Control of solar radiation

Ecological design and building parameters

When it has to do with a building and its design, there are many aspects to consider, which are not limited to the choice of finishes and materials basis.

There are aspects that must be taken into consideration as they go on to influence the final comfort and livability of the space we're going to create.

Solar radiation and insulation

One of the key aspects in this field is the solar radiation, highly regarded by those involved in sustainable architecture and green building. The solar radiation, ie the Sun's rays that reach the surface of the building in question, they may take on different roles.

If not controlled, for example, can become a discomfort, which will return over time, as well as returning the seasons.

The solar radiation in this case is linked to exposure, ie to the approach that we will give or which a building already has. This has an enormous influence on the indoor climatic conditions which in turn affect the comfort.

If the walls of a given building are too exposed to solar radiation, heat up more quickly, going to affect the internal temperature that within a little, depending on the package constructive with which they are made, will rise, sometimes even of some degree .

Therefore choosing the right orientation will also affect about whether to use an air conditioner or split by the cold air, going to also affect consumption and expenditure of the household budget.

Here comes into play the insulation of the building. A good insulation of the walls, both from the cold winter that the heat in summer, will help to mitigate the internal temperature that will never undergo large spikes, remaining constant in the majority of cases.

Cooling and heating

When it comes to building insulation and parameters eg solutions for solar radiation, come into play often words like winter heating or summer cooling.

These two elements are the basis of most of our bills. In the first case, when it comes to winter heating, we all know that radiators, underfloor heating systems and stoves are king, going to raise the costs of the family budget.

In the second case, or in the case of summer cooling, includes all those products and solutions that allow you to limit solar radiation or their subsequent heating. Without going only to the air conditioner or air conditioners, there are many solutions, often trivial, which help in these cases. They range from the use of green roofs, the simple fan to the solar screens and curtains.

In summary, in order to limit the solar radiation and reduce the cost of summer cooling, we must consider different aspects, including ventilation, thermal inertia and shading.

Sunscreens

A good way to reduce the solar radiation is the use of shields. These may be on a building, namely outside of glazed area, are one of the most effective systems.

They are based on the principle of reducing the passage of sunlight, only at certain times, or summer ones, without restricting or penalizing the passage during the winter, where instead the solar radiation can come in handy. The shields are of different types. They can be fixed or adjustable.

Protective Films

These films are generally solar control and are divided into two large groups. A first group that includes semi reflective products that are to be applied on the outside of the glass surface in object.

And a second group which instead includes transparent films or slightly drapes, but with reduced shielding power. In this case the film should be positioned inside the glass, as it is not generally designed to withstand the weather.