The effectiveness of any solar shading system depends almost entirely on the selection of the most suitable system for a particular building and orientation. There are many systems available and by choosing the most effective for a particular project it is possible to reduce cooling loads, eliminate glare and comply with energy standards.
Check Your Orientation First
The angle that your building facade faces plays a huge part in choosing the best Solar Shading system. The angle of the facade, in conjunction with the direction that it faces, will generally determine the best type of blade angle and even the orientation of the blades themselves. For example, south facing facades generally require deeper horizontal blades (400mm-600mm) to block summer sun but allow winter sun to enter. East and west facing facades have lower angled sun at morning and afternoon and therefore generally benefit from vertical or angled blades rather than flat horizontal blades.
Match the Blade Profile to the Job
Aerofoil brise soleil blades are one of the most common types of solar shading for commercial glazed facades as they are able to deflect light in a smooth manner. Flat blades are also used for solar shading however these are generally cheaper and create harsher shadow bands between individual blades. The depth and spacing of blades must be calculated using the solar angles for the latitude of the building and not simply chosen from a product data sheet.
Fixed or Adjustable Louvres
A fixed brise soleil system offers the advantage of low maintenance and is ideal for buildings that have a constant population. Motorized adjustable louvers are worth the extra cost for glazed facades that have variable occupancy during the day as they track the sun and prevent over shading in cooler months.
Consider Materials Carefully
Aluminium is the most common material used for Brise Soleil systems as it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and offers a wide range of powder-coat finishes. For Brise Soleil systems specified for coastal or industrial sites, it is recommended that the designer checks the alloy grade and coating specification with the supplier.
Check Planning and Building Regulations Early
The solar shading system may also affect compliance with building regulations set out in approved documents, particularly in relation to energy efficiency and ventilation. Consult with the building control officer early in the design process to ensure that the proposed system meets requirements of approved documents. There is more on Brise Soleil at //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading.
Plan for Maintenance Access
At height, brise soleil blades require periodic cleaning and occasional replacement of individual blades. In these circumstances, it is important to design in easy access for maintenance. Look for products with removable blade clips, or those with fixings that run in accessible channels. Retro-fitting maintenance access to existing systems can be very expensive.
By selecting the best system at the outset, you can save a lot of money over the life of the building as opposed to having to make costly alterations to try and sort out problems with the building.