Shading device
Providing adequate shading to windows/glazed doors will reduce your cooling load. This will be essential in warm and mild climates but may not be required in cool and cold climates.
The effect on cooling loads will depend on the size of the window, type of device, orientation and other overshadowing. The heating load may also increase so in some cases you will need to design your shading to balance heating and cooling loads.
Selecting an adjustable shading device will reduce your cooling load but keep your heating load at the same level because BASIX assumes it is used in summer but drawn back in winter to permit solar gain.
Note that internal louvres or blinds are not recognised in BASIX.
BASIX recognises the following types of shading:
- projections such as eaves, balconies, porches and verandahs for new dwellings
- projections such as eaves, balconies, porches and verandahs for alterations and additions
- pergolas (fixed or adjustable battens)
- awnings and shade sails
- external louvres and vertical blinds.
Note that internal louvres or blinds are not recognised in BASIX.