With rising global temperatures and the UK experiencing increasingly extreme weather conditions, finding effective ways to keep homes cool has become vital. Overheating in buildings is a serious issue, with studies showing that more than half of UK homes fail basic overheating criteria. Air conditioning might seem like the obvious solution, but it’s energy-hungry and unsustainable in the long run.
Is there an alternative? Well, smart solar shading solutions offer a natural, energy-efficient way to regulate indoor temperatures, by blocking heat before it enters a building. This is what Caribbean Blinds will be showcasing at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which coincides with Global Shading Day (Friday 21 March), an international one-day event dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of solar shading.
Why does external shading matter?
We may not always notice it, especially in the UK, but there is no doubt that our climate is changing, and rapidly. The need to respond is critical, and a correctly installed external system can block up to 97% of solar heat, subsequently reducing interior room temperatures by up to 19.5oc and therefore significantly reducing, if not mitigating our reliance on air conditioning and fans. Our expert team will be on hand at Birmingham’s NEC to discuss how our shading solutions can help regulate indoor temperatures while enhancing outdoor space.
Our shading solutions
Caribbean Blinds produces tensioned external roof blinds for conservatory roofs, skylights and rooflights, as well as external roller blinds for vertical glazing such as sliding and folding doors, along with patio awnings that project out from the façade, which the company started manufacturing when it was founded back in 1987. About 15 years ago we introduced louvered roof pergolas, which are still a relatively new type of shading system in the UK. The rotating roof louvers (like a Venetian blind but mounted horizontally) can follow the direction and angle of the sun to provide precise sun control along with ventilation, not to mention the ultimate alfresco spot on the terrace thanks to the louvers being completely weatherproof when closed.
Sustainability and energy efficiency
As sustainability becomes a key consideration in modern home design, external blinds play a vital role in reducing energy consumption. Beyond shading, these solutions help to lower winter heating bills by minimising heat loss through glazing and control light to prevent glare while maintaining a naturally lit indoor space. Our commitment to automation ensures that their products work seamlessly with intelligent sensors, optimising solar gain in winter and providing much-needed shade in summer.
Experience the perfect shading solution first-hand
Visitors to the Homebuilding & Renovating Show will have the opportunity to explore Caribbean Blinds’ wide range of external shading products. From discussing specification options with the expert team to arranging an initial quote, this is the ideal chance to see these high-performance shading solutions up close.
Tickets to the show are £36 for two, but visitors can gain free access via the official free ticket link. Doors open from 10am to 5pm on 20-22 March and 10am to 4:30pm on 23 March. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the latest in solar protection and innovative shading solutions with Caribbean Blinds.