Acculine Architectural Systems lists out three important factors to be considered before buying a screening solution. Getting it right the first time is crucial because it can be a time-consuming and costly mistake to rectify after installation.

The three important considerations for making a screening decision are: design, installation and operation.

Design

Establish the purpose for which the screening is being installed. Is it, for instance, to conceal unsightly features on the building or to improve ventilation? If so, it will make more sense to choose a colour that blends with the building. On the other hand, if the screening is being used as a design feature, the choice of a contrasting colour can draw the eye and look visually appealing. Don’t forget to include waterproofing in your specifications along with materials, blade size and pitch.

Installation

The installation will depend on the choice of design. Every building being unique, factors such as building height, screen size and ease of access to the worksite will come into play. Installation requirements will vary based on the need for coordination with other elements of the existing building design, and will also be influenced by weather conditions. Some facades can be complicated because they are projected off buildings, and will require coordination with access equipment.

Operation

Screening can be operable or non-operable. Ventilation louvres and facades come in both options, and can be linked with building management systems. Shading and sunscreens are fully operable, letting light in and providing the flexibility to control the intensity through adjustments based on prevailing weather conditions. Sunscreens and visual screening are not operable, but allow simple cleaning unlike external screens. These screens do not need to be moved or removed, so no product integration is necessary.