Blinds & Shutters Buyers Guide 2024

GLOSSARY
Operation
Manual – by drawing across from a handle
on the leading edge.
Electric – with a cable drive connected to
the top of the leading edge via pulleys to a
motor.
Components
Panel – steel with powder or PVC coated
finish.
Top rail – rolled U section of galvanised steel.
Bottom rail – galvanised steel section that is
recessed into the floor.
Leading edge – steel section to match the
curtain that carries the locking mechanism.
INDUSTRIAL ROLLING
SHUTTERS
These shutters are usually of steel
construction although multi-wall panelled
aluminium is also available. The curtains
can be made up to 10m wide and
7m drop.
Types and operation
Steel shutters – laths are cold rolled from
galvanised or colour PVC coated steel
bands.
Fire shutters – offering up to four hour fire
protection with fire certificate. Produced
from steel laths, construction meets with
rigorous testing procedures. Auto-closure
systems, activated by heat or fire alarm, with
interface electronics.
Manual – self coil with assistance of
counterbalancing springs operated by a
chain drive connected to the end of the
roller.
Electric – smaller shutters have integral
tubular motors. Larger units require
3 phase direct drive motors with
integral gearboxes, that connect on the end
of the roller. Most systems allow manual
chain drive override in case of power
failure.
Components
Roller assembly – in steel, supported
at either end by an end bearing bracket.
Guide rail – in steel, to match the curtain.
Bottom rail – steel section that can be fitted
with a rubber tube to reduce draught and
ingress of water. A pneumatic stop and
safety edge contact sensor can be fitted.
Wicket gate – a door that is cut into the
shutter curtain and hinged to the side.
Allows pedestrian access when the shutter
is lowered.
SHOP FRONT
SHUTTERS/GRILLES
Produced from steel, aluminium or
timber dependent on the degree of
security and aesthetic finish required.
Lath widths are available up to 100mm
wide. The curtain is normally suspended
vertically from the roller assembly and
retained at either side within guide
channels.
Types and operation
Steel shutters – available in 20 or 22 SWG
section, laths are cold rolled, from plain,
galvanised, polyester powder-coated,
plastisol or colour PVC coated steel bands.
Perforated laths are also available to permit
diffused viewing. (Planning departments
generally prefer perforated).
Aluminium shutters – can be anodised, or
stove/enamelled or powder coated.
Timber shutters – available in a variety of
timber types and finishes.
Glazed shutters – many shutter laths
can be punched and glazed with PVC
inserts. Used extensively where a
fully shuttered shopfront is undesirable
or where shopfront glazing is still
required but good visibility to display is
essential.
Grilles – steel or aluminium, available in a
wide choice of finishes and designs.
Interlinking components are supported by
horizontal aluminium or steel rods (tube
and link assembly).
Manual – self-coil with assistance of
counterbalancing helical springs.
Electric – motor, can include override facility,
activated by switch or various automatic
options. Shutters/grilles can be locked
manually or incorporate keyless automatic
locking.
Components
Roller assembly – steel or aluminium tube
supported at either end by an end bearing
bracket.
Shutter box – designed to protect the roller
assembly, pressed steel, aluminium or timber,
square or bevel edged.
Guide rail – steel, aluminium or timber.
Bottom rail – in material to match the laths.
4. SYSTEMS
AND SERVICES
ALUMINIUM PROFILES
Vertical blind headrail section, Roller
tubes, dutch awning section, angle and flat
bar.
BLIND CLEANING AND
REPAIR
Most manufacturers offer an after sales
maintenance service either directly or
through local agents. For internal horizontal
and vertical blinds regular cleaning contracts
are available. Blinds are normally cleaned on
an annual basis and are usually removed
from site and cleaned in an ultrasonic tank.
The ultrasonic waves implode the dirt
particles and they are removed by the
cleaning agent. When in the works, the
components are tested for wear and are
lubricated before being returned. Regular
maintenance is as important for blinds and
shutters as any other item of equipment.
COMMISSION SLITTERS
Provide a service to cut down fabrics to
any size required.
CONTROL SYSTEMS
An extensive range of standard control
systems is available with custom design for
more complex requirements. Control
systems can be made to perform virtually
any sequence of functions. It is up to the
specifier to choose the system best suited
to the job in hand. Control systems offer
the designer uniformity and building
temperature control that can make
significant savings in air conditioning
running costs.
Types and operation
Solar Control – opens and closes the blinds
and set to two pre-determined lux (light)
levels. The blinds are lowered when the
higher level is reached and raised after a
timed interval if the light drops to the
lower level.
Wind Control – Retracts external blinds
if the wind speed exceeds a pre-set
level.
24 Blinds & Shutters Buyers’ Guide • 2024