How to prevent overheating in offices and commercial buildings.
Last Updated on Saturday, 21 January 2012 05:46 Written by tateskate Saturday, 21 January 2012 05:46
Solar energy can have a detrimental effect in many workplaces, whether that is in offices, warehouses or other commercial buildings. The common complaint of overheating and solar glare can make working environments extremely uncomfortable to be in, consequently leading to unhealthy (and unhappy) employees.
Offices and other places of work can get so hot there is a deleterious effect on the ability of employees to concentrate. Many people also complain of dizziness, fainting and even heat cramps as a result of overbearing temperatures.
Whilst the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 24 degrees Celsius as a maximum for comfortable working, Safety law does not set a legal limit for workplace temperature. And despite the WHO regarding anything above 26 degrees Celsius as “definitely unacceptable”, many employees continue to suffer with overheating and solar glare as a result of inadequate countermeasures.
Now there is an effective solution: window tinting for offices and other commercail buildings. This can reduce solar heat gain by up to 75%, and also reduce glare by up to 85%. In offices where employees are expected to concentrate for long periods of time, reducing indoor heat is essential if acceptable levels of productivity are to be maintained. With the widespread use of computers, reducing glare on Visual Display Units (VDUs) has never been more important. This solution can effectively remove these two problems.
Applying solar film to glass can also minimise UV (Ultra Violet) radiation whilst maintaining natural light – yet another significant benefit!
The problems associated with solar energy are generally more prominent in offices and commercial premises that have been built more recently. These new buildings tend to contain a great deal of glass and feature more complex designs, making solar energy even more difficult to combat. The problem is exacerbated further since UK offices rarely have air conditioning installed.
Window film also provides other practical benefits, such as increased security. Many “combination” window films offer both solar protection and security benefits, thereby helping to reduce the threat of burglary. The perfect solution is security window film which offers increased glass protection (ideal for preventing smashed glass), or may act as a deterrent by hiding equipment from view.
But one must not forget the aesthetic benefits of this product. It can improve the appearance of office exteriors and completely transform glass facades, so much so that once completed, a building may look completely regenerated.
With a significant reduction in heat coupled with the additional benefit of anti-glare properties, solar film is fast becoming the product of choice for offices and commercial properties wishing to combat overheating and solar glare. The product enhances the working environment by creating a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone.