External Blinds
Create a physical barrier in front of your interior vertical glazing or outdoor pergola space and stop the suns energy more effectively. Our innovative external roller & roof blinds are the most effective way to regulate solar heat and light, preventing unwanted solar heat gain and diffusing incoming light to create a thermally and visually comfortable indoor or outdoor space.
Blocking upto 92%* of the suns near infra-red heat rays, our external blinds can reduce interior room temperatures by more than 10 degrees centigrade.
Performance data is purely indicative based on tests carried out to EN 13363-1 with double low-e glass and using Twilight Pearl solar control mesh dimout fabric
External Roller Blinds
Our external roller blind with its slim profiles and sleek design is a seamless addition to any vertical glazed area. Zip locking technology built into the side guides, physically locks the fabric in place at every position rendering the blind windproof along with preventing any light shining between the edge, whilst the weighted lead rail ensures the fabric stays under optimum tension. A clever two-part side guide conceals all fixings, a cassette headbox discreetly hides the blind when not in use.
Technical Overview HEIGHT: upto 6.0m WIDTH: upto 6.0m HARDWARE COLOUR: Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 White RAL 9016 Any other RAL colour OPERATION: Motorised - Remote Control - App Control DURABILITY: Beaufort 6 - strong breeze
External Roof Blinds
Our external roof blind is designed to run across all types of roof glazing and is also a perfect addition to a free standing or lean-to pergola construction.
By using an innovative concealed tensioning system, tear resistant cables tension a hi-tensile double coiled spring, which in turn keeps the fabric taut at each position. The lead rail runs within U shaped side channels to ensure the blind runs perfectly square whilst also preventing any light leakage. A range of mounting brackets allow installation to all types of glazed roof as well as many external timber constructions. Height adjustable brackets allow roof vents to be overcome. When retracted away, the full cassette casing neatly encloses the fabric ensuring a low maintenance solution.
Technical Overview HARDWARE COLOUR: Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 White RAL 9016 Any other RAL colour OPERATION: Motorised - Remote Control - App Control DURABILITY: Beaufort 5 - fresh breeze
Why outside beats inside for heat
An internal blind stops light after the heat is already in the room. An external blind stops it at the glass, which is the difference between shading and cooling. The figures above come from tests to EN 13363-1 rather than from us: up to 92 per cent of near infra-red heat blocked, and interior temperatures more than ten degrees lower.
That's why these go on the south and west walls of extensions, on bi-fold runs that cook from two in the afternoon, and over pergolas where there's no interior to shade at all.
Where each system goes
The roller suits vertical glazing: doors, windows, a glazed gable, a bi-fold run. Zip-locking side guides hold the fabric at every position, so it stays windproof and there's no light gap down the edge, and it's rated to Beaufort 6.
The roof blind suits glazed roofs and pergolas, free standing or lean-to. The concealed tensioning keeps the fabric taut at every position, the lead rail runs in U-shaped channels so it tracks square, and height-adjustable brackets get the system past roof vents. Rated to Beaufort 5.
Both go up to 6 metres by 6 metres, both are motorised with remote or app control, and both come in anthracite grey, white or any other RAL colour, so the hardware can match the frames instead of standing out against them.
What external blinds cost
Priced per opening, and more of the number sits in the structure than in the fabric. Size, the mounting (glazed roof, masonry or timber pergola), the cassette, the motor and the power run all move it. A pergola with no power nearby costs more than a wall with a socket behind it.
The survey is free and necessary. We need to see what the brackets are fixing into before anyone quotes.
Common questions
Can they be left out in bad weather?
Up to the wind ratings above, yes. Beyond that, retract them. Wind sensors can be fitted to do it for you, as they are on our awnings.
Do I still need blinds inside?
For heat, no. For privacy after dark, yes, because the mesh works on light coming in rather than going out.
Can they go on a conservatory roof?
Yes, with the right brackets. For the inside of a conservatory roof, pleated roof blinds are the cheaper answer.
How are they controlled?
Remote or app as standard, and we're Somfy certified installers, so they can sit on Lutron, Control4, Rako or Crestron with the rest of the house.
What's the guarantee?
Twelve months from the date of order on the blind and the fitting, and 36 months where a Somfy motor is used, under clause 9.2 of our terms and conditions.
Surveyed and fitted by our own team across Berkshire. Call 01635 866600 or use the contact page.
Find out more about our products
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Modern and traditional styles, fabrics to compliment your rooms. Whatever your needs: function or aesthetics (or both!), we have the experience and product range to offer you the best solution. For great customer service and a stunning result, speak to us today on 01635 866600 (West Berkshire) or 01189 509449 (Reading)