1. Must-knows about shading solutions

Big glazed surfaces have become the norm in modern residential and commercial buildings. Its been scientifically proved that natural light has extremely beneficial effects on human health, and it also makes a room more pleasant to be in. However, from an architectural or civil engineering point of view, this can be challenging for two reasons. Firstly, theres great heat loss during the winter, and it can only partially be recovered during sunny days. Secondly, theres so much heat in the summer that rooms become overheated, and this too can only be partially avoided through architectural solutions. The overheating problem can largely be avoided through the right window orientation and sizing, shading strategies, and landscape layout around your home. Overheating, glare, and lack of privacy can also be avoided through good design, and interior and exterior shading solutions. Exterior shading solutions are usually considered superior because they protect both the facade and windows, but also the inside of your home. There are many types of exterior shading solutions: shutters, blinds, venetian blinds, sun umbrellas, canopies, awnings, pergolas, and brise-soleils. Almost all of them come with a fly screen. Shading solutions can either be fixed or (manually or automatically) retractable. If connected to a smart home management system, shading solutions can also be adjusted according to pre-set parameters. For instance, you can set them to activate at a certain time or weather.

2. How to choose a contractor?

If youre not sure which type of shading solution to choose, visit a few shops. There are many manufacturers and offers on the market, and the range of products seems to be endless, as does that of prices. Ask yourself what you need the shading solution for. Do you want to block the sunlight or intrusive looks? Would you prefer a fixed or retractable solution? You can find plenty of offers on Daibau.ng to compare and choose from. Make sure you check out photos and reviews. Send an enquiry to those you find interesting, and make the final decision based on the replies you get. This is the simplest and quickest way to find what youre looking for.

3. Which type to pick?

Blinds are the most widespread exterior shading solution for windows. They will protect you both from the sunlight and intrusive looks. They also serve as excellent protection from the wind, rain, snow, but also burglars. Blinds can also provide good thermal insulation and help you reduce energy loss for about 25%. You can use them for soundproofing, too, as they reduce noise by up to 10dB. They can be made of plastic, aluminium, and wood.

3.1. Integral blinds

This type of blinds comes with windows, since their box is placed right above the window frame. This is why theyre usually used in new or renovated buildings. These blinds provide great insulation and protection. Theyre easy to maintain and fix.

3.2. Outdoor blinds

This is the most popular type because it can be fitted on old and new windows alike. Since they can be seen from the outside, make sure they match the facade. Outdoor blinds come with various options—slats can be made of PVC or aluminium, they can retract manually or automatically, and they can be paired with fly screens.

3.3. Concealed blinds

These blinds are gaining in popularity in modern architecture, striving for minimalist, straight, no-nonsense shapes, since their boxes are concealed under the facade. The box is mounted above the window, under the facade surface or along the external edge of the supporting structure, and is covered with plaster, making it an invisible element from the outside.

3.4. Tapered blinds

Tapered blinds are a great choice for irregularly shaped windows (triangular, round, hexagonal, asymmetrical, etc.) and those placed right under a slanted roof. They can taper at an angle of up to 45°. Theyre only made of aluminium to be more sturdy.

3.5. Roof window blinds

These blinds are intended for roof windows, which are always exposed to a greater load, e.g. excess heat, rain, and snow.

3.6. Electric blinds

Blinds can be operated manually by crank handles, but its certainly much easier and simpler when theyre automatic, especially with large-sized windows. A motor moves these blinds up and down, and this movement is controlled by a switch or remote control. However, they can also be completely automatic, when connected to a smart home management system, so you can set them to open/shut according to the weather or at certain time.

3.7. Anti-burglary blinds

Burglary protection is what makes blinds stand out from other shading solutions. These blinds include safety springs, locks, or special mechanisms that cant be unlocked from the outside.

4. Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are the most quintessential exterior window blinds. Their firm slats are made of aluminium. The slat angle is adjustable, which enables you to control the amount of sunlight that enters your room. Venetian blinds are hard, sturdy, resistant to temperature changes, weathertight, easy to use and maintain, and durable. Slats can be 50, 65, 80 mm wide or even wider. They block out sun glare and excessive heat. They can be fitted on a window either internally or externally, but you can also use them as a room, balcony, or terrace door. The box can be mounted above the window or underneath the plaster. The most robust guide rails for venetian blinds are made of wire, while those made of plastic or aluminium tend to be cheaper. They can be operated by tapes, cords, cranks, or a motor. These blinds come in all RAL colours, so youll definitely find the ones that are perfect for you.

4.1. Integral venetian blinds

This type of venetian blinds is usually used in new buildings because it’s fitted together with the window, and together they make a single element. Their boxes go unnoticed, so theyre very popular with fans of modern, minimalist buildings. An insulated box mounted above the window complies with low-energy standards. Integral venetian blinds can be manual or automatic, i.e. motor-operated.

4.2. External venetian blinds

Its safe to say this type is the right shading solution for any window. Theyre great at reducing heat, and theyre a nice addition to any facade. Their major advantage is that they can be installed any time on any window, no matter if it’s old or new.

4.3. Tapered venetian blinds

Thanks to new technologies, now we can get venetian blinds even for our shaped windows, which are a new craze in modern architecture. They too can come in round, polygonal, asymmetrical shapes to fit any window you can imagine.

5. Awnings & canopies

Awnings and canopies are protruding shading solutions providing protection against both hot summer temperatures and rain/snow. This is why theyre usually placed on balconies and terraces. An awning is composed of a box, profiles, support arms, and strong acrylic fabric. Its structure is made of hard, yet lightweight aluminium available in all RAL colours. Awnings can be operated manually, but recently, electric awnings have seen a rise in popularity.

