Bird activity can affect architectural elements, such as brise soleil, making deterrence an important consideration in the design stage.
In nutshell:
• The acidity of bird droppings can damage metal blades.
• Bird deterrents increase the life span of brise soleil.
• Increasing the inclines of blade angles makes it difficult for birds to roost.
• Bird netting is an effective method of deterring wildlife but must be monitored.
• Reflective surfaces can confuse birds, making them an effective deterrent.
• Subtle, movable elements like flags can keep birds away.
As beautiful as nature is, its presence can sometimes have a knock-on effect on the man-made elements in our environment. For example, bird activity, droppings, and debris can quickly diminish the visual appeal of architectural elements such as brise soleil. The acidity of their droppings can corrode or stain metal blades which, over time, can lead to significant wear, requiring more frequent maintenance and potential repairs. Therefore, incorporating bird deterrents into brise soleil design is an important measure to increase it's lifespan.
It's important that when implementing deterrents, we do not harm local wildlife but instead make the brise soleil less attractive and accessible to them. Here are some humane ways of deterring bird activity from brise soleil without compromising the shading function.
Adjust Blade Angles and Gaps
Designing the blades at angles with increased inclines makes it difficult for birds to find suitable spots to land or roost. Also, increasing the spacing between blades can reduce areas for nesting or perching.
Bird-Deterrent Materials
Incorporating materials like textured metal or mesh that birds find difficult to grip discourages perching. Bird netting is a very popular method of deterring birds although if using netting the RSPB stipulates that 'It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that any netting used to stop birds nesting or roosting is fit for purpose, inspected regularly and maintained, and that any trapped birds and other wildlife are immediately released.'
Reflective or Translucent Elements
Birds often avoid reflective surfaces that disrupt their vision or translucent materials that confuse them therefore incorporating small reflective elements or patterns can discourage their approach.
Motion Deterrents
Adding subtle, movable elements like hanging reflective strips or flags nearby can create enough movement to keep birds away without affecting brise soleil function.