What are the operational considerations for roller blinds?

Roller blinds are the most frequently specified type of window blind on commercial, education and hospitality projects due to the range of roller blind systems available and the plethora of fabric choices.

But what are the main types and differences between them? We explain more below.

What are the main types of roller blind?

The five most commonly specified types of roller blind are:

• Spring
• Chain
• Geared crank rod
• Motorised
• Automated

This post explains the pros and cons of each so you can decide with confidence which type of roller blind to use on your next project.

Automated

Automated roller blinds are the smartest systems available and provide architects with the opportunity to ensure their solar shading strategy is as energy efficient as it can possibly be.

When paired with a metallised blind fabric and integrated into the BMS with sun tracking sensors, automated blinds will raise or lower throughout the day to give maximum control over solar heat gain and glare. Not only does this reduce the reliance on HVAC systems for internal cooling, it also increases occupant comfort and wellbeing.

Our industry first automated range, S3 Synchronised Solar Shading, allows architects to both specify and retrofit an automated system to their project through open protocols. And in addition to cost savings through improved energy efficiency, our S3 systems also require less wiring than traditional motorised systems to provide quicker and more cost-effective installation and maintenance.

Motorised

Motorised roller blinds are becoming increasingly popular in commercial spaces that do not require full automation.

They typically require a 13amp fused spur within 1m of where the blind is to be installed, while hard wired motors also require cables to be run to a wall mounted switch.

Radio motors are very popular with the possibility of handheld or wall mounted remote switches. Unlike automated roller blinds, motorised roller blinds require an element of human interaction for the position to be raised or lowered.

We have strong, well established relationships with a number of well-known brands in the electric roller blind market, including lighting control specialists Lutron, whom we have recently worked with on the One Nine Elms development in London. The full case study is coming later this year.

Silent Gliss are also widely specified by architects and interior designers with a wide range of roller blind systems to suit any application. Meanwhile, our ShadeTech and Draper ranges of motorised roller blinds are ideally suited to the commercial office environment.

Spring operated

Spring operated roller blinds rely on a spring tensioned clutch mechanism to hold the fabric in the desired position. The blind is lowered by pulling on a centrally fixed cord or hand grip on the bottom hem bar and retracted by a gentle tug on the cord.

The positives of this system are it is ‘safe by design’ according to BSEN13120 child safety legislation. However, on the downside, spring operated blinds are limited to a maximum width of 1m and a height of 2m. They can also troublesome as springs lose their tension, and therefore, they’re not recommended in the office or school environments.

Chain operated

Chain operated roller blinds are arguably the most common type of roller blind.

Many chain operated roller blinds will have a stainless steel chain which is not only more robust but also hangs well. Larger blinds can be fitted with a booster spring which is concealed inside the headbox, which improves the operation for wider and heavier roller blinds.

Make sure the side chain is fitted with chain stops (small metal balls crimped onto the chain) to ensure the fabric is not over the tube when raised and lowered, which can cause damage to the fabric. Chain operated blinds need to comply with BSEN13120 child safety legislation if they are being installed in areas where children under the age of 42 months are likely to have access.

Geared crank-rod operated

Geared crank rod operated roller blinds are used widely in new school developments, as they’re an exceptionally robust blind, making them a favourite with facilities managers.

Furthermore, the option of removable crank handles allows operation of the blinds to be limited to authorised personnel (i.e. teachers), which save the blinds from being damaged by children or the general public.

Geared crank rod roller blinds are also ‘safe by design’ according to BSEN13120 making them ideal for school and buildings where the general public have access. However, the operation of geared crank rod roller blinds becomes difficult if the blinds are mounted more than 4m above the finished floor level. For high-level blinds or blinds installed in hard-to-reach situations then consider motorised roller blinds.

If you’d like to discuss any of these blind systems for you project, please contact us and one of our expert team will assist you.