Types of components for roller blinds on plastic windows

Curtains have long ceased to be an exclusively decorative part of the interior. They protect the room from prying eyes, from sunlight, and prevent drafts. However, not all curtain models can perform the above functions. Among the variety of products, modern consumers have increasingly begun to give preference to roller blinds. Which is not surprising. Roller blinds have an impressive list of advantages and a reliable design. More details about the new generation of curtains, their configuration, and control mechanism are described in this publication.

Roller blinds: brief description, types, variety of configurations

The roller sun protection system is a dense, single sheet that is rolled up as needed. The fabric roll is wound onto a special shaft that has a specific control mechanism. The sheet is made of durable, smooth material.

The main characteristics of such curtains include the following:

• Effective protection from daylight. The fabric blocks the rays, preventing furniture from fading.
  Protection from prying eyes. Even light shades of canvases do not make the room open to people around. They let in daylight in moderate amounts, closing off what is happening in the room from passers-by on the street.
• Interior decoration. The design of modern roller blinds is unique. Such window decoration will always attract attention.
• Protection from drafts. Models made of dense materials allow additional protection of living space from drafts and cold.

Please note! Some buyers often confuse standard thin strip blinds with roller blinds. These are different sun protection systems. The latter are more functional and practical. They do not need to be washed often, they do not collect dust, and provide an optimal level of light in the room.

Types, varieties of equipment

Guides: types, materials of manufacture

There are different components for roller blinds. However, the most practical and necessary are considered to be guides. They are the ones that act as a reliable fastener for the fabric on the windows, providing maximum protection from sunlight.

The retainer also extends the life of the curtains, preventing them from sagging and deteriorating. The guides are attached in the direction of movement of the curtains directly to the window frame. They can be side, U-shaped.

Guides are most often made from two materials:

1. Plastic surgery.
2. Aluminum.

Plastic ones are usually included in the mini-curtains set. They are light and practical. However, if handled carelessly, they can quickly break. Plastic is cheaper than aluminum parts. Aluminum profiles are more durable and long-lasting. They are used for wide canvases and can withstand heavy loads.

Accessories, components

Depending on the cost of the kit, the type of system, the manufacturer, the curtains are assembled differently. Sometimes the kit is missing some parts necessary for installation, operation of roller blinds. In this case, it is possible to buy the missing fittings in construction, furniture hypermarkets, online stores. When buying fittings, it is important not to save. Low-quality, fragile parts will again require replacement after a short period of time.

Below is a list of the most popular fittings for roller blinds, the features of their application:

1. Adapters. They provide the ability to equip a conventional cassette system with U-shaped guides. The part moves the cassette forward to the required distance.
2. Inserts for shaft axis displacement. If the roll of fabric exceeds two meters in length, special inserts must be purchased to ensure complete winding of the fabric.
3. Box. Using step-by-step instructions, you can make roller blinds yourself. You won’t be able to make a protective box yourself. It’s easier to buy it separately. The box can be made of plastic, aluminum.

   

4. Brackets. Not all homeowners are ready to sacrifice the integrity of the glass unit for the sake of fastening roller blinds. However, this does not mean a complete rejection of roller blinds. Their installation is possible without drilling. Special brackets are sold for this.

   

5. Adhesive tapes for pipes (weights), guides. The tape is made on a polyurethane base. It can withstand heavy loads. Over the years, a new tape will be needed for partial repairs of the sun protection system. The old tape should be renewed from time to time. Then the system will hold securely on the window.

   

6. Fishing line. In some models of curtains, instead of guides, a regular fishing line is used, with a diameter of at least 0.8 mm. It is most often used when making curtains yourself.

   

7. Self-locking control mechanisms. Suitable for cassette models.

   

8. Magnets. They are attached under the window bead using screws. Such a detail may be required if there is a metal weight in the sun protection system.

   

9. Chain stoppers. This is a special part, shaped like a pill with a small cutout. It is put on the chain in a certain place. The stopper will not allow the curtain to fall below the required height.

