Blinds & Shutters Buyers Guide 2024

GLOSSARY
2. EXTERNAL
BLINDS
CONSERVATORY
AWNINGS
Conservatory awnings are mounted
flush with the glazing. They retract into a
headbox and run down guides that are
fixed to the glazing bars. The fabric must
be maintained under tension and this is
done by drive mechanisms and spring
tensioners in the bottom rail or side
guides. These blinds are almost always
motorised.
Fabrics
Mesh fabrics are preferred as they allow
outward vision and still achieve a high
level of shading and heat rejection. Acrylic
awning fabrics will provide a more
decorative effect.
Components
See external roller blinds - page 18.
DROP ARM AND
SLIDING ARM BLINDS
The front profile of a drop arm blind
lowers by gravity and is fixed to side arms
that fall from a pivot point. The projection
is thus the same as the drop from the roller
to the pivot point. This is the simplest form
of awning that is ideally suited to shorter
drop windows. The arms normally fall 90º
to the horizontal although they will drop
through to 135º to give shading against
low angle sun.
To achieve a long projection or for
clearance under the arms, as would be
required over a patio door or shop
Drop arm awning
window, a sliding arm blind is needed.
The pivot point moves up the slide as
the blind drops. A spring mechanism in
the slides draws the arm up, tensions the
fabric and provides resistance to wind
buffeting.
Types and operation
Tape operated – a webbed tape is wound
around a flange on the end of the roller.
The blind is maintained in position by
an inertia reel or by tying the tape to a
cleat.
Gear operated – a gearbox is fitted to the
roller and the blind operated by a winding
handle.
Electric operation – a tubular motor is fitted
within the roller.
Components
Roller – usually aluminium with a cleat to
attach the blind fabric.
Front profile – aluminium extrusion has two
cleats; one for the fabric and one for an
optional valance.
Blind arms – aluminium to project
the blind front profile
away from the
building.
Slides – extruded
section with integral
spring mechanism to
raise the arms.
Top board – aluminium
section that covers
the roller for
weather protection
when retracted.
Winding handle –
detachable cranked
handle for manual gear
operation.
Slide arm awning
Dutch Blind
Hinge
Set
Dutch Extrusion
DUTCH CANOPY
BLINDS
This is the one of the most popular of all
external awnings and is widely used on
shops, restaurants, hotels and on domestic
properties. Either retractable or nonretractable
(see “wet look blinds” page 23).
The quarter circle shape is formed by
four or five legs, depending on the
projection, from anodised aluminium
extrusion and held together by metal or
plastic components and rivets. The profile
has a channel into which a PVC extrusion is
inserted and to which the blind fabric is
stapled and then covered by tape. The
blinds can be housed under an aluminium
top board and end cheeks if required.
Types and operation
Manual – with heavy duty nylon cord fed
through three pulleys and attached to the
front of the blind. It is held in the closed
position by winding a cord around a cleat.
Gear and electric operation – can be fitted
into a tube that winds up the nylon cord
and is mounted under the top frame.
Components
Dutch profile – anodised aluminium
extrusion to make framework with a
channel to take the PVC insert. Can also be
powder coated.
Dutch blind corner – small radius corner with
two tongues to slip into extrusion to form
leg and cross member – made from alloy or
plastic.
Dutch hinge set – made with back hinges
which is elongated with pre-drilled holes to
fasten to the wall; this is then joined to
intermediate hinges, finished off with a front
hinge all joined together with hinge pins. All
Dutch
Corner
Top Board
Valance
Blinds & Shutters Buyers’ Guide • 2024 17