The OVERHEATING Issue
The UK’s overheating issue: Why external shading is the answer
Although the UK has experienced a somewhat short-lived summer – with temperatures remaining relatively cool throughout July and August – the recent heatwaves and devastating wildfires across Europe are not to be taken lightly.
The Met Office reported that June 2023 was the UK’s hottest June on record, not only beating the previous record set in 1940, but also June 1976 (currently the second warmest June on record).
Despite the fact that we’re nearing the end of the summer, the subject of overheating in homes and workplaces is here to stay. A new report shows that up to one third of homes in England could overheat in the future, up from one fifth currently, while additional research suggests that almost a third of the UK’s healthcare facilities will be at risk from heatwaves by 2050.
The effects of climate change
Climate change increases the frequency of hotter, drier weather and the chances of record-breaking temperatures. Our summers are becoming increasingly warmer each year, and the issue of overheating will only become more apparent as time goes on.
Recent commissioned research carried out by the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA) showed that a block of flats in London had internal operative temperatures (the temperature we feel) as high as 45ºC in October, when the external air temperature was just 21ºC.
It’s important to remember that overheating doesn’t just affect us during the summer months – it also happens during the winter too, with indoor temperatures rising to uncomfortable and unsafe levels that put occupant health at risk. Because of this, external shading products and ventilation have an important role to play in managing and reducing the risk of overheating in the places where we live and work.
The obvious solution
Not a ‘new’ concept, external shading has been used in various forms across Europe since ancient times by people trying to block the sun’s harmful rays from their homes. Today, these shading products can effectively manage a number of environmental and financial factors that have a significant impact on our overall quality of life.
Not only do external shading products such as blinds, awnings and louvered roofs add style to your space and provide your home with privacy, but they also retain and deflect heat whilst controlling light levels and glare – all year round. They help prevent unwanted solar heat gain during the summer months and allow free solar gain in the winter.
Awnings
Not a new concept to the UK, awnings were used on elaborate glass shop frontages in the 1800s as a way to passively cool the interior of buildings, whilst protecting goods from the sun. Today, awnings are growing in popularity because not only do they offer additional privacy – particularly in built-up areas – but they are essential for a healthy living environment.
Awnings act as an extension of the roof of your property whilst providing instant shade from sunlight; both heat and glare (bright light), outstanding UV protection (typically 97.5% minimum UV block) and shelter from unexpected rain showers. They also deliver a much-needed cooling effect to the indoor room adjacent to where they are positioned, ensuring a comfortable living space – both inside and out – whilst filtering UV rays to stop fixtures and furnishings from fading.
External blinds
Whether mounted to sliding/folding patio doors, skylights, roof lights or conservatories, outdoor roller and roof blinds create a barrier in front of all types of glazing and can block up to 97% of the sun’s solar heat energy, reducing interior room temperatures by up to 18°C on even the hottest summer days and mitigating the use of air conditioning or cooling devices, lowering costs and CO2 emissions as a result.
Not only does this particular type of shading solution provide an evenly distributed natural light source whilst maintaining the view and connection to the outside, but external blinds also effectively regulate light (glare) and UV, whilst minimising any unwanted solar heat gain by averting the sun’s rays from reaching the glass and keeping buildings – and us – cool.
Bioclimatic pergolas
Modern pergolas and canopies with sliding, retracting or rotating aluminium louvered roofs (and sides) play an important role in keeping us cool and protected from the sun. Suited to both classic and contemporary properties, a bioclimatic pergola extends the use of any outdoor space by providing instant shelter, whilst allowing the user to play with light and shade.
Designed to be relatively low maintenance, pergolas offer an open-air alfresco feel when left fully open, and ensure a completely water, wind and even snow-tight roof when closed. Whether it’s in the form of a freestanding structure within your garden or adjacent to the house as a direct extension of the property, a pergola is a simple yet effective way to give the impression of an outdoor ‘room’ and provides the ultimate all-weather, outdoor living space that gives the customer complete control of the elements.
To conclude, we should be doing all we can to ensure our residential and commercial spaces are fully equipped to prevent unwanted solar heat gain during the summer months and allow free solar gain in the winter. Adjustable solar shading in the form of awnings, external blinds and bioclimatic pergolas have an important part to play in saving energy and helping our climate journey.
Not only do these products offer an abundance of benefits when socialising, entertaining and relaxing outdoors during the summer months, but they are a quick, easy and affordable way to help ensure a thermally and visually comfortable, sustainable home with lower running and maintenance costs – all year round.
Stuart Dantzic
Managing Director, Caribbean Blinds UK