Can you repair integral blinds? Some questions answered.

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Nick Dardalis

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Can you repair Integral blinds? An integral blind is part of the double glazed unit, sealed between the two panes of glass. One of the advantages of integral blinds is that their location in the glass protects them from dust and general wear and tear.

As an integral blind is hermetically sealed in the double glazed unit, this means you cannot access them. Can you repair integral blinds and how reliable are they?

Can you repair integral blinds easily?

can you repair integral blinds?
Integral blinds in bifolds are one of the most popular places to use them. But can you repair integral blinds?

The short answer is no. Should an integral blind be damaged or require repair it is not easy to do because it is simply not accessible. If an integral blind fails, the entire double glazed unit is affected, not just the blind.

A double glazed unit undergoes several processes in the glass factory. Cutting, cleaning, polishing and ensuring the inside surfaces of the glass are clean and dust free are critical parts of the production process. After these processes the two or three panes of glass are assembled around a spacer bar, which separates the glass, provides insulation and a hermetic seal all round.

When you incorporate an integral blind into this production process, it is easy to understand why repairing integral blinds is not easy.

Are integral blinds reliable?

An integral blind will provide many years of trouble-free operation. Typically you can expect a minimum five-year warranty. Some homeowners may be concerned that the expected ten-year guarantee available with most home improvement products may not cover the integral blinds. Should you worry about the reliability of integral blinds after the guarantee has expired?

Used correctly an integral blind will provide many years of great service and homeowners should not be unduly concerned after the guarantee period has expired.

What can go wrong with integral blinds?

Integral blinds are available is manual and motorised versions, but when used and fitted correctly there is little that can go wrong. Arguably motorised blinds could be deemed more reliable because the motor operation keeps the lifting and lowering action consistent.

You could damage a manually operated blind through clumsy use. Working the magnetic slider or cords with force could damage the blind too. Your installer will always demonstrate the correct operation of your new integral blinds.

Importantly, a quality integral blind features a tried and tested method of operation. Motors are reliable and extensively cycle tested. Manually operated blinds are continually assessed for reliability. Features such as a snagless design, smooth gliding slats and other features all contribute to a highly reliable product.

We have not yet heard of many issues with damaged integral blinds other than from misuse, abuse or lack of user knowledge.

Should an integral blind require repair, what happens to the glass?

In the unlikely event that an integral blind needs repair it needs to be taken away. This will mean the removal of the glass and a temporary method of glazing your doors such as a timber board or temporary glass unit without a blind.

The entire glass unit has to go back to the factory. In many cases, the simplest solution is a whole new blind and a new glass unit.

Experienced glass manufacturers and integral blind providers may be able to provide replacement parts, depending upon the nature of the fault. They may even be able to dismantle your existing glass unit, repair or replace the blind and re-assemble it using the same glass and some of the original parts.

This, of course, will depend upon the nature of the damage, how complicated the repair work is, and whether it is not just easier to replace the entire unit with a new one. When one homeowner accidentally damaged his integral blinds provided by Morley Glass of Leeds, they were able to repair and refurbish integral blinds over 10 years old.  They even managed to make them better than the original product as well.

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Andrew DOBSONAndrew DOBSON
16:42 30 Oct 23
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Cathy GreenwoodCathy Greenwood
07:03 11 Sep 23
Update - A second email to nick for help on bifolds resulted in a detailed informative reply even on a Sunday ! This guy is so knowledgable and helpful .I approached Nick for an independent view on sliding doors v bifold and the different brand options . His reply was extremely detailed and prompt and allowed me to navigate this often confusing world in a much more informed way . Thanks so much Nick
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guard Charlieguard Charlie
12:28 14 May 23
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10:06 04 May 23
Nick is very helpful indeed. Extremely knowledgeable on bifolds which was in relation to my query. Great website as well, some very useful articles. Particularly appreciated the article that lists all the major bifold options in order of their sightlines! Thank you!
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I've been so confused about how to achieve the look I'm after, and going round in circles with various window/door companies, trying to get away from the huge chunks of plastic currently around my windows. I didn't expect an email to a company found through a Google search to really help - but I was desperate, so I tried. I'm SO glad I did. Finally I have clear explanations from ATS of where I've been going wrong, exactly what I'm looking for, and a list of local companies that might be able to provide it! The response has excelled my expectations and I feel as if I'm finally inching closer to a home with which I'll be happy and comfortable: thank you.
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I dropped Nick at Aluminium Trade Supply an email re high security slim sightline bi-folds and their alternatives and he responded that quickly (and so comprehensively) that I felt bad I’d not paid him for his time!Nick Sir your product knowledge is outstanding and you are providing a level of service that goes wayyyy above and beyond expectations. I’ll definitely make sure I mention Aluminium Trade Supply to anyone I encounter looking for a fenestration solution 🙏🏼
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15:13 13 Feb 23
We are looking to replace some old UPVC patios doors with aluminium ones. The ATS website is a great source of advice in an area where clear information is sorely lacking. Having used the website, I then followed this up with a number of specific questions relating to our search, and Nick came back very quickly with clear, detailed and very useful advice.I have been very impressed with both the website and with Nick's advice. My only regret is that I didn't come across ATS before replacing various windows in 2021 - I'm sure it would have saved me a lot of grief and money! Thanks again Nick.
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Adri LoloçiAdri Loloçi
11:21 08 Jan 23
Nick was super fast to respond and provided some great recommendations. I would recommend this website to anyone looking to find bifold or sliding aluminium doors.
Stephen HoustonStephen Houston
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Inga GeachInga Geach
08:25 21 Dec 22
Nick from Aluminium Trade Supply has been extremely helpful with navigating the jungle that is aluminium glazing for our upcoming extension project. His advice was prompt, detailed and always impartial. Very grateful for your input, thanks Nick!
Amanda BurtonAmanda Burton
10:54 16 Dec 22
Brilliant website and an excellent service. Nick provided not only detailed advice and supplier contacts, but highlighted the considerations of various products so I could make an informed choice. Our Sunvista minimal sliders were fitted this week and I couldn't be happier, stunning. Thanks once again for your advice and recommendations, invaluable!
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