The heat waves are revealing a significant fragility in the French housing stock. Many dwellings remain vulnerable to high temperatures, particularly due to a lack of suitable sun protections. As reported by 20 Minutes, the absence of shutters is not solely explained by the cost of renovations or a lack of equipment. In numerous cases, certain co-ownership rules complicate their installation. Added to this are urban planning constraints, as the demand for heat protection continues to rise.
Heatwaves: homes still not adequately adapted to extreme heat
The issue is far from being trivial. A study conducted by Pouget Consultants and the Ignes consortium, based on nearly 9 million energy performance certificates (DPEs), shows that roughly one in two dwellings presents a substantial risk of overheating during the summer.
These homes turn into veritable “thermal kettles”. The culprit is that they accumulate and store heat throughout the day and take a long time to return to a comfortable temperature. In this context, shutters constitute one of the most effective protections to prevent the sun’s rays from warming the interior of the dwelling. Yet many owners quickly discover that their installation depends on more than just their willingness.
Why installing shutters can become a real headache?
In multifamily buildings, changing the exterior appearance of a facade generally requires the approval of the general assembly. Even when a project meets a need for thermal comfort, it can be rejected if residents believe it alters the building’s aesthetics. This is where urban planning rules come into play. In many municipalities, works must also obtain the opinion of the Architects of Buildings of France (ABF).
This is especially the case when a dwelling is located near a historic monument. According to data reported by 20 Minutes, nearly one in three homes is affected by this procedure due to heritage protection perimeters. These rules apply not only to the historic centers of major cities, but also to a significant portion of rural areas.
Shutters: architectural requirements that complicate projects
Contrary to a widespread belief, the Architects of Buildings of France do not systematically oppose the installation of shutters. The institution explains that unfavorable opinions mainly concern projects deemed incompatible with the existing architecture. This is particularly the case when visible roller shutter boxes modify the appearance of an old façade.
The goal is therefore to preserve the heritage identity while offering solutions adapted to current needs. With increasingly frequent heat waves, stakeholders in French housing must now act and adapt homes to the new climatic realities.
