InSync Solar

The evolution of window-coverings have spanned centuries. In the early 1700’s, the Scotch Holland Window Shade was produced in Glasgow, Scotland. But it wasn’t until 1864, when Stewart Hartshorn patented the first spring roller that enabled these shades to function without cord and pulleys.

We’ve come a long way since those primitive days of window-coverings, though the neile spring roller is still available today. Back in those days, and not too far in our recent past, most people considered a window-covering nothing more than an afterthought.

However, with the advent of unique functioning systems, precise abilities of control, and innovative fabrics, today’s window-coverings have evolved into http://insyncsolar.com/Staging/shading-solution-consultant.

The difference between a window-covering, and an Engineered Shading Solution, is where the former can indeed be an afterthought, the latter however, is considered an essential element of a building system.

In essence an Engineered Shading Solution is a sustainable system for an interior or exterior windows, which engage the latest technologies to control heat, glare, and light.

With the advent of these technological advances in the industry, it has become challenging for Architects to keep up with the variety of design and control options. So what do Architects do when faced with new, exciting yet overwhelming choices?

The answer is to rely upon an expert consultant. This is nothing new, as we see a litany of specialists engaged to work on projects, such as: lighting, acoustics, audio-visual, façade, security, landscape, radio frequency, to name a few.

Tilt and Turn windows have become more and more popular especially in new construction in New York City. We finally have a solution to provide shades for the typically difficult to cover tilt and turn windows. Using the track system allows the shades to stay in place when operating either of the two distinct window functions of tilt and turn windows: swinging in like a door, or tilting the top of the sash into the room for ventilation (see below).

The building industry has gravitated towards glass facades with floor to ceiling windows.  They offer spectacular views and a sleek appearance that is almost expected in any new design.  With all that glass window coverings can no longer be treated as decorations or an afterthought.  Shading systems applied to glass facades must be viewed as a building system, on par with lighting, and HVAC.

The Draper FlexShade® ZIP is often used to protect outdoor spaces from sun, heat, wind, and insects. Because the FlexShade® ZIP is used in some especially windy areas of the world, Draper wanted to see how much wind the product could withstand.

WIND TUNNEL TEST
When a shade system is being used outdoors, it’s important that it be as resistant as possible to wind and weather. Draper’s FlexShade ZIP is often used to protect outdoor spaces from sun, heat, wind, and insects. Its wind resistance comes from extruded aluminum side channels that incorporate plastic inner channels. Cushioning pads dampen fabric movement, and “zip” details attached to the fabric’s edges keep it in place. Because the FlexShade ZIP is used in some especially windy areas of the world, Draper wanted to see how much wind the product could withstand.

“We wanted to understand the limits of our product better,” said Clint Childress, LEED®AP, solar control solutions product manager for Draper. “With exterior shading, end users and designers want to know the performance in the elements. The testing helps show and give guidelines.”

Here are the most popular Glossary of Shade Terms that is a great reference and guide to your shading needs and projects. For more information on any of the terms listed below contact us today at neil@insyncsolar.com

• Ball Stops
  Upper and lower stopping limits for bead chain clutch shades.
• Bead Chain
  Operating chain for shade clutches.
• Bead Chain Connector
  Metal piece to connect ball chain.
• Blackout Shade
  A shade that allows no light to pass through the fabric.
• Bottom-Up Shade
  When a shade pulls up from the bottom of the window to the top.
• Bracket
  Mounting point for shade. Use the term “bracket when providing shade without fascia.
• Bracket Cover
  Decorative cover for brackets.
• Cassettes
  Aluminum housing for shade roller, fabric, brackets and controls.
• Ceiling/Wall Headbox
  Consists of decorative front fascia panel and top cover. Shade is accessible by removing fascia.
• Chain Hold Down
• Safety device to keep chain taut.
• Clutch
  Bead chain operated for manual roller shades. 
• Coupler
  Allows one motor or crank to operate multiple shade fabric bands.
• Daylighting
  Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other openings and reflective surfaces so that during the day, natural light provides effective internal lighting. 

The Passive House is designed to achieve maximum solar heat gain by orienting its largest windows with southern exposure with the intent of providing at least 50% of the building’s heating demand, and exterior shades are the perfect solution! Read MoreWhile this works well in the winter months when the low angled sun radiates heat into the space, this solar radiation becomes excessive during the summer months and needs to be shaded. InSync Solar provides both exterior and interior shades with the needs of the Passive House in mind.

Graphic printed roller shades have become increasingly more popular over the past few years, especially in schools and commercial applications.

We wanted to share with you a recently completed installation of motorized graphic printed shades for a high school in New Jersey. As you can see from the below photos and video, the shades were coupled and move together, while each panel still has their own individual graphic.

The new Somfy Maestria 50 RTS motor is designed to motorized all types of exterior shades and screens, while offering specific functionalities needed for ZIP Shade applications.