EFFECTS OF SOLAR RADIATION ON WINDOW GLASS

Sunlight is a source of "cold" radiation in the sense that it does not transmit heat but pure energy. Only the absorption of this energy by a screen transforms it into heat.

82% of solar energy passes through an ordinary window. Absorbed by walls and furniture, this energy is reflected in very long wavelengths which cannot get away through the glass: this is known as the "greenhouse effect." The trapped heat can only escape when the outside temperature is lower than that of the room. In the case of insulated (double) glazing, the cooling effect is even slower.

Considering a frontage made of 50% or more of ordinary glazing, the indoor temperature with closed windows can rise very quickly when exposed to the sun. If the outdoor temperature is 25°C, the indoor temperature can reach 35 or 40°C - 10 to 15 degrees higher!

AN ARCHITECTURE MADE OF LIGHT

21st century architecture focuses on light and space - merging indoors with outside. No longer limited by structural dimensions, picture windows maximise natural light during the winter and bring the outdoors inside. But this can be a problem in the spring and summer sunshine. Unless windows have effective solar protection, the glare hurts your eyes and rooms become ovens!

THINK SOLAR PROTECTION WHEN YOU DESIGN BUILDINGS

An alliance with the sun cannot be improvised. The solar protection concept - a vital factor for comfort and energy savings - should be included during the design phase. This is why solar protection contributes to laws currently being prepared in several European countries (for example, RT 2000 in France).

This guide summarises in clear and practical terms all the information you need to optimise indoor and outdoor solar protection for every kind of building, whatever they are used for.

From fabric specifications to automated systems, choose the most suitable protection for you - and make sure it is installed correctly!