'The advantage of a screen is energy savings in addition to sun protection'

"2022 has been a hectic year for the solar shading industry. Due to working from home and the energy crisis, consumers are looking for ways to save energy. The alternative to an energy-guzzling air-conditioning system are screens," said Hans Schellekens (56), account manager of Smits Rolluiken en Zonwering, about the past year in the sun protection industry and the solution screens can be, because to what extent is the consumer aware of this option? 

"The first introduction of screens was some twenty years ago with the Excellent Screen type, and product development has not stood still in this category," Schellekens continued. "At AVZ-Group we closely follow market developments and are always looking for new possibilities. Our focus is on quality and innovation so that we can always provide our customers with the best products. We are now seeing a turn to the updated technology with a zipper-guided screen, the SolidScreen. These technological improvements in the product fit perfectly with today's end-user needs and are therefore a great success." 

"Exterior blinds, especially screens, are great for keeping the heat out in the summer and inside in the winter. For example, when blinds or curtains are hanging, heat comes through the glass and heats up the room. Using a screen on the outside keeps most of the heat out. The selection of the type of cloth helps determine the effect on energy savings. The cloth used for screens is fiberglass cloth. One of the properties of this type of cloth is that, depending on the color, it absorbs or reflects most of the heat. Light fabrics have a medium transmission value, high reflection value, and low absorption value. Dark cloths, on the other hand, have low transmission value, low reflection value, and very high absorption value. Since the absorption value of dark cloths is so high, the reflection value of light cloths does not outweigh this proportionally. The consumer's choice is often based on a color that matches the interior. When a customer has the desire to improve the indoor climate as much as possible and to achieve energy savings, it is advisable to select a dark cloth."

"Another great advantage of a screen is that it provides privacy without completely blocking the view outside," Schellekens continues. "In fact, it's easier to look from inside to outside than from outside to inside. If it is dark outside and lights are on inside, you will see a silhouette through the screen from the outside, but people cannot see inside. AVZ-Group has a wide range of fabrics, including the special Tibelly ecole1% that blocks more sunlight due to its special weave. An ideal application for schools, office buildings or home offices, keeping the digiboard or screen readable at all times. Another advantage: if screens are used in combination with an air conditioning system, such a system consumes less energy." 

"Knowledge is the basis of giving good advice! Therefore, we like to share our knowledge with our partners so that the consumer is always sure of a suitable sun protection product. In the coming years, the AVZ Group will not only focus on delivering high-quality products, but we will also strive to provide excellent service and warranty. This, of course, also applies to the screens product group. It is impossible to imagine the Dutch street scene without this form of sun protection. Anyone who wants to know more about the screens in AVZ-Group's product range can contact us. We are happy to help," concludes Schellekens.