
The External Venetian vs The External Roller Blind
- August 20, 2018
- 2 Comment(s)
Introduction
When looking to shade the window or a façade of a building with an external blind, a common question is: Which option to choose, the external venetian blind or the retractable material blind?
The answer to this question is a straightforward mix of logical thinking, personal preferences and the consideration of a number of variables which includes: motivation, privacy, climate and cost.
Motivation
Understanding why is the blind required and what is it required to do? Is a great starting point in decision making process.
In Western Australia external blinds are primarily used as a tool for solar control. Consequently, the energy transmission qualities of each option is an important consideration. For example, an aluminium slat of an external venetian blind will prevent a greater amount of heat transmission than a material blind.
It’s worth remembering that statistical data for like for like comparisons don’t often exist. This is because the materials in production and the blinds themselves are fundamentally different. But as a general rule, material blinds from a reputable manufacturer, with a cover which has a small percentage of openness, will reduce heat penetration by approximately 15-30% less when compared to a fully closed external venetian blind. Such details tend to be of greater importance to Green / Sustainable / Energy rated buildings and for consumers for who are looking to reduce their energy consumption.
Light transmission is a key factor to consider particularly when looking to shade a cinema room or bedroom. The questions to ask are: Is TOTAL blockout required or just a calming of the light for comfort, or, to protect furnishings from the effects of colour bleaching from the harsh Western Australian sun?
Privacy
Stylistically, contemporary designed homes love to showcase large, uninterrupted, panes of glass. Embracing the natural light or expanding a dramatic vista by using such techniques does require the careful management of the transparency. Privacy becomes a key factor in the design of such elevations.
On a sunny day, the use of a vertical material blind with an openness of 3-5%, will shade and cool the room to a relaxing ambience. Due to the openness in the fabric it is possible keep the beautiful outdoor visible to an extent. However when night falls and the interior becomes illuminated, this space will become visible from the outside looking in.
The unique flexible features of the external venetian blind can create a number of options for shading such windows or balcony spaces. These features include having the louvres fully open, partially open or full closed. This allows total control to manipulate privacy, air flow, light or weather penetration.
Further considerations
The Western Australian wind – It is recommended that wind sensors are used with products in the local environment. Depending on manufacturer a related warranty is usually applied where a wind sensor is included and set at either Beaufort 5 or 6 or between at 39kmph and 48kmph. For the local Perth climate, information on The Fremantle Doctor states that between 1981 and 2010 Perth average wind speed is 15.4kmh in the morning and 19.5kmh in the afternoon when the ‘Doctor’ comes in. In the last 12months the average gust has 28.2kmph (world weather online 04.08.2017).
$ Cost – The cost of an item is always important. Quality external venetians vs quality vertical retractable material blinds, in the overall cost of building a new home, are fairly (fairly!) evenly priced
Brands
Shading Technologies WA (STWA) work with leading suppliers of both external venetian blinds and external roller blinds. We are passionate about our industry and we love our suppliers. The reason we have so much affection for our suppliers is down to quality of product, quality of people they have working for them and the quality service which they provide to STWA.
STWA are proud to supply: Markilux, Horiso, Helioscreen, Guillaume Janssen luxury external blinds to our clients.
2 comments on “The External Venetian vs The External Roller Blind”
Looking for a west facing pergola (tree shelter) at 8/57 Fifth St Bicton for a 5m long 1 m high between a brick wall and gable pergola Cross beam
Alfreso Shade is very good for your home or office give the privacy and shading to you and family and co worker