Renson promotes combination screen blinds and ventilation to avoid overheating

The hot summer of last year's 2018 was the best proof that, in well-insulated, energy-efficient homes, keeping indoor temperatures under control during warm periods is increasingly challenging. "While well-insulated homes keep heating costs in check, the downside of the coin is that once the heat is in, it's hard to get it out," Renson said. "The trend of using larger and larger windows to bring in lots of natural light means an additional increase in the risk of indoor overheating. Fortunately, an energy-guzzling air conditioner turns out not to be the only solution to that problem..." 

Blocking the sun's heat before she reaches the glass
"It's actually as simple as it is logical," Renson observes. "By blocking solar heat even before it can reach the window glass, the risk of overheating indoors is significantly reduced. A fixed awning above the window or an awning with screens is the most logical solution in this respect. Even with the screens down, visibility to the outside is maintained and daylight continues to enter, while solar heat is nevertheless effectively kept out. Dynamic shading like this, by the way, is easily regulated according to the weather, although on extremely hot days it is ultimately best to keep it down all day." 

Blocking out the sun while maintaining transparency to the outside with Fixscreens from Renson. 

Screen awnings as a dynamic mantle for any home
The sun is a free source of light and heat, so it makes sense to make the most of sunlight. During the colder months, for example, everyone benefits from large, sun-facing windows that let in as much solar heat as possible, because the free heat reduces heating costs. In contrast, people want to keep their homes pleasantly cool in the summer, and the sun is best kept out even before it reaches the glass. "Dynamic - movable - outdoor solar shading, for example in the form of screens - leaves both options open," said Paul Renson. "To be able to live at any time of the year energy-efficient, but above all comfortable, in pleasant indoor temperatures, without annoying reflections and while maintaining the view outside." 

An attached patio cover can also serve as an awning
"Incidentally, even a patio canopy attached to a facade with a large window area can serve as an awning," notes Renson. "With an awning with rotatable slats, the incidence of sunlight can be perfectly controlled, to bring shade to the terrace and to prevent overheating indoors on hot days. So two birds with one stone!" 

A ventilation grille from Renson enables effective night cooling. 

Combination with night cooling
Especially with the number of hot days per year continuing to rise, the search for alternatives to control indoor temperatures is more opportune than ever, Paul Renson emphasizes. "Controlling incoming sunlight - for example, with dynamic and wind-resistant Fixscreen blinds or a slatted roof - is then one of the efficient solutions. But - one step further - to effectively cool it down inside, more is needed. Night cooling or intensive ventilation via large window grilles is then an effective option. The solutions offered by Renson for this purpose are burglar, water and insect resistant and can be left open all night in hot periods without worry. Through those window grilles, large amounts of cool outside air can help cool the interior at night. With five air changes per hour, the interior temperature can drop by at least five degrees in summer. Through natural means and therefore for free!" 

With a canopy with rotating slats, the incidence of sunlight can be perfectly controlled. 

"In any case, it is important with every grille that it is built in or constructed and mounted in such a way that it acts as a burglar retardant," Paul Renson continues. "Especially in places that are accessible or where there is a handle or lock nearby. For this reason, depending on the type and the required class, our built-in grilles are fitted with reinforced stainless steel mounting dowels (RC2) or with steel bars to be fixed in the wall (RC4) and surface-mounted grilles are mounted with burglar-proof screws. All visible parts of our burglar-inhibiting grilles are made entirely of aluminum, this in order to ensure a clean aesthetic finish and optimum durability by preventing rusting."

Text: Thijs Pubben    Image: Renson