CompaRing Solar Shading - Apples V Pears?

The need for solar shading is becoming essential, but which type performs the best?

Shading the Sun: Why KoolShade is the Best and Most Sustainable Option for Occupant Comfort - It's time to start comparing apples with apples!

Solar shading products come in two types: internal and external. Internal shading includes window blinds, curtains, and shades that are installed inside the building. External shading includes awnings, louvers, and screens that are installed outside the building.

While both types of shading can reduce solar heat gain and glare, external shading is generally considered to be more effective. This is because external shading blocks solar radiation before it enters the building, while internal shading only blocks it after it has entered. Additionally, external shading can provide better views and improve the aesthetics of a building's facade.

How much of the sun’s heat do solar shading products allow through?

Infrared radiation, which causes the temperature of a room to rise, is stopped by KoolShade before it even reaches the glass.

What sets KoolShade apart from other external shading products is its unique design. The product is made up of woven micro louvres that create a visually stunning pattern on the exterior of the building.

This not only provides excellent shade, but also adds an artistic touch to the building's overall aesthetic. Plus, Koolshade is available in a variety of colors and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for any building.

How much vision out do solar shading products give?

How much clean, fresh air & ventilation is able to pass through?

As a metal, woven fabric, with an 80% Open Area, KoolShade won't stop you enjoying fresh air whilst still being 100% effective.

Unlike many other products designed to provide shade in buildings, KoolShade can stop the sun's heat even when windows are open.

Solar glass and films can reduce the amount of the sun's heat coming through, but need the windows or doors to be shut in order to work.

Internal and external blinds and shutters can allow ventilation, but this is not advisable on anything other than ground floor openings as the wind could damage them. KoolShade is hurricane proof to over 100 MPH.

Building safety

Fire Safety

Fires in high rise buildings are tragically becoming more commonplace, and England Building (Amendment) Regulation 2018 requires that any attachment to an external wall is A1 or A2-s1, d0.

MicroLouvre Koolshade® is the only all-in-one, multi-function window covering system to meet these changes.

MicroLouvre Koolshade® FHA Metal Fabric and MicroLouvre FHA Screens and fittings are made from EuroClass A1 (the fabric) and EuroClass A1/A2-s1,d0 : BS EN 13501 (the screens) components.

Hurricane Proof

MicroLouvre Koolshade® is tried and tested in withstanding Hurricane Force 12 and Category 2 Hurricane winds.

What else can you expect after installing MicroLouvre Koolshade®?

Why External Shading is the Best

External shading is the best option for buildings because it blocks solar heat gain before it enters the building, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy. In fact, external shading with KoolShade can reduce cooling energy consumption by up to 68%

In addition, external shading reduces glare, improving occupant comfort and productivity. It also provides better views, allowing occupants to enjoy natural light without being blinded by the sun's rays. Studies have shown that access to natural light and views can improve mental health and well-being.

Occupier Comfort

KoolShade is more than just a solar shading product - it's a solution for creating occupant comfort. By reducing solar heat gain and glare, KoolShade helps regulate the temperature of a building's interior, making it more comfortable for its occupants. But that's not all - KoolShade also allows for natural daylighting, which has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and productivity.

Real-world applications of KoolShade demonstrate its ability to create occupant comfort. For example, hospitals around the UK, installed KoolShade and saw a significant reduction in solar heat gain, resulting in a cooler and more comfortable environment for patients and staff and lower bills from air-con use. In addition, KoolShade's ability to reduce glare allowed for better visibility of computer screens, improving productivity and reducing eye strain.

Sustainability

KoolShade is not only an effective solution for solar shading, but it is also a sustainable one. The product is made of environmentally safe materials that are both durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements. In addition, KoolShade can significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings by blocking up to 90% of solar heat gain, thereby reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.According to studies, buildings that use external shading solutions like KoolShade can experience up to 68% reduction in cooling energy consumption. This translates to significant cost savings for building owners while also reducing their carbon footprint. By choosing KoolShade, not only will you be providing occupant comfort and aesthetics, but you will also be making a sustainable choice for your building.

According to studies, buildings that use external shading solutions like Koolshade can experience up to 30% reduction in cooling energy consumption. This translates to significant cost savings for building owners while also reducing their carbon footprint. By choosing Koolshade, not only will you be providing occupant comfort and aesthetics, but you will also be making a sustainable choice for your building.

Not only is Koolshade a superior product for external shading, but it is also a sustainable one. By using environmentally safe materials and reducing energy consumption in buildings, Koolshade helps contribute to a more sustainable future. We encourage you to consider Koolshade for your own buildings and experience the benefits of external shading firsthand.

KoolShade

KoolShade is the ultimate solution for external shading, providing unparalleled reduction in solar heat gain of up to 100%. This means that buildings with KoolShade installed can stay cool and comfortable even during the hottest days of the year. But that's not all - KoolShade is also environmentally friendly, made from sustainable materials that are safe for both humans and the planet.

External Shading: The Best Solution

Why MicroLouvre Koolshade®?

An exceptional range of sustainable green credentials and fire protection

Made in Britain - Delivered Globally

Our fabrics are all made in the UK to reduce shipping emissions.

100% recyclable

MicroLouvre Koolshade® metal fabrics and frames are 100% recyclable and are proven to last over 60 years.

90% recycled

The metal fabrics are made from over 90% recycled scrap copper.

68% HVAC savings

Air conditioning usage can be reduced by more than 68% and equipment halved - When used as Solar Shading.

Architectural Glazing using our MicroLouvre Koolshade® is efficient and effective.

MicroLouvre Koolshade® metal fabric can be laminated with any combination of glass to form a completely unique architectural glazing and solar control glazing, providing a new and exciting dimension to high performance glass aesthetics, designed to maximise both appearance and function.?

The MicroLouvre Koolshade® interlayer can be natural bronze or painted any colour and can be full colour printed to present any image, logo or message. MicroLouvre Koolshade® can be tensioned intra glass panels to form a unobtrusive extra mid-pane barrier which provides the wide range of performance benefits for solar control, glare control, perfect outward vision and daylighting whilst providing a sleek and uniform building exterior for onlookers.

How it works

How does MicroLouvre Koolshade® work?

MicroLouvre Koolshade® invisibly neutralises solar heat gain and glare before they even reach the window. MicroLouvre Koolshade® uniquely works non-stop providing dynamic g-value (heat blocking) performance to continually dissipate the sun’s heat and energy into the atmosphere but not blocking vision out, natural daylight or natural ventilation; solar shading using our products is efficient and effective.

Certified in efficiency and efficacy

Test certifications

Download and read all our credentials and certifications from our resource centre.