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Product Characteristics - Aluminum Venetian Blinds
This document, prepared by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), aims to outline the essential features of aluminum venetian blinds, enabling you to make an informed decision when purchasing blinds. The following product characteristics provided below accurately depict the current industry standards and practices.
The product characteristics detailed below present the state of the art and any relevant standard.
Colours/Finishes:
Aluminum venetian blinds offer a wide variety of colours and finishes to suit different preferences and interior styles. However, it's important to note that there may be slight variations in colour between different components of the blinds. The head and bottom rail, made of steel for added strength, may not have an identical colour match to the slats due to the different materials used. Additionally, the edges of painted aluminum slats are not covered as part of the paint finishing process. Similarly, the operating cords, ladders, and any braids may not perfectly match the colour of the slats. Humidity and Ventilation Aluminum venetian blinds are suitable for rooms with high humidity, but it is important to ensure adequate ventilation. Direct contact with water should be avoided to maintain the integrity and functionality of the blinds.
Slat Closure:
Aluminum slats have a slight curve, which enhances their strength and allows for better closure when the blinds are lowered. From an aesthetic standpoint, the convex side of the slat is considered the facing side. However, for increased light blockage, tilting the slats with the concave side facing into the room can provide additional light exclusion.
Light Exclusion: While aluminum venetian blinds offer a good degree of light exclusion, they are not blackout blinds, and some light may still enter through various points: Slats: Even when fully tilted, there may be small gaps between the slats, particularly towards the bottom of the blind, allowing some light to filter through.
Bottom Rail: The bottom rail is designed to rest on the window sill, reducing the amount of light that enters from underneath the blind. However, it may limit the full closure of the slats at the base, resulting in some additional light filtering through.
Sides/Punch Holes: A limited amount of light may also filter around the sides of the blind and through the punched cord holes in the slats. It's important to consider these factors when selecting aluminum venetian blinds to ensure they meet your desired level of light control and privacy.
The amount of light coming through may not be consistent over the entire blind. When standing next to the blind with the slats fully tilted, it is normal to be able to see through the gaps between slats to the outside. This is a typical characteristic of venetian blinds.
Fitting in a bay window: When installing venetian blinds in a bay window, there may be gaps where the neighboring blind headrails meet. The size of these gaps will depend on various factors, such as the shape of the bay, the window style, and the blind system specifications. These gaps will be more noticeable when the slats are closed. Similarly, at the edge of the bay, there may be light gaps or potential loss of privacy depending on the angle of the bay and the adjoining walls.
Finished drop (length): Achieving the exact drop or length of the blind may not be possible due to the fixed distances of the slat support rungs. To ensure a suitable drop, an additional slat may be added, resulting in a slightly longer drop than originally ordered.
Slat alignment: The alignment of slats can vary due to tolerances in the ladder support rungs, so absolute alignment between adjacent blinds cannot be guaranteed. The number of ladders or tapes in venetian blinds depends on the width of the blind and will vary. For example, a 600mm wide blind may have 2 ladders, while a 615mm blind on the same order may have
Wide Venetian Blinds
Installing sufficient support brackets is essential for wider Venetian blinds, as they provide additional support to the headrail and help prevent it from bowing or sagging under the weight of the slats.
Things to consider when choosing aluminium Venetian blinds that are too wide:
- Sagging in the middle – the headrail can bow under the weight of the slats, especially when raised
- Strain on the mechanism – lifting and tilting becomes harder, which can shorten the lifespan of the components
- Uneven operation – blinds may not raise evenly, leading to a crooked or jammed look
- More wear and tear – cords, ladders, and internal parts are under more stress and can fail sooner
- Poor appearance – a wide blind that sags or sits unevenly can look untidy and low quality
- Need for extra brackets – centre supports are often required, which can interrupt the clean look
- Handling issues – wider blinds are heavier and less user-friendly to operate on a daily basis
Raised Blinds
When in the raised position the blind may not raise perfectly horizontally and may have a slight bow on the bottom bar. This is due to how the ladder/tapes fold between the slats, the quantity and positioning of the lift cords, and the weight on the product.
In short, going too wide, raising blinds can affect both performance and appearance, so it’s advised to split into multiple blinds for larger windows. Bowing or sagging on wider blinds is not considered a fault, but a limitation of the product when used beyond recommended widths.
Fitting inside the reveal (window recess): To allow for operating clearance, the width of the blind must be narrower than the width of the window reveal. If there are any obstructions in the reveal, such as tiles at the lower part of the window or a dado rail, the blind will need to be made to accommodate the narrowest width.
Reveal (recess) not dimensionally consistent: An aluminum venetian blind is manufactured to be square; however, in reality, window reveals often deviate from perfect squareness. The head of the window or sill may not be level, and the distances between the side walls can vary. Additionally, the distance from the edge of the reveal to the window may also differ, requiring blinds to be fitted parallel to the window or the edge of the reveal.
Motorization: There is a wide range of motorized solutions available for the convenience and comfort of operating blinds. However, it's important to note the following considerations:
Speed and alignment: Blinds within the same motorized installation may not travel at the same speed and may not line up perfectly if stopped during their movement due to mechanical and electrical tolerances.
Noise: Some noise can be emitted from the motor operating the blind. However, quieter motor options may be available.
Wiring: In some cases, surface wiring may be necessary. If 240V mains power is involved, a competent person will be required to provide a power feed unless the blinds can be powered from an existing socket using a plug.
Motor protection: To ensure safety, most motors are equipped with a thermal cut-out feature that protects them from overheating. If the motor gets too hot, it will stop working until it has cooled down sufficiently.
Smart Home Hub:
When using a smart home hub, it is possible for the signals to the blinds to occasionally be interrupted by other wireless devices in the home, such as smart speakers or doorbells. This can affect the operation or seamless operation of the blinds.
Child safety:
Blinds with cords or chains pose a risk of strangulation to young children. The BBSA recommends inherently safe products that are designed with safety in mind (Safe by Design). If you choose a product with additional child safety devices, it is crucial to ensure that these devices are securely fitted as required. For more information on window blind safety, you can visit www.makeitsafe.org.uk.