How does orientation affect the shading need of an area?

Orientation determines if and when (season and time of day) sun enters a specific area.

Which are the basic categories of shading systems?

The basic categories are two.  Internal shading systems and external shading systems.  Internal shading systems are applied at the internal side of the facade facing the sun whereas external shading systems are applied at the external side of the façade facing the sun.

What determines the appropriate category of shading system in each case?

The choice between external and internal shading systems depends primarily on the following factors:

1. The desired degree of energy saving.
2. The desired degree of shading.
3. The desired degree of safety.
4. The aestheticism.
5. The budget.

In many cases it is appropriate to combine the two shading types.

Which are the basic types of Internal and External Shading Systems?

The basic types of Internal Shading Systems are Roller Blinds, Zebra Blinds, Roman Blinds, Curtains, Horizontal and Vertical Blinds made up of either fabric or aluminum or wood, silhouette, perfect fit and illusion blinds. Their position and inclination angle can be regulated through manual, motorized or with automation.  Almost all of them come in many different colors and designs hence they form useful internal design tools.

The basic types of External Shading Systems are Awnings, Roller Shutters, , Shaders, External Blinds, Aluminum Pergolas, Garage doors and Shading Rags. All of these systems have the capacity and ability to block the sunlight before it enters the interior space and consequently, they achieve not only sun protection, but also energy saving and a degree of safety and security of the space. 

External blinds and Awning systems can be retracted and tilted, responding to the outdoor conditions. Their position and inclination angle can be regulated through manual, motorized or with automation. All of them but Shading Rags have their position and inclination angle regulated manually, motorized or automatically. 

How is the degree of shading controlled?

1. For complete blackout it is necessary to use special blackout fabrics which completely obstruct the passage of light.
2. Partial room darkness requires the use of special dimout fabrics which obstruct substantially the passage of light.
3. For spaces where almost no darkening is required, the use of special perforated fabrics is deemed necessary to permit partial passage of incoming light.
4. Through a combination of the above to meet different needs.

What determines the extent of energy savings?

1. For maximum energy saving, the combination use of External & Internal Shading Systems is recommended.
2. For a high degree of energy saving, it is recommended to use External Shading Systems
3. For an average degree of energy saving, it is recommended to use Internal Shading Systems.

When is it appropriate to use motorized or automated Shading Systems?

Motorization and automation facilitate the remote operation of shading systems and are appropriate where:

1. The access for manual control is difficult.
2. There are large openings and hence large and heavy-duty shading systems.
3. Τhe shading systems need to be operating in the absence of the user in order maximize their performance and effectiveness.
4. Better comfort is desired.

How do Shading Systems affect health?

1. University research has shown that the use of sun light instead of electrical light reduces substantially psychological disorders and ophthalmic diseases while it increases productivity.
2. University research has shown that Shading Systems contribute substantially to the improvement of Energy Performance of Buildings and hence the reduction of energy consumption and pollution.
3. Internal Shading Systems featuring fabrics with solar protective coating (SPC), they contribute to the protection of man against the harmful effects of solar radiation (UVA, UVB).
4. Internal Shading Systems containing fabrics meeting the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 criteria offer protection from harmful and dangerous substances such as carcinogenic and allergy-inducing dyestuffs, formaldehyde, pesticides, chlorinated phenols etc.  Fabrics which do not meet the specific standard may be harmful to human health.

What determines the choice of colors of Shading Systems?

The choice of colors is merely an aesthetic issue.  It is recommended to seek the opinion of an internal designer for Internal Shading Systems and an architect for External Shading Systems.