Internal Blinds

Why do we need solar shading?

The amount of light and solar heat entering a building has a considerable effect on the energy needs of a building being able to control it is key to saving energy. Improving the daylight and energy efficiency management of existing buildings and for optimising the low-energy designs of new buildings is paramount in today’s environment.

Solar shading is often under utilised even though its effectiveness has been proven time and time again. Using the technology will dramatically reduce the amount of energy a building consumes but will also improve the thermal and visual comfort of occupants.

There are other factors to consider, for example glazing, window frames, walls, doors ceilings and of course floors. What springs to mind when people discuss how to save energy is adding more insulation however few think of shading devices as acting as insulation to the glazing.

The ability to adjust these devices means we can maximise the solar heat gains in the winter, so reduce the heating loads, and minimise heat gains in the summer to reduce cooling loads. To see more detailed information you could visit ES-SDA the European Solar Shading Database.

In Homes, Hospitals, Offices, Schools and almost every type of building solar shading has been identified as a major contributory factor to control overheating and the wellness of occupiers. It is now understood that children need natural daylight to aid their development so screen shading rather than blackout shading is considered a more passive solution in schools. In hospitals the huge amount of glass exposes patients to far too much heat and solar gain so any internal blinds which allow a view and control the amount of light and heat are extremely beneficial.

There are many types of blinds that can be used as passive solutions to create comfortable working and learning environments. Powell blinds prides itself in being able to advise on the correct specification of shading products.

Although Internal blinds are effective to a lesser degree than external shading they make a difference to the summer heat gain and make the internal spaces more comfortable to live and work. Internal blinds come in many forms for their aesthetic appearance and some perform better than others.

Some internal fabrics have silver or aluminium bonded to the fabric to reflect solar gain and some are adjustable like Venetian or vertical blinds that help control the direction of solar gain and glare.

Most forms of blinds are effective in controlling heat gain in the summer and at Powell Blinds we can advise the most suitable and pleasing.

Room air convection is paramount in controlling winter heat loss and Internal blinds help prevent the heated air from hitting the cold glass in winter and losing your expensive heated air.

It has been calculated that more than 50% of any heat generated in a room can be lost through a window that is substantially smaller. It is pointless heating a room and not keeping the heat in and with any blind at the window it will deflect warm air that rises back into the room and stop it touching

the cold glass. There have been studies made that can prove that the cost of the window furnishing can be recouped with savings made on energy within a few years. Commercially that is also very important especially with the glazed façades that are now very popular.

In the Winter the sun is also very low so it can also radiate any suns heat generated on a sunny day and prevent glare.

As you can imagine there are many ways you can shade a building and that is what we at Powell Blinds have the experience in to guide to the right choice of window covering.

There are many factors to consider such as:
Stopping or minimising overheating in the summer
Allowing passive heating in the winter months
Optimising daylight utilisation in residential and commercial spaces
Providing visual contact with the outside world and still controlling glare.

There are many factors to consider and at all times it needs to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well as controlling daylight which is essential to our health and well-being.

Our products

Q motion

Automated blinds

QMotion UK Advanced Shading Systems specialise in providing wireless window covering solutions for the home. Motorisation eliminates the risk associated with looped and pull cord operating mechanisms and improves safety for children and vulnerable adults.

QMotion UK Advanced Shading Systems feature industry leading technology and shading solutions to accent and support corporate building designs. QMotion UK automated shading systems are automated for modern convenience, and also offer the unique benefit of manual control, as well.

With a growing list of integration partners, it does not get much easier than using QMotion UK for integrated shades. Integration requirements are simple, and allow for integration through RS232, RS485, or our Dry Contact interface.

Verosol

Pleated and Roller blinds

Verosol is a specialist in the design and manufacturing of functional indoor solar shading fabrics. Verosol continuously  innovates to offer the highest performance in sun and daylight control to create a more sustainable building environment. Verosol high-performance fabrics are a natural choice for those who are searching for excellence in performance, technology and appearance.

Regulating the heat and light creates significant energy savings as well as a much more comfortable environment for occupants. In addition to this, our fabrics meet the most demanding green building standards and certifications.

Louvolite

Stylish Fabrics

We offer along with all other major brands the Louvolite range of Internal shading products which provide a comprehensive range to suit all needs.

Louvolite is the premier destination for the very best in stylish fabrics for window blinds. Recognised as a leading supplier of innovative and high quality window blinds products, Louvolite is proud to design and manufacture in the UK.

Through our trusted and reliable service, together with our commitment to ongoing product development, we continue to grow and now supply over 100 countries worldwide.

We have travelled the world researching and sourcing the very best design and materials from the most impressive designs and suppliers to bring you a window blind collection that we are very proud of, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

View our window blinds systems and fabrics for roller blinds, roman blinds and vertical blinds to see the very latest in interior trends, colours and fashions which are all available as made to measure window blinds for your home.