Kesar Styles / FAQ's

A. Solar shading systems control solar heat gain, which can significantly reduce a building’s energy costs by limiting or even eliminating the need for air conditioning. This is becoming increasingly important with the increasing use of glass within architecture. In addition, the use of optimum daylight cuts the costs associated with artificial lighting and creates a better working environment.

Q. What Benefits does Solar Shading bring to the Working Environment?

A. Solar shading prevents solar heat gain. Studies have shown that as temperatures rise in offices and workplaces productivity drops. Solar shading reduces, or even eliminates the need for air-conditioning. Control of glare has become increasingly important with the increased use of VDU’s in the workplace. Natural ventilation and the optimum use of daylight combine to create a more comfortable working environment.

Q. What is Brise Soleil?

A. Brise Soleil is generally an arrangement of horizontal or, sometimes, vertical louvers or fins that are used to shade window openings and can be fixed or adjustable.

A. A “louver” is generally the description of the shape of a “Z” or “J” shaped extrusion. Whereas “fin”, or “aerofoil”, generally refers to a symmetrical or non-symmetrical wing-type extruded hollow section.

Q. Internal or External Solar Shading?

A. External solar shading, in the main, performs a different function to internal solar shading. External solar shading systems – or brise soleil – are the most efficient way of controlling solar heat gain, because they prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the glass. External Solar shading can reduce solar heat gain by up to 90%. While internal solar shading systems do eliminate a proportion of solar heat gain by reflecting it back through the glass, their main function is to reduce or eliminate glare.

A. Automated, or motorized, solar shading works by following the path of the sun as it moves throughout the day, and throughout the year, and so maximizing the effect of the system. By automating external solar shading its benefits can be optimized.

Q. When Should Solar Shading be controlled by the User and when should it be automated?

A. In general, external solar shading systems that control solar heat gain should be automated to ensure they are providing the optimum benefits to the building, whilst internal solar shading devices which, in the main, control glare should be controlled by the user

Aluminium is lightweight, non-corroding and easily fabricated, making it possible to create systems that would be unachievable in other materials. Intricately shaped profiles can be manufactured and extruded in one piece. The strength of Aluminium means that its versatility can be extended beyond fins and louvers and can be used for elements such as walkways. Compared to steel it is easy to work with and cut and enables a smoother and cleaner finish. Environmentally speaking Aluminium is a recyclable material.

Q. What are the Benefits of Solar Shading in terms of Reducing Energy Consumption?

Q. What Benefits does Solar Shading bring to the Working Environment?

Q. What is Brise Soleil?

Q. Internal or External Solar Shading?

Q. When Should Solar Shading be controlled by the User and when should it be automated?