Doors & Windows
KEEPING YOUR COOL IN THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER
Ian Short , MD of Morley Glass explains how Uni-Blinds ® integral blinds combine the best in glass technology and blind systems to keep homes comfortable and useable at the sunniest times of the year .
According to a 2023 survey commissioned by John Lewis , just over half ( 51 %) of people in the UK say the summer is their favourite season . But when it does finally arrive , many of us realise that our homes are not necessarily very well equipped to deal with the sunshine and heat .
Unlike hotter countries where homes are built to withstand the effects of constant warmth and strong sunlight , British and Irish properties are constructed to accommodate a year-round temperate climate , making them susceptible to summer heat .
One of the ways we can make our homes more comfortable in the summer is to utilise the latest window and door technology , including advanced heat-reflective or ‘ solar control ’ glass and incorporating integral blinds within the cavity .
Realising the benefits of solar control glass
Standard glass enables heat to transmit through with relative ease and retain it well within a confined space – like a greenhouse . As a result , homes featuring large areas of glazing on elevations subjected to prolonged sunshine will warm up to an uncomfortable level and take a long time to cool down .
Today ’ s solar control glass technology addresses this with dramatic improvements possible . It is an ultra-clear glass with a microscopically-thin coating applied to it which acts as a reflector of heat without noticeably affecting the window ’ s overall clarity .
Hence why Morley Glass offers the world ’ s most respected solar control glass products from Saint-Gobain for use in any Uni-Blinds ® integral blind unit . Two options are available – COOL-LITE SKN 176 II and COOL-LITE SKN 183 , both offering outstanding solar control performance with the additional benefit of being super-insulating to help homes retain heat during winter .
Reducing annoying glare
Strong sunshine entering rooms can be a nuisance when it makes spaces excessively bright . When sunlight is extreme , the glare can make it feel like we need to wear sunglasses indoors or at the very least , it can make everyday activities such as watching the TV or viewing a laptop screen difficult .
Traditional curtains or blinds may provide the solution , but they can have the opposite effect and make rooms depressingly gloomy – going from one extreme to another . They can be impractical too when we may want to keep windows and doors open to let air flow through the home .
Integrating a blind within the glass unit is a much better approach . Available as a Venetian or pleated blind , integral blinds provide an effective way to reduce the intensity of light with ease so there is far less glare inside a room . There is even a pleated blackout option available from Morley Glass to minimise infiltration of sunlight .
Choosing the ideal summer-ready specification
Uni-Blinds ® integral blinds work well in both traditional and contemporary properties and they can be fitted into all kinds of windows and doors , including French doors , bi-folds , sliding doors , vertically sliding sash windows and standard casement windows . And one of the most recent additions to the Uni-Blinds ® range is an integral blind that can be fitted into flat glass rooflights .
There are five different control systems available within the range including a manual corded system and our biggest-selling system , the SV Sliding Venetian , which is operated using a cordless magnetic slider . And for those seeking the ultimate in climate and comfort control inside the home , the smart-home compatible motorised MB System offers huge appeal .
Regardless of which operating system is selected , however , the double or triple glazed unit can be combined with COOL-LITE glass to achieve the optimum solution for the summer . And there are no long lead times either , with all Uni- Blinds ® made to order and supplied with complimentary delivery in as little as 10-12 working days .
www . morleyglass . co . uk
18 AUGUST 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM