a woman attaches a sunshade to the window

What you need to know about window sun shading

Whether in the bedroom, children's room or living room, in the office or bathroom - window sun protection is a must, at least in summer. However, the options are as varied as the windows themselves. There is sun protection for inside and outside in different colours and materials.
We present the various options. Homeowners and tenants alike will find an overview here - as well as an exclusive interview with the energy consultant at the Regional Energy Agency in Ulm, Lars Häußler.

Roller blind window sun protection

A roller blind that you fit on the inside is simple and inexpensive. This is possible on both normal windows and roof windows. Roller blinds are available in different levels of transparency. You will find free-hanging roller blinds and those with side guide rails on the market. They are easy to install, usually even without drilling, which is a great advantage for tenants in particular.

Textile screen

No drilling, gluing or nailing - simply clip into the window frame and the inexpensive, customised sun protection will stay in place on any window. Installation is child's play and also practical for tenants, as this model can be removed without leaving any residue. The innovative sun shading is fitted on the outside and holds perfectly even in wind and rain. Because it is fitted from the outside, the window glass does not heat up at all. This ensures pleasant room temperatures. You can easily remove dirt from the fabric with a damp cloth. It is reusable and therefore particularly environmentally friendly.

Curtain

Tried and tested curtains are fitted indoors and offer only moderate protection from the sun. However, they are easy to install - depending on the system, you may need special curtain poles or a pulley to which the curtains are clipped.

Panel blinds

Panel blinds are attached to a rail system that is mounted on the ceiling. The fabric panels can be moved and are ideal for long window fronts. Similar to curtains, panel blinds only provide a small amount of sun protection.

Pleated blinds as window sun protection

Pleated blinds are easy to use and extremely flexible. Like roller blinds, pleated blinds are also available in a wide variety of designs and sizes and can therefore be customised to the shape of the window in question. They are available in different fabric qualities: transparent, blackout or water-repellent.
Tip: According to a Fraunhofer IBP study, honeycomb pleated blinds fitted on the inside enable energy savings of at least seven per cent. In winter, the heat escapes more slowly and in summer the heat stays outside.

Venetian blinds

The modern classic, the Venetian blind, consists of horizontal slats and can be fitted both inside and outside. Blinds are available in aluminium, wood, PVC and other plastics.
If you would like to install them on the outside, you should seek advice so that the window is not damaged by wind and rain.

Roller shutters

Reliable and durable roller shutters are a popular form of sun protection for windows. They are located on the outside and not only keep the light out, but also serve as heat protection in summer. If you want to retrofit a roller shutter, we recommend a mechanically operated front-mounted roller shutter or an electric roller shutter.

Awning as window sun protection

Awnings are suitable sun protection for outdoor areas. They provide shade, but also offer protection from rain and unwanted views. They are available in different colours, patterns, sizes and types (clamp awnings, side awnings, free-standing awnings, on/under-glass awnings).

Slats

The slats are arranged vertically and can be drawn in at the appropriate angle depending on the incidence of light. They are only suitable for indoor areas.

Sun protection film

Sun protection film is applied directly to the window. They not only keep out UV light, but also reduce the temperature inside. The film acts like a mirror. It reflects the sun's rays back through the metal-coated film, preventing them from entering the room.
Tip: It is better to stick the film to the outside of your window. This prevents the window from heating up in the first place and, as a result, does not emit any heat inwards. Disadvantage: The film is constantly exposed to the weather. As a result, it has a shorter service life than if it is fitted on the inside.

Sun protection for the roof window

In summer, sun protection for roof windows is essential, as the sunlight falls vertically onto the window surface. This causes the room to heat up extremely. Either a roller blind or pleated blind is suitable as sun protection for roof windows.
Tip: Roller blinds with a Perlex or aluminium coating on the back are well suited as sun and heat protection. If you want to darken your room under the roof, it is best to choose a roller blind, which is available in different colours and designs.

Don't waste energy on sun protection!

If you want to install sun shading on your windows, ideally the windows should also close properly after installation. You don't want to waste any energy. "The windows must remain tight. You should therefore refrain from using sun shading elements that are clamped to the frame or between the frame and window using clips. Glued-on elements are recommended from an energy point of view if they are attached to the frame," says energy consultant Lars Häußler.

Have your window sun protection subsidised!

Did you know that now is the ideal time to invest in solar shading? External solar shading is subsidised by the state as part of the Federal Subsidy for Efficient Buildings (BEG). Find out what requirements you need to fulfil as an owner or tenant and what you should consider before implementing the measures. You can obtain information and applications from a certified energy consultant. The consumer advice centre can help you find a competent contact person in your area.
Lars Häußler works as an energy consultant at the Regional Energy Agency in Ulm.