{"id":512,"date":"2015-09-21T15:49:30","date_gmt":"2015-09-21T15:49:30","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2021-07-06T16:10:00","modified_gmt":"2021-07-06T16:10:00","slug":"blog-the-3-best-exterior-solar-shades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/insyncsolar.com\/Staging\/blog\/blog-the-3-best-exterior-solar-shades\/","title":{"rendered":"The 3 Best Exterior Solar Shades"},"content":{"rendered":"

How do window shades and in particular exterior solar shades<\/a> play a role in \u201csustainable design\u201d?  To understand the role that these shades play, we need to understand what is sustainable design. A good definition comes from the AIA website<\/a> where it states that \u201csustainable design is a collaborative process that involves thinking ecologically\u2014 studying systems, relationships, and interactions\u2014in order to design in ways that remove rather than contribute stress to systems\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

The last part of that statement – in order to design in ways that remove rather than contribute stress to systems<\/em> \u2013 has an important association to exterior solar shades. This next generation in window coverings succeeds as a sustainably designed solution because it removes stress to systems by reducing over 85% the amount of solar energy entering a space and thereby reducing the amount of energy required for cooling. This is a certain qualifier for making the exterior solar shade a sustainable solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is true that putting any type of solar shade fabric on the exterior side of a window can reduce solar heat gain. However, the critical question to ask is: What type of exterior solar shades are the best at reducing solar heat gain as well as, withstand high winds, have a long useful lifespan, is easy to maintain and provides a quick return on investment? Let\u2019s examine these challenges to determine the three best exterior solar shade solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

High Winds
<\/strong><\/span>Any kinetic device installed on a building\u2019s fa\u00e7ade must be able to survive windy conditions. This does not mean that the shades can be fully open and functioning with winds gusts higher then 35 miles per hour, which are as a reference point, tropical depression levels.\"Exterior<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Exterior solar shades have an important backup safety device, the wind sensor<\/a>. The wind sensor is installed along with the shade to send a signal to the motor to retract the shades when gusts of wind hit a specific preset limit. For all of our systems we recommend that 30-35 miles per hour should be a standard setting. While some systems can withstand winds far in excess of 35 MPH, there is no need to have a shade down during such stormy conditions and if the shade is very tall, it may take about a minute or so for the shade to fully retract leaving the system potentially exposed for that period of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Exterior
Wind & Sun Sensor<\/span><\/p>\n

Lifespan
<\/strong><\/span>Always a concern for any outdoor functioning system is how long it will last before needing to be replaced.  While the warranties for the components such as the fabric and the motor are generally 5 years, the systems should last at least 25 years or more. If treated properly, the aluminum extrusions can last even longer with anodizing. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Exterior<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintenance
<\/strong><\/span>Similar to any exterior installed device, exterior solar shades require scheduled maintenance. However, there are only a few components that are used in fabricating the shades, which are the aluminum extrusions, cables, motor, and fabric.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aluminum Extrusions \u2013 There is no maintenance required for any of the aluminum extrusions except an occasional washing. If properly anodized, the extrusions will have decades of performance without deterioration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cables \u2013 For the cable guided solutions<\/a>, the 6mm cables need to be checked periodically for proper tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

Zippers \u2013 The Zip shades<\/a> have a zipper welded to the fabric edge. While these welds are permanent, an inspection of the weld is advisable from time to time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Exterior<\/span><\/p>\n

Motors \u2013 The line voltage motor is probably the only part that may ever need to be replaced. The motor is located in the shade roller tube and is easily repaired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fabrics \u2013 The only maintenance ever needed on the fabrics<\/a> is an occasional cleaning with a soap and water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Controls \u2013 The controls<\/a> on InSync Solar systems are placed in a centralized interior location for easy programming and diagnostics. Based on dry contact signals, as opposed to data and software control, the system is easy to access, operate and maintain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cost Comparison
<\/strong><\/span>There is a wide held belief that exterior solar shades cost more then interior shades<\/a>. This is not the case! Let\u2019s look at a price comparison between an interior VS and exterior shade. Both shades are motorized and in a basic fabric. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Interior Solar Shade \u2013 Motorized 100\u201d x 100\u201d with an aluminum enclosure.  Cost without installation – $1125\"Interior<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Exterior Cable Guided Solar Shade \u2013 Motorized 100\u201d x 100\u201d with an aluminum enclosure. Cost without installation – $1115 <\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see the price is just about the neile. The point is, is that if you are planning to do a motorized shade anyway, why not put it on the exterior where you can receive three times better performance and a faster payback then an interior shade.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Criteria
<\/strong><\/span>The criteria for considering a successful exterior solar shade as described in this article is where the system can meet four specific points, which are:<\/span><\/p>\n