Blinds & Shutters - Issue 3/2022

AWNINGS
and west-facing walls, where the sun is too
low in the sky to be blocked. On these sides
of your property, you should consider other
shading devices or hedges and small trees
instead.
As the most natural form of shading,
trees, plants and shrubbery can effectively
act as air conditioning within any property.
When strategically planted, they can limit
the influx of sunlight coming through your
windows, passively cooling your home and
reducing its overall surface temperature as a
result.
In addition to reducing energy use, trees
and plants that directly shade buildings
improve air quality, lower greenhouse gas
emissions, provide a habitat for many
species, look aesthetically pleasing and can
even lower noise!
Awnings & external blinds
Not only do awnings provide instant
shade and shelter from direct sunlight; both
heat and glare (bright light) and offer
outstanding UV protection (typically 95%
minimum UV block), but they also deliver a
much-needed cooling effect to the indoor
room adjacent to where they are
positioned.
They ensure a comfortable indoor living
space, eliminating any bright light to prevent
glare, whilst filtering damaging UV rays to
stop fixtures and furnishings from fading.
Retractable awnings (both manual and
motorised) also offer extra privacy –
particularly in built-up areas – and add a
striking new dynamic to any façade.
Automatic outdoor blinds ensure a
thermally and visually comfortable indoor
environment with minimum energy demand
on any installed heating and cooling systems,
reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions
as a result.
Bioclimatic pergolas
Suited to both classic and contemporary
properties, a bioclimatic pergola extends
the use of any outdoor space by providing
instant shelter, whilst permitting you to play
with light and shade – if using a rotating
louvered roof. The addition of side screens,
LED lighting and infra-red heating will allow
you to make the most of your
indoor/outdoor living space at all times of
the day (or night) and in any weather.
To summarise, we should be doing all we
can to ensure our homes are fully equipped
to prevent unwanted solar heat gain during
the summer months and allow free solar
gain in the winter. Although architectural
features and greenery are sufficient
solutions, external shading products such as
blinds, awnings and pergolas are a quick,
easy and affordable way to help to create a
comfortable, sustainable home with lower
running and maintenance costs.
42 Blinds & Shutters • ISSUE THREE 2022