   

10. Eyelet for fishing line. Is an integral part of the string mechanism for fixing the roll web.

    

Please note! The list contains only the most popular, frequently used names. The fittings are offered in a wide range.

Control mechanisms: types, characteristics, advantages

In the roller blind device, special mechanisms are used to lift the fabric. There are three types of lifting mechanisms:

• chain;
• spring;
• electrical.

Important! The control mechanism is the most vulnerable part of roller sun protection systems. It can often fail due to physical wear, poor quality components, or improper handling.

Chain

The simplest option. The control principle is based on the use of a simple metal chain. It is attached to the toothed edge of the shaft. The chain pulls the teeth, rotating the shaft. It is used most often in open models.

The chain mechanism has a number of advantages:

• Possibility of self-repair. If the chain breaks, it can be easily replaced with a new one. It is inexpensive and is sold in almost every specialized store.
• Simplicity. One-handed operation. Simple things last much longer.
• Possibility of installation on any side. This significantly simplifies the process of using the product for left-handers.

Important! It is better to choose chains made of metal. Plastic products often break due to the high fragility of the material.

Spring mechanism

The spring control method requires special attention. Springs allow you to set the position of the fabric automatically. At the bottom of the weight there is a special regulator handle. This is all you need to lower/raise the curtain to a certain height. Models with such a block have a width of up to 1.5 meters.

There is an opinion that such curtains can move arbitrarily. However, this is not true. They are not subject to arbitrary opening and closing. The design has a special locking device that prevents such phenomena.

Please note! During operation, the spring system must not be subjected to sudden loads or movements. This can cause it to quickly fail.

The disadvantage of springs is their rapid physical wear. With frequent opening/closing of the window, the springs will weaken. Over time, the mechanism will require replacement.

Electric control: all the pros and cons

Installing an electric drive is the best way to achieve maximum comfort when controlling roller blinds at home. The position of the fabric will be adjusted using the drive.

The advantages of the electric control method are obvious:

1. The ability to lower/raise curtains using a remote control. This solution is relevant for "smart" homes.
2. Ease of use of large size curtains.
3. Less wear and tear on fabric.
4. Possibility of setting a timer. In this case, the house will become light or dark depending on the time of day.

Such a control system has its drawbacks. The main one is the high price. The cost of electric models is 30-40 percent higher than standard ones. Other disadvantages include labor-intensive repairs, expensive components, in particular the engine.

Other accessories

In addition to the basic components, you can find other useful accessories for roller blinds on the market.

Please note! The accessories listed below are not always included in the ready-made curtain set and are not mandatory to purchase. However, they significantly facilitate the process of using the curtains and make their design more attractive.

1. Decorative weight. The roller blind opening/closing chain mechanism is more convenient to operate with a special weight. Weights are sold in various colors and can have different shapes. They facilitate the control process and additionally decorate the design of the window opening. The cost of a decorative weight is relatively small. Some manufacturers include it in a ready-made sun protection system kit.

   

2. A case for a weight. It is usually made in white - to match the color of the window frame. After installation, it is almost invisible. It is used to fix a decorative weight. The case is attached with regular screws.
3. Weight caps. You can't always find caps in a ready-made kit. Many manufacturers save on them or on their quality. Therefore, during operation, you have to buy new ones. Caps are a decorative element of curtains. They make the design complete, mask the unevenly cut edge of the weight. Caps are usually made of plastic. They fit aluminum, metal weights.
4. Handle for roof blinds. Roof windows have a special design. Manufacturers make special roller blinds for them. To make their use as comfortable as possible, you can purchase additional handles. Handles are mounted at any distance from each other. In the complete set of ready-made models, the handle is always provided in the amount of one piece.
5. Fabric winding limiter. The fabric should be wound evenly onto the shaft. This can be controlled using special limiters. They look like rings. Such rings control the winding of the material onto the shaft. One ring is put on the mechanism itself, the second on the bushing located on the other side. The fabric material is glued between them.

   

Video: components for assembling a mini roller blind

Photo: examples of window decoration with roller blinds