Creating shade for large windows

[farticus]

We have some large windows, I don't know what you call them but basically like this:

They are south facing and let a lot of heat in during the summer. We are having them replaced and looking for good options to keep the heat out.

They are a bit large for outside shutters, unless anyone knows of any clever solutions. Integral blinds seem like the next best thing. Are they any good?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

When I lived in the Netherlands we had sun awnings on all our windows (often called patio awnings in the UK) - they are very common in the Benelux. They look a bit like a modern version of the old shop awnings and are very effective, not to mention being available in wider sizes - up to 5 metres (the biggest I had to replace was that size). Maybe worth a quick Google?

 

[farticus]

That's a good idea. Can you have then for windows on the upper floor of the house though? I'd be a bit worried about maintenance and wind up there.

 

[elisa123]

Venetian blinds

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Can you have then for windows on the upper floor of the house though? I'd be a bit worried about maintenance and wind up there.

We did. We first had a 3rd floor apartment with them on the living room window. All the apartments up to the top (8th floor) had them, although they were built-in and operated with a sort of strap affair that came through the wall. When we bought a house later on the upper floor had electrically operated ones, whilst the ground floor ones required a long sort of crank handle affair to extend or retract them. I can't recall anything happening to either our awnings or those of my ex-in laws (outlaws?) - but we tended to retract them at night and in bad weather
and they weren't needed in the winter in any case. The only maintenance I can recall doing was to grease the joints in spring, and although the cloth used has a certain "shelf life", I really don't know how long they last as I never replaced one

 

[foxhole]

Blackout Roman blinds and then curtains, they also keep room cooler .

 

[RandomGrinch]

The best options reflect the solar energy, before it even gets inside.
If you can live with some slight reduction in light levels, specify your new windows with a solar coating.
Brise Soleil also work brilliantly, they made a huge difference when installed on one of our south facing buildings at work.
I would love to have some myself, but DIY kits just don't seem to be available.
Instead, as suggested by @JobAndKnock, I have opted for a fold-out awning...

Awnings - Patio Awnings Direct from £39.99

700+ Patio Awnings online. Next Day Delivery & 2 Year Warranty! Huge range of manual & electric awnings direct to your door. Established for over 14 Years.

www.primrose-awnings.co.uk

 

[farticus]

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing. It's best to reflect the energy before it enters the house.

Integrated blinds are half way to doing that. I was thinking of getting some UV cut film to protect some stuff inside anyway, but an external coating should be even better.