Shading Devices and Specifications

Shading windows can greatly reduce overheating of your house and of course reduce the power usage for cooling your living environment. As we all know East and West facing windows can gain significant amount of heats throughout the summer.

South facing windows

Can be shaded with overhangs that will block the high summer sun, but allow the low winter sun to shine in and provide passive solar heating when it’s wanted.

East and west facing windows

Overhangs do not work for these windows, since the sun is low in the sky when shining on the east and faces of the dwelling.  External shading devices work best for east and west aspects. Trees, screens and external shades or anything that blocks the sun can do the magic.

It is important to understand that the inside shading devices are not as effective as external shading, but can still be helpful. Especially when it comes to BASIX and Thermal Performance Assessment, we cannot take into account removable and temporary devices such as curtains and blinds.

Shading Device Specifications as defined by BASIX

The following specifications apply to shading devices.  These specifications will appear on the Certificate if you select any of these devices.  Select the links below for more information on each specification.

1.  The leading edge of each eave, pergola, verandah, balcony or awning must be no more than 500 millimetres above the head of the window or glazed door, except that a projection greater than 500mm and up to 1500mm above the head must be twice the value in the table.
2. Vertical external louvres and blinds must fully shade the window or glazed door beside which they are situated when fully drawn or closed.
3. Pergolas with fixed battens must have battens parallel to the window or glazed door above which they are situated, unless the pergola also shades a perpendicular window.  The spacing between battens must not be more than 50mm.
4. Unless they have adjustable shading, pergolas must have fixed battens parallel to the window or glazed door above which they are situated, unless the pergola also shades a perpendicular window.  The spacing between battens must not be more than 50 mm.
5. Pergolas with polycarbonate roof or similar translucent material must have a shading coefficient of less than 0.35.

Source: www.basix.nsw.gov.au/

For more information and to learn more about BASIX Certificate and Thermal rating, visit BASIX Certificate & Energy Rating Page.