Blinds, shutters and awnings make an important contribution to well-being at home.
Blinds
An awning is a "hard" window treatment that is usually made of a rigid material consisting largely of flaps (or slats) that fall downwards when lowered. Vertical blinds do not adhere to this last rule.
Shutters
Shutters are typically found on the outside of the house, and are closed to protect the windows from the weather and when outside. Interior shutters are a stationary set of blinds with a rod attached to the slats for rotation and usually include a locking mechanism to keep them closed.
EN 14501:2021 applies to the whole range of shutters, awnings and blinds defined in EN 12216, described as solar protection devices. It specifies the properties and classifications:
- related to thermal comfort:
- the solar factor (total solar energy transmittance)
- the secondary heat transfer factor
- the direct solar transmittance
- related to visual comfort:
- the darkening performance
- the night privacy
- the visual contact with the outside
- the glare control
- the daylight utilization
- the rendering of colours
EN 14500:2021 defines the test and calculation methods for determining the reflection and transmission characteristics to be used for establishing the thermal and visual comfort performance classes of external blinds, internal blinds and shutters, as specified in EN 14501:2021.
It also specifies the method for determining the darkening performance of external blinds, internal blinds and shutters, as specified in EN 14501:2021, and applies to the whole range of shutters, awnings and blinds defined in EN 12216, described as solar protection devices.
Titles:
EN 14500:2021 Blinds and shutters - Thermal and visual comfort - Test and calculation methods
EN 14501:2021 Blinds and shutters - Thermal and visual comfort - Performance characteristics and classification
Date of Availability (DAV) 10.03.2021
Standard with a previous version harmonised under Construction Product Regulation (EU) No 305/2011:
EN 14501:2005 Blinds and shutters - Thermal and visual comfort - Performance characteristics and classification