The earlier in the design process that shading devices are considered they more likely they are to be attractive and well-integrated in the overall architecture of a project. This impact can be for the better or for the worse. Shading devices can have a dramatic impact on building appearance. Interior glare control devices such as Venetian blinds or adjustable louvers.Low shading coefficient (SC) glass and,.Horizontal reflecting surfaces called light shelves.Exterior elements such as overhangs or vertical fins.Landscape features such as mature trees or hedge rows.Thus, solar control and shading can be provided by a wide range of building components including: When specified, these new glass products reduce the need for exterior shading devices. However, high-performance glazings are now available that have very low shading coefficients (SC).
#LIGHTNING PROTECTION FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS SOUTH FLORIDA WINDOWS#
However, the same horizontal device is ineffective at blocking low afternoon sun from entering west-facing windows during peak heat gain periods in the summer.Įxterior shading devices are particularly effective in conjunction with clear glass facades. For example, simple fixed overhangs are very effective at shading south-facing windows in the summer when sun angles are high. The design of effective shading devices will depend on the solar orientation of a particular building facade. Some shading devices can also function as reflectors, called light shelves, which bounce natural light for daylighting deep into building interiors. Shading can be provided by natural landscaping or by building elements such as awnings, overhangs, and trellises. In particular, buildings that employ passive solar heating or daylighting often depend on well-designed sun control and shading devices.ĭuring cooling seasons, external window shading is an excellent way to prevent unwanted solar heat gain from entering a conditioned space. The use of sun control and shading devices is an important aspect of many energy-efficient building design strategies. This can provide interest and human scale to an otherwise undistinguished design. Shading devices offer the opportunity of differentiating one building facade from another. This often leads to increased satisfaction and productivity. Sun control and shading devices can also improve user visual comfort by controlling glare and reducing contrast ratios. Depending on the amount and location of fenestration, reductions in annual cooling energy consumption of 5% to 15% have been reported. Well-designed sun control and shading devices can dramatically reduce building peak heat gain and cooling requirements and improve the natural lighting quality of building interiors. In warm, sunny climates excess solar gain may result in high cooling energy consumption in cold and temperate climates winter sun entering south-facing windows can positively contribute to passive solar heating and in nearly all climates controlling and diffusing natural illumination will improve daylighting. There are many different reasons to want to control the amount of sunlight that is admitted into a building.