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Shading requirements can vary according to house orientation, the surrounding terrain and vegetation, and the size and shape of your home.
Adjustable shading
East and west facing windows receive low morning and afternoon sun and are best shaded by adjustable vertical shade devices such as retractable window and verandah awnings. They allow greater control over heat coming into your home, while still allowing you to manipulate lighting levels and views. Adjustable shade devices allow you to maximise the benefits of the sun to keep you warmer in the winter months
Thermal skins
East and west facing walls can also be protected by an external thermal ‘skin’ made from a durable, lightly coloured building material suitable for external mounting (e.g. corrugated iron). The thermal ‘skin’ is installed with either an unsealed air gap with a layer of reflective foil facing the air gap, or with bulk insulation, filling the gap. Both methods will shade and insulate the wall during summer. During winter it will minimise heat loss from inside the home.
Paint it white
Another way to reduce heat gain in sun exposed walls is to paint them white or light colour. This reflects the heat away from the walls, keeping them cooler. However, white walls will give off a bright glare in the sunlight, which may be undesirable, so a light (i.e. not white) colour may be preferred. Vegetation such as climbing vines along the wall, or on a vertical trellis installed adjacent to the wall can also help to reduce the glare. Trees and large pergolas can also be utilised to shade these areas.
North facing walls and windows receive the sun from a higher angle. Walls and windows that are not shaded by adequate eaves, including north facing two storey walls are likely to get too much sun in the warmer months. They are best shaded by a well designed horizontal structure like an overhanging roof or eave that will also let in welcome winter sun (which enters at a lower angle). If your house has been built without adequate eaves, adjustable shading will allow you to block out the summer sun but still allow the winter sun to warm the house.
Shading appropriate for northern orientations inlcudes adjustable awnings or horizontal louvre systems, removable shade cloth over pergolas, shade sails or pergola’s with angled roof slats. A second skin may also be appropriate for north facing walls.
North-east and north-west elevations
Adjustable shading is recommended for these elevations as they receive a combination of high and low angle sun throughout the day. Ideally, shading solutions for northern and eastern or western elevations, need to integrate shading that excludes all sun in summer, allow full sun in winter, and manipulate sun levels at other times.
If professionally manufactured and installed shading devices are beyond your budget or you are a rental tenant, you can consider more affordable DIY options. You can also use vegetation to help shade your home.
You can see other images of shading here
