Blinds & Shutters Buyers Guide 2023

GLOSSARY
Timer Control – a daily or weekly timer to
operate the blinds at preset times. It is
usually used to extend the blinds in the
morning and retract them at night. Where
blinds or shutters are used for insulation it
can be used to lower them at night for
heat retention.
Light level control – for non-retractable
blinds has three lux level control and allows
the slats to adjust to maintain light levels
within a selected band width.
Master or Building Control – allows
override of the system from one central
point with the option of an interface
with the fire alarm system to retract the
blinds.
Individual control – allows override of the
automatic system by a switch local to each
blind.
Infra-red control – operation by means of an
infra-red transmitter that activates the
sensor that is normally mounted on the
wall beside the blind.
Radio remote control – control by a hand
held transmitter is usually used for shutters
or garage doors. It is suited when direct line
of sight to the sensor is not possible.
ELECTRIC OPERATION
Almost all types of blinds and shutters can
be electrically operated (motorised). For
venetian blinds, the motors are located within
the headrail section; for roller blinds and
smaller shutters, the motors are tubular and
fit within the roller; on vertical blinds, the
motor is mounted on the back of the track.
Non-retractable
rooflight blinds
have the motors
mounted on one
of the racks
above the slats.
For larger shutters, the motor is mounted at
the end of the roller and drives to the roller
through gears. This type of externally fitted
motor, which is usually 3-phase, is also used
for folding and commercial up-and-over
doors.
Small 12v motors are also available for
small blinds. As they are normally battery
operated, a qualified electrician is not
required for the wiring.
Generally, installers and fitters of blinds
and shutters will not undertake mains
wiring as part of their contract, as this must
be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Normally this work is done by the site
electrician or an electrician familiar with the
client’s building. Thus electrical items are
usually supplied only.
The blind fitter is responsible for final
testing and commissioning and setting the
motor operating limits. Usually the blinds are
installed and tested from an independent
power source before handing over to the
contractor.
Motors are normally supplied with a
1 metre length of flex (or flying lead) so it is
necessary for a junction box or plug
connection to be located within 1 metre of
the end of the blind. Where more than one
blind operates from a single switch, relays
must be used and they can also serve as
junction boxes. Most motors are single
phase using normal 3 core mains supply
cable to the switch, but the cable from the
switch to the motor is 4 core. There are 2
wires for supply (one for raise and one for
lower) a neutral and an earth. The load
requirement is normally not more than an
amp for each motor.
FABRIC LAMINATING
AND PROCESSING
Lamination is the conversion of fabrics to fit
a different use or application. Fabrics such as
silks or chenilles that are too delicate can
benefit from laminating a knit to the back.
This process increases the fabric strength,
durability and seam integrity. It also
minimizes fraying.
Lamination processes can also be used
for fabric protection, fire protection, liquid
protection and saving time and money in
sewing and upholstering.
Lamination processes include: Water Base
Adhesives, Hot Melt Adhesives, Dry Web
Adhesives, Plastisol Adhesives and Flame
Bonding.
Types of lamination
Fabric to fabric - Typically for processes
other than upholstery, but can be. This
process will greatly increase a fabrics
durability while intending to increase the
hand or stiffness.
Acrylic backing - Used to prevent fraying
and to keep fabric from slipping over the
foam.
Fire retardancy - Fabric treatment to comply
with state and federal fire codes.
Soil resistance - Fluorocarbon treatment to
your fabric to prevent staining.
Blackout backing - Most commonly used to
back window covering and shade fabric.
Used to block out ultraviolet rays. Can be
laminated to your fabric to create window
shades.
Foam backing - Laminating foam to the back
of fabric. Commonly used for padding,
sound attenuation, acoustics and quilting.
Canvas backing - Used to increase the
durability of almost any fabric.
Laminated Roller Blinds are made by
laminating a stiffened backing cloth, either
standard or blackout (white or cream) to
the face material. This method is particularly
suitable for glazed chintz, silk, moirés,
synthetics, loosely woven fabrics and any
material that has joins for wide blinds. Any
fabric that has been treated for stain
resistance or fire retardancy needs to be
laminated. It is not suitable for fabrics with a
high synthetic content.
Base shapes and/or borders to the base
& sides can be applied to laminated roller
blinds.
A Processed Roller Blind is created by
stiffening the face fabric with a special
silicone solution. Processing is most suitable
for voile, lace and untreated cotton &
cotton mix fabrics. It is not suitable for silks,
fabrics with a high synthetic content or
fabrics with metal threads in the weave.
Types of processing
Die Cutting, Sheeting, Slitting, and Re-rolling.
NO SEW ROMAN
FABRIC
Fabric that can be knifed without risk of
fraying, and used un-hemmed, in the
manufacture of Roman blinds.
24 Blinds & Shutters Buyers’ Guide • 2023