External solar shading can pose structural demands on building facades. Importantly, fixings and support to external solar shading systems will require as much consideration as has been given to the design of the louvres.
Account for All Loads
Fixed elements, such as those of an external solar shading system, must be able to withstand two types of forces. The first of these forces is that of the dead load (the weight of the solar shading system) and the second is that of wind uplift. In many cases the force of wind uplift can be greater than that of the dead load. This must be taken into account by the designer of the fixed elements.
Choose the Right Fixing Material
Stainless steel fixings can be used on most substrates and create a neat and clean finish. Thermally broken aluminium brackets can also be used to minimise cold bridging through the facade where the Brise Soleil system passes through the insulated facade. The choice of fixings will also depend on the substrate (concrete, steel frame, masonry etc.) and so anchor types and embedment depths will need to be different for each.
Allow for Thermal Movement
Movement joints will typically be included in a fixings design for a Fin and/or Blade system as Aluminium expands and contracts due to temperature changes. If the system is to run for a number of meters, then provision will be required for expansion at regular intervals. This may be in the form of small expansion gaps in the façade and/or fixings.
Check Cantilever and Spacing Limits
The maximum cantilever for Fin and blade systems is determined by the section size. The bracket spacing also affects the deflection and load distribution of the system. Refer to the manufacturer’s load tables for the recommended bracket spacing.
Get Structural Sign-Off
As fixing designs for external solar shading form part of the overall fabric of a building structure, the necessary structural sign-off by a qualified structural engineer will be required. Solid fixings are the part of a shading scheme that nobody sees but will be safe and straight for generations to come. Guidance on what is required can be found in the structural sign-off guidance issued by the Institution of Structural Engineers. There is more on Brise Soleil at //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading.
The solid fixings are actually the unseen component of the exterior solar shading scheme and are, in fact, the solid component that can last for decades and remain safe and sound.
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