Louvolite takes a look at the issues surrounding the installation of blinds into conservatories and awkward roof shapes, an area of opportunity that is often steared clear of by companies

“In today’s challenging economic climate it is important that every opportunity to supply appropriate window furnishings is recognised, categorised and wherever possible satisfied.

The challenge of supplying full shading solutions to complete conservatories or atriums is one that should not be overlooked by any full line supplier – however this is not always the case.

The supplying of window shades to furnish whole conservatories was once an area of business that was the sole ownership of specialist companies who focused on continuing the myth that this was a “magic art” that the majority of blind manufacturers would do well to stay clear from.

The worst issues of all related to shaped roof windows – where stories of disagreements over blind size interpretations were legion. The lost blinds on any single order could run into £000’s and this quite frankly scared the majority of window blind supply companies – particularly those involved in third-party supply.

In addition to concerns over accurate and concise measuring information, there was also the concern over the issues that arose during installation. Lets face it, the cost of any large glass complex structure is going to run into thousands of pounds – for an unsure blind supplier to then measure for blinds and eventually arrive on site and commence drilling holes into the new structure – really very worrying.

Fortunately there are companies within this industry who think outside the box and one such company, Louvolite, created the unique Perfect Fit programme. Perfect Fit’s primary success was that of allowing a number of blind types (pleated, cellular and 25mm venetian blinds) to be installed to double-glazed units without the need to drill or screw. This unique system was immediately adopted for use with UPVC double-glazed windows and doors and those companies involved in conservatories were eager customers of Perfect Fit. However the real task was to provide a system that would fit with those awkward shapes found in Georgian and Victorian roof systems.

Sure enough Louvolite progressed its system to Perfect Fit International to accommodate all such awkward shapes found in roof mechanisms – however there was still the need to overcome the historical fear blind supply and manufacturing companies had of the risks of poor survey or installation issues.

To fully remove this, Louvolite created its “piece de resistance” the Louvolite Perfect Fit accreditation system. Incorporated into its accreditation programme for Perfect Fit was the survey method and a computer driven manufacturing programme that allows all blinds measured using the Louvolite survey system – utilising Louvolite order sheets of course. The computer programme provides a fully detailed bill of materials which shows every item required – in quantity and/ or by length and a diagram to confirm manufacturing steps. Use these two in tandem and you get blinds to fit windows – PERFECTLY.

Since the launch of the programme Louvolite has trained hundreds of companies in the art of survey for roof systems – the “far too difficult” shaped windows are systematically broken down to a defined number of shapes – illustrated on the survey form – and simple measurements. Surveyors are taught not to be fearful or hesitant when arriving to measure a conservatory but to apply the logical systematic approach that has been created for exactly that situation. The blinds subsequently manufactured using the Louvolite programme will fit simply and without fuss.

Add to this the fact that Perfect Fit products are installed in seconds without drilling or screwing, the consumer is supplied with a product which fits exactly to size regardless of the shape, one which works with the widow to allow ventilation and shade, reduces light strike and can be removed at any time leaving the surface intact without damage.

 It could be that this logical and systematic approach has overcome all the issues that resulted in this area of business being seen as a black art – on the other hand it could be just ‘blind magic’.”

• www.louvolite.com