Roller blinds are extremely adaptable and particularly suitable for commercial applications in modern offices, public buildings, hospitals, schools and other establishments where there is a need to control solar glare and light transmissions through the window. The availability of a wide programme of high performance and screen fabrics enables this style of blind to provide an efficient cost effective form of light control. These range from semi-translucent fabrics with a degree of openness for a retained view outside, to blackout fabrics that can provide total light exclusion when the roller blind is encased in a frame. In addition to those for standard vertical glazing, solutions are available for most modern window configurations including skylight/roof lights, sloping, pivoting and tilt and turn windows as well as blinds for fully glazed doors. There are also fit-in models for inward opening windows.

Control Options

A choice of roller blind systems and control options provides great flexibility and enables blinds to be adapted to suit most installations. They include manual chain operation with either stainless steel or plastic bead chain in a range of roller tube sizes, which can incorporate a lift assisting spring for ease of operation in larger blinds. 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 system.

Components

Continuous sourcing of hardware accessories has provided many new roller blind applications. As glazed areas have increased in size, brackets have been redesigned and modified to improve rigidity as well as ease of installation, and there are guide wire systems for efficient operation of extremely long drop blinds. Cassette and fascia profiles have been developed to discreetly hide the roller assembly, and there is the option of matching aluminium side and bottom channels for effective light exclusion. Fit-in type roller blind solutions have been introduced to enable blinds to be installed directly into the window rebate, especially suitable for UPVC windows and glazed doors and there is also a system with a 'no drill' style of bracket.

Fabrics

Although hardware is a vital system component in terms of quality, functionality and longevity, the construction, performance and colour of the fabric selected are equally important considerations. Occupier comfort and safety are now standard requirements when selecting solar shading solutions for commercial building and the wide choice of weave, construction and colour provides a number of options for specifying the most suitable fabric. These include fabrics woven from high performance yarns with specific solar and light transmission properties, ecological fabrics and those with dimout or blackout properties. All fabrics are flame retardant and contain UV inhibitors for longer lasting colour retention. The following is a summary of the comprehensive range available.