LIVING ENVIRONMENTS NW Ltd

Solar Blocking

          Direct ray of the sun carry heat in the form of infer-red. If we block the direct ray we also block the sun’s heat.

 We cannot keep the direct sun from hitting any part of the house but we can keep it from hitting and passing through our windows.

Blocking allow for precise control of solar exposure and does it an such a way that does not block view and natural light. 

Three Methods

Overhangs

These are roof extensions that are long enough to  block the summer sun from shinning directly through window.   The actually length of such overhangs can be  worked out mathematically so that it does not interfere with winter solar heating.

 Arbor

Where the house itself cannot be modified, an arbor over a patio or window can serve the same function.  Vines, on such a structure can block summer heat without interfering with winter solar heating.  But only deciduous        vines will all summer blocking and winter solar.

Trees

Well placed deciduous trees can serve the same function as an overhand or arbor. Evergreen tree work well in the west side but only deciduous trees can block the summer sun but allow the inter sun. 

   Because of the density of branches in a different trees. Species and variety can be important. 

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Solar Focusing

I use the term solar focusing to distinguish it from solar blocking.  Solar focusing allows the sun into structure for the purpose of providing heat.   Here we are using the same structures as solar blocking.  Yet here the overhangs must be limited in size, .   For as much as we need to block out the summer sun for the purpose of cooling, we need the winter sun for the heat.  Calculations for this also can be very precise.  With overhangs we can allow the first rays of sun to enter a home on Sept. 29 or Oct. 15 or any other day we might choice.