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Members of the UK Green Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Solar Shading as a Way of Reducing Energy Consumption?
Solar shading systems control solar heat gain, which can significantly reduce a building’s energy costs by limiting or even eliminating the need for air conditioning. This is becoming increasingly important with the increasing use of glass within architecture. In addition, the use of optimum daylight cuts the costs associated with artificial lighting and creates a better working environment.
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What Benefits does Solar Shading Bring to the Working Environment?
Solar shading prevents solar heat gain. Studies have shown that as temperatures rise in offices and workplaces productivity drops. Solar shading reduces, or even eliminates the need for airconditioning. Control of glare has become increasingly important with the increased use of VDU’s in the workplace. Natural ventilation and the optimum use of daylight combine to create a more comfortable working environment.
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How does Solar Shading Help Meet L2 Compliance?
Part L requires a limit on Solar heat gain within non-domestic buildings and a reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions, and recommends the use of Solar Shading.
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What is Brise Soleil?
Brise Soleil is generally an arrangement of horizontal or, sometimes, vertical louvres or fins that are used to shade window openings and can be fixed or adjustable.
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What is the Difference Between a Louvre and a Fin?
A “louvre” is generally the description of the shape of a “Z” or “J” shaped extrusion. Whereas “fin”, or “aerofoil”, generally refers to a symmetrical or non-symmetrical wing-type extruded hollow section.
Internal or External Solar Shading?
External solar shading, in the main, performs a different function to internal solar shading. External solar shading systems – or brise soleil – are the most efficient way of controlling solar heat gain, because they prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the glass. External Solar shading can reduce solar heat gain by up to 90%. While internal solar shading systems do eliminate a proportion of solar heat gain by reflecting it back through the glass, their main function is to reduce or eliminate glare.
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What is a Hard Treatment?
A hard treatment refers to mini blinds, verticals, horizontal blinds, cellular shades, woven wood shades, roller shades and shutters.
What is a Soft Treatment?
A soft treatment is a window treatment that is fabricated from fabric; a drapery, a valance, a roman shade and any other treatment involving fabric.
How Does Automated Solar Shading Work?
Automated, or motorised, solar shading works by following the path of the sun as it moves throughout the day, and throughout the year, and so maximising the effect of the system. By automating external solar shading it’s benefits can be optimised.
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When Should Solar Shading be Controlled by the User and When Should it be Automated?
In general, external solar shading systems that control solar heat gain should be automated to ensure they are providing the optimum benefits to the building, whilst internal solar shading devices which, in the main, control glare should be controlled by the user
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What are the Benefits of using Aluminium for Solar Shading?
Aluminium is lightweight, non-corroding and easily fabricated, making it possible to create systems that would be unachievable in other materials. Intricately shaped profiles can be manufactured and extruded in one piece. The strength of aluminium means that it’s versatility can be extended beyond fins and louvres and can be used for elements such as walkways. Compared to steel it is easy to work with and cut and enables a smoother and cleaner finish. Environmentally speaking aluminium is a recyclable material.
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How is glass being used in solar shading?
Technological advances enable architects to use glass to intelligently transmit light to where it is needed most
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What is the Best Colour for Solar Shading Systems?
For internal solar shading products, white or light colours are best as they reflect the sun’s rays. Dark colours will absorb the solar heat and release it inside the building. In contrast, for external solar shading devices, dark colours are best as they minimise the amount of energy reflected into the building, whilst the heat they absorb is released outside the building.
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What are the Safety Issues to Consider?
Safety is a major concern within the window covering industry. Always keep cords up and out of the way of chidren and pets, and never position a crib near a window with a cord. Cordless blinds are an option.
How Does Solar Shading Affect Window Cleaning?
The design of solar shading needs to address the issue of window cleaning. There are a number of solutions depending on the design. A walkway can be incorporated into the design to allow access behind the louvres, or cleaning can be carried out through the louvres from suitable access equipment, or from the ground underneath the shading system.