ᐅ Why is shading especially important in newly constructed houses?

It is often argued that shading is especially important in new builds to prevent overheating in summer. But why is that exactly?

The insulation in a new building works both ways. Whether it’s cold or heat, the house takes much longer to adopt the outside temperature compared to an older house with poorer insulation.

Now, regarding the windows themselves. Shouldn’t solar energy pass through a less effective double-glazed window faster than through a modern triple-glazed window?

Why do many say that shading is PARTICULARLY important in new builds during summer? I would rather think the opposite: a new build is better insulated against heat from outside. Triple-glazed windows with a low U-value keep heat out better than old double-glazed windows.

It's simple:

If there is no shading, the interior of the house heats up very quickly due to sunlight entering through the windows.
In a new building, the heat can only escape slowly and with difficulty (which is desirable in winter).
For this reason, external shading is more important in a new build than in an older house with poor insulation.
Once the building is warmed up, it remains warm for a long time.

Simply wrong, because summer heat protection is not provided at all for the windows (keyword: solar heat gain).

Everyone with new builds is experiencing this right now... if you didn’t have the blinds down, you’re basically baking...

The U-value of the windows is still roughly 1, which is estimated to be about 5 times higher than that of the exterior walls. So, a lot of heat still comes in through them. We are currently experiencing this firsthand. Without shading, the living room easily reaches 28°C (82°F). With shading, we can maintain 24-25°C (75-77°F) even when the outside temperature is 35°C (95°F).

Shading is always important. If the facade has holes and the insulation performs like a mango, it doesn’t really matter much what kind of windows you have – it will get warm inside. At night, however, it cools down quickly again – although in summer, during tropical nights, that doesn’t make much difference.

In new buildings, heat primarily enters through the windows (or through the constantly open door, where your own children and all the neighborhood kids want ice cream or need to use the bathroom every three minutes)... Since everyone (children or not) builds their bright, sunlit temple like in Nice, there is a significant heat gain through unshaded windows... and once the heat is inside, it doesn’t just leave quickly.

Sebastian79 schrieb:
Simply wrong, because summer heat protection is especially lacking at the windows (keyword: solar gain).

Everyone with new builds is experiencing this right now... those who didn’t lower their shutters are really struggling...

Exactly. That’s why we have installed professional air conditioning as a fixed system directly in the living room/kitchen, bedroom, and office. I can only recommend it. It cost us about 8000 EUR (approximately 8600 USD), but it’s definitely worth it.

Regards, Steffen

PS: yes, the kids have to sweat