Why external shading and glazing should go hand in hand
Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean Blinds, explains the significant challenges Part O has introduced to the glazing industry and shares how he believes overheating in buildings can be tackled.
Part O building regulations have presented new challenges for glazing professionals within the industry.
Designed to prevent overheating in new residential buildings, these new rules have resulted in the unintended action of architects specifying smaller windows, an approach that not only significantly impacts the fenestration industry but also compromises architectural design, natural light, the connection to outdoor spaces that homeowners require and is also incredibly important for health and wellbeing.
However, rather than responding to these regulations by manufacturing smaller windows, there’s an alternative approach which would satisfy the requirements stipulated in Part O. External shading systems are the perfect complementary solution, meaning expansive glazed areas and large windows can continue to be incorporated into new building designs up and down the country.
Solar heat prevention
What makes external shading so effective is its ability to intercept solar heat before it reaches the glass. While internal blinds and mid-pane blinds can reflect some heat, they do so after it has already penetrated the glazing.
Whereas, external systems, like external blinds, can block up to 97% of solar heat energy before it even reaches the window.
This effective thermal barrier prevents overheating and also helps to maintain unobstructed views and natural light flow so architects can design with confidence knowing that both their aesthetic aspirations and regulatory requirements will be met.
Patio awnings are another example of a practical and stylish external shading system that successfully blocks the sun’s heat and damaging UV rays, guaranteeing any external space or adjoining internal room remains cool.
The technical specifications and outstanding performance of modern external shading systems highlights why they make ideal additions to high-quality glazing. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant aluminium, with fade resistant water-repellent fabric, means premium external roller blinds and patio awnings offer unbeatable strength and durability, even in the unpredictable British climate.
Valuable revenue stream
For installers, external shading is a viable solution to a regulatory challenge and also a significant business opportunity. As homeowners continue to show a growing interest in their indoor-outdoor living spaces, demand for sophisticated shading solutions will also increase.
By expanding their product offering to include patio awnings or external blinds, ambitious installers will be able to provide their customers with a complete solution that effortlessly improves the performance of the glazing they install.
As the industry adapts to evolving building regulations, partnering quality glazing with premium external shading is a forward-thinking approach. Rather than compromising on window size and the benefits large glazed areas bring, this combination creates light-filled spaces that can be utilised throughout the year.
External shading solutions provide new opportunities for installers who want to expand their portfolio, add more value and increase profitability per project by providing a complete and value-added solution.
I truly believe the future of glazing isn’t smaller windows, instead we should turn to external shading solutions. They offer a powerful and aesthetically pleasing solution, allowing for the continuation of expansive glazed areas in UK buildings.
At Caribbean Blinds, we offer comprehensive training and support for installers. This includes access to detailed technical specifications and installation guides as well as practical training sessions so installers feel confident they have the skills and knowledge to complete a seamless and high-quality fit.
Beyond the practical aspect, we also provide marketing materials like brochures and in-store display systems to help installers effectively promote our external shading solutions to their customers, along with a social media lead generation campaign.
