Vertical solar shading is gaining popularity. Here's how it works.

Let's take a look at the solar shading type that is rapidly increasing in popularity: vertical sun shading! Compared to other solar shading systems, these products are more effective in protecting your home from incident sunlight and the heat.

These solar shading systems — which we shouldn't confuse with horizontal solar shading systems like sun awnings meant for your patio — are installed in front of your windows. This makes roller shutters and vertical awnings able to block more sunlight and heat compared to horizontal awnings.

What is vertical solar shading?

Vertical solar shading is a broad concept. Essentially, vertical sun shading products are products that are rolled out and up vertically. Think of products like curtains, venetian blinds, zipscreens and roller shutters.

In this article, however, we're mainly focusing on the latter two: roller shutters and zipscreens are becoming incredibly popular because of their benefits.

The benefits of vertical solar shading systems

Let's take a look at why vertical sun shading systems are gaining popularity over horizontal sun shading systems.

1. They darken rooms more efficiently
2. They allow you to better regulate the indoor temperature
3. Vertical sun shading systems can be solar-powered

Let through less sunlight

Vertical awnings and roller shutters cover your windows entirely. Whereas drop-arm awnings and canopy awnings only block a moderate part of the sun rays, vertical awnings and roller shutters can darken your rooms entirely. On top of that, these products are more effective in reducing sun glares and preventing reflections on your computer screen.

Block the heat

Newly built homes are often well-insulated and come with wide windows. As result, these homes heat up more quickly and cool down slower — not only during winters, but also during summers.

And during summers, this can be quite problematic: if your home is exposed to much sunlight and if the hot air can't escape anywhere, you’ll risk an overheated home. And it's extremely difficult to cool an overheated home — even with an air cooler.

With vertical solar shading, you can cover all your windows entirely, darken your rooms, and reduce the temperature increase at home. As result, your air cooler need less energy to reduce the indoor temperature.

Can be equipped with solar cells

A new feature that has been added to vertical solar shading systems is the option for solar-powered operation. You can buy our zipscreens and roller shutters with a solar motor included. This motor is equipped with a solar cell — which uses the energy from the sun to charge the motor — and a battery that stores the energy.

These sustainable solar shading products bring along the following benefits:

• Environmentally friendly and sustainable
• No need to attach your products to the power grid
• No drilling necessary
• Save more energy costs while operating your products

What vertical solar shading is made of.

Vertical solar shading systems are so powerful thanks to the material that covers the windows. They block most of the sun rays, are wind-resistant, and especially roller shutters make your home safer, thanks to their strong slats. However, there is a difference between roller shutters and zipscreens

Even though vertical awnings and roller shutters both are able to cover your windows, there is a significant difference between these two products. Let's take a closer look.

Roller shutters

Roller shutters are made out of strong, opaque aluminium slats and allow you to fully darken your room. Ideal if you want to have a dark bedroom during long summer days. At the same time, however, your view to the outdoors is lost when you roll out the shutters.

Zipscreens

Zipscreens do block the majority of the sun rays, but still let through some sunlight. If you want a completely darkened room, you could better go for roller shutters. Zipscreens, on the other hand, do allow you to enjoy your outside view, thanks to their transparent awning fabric.

Continue reading about the differences between roller shutters and zipscreens.

More information

Do you want to know which vertical solar shading system suits you the most? Visit our product pages learn more about our zipscreens and roller shutters.