Roller Blinds

Roller blinds are one of the most versatile blind styles suitable for all types of glazing and with a wide range of fabrics, finishes and operating methods available.

Roller blinds are all based on fabric or material rolled round a tubular roller mechanism. Within this product grouping lie a great variety of systems. The specifier should take care to emphasise the exact requirements to obtain the most suitable product. 
 

Types and operation

Standard roller blind

Free hanging blind with metal or wooden roller using a variety of fabrics for solar screening or decorative purposes 

Cassette blinds

Blinds with roller semi or fully contained in a head box. May be selected for standard function or for use with dim-out blinds, solar screening or insect screening. Side and bottom channels may be available as options. 
 

Roller mechanisms

Wrap spring clutch mechanism

A wrap spring clutch mechanism inserted into an aluminium tube, operated by bead chain or cord control for precise positioning. Pull one side of chain to raise the blind, the other side of chain to lower the blind.

Maximum sizes are determined by width of blind, weight of fabric and system operating capacity. 

Metal spring roller

The blind is usually pulled down by a centre cord or handle and will stop at any point by virtue of a ratchet mechanism. To raise the blind, sharply tug the blind down and allow to ascend gently.

Wood spring roller

As above but with wooden roller. 

Decelerator Spring

As the spring roller, but the speed of ascent is controlled by a decelerator (braking) mechanism. 

Self Acting Spring

A Spring Roller with no locking mechanism so the spring is always acting to close the blind.

Flange end roller

Spool inserted into steel or aluminium tube. Gravity drop operated by cord or tape and cleat. 

Sheath End Spring

As the flange end roller but fitted with a spring. To raise the blind the cord is pulled, to lower the blind, the cord is released. This is a traditional form of blind but not commonly used now. 

Motorisation

A wide variety of motorisation options are available for use with roller blinds.

This varies from the simple requirement to operate a single blind via a direct switch or remote control unit to more complex installations tailored to fit exact client needs.
 

Components

 Roller Material

 Aluminium

This is a highly versatile material used in a variety of systems, from the largest to the smallest. 

Steel

This is a less common material used in a variety of systems, from the largest to the smallest. The steel should be galvanised or painted to protect against rust.

 Wood

This is not so common, and is generally only used as a spring roller on small to medium size windows. 

Other Components

Acorn

Wood or plastic attached to pull cord. 

Bottom lath (or bottom rail)

Wood, aluminium or plastic lath attached to bottom edge of fabric or situated in fabric pocket.

Knot holder plate

Plate used to attach pull cord to bottom lath.

Cross rib

Cross rib or stiffening batten. Usually in a pocket across the width of the fabric to prevent bowing. 

Scallops

Various shapes to enhance bottom of fabric fitted beneath the lath.

Spindle

Centre core of spring mechanism.

Pins

Protruding pin of varied design that inserts into fixing bracket.
 

Fabrics

Also cover or blind cloth.

Roller blinds can be specified in fabrics manufactured from a wide variety can be made in a variety of materials. Woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics may be used as the base cloths and specialist coatings are applied to endow the fabrics with performance features to suit a wide variety of applications. Such features can include finishes such as solar protective coatings, for improved solar and optical performance and glare control, and flame retardant coatings. Totally opaque fabrics are available in a variety of substrates to satisfy circumstances where this feature may be required including dim-out and black-out capabilities. Screen or mesh fabrics can be used which apply a defined openness factor to allow some privacy and glare control whilst retaining a degree of view through for the operator during daylight hours.
 

Measurement terms

Pin width

Maximum width including pins which insert into brackets. 

Barrel width

Width of roller excluding pins that insert into brackets. Also known as shoulder width.

Cloth width

Always less than barrel width to allow movement and eliminate cloth chafing on the fixing brackets.
 

Child Safety

Spring rollers contain no operating cord so are ideal for blinds in buildings where children live or may visit. Always consider window blind cord and chain safety in buildings where children live or may visit. See more here.

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