Considered by some to be the most efficient form of solar shading, venetian blinds are suitable for most applications and all types of windows. They offer the best light control of any type of blind, ranging from near darkness when closed to almost full light when completely open. This level of control from individual blinds provides excellent solar protection and offers a high degree of comfort to the building occupants. Solutions are available for the many different styles of window configuration, including skylights/rooflights, tilt and turn, sloping/pivoting and windows in partitions, as well as large glazed areas and standard vertical windows. Non retractable blinds with tilt only operation of the louvres, are also available and are particularly suitable for shading and controlling the light in large Atrium areas.
Venetian blinds provide a high level of protection against solar heat and glare, reducing the cost of air conditioning in the summer and helping to retain the heat in a building in the winter months. Installing external venetian blinds on existing buildings can provide an aesthetic, highly functional and cost effective new lease of life.
Flexible control systems ensure that venetian blinds can be installed to suit the specific requirements of each particular application. Manual dual controls with individual operation for the tilt and raise functions are widely specified, but mono control options are also available on most models and include chain, rod and motor operation. Motor control has gained in popularity for reasons of energy conservation, occupier comfort and maintaining a uniform appearance from outside the building. Diverse electrical control systems can be supplied ranging from low voltage single blind installations to fully automated options that can also be coupled into an existing building management system.
Mid pane or between glazing venetian blinds have been introduced to eliminate blind cleaning and maintenance, which can be a major factor in the fight to improve hygiene in hospitals. This type of venetian blind is also popular in glazed partitions often used in modern offices where trends are moving away from open layouts. The blinds offer privacy but can be tilted to provide an open place effect. 'PC' venetian blinds were developed to eliminate the ingress of light from punched cord holes in the slat, so they are particularly suitable for controlling glare in a computer environment. Accessories such as light control clips (for 25mm slats), or alternatively a combination of solid or perforated slats can be supplied to create a split view when the blind is tilted. This provides protection from the sun at thigh level while retaining the outside view at the bottom, or privacy at low level with light entering from above.
The slat width, colour and solar performance characteristics are important factors when deciding on a Venetian blind as a solar shading solution. However, apart from the control options there are other features on different models that are worth considering when deciding on the most suitable blind.
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