cleaned regularly. Aluminium should be cleaned with neutral, non-aggressive agents Heavily soiled aluminium parts can be cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner. Make sure that the water jet is directed only at the aluminium parts and not
directly at the mechanics.
Sliding screens block direct sunlight on hot days, while in the winter and in between seasons they can be slid open to enjoy free solar heat in the house. Sliding panels are made of various materials and offer the desired privacy.
Sliding screens can be operated manually or motorized. The operation can be done individually or per façade/zone, or by connecting to the total building management system.
Sliding solar shading screens are panels built up from frames, with aluminium slats or sunproof fabric filled in. Sliding screens run between rails that are mounted on the façade or between floors. Carriages are slid into these rails on which
the screens are positioned.
The screens are filled with expanded metal, perforated plate, aluminium or wooden horizontal slats. Glass fibre fabric is also one of the options. If slats are used, they can be mounted both horizontally and vertically to achieve the desired aesthetic
effect.
- The solar shading properties (g-values) should be calculated for each project. When using glass fibre fabric this is easy to determine, but with fixed louvre systems with slats, expanded metal or perforated plate, a calculation is required.
The type of blade and the blade spacing, for example, determine the g-value.
- Energy-saving solution
- Windproof solution.
- Functional and decorative.
- Multiple types and colour variations.
Maintenance
The exterior loses its shine through pollution and weathering. Periodic cleaning is necessary for a long service life, namely to prevent chemical substances present in the soiling from having a negative effect on the surface treatment.
Maintenance activities
In order to avoid inconveniences and to identify problems in time, it is strongly recommended to have the solar shading system inspected at least once a year for operability, damage, etc. The extruded aluminium parts of the solar shading must
be cleaned regularly. Aluminium should be cleaned with neutral, non-aggressive agents Heavily soiled aluminium parts can be cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner. Make sure that the water jet is directed only at the aluminium parts and not
directly at the mechanics. The dry cloth can be made dust-free by vacuuming, blowing, beating or brushing. To remove finger or grease marks, use a clean cloth with a non-aggressive cleaning agent.
You can operate shutters, blinds and possibly other applications, depending on the season and weather conditions, with a push on a switch, a remote control or a smart phone. For solar shading and roller shutters, the most common sensors are geared to
daylight (and interior protection), temperature, wind and rain.
Thanks to automation, solar shades and roller shutters are also raised and lowered during the resident's absence. You can check remotely whether blinds and shutters have fulfilled their function via remote control or smartphone.
Solar shades and roller shutters can be used dynamically to maintain indoor comfort in summer and winter. In this way, they ensure that the indoor temperature is easily lowered by up to 9 degrees in summer. In winter, the external blinds are raised during
the day; the shutters provide additional insulation at night, so you can save up to 10% on energy bills for heating.
Automation ensures a longer service life, as opposed to manual operation. In addition, sensors for obstacles and freezing weather prevent blinds and shutters from being forced. Centralization is possible through connection to other equipment in the home
such as lighting, door and garage openings. But local commands also remain possible, so that the user always remains in control.
