Even in a well-insulated carbon-zero home, the heat of hot summer days can become unbearable without effective sun protection. Sun protection plays a crucial role in creating a cool and comfortable indoor environment. Options on the market include external systems, internal systems, and solutions integrated directly into glazing. We’ve combined the below article to explore the advantages and disadvantages of various sun protection options available on the market.
Internal Sun Protection
For those of us avoiding structural changes—whether in rented house or heritage buildings—internal sun protection offers a range of solutions. Some of these options would be horizontal blinds, Roman blinds, roller blinds, pleated blinds, vertical blinds, and curtains. These options are quick to install, affordable, and enhance interior aesthetics. Additionally, they are shielded from extreme weather conditions, maintaining their appearance and functionality over time. The textiles used in these systems are anti-static, dust- and dirt-resistant, and easy to maintain.
Despite the advantages, internal blinds also have limitations. Their primary drawback lies in their limited ability to reduce heat. Solar radiation that passes through windows heats the interior, creating thermal stress. Without proper ventilation, this heat accumulates. Consequently, the material and craftsmanship of internal blinds are crucial. Overall compared to external sun protection, internal systems are less effective at heat reduction and room darkening.
External Sun Protection
External sun protection systems are the most effective due to their ability to address the “greenhouse effect” directly. External solutions like roller shutters, louvres, awnings, and canopies block sunlight before it reaches the window, converting it into long-wave infrared rays that cannot penetrate the glass. This prevents heat buildup inside the home. For lofts and attics, external roller shutters are particularly beneficial as they also protect against hail and heavy rain.
Various external shutter models are available, differing in installation methods, materials, and operating mechanisms. Thermal-insulated aluminium slats filled with polyurethane foam are commonly used, with sizes of 39 mm or 52 mm, depending on the shutter dimensions.
Roller shutters and louvre blinds deliver excellent quality, enhanced safety, and superior comfort, all whilst being an external product. They do much more than darken rooms; they significantly improve energy efficiency and interior climate control.
Use of internal curtains with solar glass
Integrated Sun Protection
For most new-build and refurb homes integrated systems are recommended, as they can be directly embedded into the glazing for seamless protection. These can include products such as solar control glass. Windows with built-in coatings reflect heat and UV rays while allowing natural light to pass through and light up your room. This option is perhaps the most aesthetic. It does a great job without having to change or add products to your home. However, you will need to be prepared to pay a higher price, as this is by far the costliest option.
Another integrated solution is integrated sun blinds into double/triple-glazed units. These blinds stay dust-free throughout the whole life cycle and require minimal maintenance over time. The main downside you would need to consider is that these have a certain life expectancy and when they stop functioning you may need to replace the glazing unit.
Factors to Consider in the UK
The UK is not famous for having sunshine all year round, meaning that we need to consider this when selecting the most suitable product for us. You also need to judge each case based on the stage you want to get sun protection. Early stages of new-build/refurb projects or a place which has been your home for years. It is easy to integrate any of these options when doing major housework, but nobody likes to drill and smash a place they call home.
We also need to consider things like energy efficiency. There is no point in investing thousands of £’s into new glazing units if the rest of your property is not energy efficient. On the other hand, if you live in a building where you cannot make any changes to the façade you may consider integrated blinds or one of the internal solutions.
Whether you’re an architect, builder, or main contractor, choosing the right system is critical to the success of your project. At Camino Contractors Ltd, we have extensive experience in all aspects of curtain walling, windows, doors, and glass solutions, from design and installation methodology to cost exercises and manufacture. We work closely with our clients to ensure that our solutions are feasible within their budget, and we provide ongoing remediation and maintenance support to ensure long-term performance. Call us now on 020 3633 8248 to receive expert assistance with your curtain walling project from Camino Contractors Ltd.
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