There are many questions people ask about integral blinds so in this article we are going to try to tackle the main one. As always you’re welcome to contact us if you have any specific questions.
Frequently asked questions about integral blinds.
Naturally the question on top of most people’s list is price. There is no getting away from it, you will find integral blinds more expensive initially than wooden, fabric or other types of blinds. However in our professional opinion and having worked with these advanced glass and shading solution products for many years they are a very worthwhile investment.
Integral blinds can also be referred to as Blinds in Glass, Blinds in sealed units as well.
Why must the blinds be supplied with their glass?
The manufacturing process of a standard double glazed unit without blinds is carried out under controlled conditions. This is necessary for the double glazed units to be 100% hermetically sealed, to provide the U Values to windows and of course be reliable for many years to come.
The manufacturing process for blinds between the glass is virtually identical which is why they must be fitted by the same company that makes the double glazed units.
What is best? Magnet or Cord Control.
It is fair to say suppliers of cord blinds will favour their product, suppliers of magnetic controlled blinds will highlight the advantages of magnets. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages and we recommend you look at both products and seek expert advice.
Cord control blinds some people may find not as aesthetically pleasing as magnets (that are far more discreet in appearance). However some people with dexterity issues or who simply prefer the “traditional” method of opening and closing blinds may prefer cord control or wands.
It is also worth remembering that these types of blinds can also be controlled automatically, electronically as well as with solar/light sensors.
Can you retrospectively fit integral blinds?
Yes you can. Assuming the existing window supports the current method of glazing the products.
Assuming your windows or doors are already double glazed, they should have a minimum of 24mm units. In addition the existing windows should be glazed with a beaded, gasket, tape glazing, pocket or rebated system. These methods of glass retention ensure easy removal and re-glazing thereby enabling you to replace your old double glazing with blinds in double glazed units.
What colours are available for integral glass blinds?
In our experience, these can be powder coated in any of the standard RAL colours available from the leading powder manufacturers such as Interpon Paints, Tiger, Syntha Pulvin, Axalta and others.
Our only recommendation is that you ensure the RAL reference is the same as your new aluminium windows or doors. As a further check it is important to ensure that your aluminium windows and doors as well as your integral blinds are powder coated in the correct and industry recognised way.
Why must I replace the glass should my integral blind fail?
As explained above, the units housing the blind are hermetically sealed. Therefore it is not possible to replace just the glass or just the blinds should these be damaged or fail. The entire double glazed unit must be replaced.
What glass options are available with integral blinds?
Most established and quality providers of integral blinds will use glass from the major glass processors and producers. This means you can have any type of glass for your home or commercial building. Examples include toughened, laminated, obscure and patterned. You can even choose sandblasted, fire rated acoustic glazing and many other types often seen in commercial installations.
Will integral blinds work with any window or door?
Generally yes in any outward or opening inward window or door. They will suit bifolding doors, French Doors, casement windows and many others.
They can also be provided to partitions, facade glazing, screens or any other type of glazed product.
The only area where it is best to seek advice from us or your double glazing provider is for sliding windows or doors. Because sliding windows and doors need to “pass each other” when opened, often the external mechanism such as the cord, wand or magnet may hit the fixed or opposite sliding panel.
Are integral blinds worth the additional cost?
Budget if of course a deciding factor for many buyers but we believe that integral blinds look better, last longer, offer more features and longer term are the better investment.
There are many types of blinds and our advice is to buy a quality product from a trusted and expert supplier. Here are some of the key advantages of integral blinds.
- They remain sealed, dust-free and will never require cleaning.
- They do not flap about in the wind or get twisted in draughty rooms.
- They are discreet, sleek and elegant in keeping with today’s modern homes and tastes.
- You can choose from many opening options including automatic or solar control.
- They are safer than traditional strings, ropes and cords
- Used correctly they will last for many years were often fabric blinds are replaced through use, dirt and simple wear and tear in the home or office
- Used correctly they won’t suffer damage like internal blinds.
