The house should be bright and let a lot of sun into the rooms. But in the summer, that becomes a problem! The right shading is therefore important and should be considered before the house is built.
Table of contents: What to expect in this article
Shading for the house: Important rules for perfect sun protection
A house is often planned primarily from the point of view of functionality. The rooms should offer as much space as possible and be nice and bright, the direct sun is also welcome. But what if the thermometer climbs to 30 °C and more in summer? At this point at the latest, the question of shading becomes loud and the owner of the house has to find the ideal sun protection. It would be better to plan this before the house is completed using a portal like Schattenfinder.de.
Shading from the start: Important rules for the necessary shade in summer
When building a house, the main focus is usually on how to save as much energy as possible when heating and how it still stays warm in the house. Unfortunately, summer is often forgotten. In view of the constantly rising temperatures, it is important not only to let the sun into the house, but also to be able to provide shade if necessary.
Not only does it prevent high room temperatures, which can have a negative effect on well-being, it also protects the skin from the sun. It’s actually possible to get sunburnt while sitting by the closed window!
Shading can also be built at a later date ( Photo: Shutterstock – karelnoppe )
The following rules should therefore be considered when it comes to the shading options of the house:
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Consider sun protection when building a house
The orientation of the building is a variant that can be used to control the solar radiation on the house and rooms. Natural shading from trees is also possible. The rooms then get a little darker in summer, but this shade is perceived as very pleasant. Other buildings can also be used for shading. Furthermore, fixed components such as roller blinds and blinds should be mentioned, which are installed and only used when required.
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Ensure good insulation
Due to its energy requirements, air conditioning is by no means a worthwhile option for keeping rooms cool in summer. Good insulation is much better, although large areas such as the roof and the conservatory must be considered. Of course, insulation in the conventional sense cannot be used in a conservatory; the insulating ability of the glass is more important here.
Fixed components such as protruding roofs can also provide a little coolness in summer. In addition, there is the possible insulation through planting: if, for example, Virginia creeper or ivy climb the house wall, they form an excellent shading option. -
Rely on good windows
When building a house, windows are not components that should be saved. The rule here is that the thicker the glass, the better the insulating effect. There is now a choice between insulating glazing, double and triple pane thermal insulation glazing. Disadvantage: They let less sun through in winter, so this cannot be used to warm up the rooms naturally.
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Rely on external shading
In the meantime, there are fewer and fewer plots of land with the large courtyard tree under which there is a bench for a cozy get-together. It is not only pretty to look at, but also offers the house the perfect sun protection. In summer, when it’s hot, the dense foliage provides the necessary shade. In winter, on the other hand, when there are no more leaves on the tree, the sun can hit the windows and help warm up the rooms. In addition to linden and birch trees, chestnuts, maples, poplars and willows are also perfect shade providers for the building.
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Choose the right interior shading
It is particularly easy to protect yourself from the sun with a curtain. Depending on requirements, this can simply be closed or opened. However, it is not sufficient for darkening and can only do little against heat. The roller blind offers similar properties, but can now even be used as an electric version. A blackout pleated blind is the alternative and offers a special coating on the back that reflects the sun’s rays.
This means that significantly more heat is kept away from the room. Blinds are attached from the outside and offer very good thermal protection. They can also be used to completely darken the room and are therefore perfect for anyone who finds it difficult to sleep in the summer light. A sun protection film is also conceivable, this is glued to the pane and reflects the sun’s rays.
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Install shading options on the building
Shutters and shutters are conceivable here, which can now also be operated electrically. They are extremely resilient and give the house a look that is typical of many regions. Also popular are awnings that are attached decoratively from the outside. They can also be used for the terrace or for a skylight.
The awning is even suitable for a conservatory because it can be opened or closed as required. Heat protection and protection from the sun are very good. However, the awning is very sensitive to storms or strong winds. A sun sail is much more robust here and can remain stretched up to wind speeds of 55 km/h. Even when it rains, the sun sail does not have to be removed, which is very good. Because: It can take a little time until it is opened!
Modern light canvas shades and looks modern ( Photo: Shutterstock-maaike venema)
Tips for shading the terrace
So far it has been about the shading of the house or the rooms inside the building, but now it is about the terrace. This can also be provided with a sun sail or awning as well as a patio roof, so that individual shading is possible. This is a great way to relax on the terrace in summer and still avoid sunburn.
A freestanding gazebo is a great option for shading in the garden (Photo: Shutterstock-Zurije)
Install shading on the house or free-standing
If there is a roof overhang or a balcony, an articulated arm awning can be attached to shade the terrace, for example. Otherwise, a cassette awning can be used. Both variants have a long service life if they are pulled in in good time in strong winds. Tip: Be sure to insure yourself against wind damage! This is possible with residential building or household contents insurance.
A free-standing shading option is provided by an appropriate awning or a pavilion. A parasol can also be the means of choice, but it is usually only small, very susceptible to wind and also not particularly durable due to the constant exposure to the weather. In addition, the foot and the central support are usually annoying with parasols. With the other free-standing variants, on the other hand, the annoying center supports are omitted and there is enough space to place the table and seating under the sun protection.
Large terraces can be wonderfully shaded with a pergola awning. (Photo: Shutterstock- Studio Harmony _)
Additional tips for ideal sun protection on the terrace
Large terraces can be wonderfully shaded with a pergola awning. This is particularly stable in the wind, as the associated fabric is supported by aluminum pillars at the front end. There are even some models that have sliding glazing so that the weather no longer affects the enjoyment of the terrace. Even when it rains, you can sit wonderfully under this sun protection.
However, it is important that the cloth is UV-resistant and thus also protects against sunburn. Otherwise, after sitting on the terrace, despite the shade, everyone is crimson. The right size of the awning is also important. Their projection should be at least half a meter lower than the terrace.
Many neighbors take a very intensive part in the lives of other people in terms of visual technology. To protect yourself from unwanted looks, an additional privacy screen can be attached to the awning. There are special valances for this that can be lowered and can also provide lateral shading.