5.1. Classic awnings

These are the most common ones. Unlike semi-cassette and cassette awnings, their fabric has a quicker drying time, the structure is simple, theyre easily maintained, and they open and close very simply. Theyre very affordable, too. However, since classic awnings are constantly exposed to all kinds of conditions, more demanding buyers may not find them so aesthetically pleasing.

5.2. Semi-cassette awnings

These are awnings where the roll of fabric retracts into the casing, while the arms stay outside. Make sure the fabric is dry before it retracts, or else theres a great chance itd get mould on it.

5.3. Cassette awnings

These awnings are very popular in new buildings because they come across as unpretentious and elegant. With this type, both the fabric and other parts retract together into the casing, so the whole structure is protected from outdoor elements. Again, ensure the fabric is dry before it retracts back into the casing, to avoid mould.

5.4. Vertical awnings

These awnings provide lateral protection from both the weather and prying eyes. When pulled down, theyre completely vertical.

5.5. Convex awnings

These awnings have a classic look and are usually used for display windows in shops and other businesses. They can be fixed or folding.

6. Fly screens

Fly screens are an ideal solution when you want to let fresh air in, but creepy-crawlies out. Fly screens include aluminium or plastic frames and a fine protective fibreglass net. There are several different types of fly screens. Some can be fitted as an addition, others are integral, but both types can be used for residential and commercial buildings alike. Theyre particularly suitable for rooms with high hygiene standards, such as kitchens, bathrooms, hospitals, and holiday accommodation. If used with care, their service life can be quite long, and theyre easily maintained, too.

6.1. Roller fly screens for windows

These screens are intended for highly exposed places, like windows with flower pots. The good thing about them is that they go up and down easily, either with a cord or automatically, i.e. with a motor. They can be added to existing windows, or form an integral part with a new one.

6.2. Roller fly screens for doors

Window fly screens serve no purpose if insects can freely enter a room through a door. What makes door roller fly screens stand out is that they provide almost absolute protection against creepy-crawlies. Owing to their roller mechanism, they open and close easily, so theyll be useful for the door you use often. They can be operated by children and people with disabilities, as their bottom frame channel is just 3 mm wide.

6.3. Sliding fly screens

These screens are used for large openings, so theyre ideal for window walls, glazed patios, and balcony/terrace doors. Sliding fly screens can be single-, two-, or three-wing. Since theyre frames are strong and stable, they dont need any inside frame channels, so theres nothing blocking the view. Sliding fly screens open manually, but you can mount a foot opener, too.

6.4. Plissé fly screens

This type of fly screens is mostly used for wall windows and large balcony doors. They can be single or double. Their bottom frame channel is just 4 mm wide, so theyre a great fit for openings without thresholds. Plissé fly screens can open horizontally or vertically.

6.5. Hinged fly screens

Hinged fly screens are primarily intended for frequently used openings, such as terrace or balcony doors. Since their profiles are very thin, they can be fitted together with blinds. They come in all RAL colours. Hinged fly screens are usually mounted externally, and they swing outward, but they can also be swing inward, or open like a saloon door.

6.6. Fixed fly screens

These are the most basic and practical fly screens. They can fit with any window, although theyre primarily intended for windows and doors that arent used as much. These fly screens are secured in place after installation, but they can be removed if need be.

6.7. Integral fly screens

Integral fly screens are fitted into the window frame. When pulled down, theyre completely unnoticeable, and they can be used in combination with some shading solutions. The downside is that they cant be added to an existing structure, but they always go together with windows, so theyre mounted in new buildings or during renovation.

7. Pergolas

Pergolas have always been a popular house item, since they allow home owners to enjoy their terraces during hot summer days. Theyre free-standing structures thatll protect you from the sun, rain, and wind. They can be made of wood, steel, or aluminium, which is the most popular option nowadays. A pergola roof can be solid or latticed. It can be made up of fixed or adjustable slats. It can be corrugated, include a canopy, plants, etc. Adjustable slats allow you to set the shade they cast according to the current position of the sun. They can be completely open or completely closed and make a real roof. If a motor-operated pergola is connected to a smart house management system, the shade can be adjusted automatically according to pre-set parameters. Their biggest strength is their stability, making them resistant to very strong winds.

8. Brise-soleils

Brise-soleils are hard shading solutions used for windows, balconies, and terraces. Theyre a favourite addition to modern buildings, since they provide shading and look stunning at the same time. Brise-soleil bars can move either horizontally or vertically. If intended for a garden or separate buildings, theyre usually made of aluminium, but there are also those made of wood, in which case they require more maintenance. Brise-soleils can be fixed or adjustable, if motorized.

9. Installation

There are two ways to install an exterior shading solution. Integral shading solutions are fitted together with windows, so theyre ideal for major renovation work and new buildings. Venetian blinds, regular blinds, or fly screens can all be integral. Other exterior shading solutions are mounted onto an existing window or door frame, or directly on the facade, right above the aperture. The professional you opt for will first get the exact measurements to make a shading solution. For plissé and venetian blinds, its important to get the reveal width, while the overall width is important for roller fly screens. Installation works alone take several hours.

10. Repairs

Exterior shading solutions are always exposed to all kinds of outdoor elements, such as the sun, snow, wind. A breakage can also result from improper use or maintenance, but frequent use can also cause wear to the mechanical parts and fabric. Most shading solutions have a long service life, but various factors can cause damage. If this does happen, we recommend you check if making a new purchase would actually be more economical than repairs. If you just need a new guide rail or frame channel, its definitely cheaper to replace them than buy a completely new system. Most exterior shading experts offer repair services for almost all mechanical parts and spare parts are readily available on the market.