The trend away from open plan offices has created a demand for fully glazed partitioning. The addition of a venetian or pleated blind between the panes of the double glazed frames offers both privacy and the open plan effect. Blinds fitted between double-glazing are more effective in reducing solar heat gain than blinds mounted internally. Controls are traced through the frame of the glazing and are normally a combined monotype control utilising a gearbox for both raise and tilt functions. Operation is by means of a cranked rod or ball chain. It is advisable to consider access for the control mechanisms at the design stage and ideally the window frames should be pre-drilled before installation. Fully sealed double glazed units may use magnets or low voltage integral motors for control.

Operation

Tilt control

A flexible bowden cable with PVC sleeving from the headrail through the frame to an aluminium or plastic tilt knob.

Gearbox control

Direct mono control from a gearbox in the headrail through the frame to an operating knob or ball chain drive.

Electric operation

Usually only tilt/rotation with a low voltage motor.

Dual control

Cord lift traced through frame within a spring and tied off to a cleat, tilt control with bowden cable and PVC-coated steel twist rod. Not suitable for sealed units.

Components

See venetian and vertical blinds