Using Sun Louvers For Exterior Sun Control

by garrett on September 27, 2011

Exterior sun control is all about taking in and dispelling heat from the sun and glare to keep it from reaching doors and windows. The goal is to keep glass cool so the interior of a room or house remains cool. There are several ways this is done. One is by the use of exterior sun control louvers. These are very effective in controlling sun glare and heat. They are also low maintenance, requiring only to be washed with soap and water. They can conveniently be removed to clean them and windows as well.

Guaranteed

The louvers are resistant to mildew and they do not fade. They also come with a guarantee. Another advantage of sun control louvers is that they do not interfere with good airflow. They are also effective in guarding against insect attacks and they can be used in place of insect screening at doorways,windows and patios.

Aesthetic Value

The louvers can also be used to add aesthetic value. They come in a range of colors so they can be used to enhance the look of a house and keep in uniform as the louvers are installed over all the windows. Neither do they interfere with outward visibility. One fact to note about visibility is that it is affected by the location of light. When lights are on inside the house at night, there is good inward visibility that also offers enhanced privacy.

UV Blocking

Between 60 and 90 percent of UV blockages is achieved with louvers but only 10 to 40 percent of visibility is reduced. This depends on the kind of louver material that is used. Light is seen clearly and is not tinted. It is seen clearly but with reduced glare.

Efficient

Louvers work efficiently, even when the windows are dressed with blinds or drapes that are light colored, which tend to absorb heat. They are protected from damage by UV rays. Darker ones are however more effective in heat reduction than light colored ones for exterior louvers.

OK For Plants

The louvers do not interfere with houseplants either. In fact, the plants need filtered rather than glaring sunlight and the shading they get cuts down on their water loss and yellowing. Plants grow well in shaded light. They do require some direct sunlight and this can be availed by sometimes putting them outside, especially in the hours the sun is not very strong.

Economic Advantages

The louvers also offer an economic advantage. Research has put the savings at approximately 32 percent for the average home. The payback period considers 2 to 3 cooling seasons. The louver should not be removed during winter. It may be cold but the sun still comes out. Also, they raise the thermal performance of a window by at least 15 percent.

Sun louvers differ from glass tinting. Tinting filters the light as well as the UV rays but the louvers reduce the glare without filtering. Sun louvers are more efficient in exterior sun control because as sunlight is filtered through the tint, the heat is not reduced and it will go into the house which does not help when it comes to cutting energy costs.

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