Blinds & Shutters Buyers Guide 2024

GLOSSARY
WET LOOK BLINDS,
CANOPIES AND
WALKWAYS
This type of blind, first introduced in the late
seventies, immediately caught the imagination
of the consumer and has transformed high
streets and holiday resorts alike. It is basically
derived from the dutch blind system. The
innovation of bending the dutch extrusion by
computerised bending machines to almost
any shape imaginable freed the shackles of
limited designs. Unsupported sheeting is
stretched over the shapes whilst hot and
then allowed to cool to give those now
familiar curves which are not possible with
traditional PVC and acrylic fabrics. These
blinds are fixed and do not retract.
Components
Frame and fittings – as dutch blind.
Fabric – unsupported PVC sheeting.
3. SHUTTERS &
GRILLES
BAR/SERVERY GRILLES
Grilles offer a secure means of closing bar
areas whilst maintaining the visual effect of
the area. A wide range of finishes and styles
is available.
Types and operation
Aluminium – available in a wide range of finishes
the interlocking components are supported by
horizontal steel rods, usually brick bond tube
and link.
Plastic – an attractive range of designs that
can match a wide range of internal finishes.
The interlocking plastic components are
supported by horizontal steel or aluminium
rods.
Manual – self coil with the assistance of a
counterbalancing spring.
Components
Roller – aluminium or steel tube supported
at either end by end cheeks.
Shutter box – in roll formed aluminium, steel
or timber to enclose the roller assembly.
Guide rail – extruded aluminium centre and
corner posts can be made removable when
the shutter is raised.
Bottom lath – aluminium, finished to match
the grille curtain, usually incorporating a
bottom rail lock.
BAR/SERVERY ROLLER
SHUTTERS
Solid shutters offer greater security than
grilles and are available in a wide range of
finishes and materials that can be designed
to blend with the decor.
Types and operation
Aluminium – with anodised or powder coated
finish. Punched vision slots are often included.
Timber – made in selected hardwoods and
finishes for decorative effect. The laths are
connected by fabric webs, brass or steel straps
slotted through, or at the back of the shutter.
Manual – self coil with the assistance of
counterbalancing spring.
Manual geared – with gearbox fitted to the
end of the roller with a drive to an eyelet
that is operated by a cranked detachable or
fixed rod.
Electric – driven by a tubular geared motor
contained with the roller.
Components
As for shutter and bar servery/grilles.
DOMESTIC/
COMMERCIAL OFFICE
ROLLER SHUTTERS
The increasing need for security has led to
an expansion in the market and the
development of shutters that are both
secure and attractive on residential and
commercial properties. They generally have
a smaller width profile than shop front or
industrial shutters. As well as being a
deterrent to entry, they also insulate against
nocturnal radiation and thus
Case
Roller
Assembly
Shutter
Curtain
Bottom
Rail
Roller shutter
Guide
Channel
have a significant benefit in heat retention
in winter. Special lath sections are available
that are foam filled to improve insulation.
Types and operation
Built-on – describes the type where the
roller shutter box is fixed to the exterior of
the building facade.
Built-in – where the roller shutter box is
built into the lintel above the window.
Integrated roller shutter – a roller shutter and
window combined as a single unit.
Roller shutter with tilting laths – a roller
shutter with laths that tilt, similar to an
external venetian blind.
Manual – with gear drive from the shutter
roller traced through the building facade to a
universal joint on the room side that is
operated by a cranked winding handle.
Manual tape – a tape drive around a flange
on the roller is traced through the building
facade with pulley guides to an inertia reel
on the room side.
Electric – with a tubular motor fitted within
the roller. Automatic operation is available.
External or internal main entrance shutter
should have motors with a manual
emergency over-ride.
Components
Lath – aluminium, double-walled, extruded
for additional strength or double-skinned,
roll formed & foamfilled or PVC extrusion,
single or multi wall.
Roller (or roller tube) – usually steel
hexagonal tube supported at either end, by
end bearing brackets.
Shutter box – roll formed aluminium, with
bevel edge, designed to protect the roller
assembly.
Guide rail – extruded aluminium to retain
the shutter curtain. With PVC or brush
inserts to reduce rattle and protect the
shutter laths.
Bottom lath – extruded aluminium or PVC
to match the lath. Rubber or PVC inserts to
reduce draught and provide a seal, are
usually part of the bottom rail assembly.
INDUSTRIAL FOLDING
DOORS
These are normally of steel construction in
interlocking panels that form a concertina
effect when retracted. Each set of panels is
suspended from a top track with a wheeled
hanging slider and retaining slider located
into a bottom track.
Blinds & Shutters Buyers’ Guide • 2024 23