During the warm summer months, the sun’s intense rays can make the interior of buildings uncomfortably hot. Excessive indoor heat not only causes discomfort, but also poses risks to health, productivity and building systems. Installing external shading is an effective way to prevent overheating indoors. The shade provided can make outdoor spaces more enjoyable to use and reduce the need for air conditioning.

The right type of shading tailored to your climate and home can help cut cooling costs while creating more usable outdoor living space. Read on to learn how exterior shading devices like awnings can help improve comfort, efficiency and enjoyment of your home.

Risks of Overheating in Buildings

Excessive indoor heat poses various risks that external shading can help mitigate.

Health Dangers

Prolonged exposure to high heat indoors can cause potentially fatal conditions like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and hyperthermia. With our increasingly hot summers as a result of climate change, the risks of health and productivity being impacted by the heat are trebled, according to The Climate Change Committee. Infants, children, elderly people and those with chronic medical conditions are particularly vulnerable, but exterior shading helps reduce these health risks.

Equipment Damage

Electronic equipment like computers and appliances can malfunction or have their lifespan shortened when exposed to excessive heat. Cooling systems which are forced to work harder to remove heat also risk premature breakdown. Keeping temperatures lower with shading prevents expensive equipment damage.

Higher Energy Bills

As cooling demand rises to combat the heat, so does energy consumption. And in times of higher energy bills, this is a concern for many people around the UK. Air conditioners and other cooling systems have to work harder, causing your utility bills to skyrocket. But by preventing overheating in the first place with exterior shading, you can reduce energy usage and save money on your bills.

By mitigating these risks, external shading devices like awnings or shade sails provide benefits beyond just comfort and ambiance. The improved temperature control can have real impacts on health, safety, performance and expenses.

External Shading Solutions

Installing external shading on your home is an excellent way to make outdoor living spaces more enjoyable while reducing cooling costs and overheating risks indoors. Elements like pergolas, awnings and covered porches provide shade that allows you to get more use from outdoor areas on sunny days. Strategically shading windows and walls also minimises heat gain to maintain cooler indoor temperatures without relying heavily on air conditioning.

Beyond just comfort and ambiance, external shading devices offer important benefits like improved privacy, added aesthetic appeal and flexible functionality. Given both the advantages and preventative qualities, integrating some form of thoughtfully designed shading solution into your home is highly recommended. There are several options available.

Awnings

Awnings provide targeted shading for outdoor spaces like terraces, balconies and sunrooms. Mounted above these areas, awnings shade the entire space below, creating a comfortable climate for summertime relaxation. Homeowners can choose between retractable or tilting awnings.

Retractable awnings contain fabric rolled up into a protective housing case when not in use. This type is more practical as it shelters the fabric from weather, dirt, and wear when retracted. Tilting awnings fold up against the building using arm joints. Both styles can be operated manually with a hand crank or motorised for push-button control.

With the ability to effectively shade specific outdoor zones, awnings are an ideal external shading solution for maximising use of patios, balconies, and other covered exterior areas during warm seasons. The targeted shade keeps these spaces cooler and more comfortable for homeowners to enjoy.

Pergolas

Attached pergolas are an effective way to provide targeted outdoor shading. Unlike standalone pergola structures, attached pergolas are connected directly to the home, extending out from the rear or side of the house over patios, decks or walkways. The roofed, open-air design of pergolas allows for both shade and air circulation. This creates a cooler, more comfortable area underneath to enjoy during sunny weather.

Positioned above or near patio seating, attached pergolas provide excellent shade for dining, lounging or entertaining, as well as keeping interior spaces cooler and more usable during hot summer months. With their shading capabilities and architectural appeal, attached pergolas are an attractive external shading addition.

External blinds

External blinds are one of the most effective forms of external shading. Unlike internal blinds, external blinds stop sunlight before it can enter the home, keeping interiors comfortable even on hot summer days. This not only improves comfort, but reduces energy consumption needed to cool the home. External blinds also serve as an architecturally interesting element on building facades. Their versatile design complements both modern and historical architecture, making them suitable for homes, apartments and offices alike. With practical and aesthetic benefits, external blinds are an effective shading solution.

Get in touch

With all the options available, from materials to motors and a range of styles, there are many possibilities to find the perfect external shading fit for your climate and home. Get in touch with the team at Aquarius Blinds to explore how exterior shading can start benefiting your property today.