The drive towards ‘carbon neutral’ homes creates sales opportunities for the blinds industry, writes Richard Sheppard, UK agent for Sunbell Blinds.

Blinds can make a positive contribution to improving the energy efficiency, light and acoustic properties of a building while enhancing the design of any interior space.

They can help create a comfortable environment with maximum privacy, reduced sound intrusion and solar glare, thereby minimising eye strain and damage to fabrics and carpets.

More importantly, they can reduce air conditioning and heating costs in all types of buildings by providing greater insulation and light reflection than is achieved with more traditional alternatives. The build-up of heat from sun rays is particularly difficult to regulate in large glazed areas such as conservatories, swimming pools and garden rooms, especially those with patio and bi-folding doors. But with the addition of blinds, rooms are no longer dependent upon the unpredictability of the UK weather or the use of excessive air conditioning.

Blinds have become more popular over the years both in commercial and domestic applications. TV programmes such as Channel 4’s Grand Designs and various home improvement exhibitions have stimulated interest in specifying blinds as the ideal partner for large glazed areas. At the same time, homeowners are becoming more discerning; they are often looking for something different in which case the additional cost is not a serious barrier.

As a result, there has arguably never been a better time to ‘sell’ the benefits of installing blinds, chief among these being reduced solar gain. Blinds create a barrier filtering and diffusing natural light and heat. The curvature of the slats removes the effects of bright sunlight, while tilting and lifting allows for maximum light, shading or complete privacy. These benefits can often be felt most keenly in south-facing rooms, where blinds can control the heat gain during the summer months and reduce heat loss during the winter thereby stabilising the temperature of the room and improving its all-year-round functionality.

The degree to which blinds block, absorb and transmit light and heat depends upon the colour and type of material chosen and their effect on heat gain, brightness and glare. Light colours are more reflective, resulting in a lower heat gain, but with a higher percentage of solar transmission. Dark colours absorb light and heat and are less energy-efficient than lighter colours but provide a glare-free environment.

Blinds will also improve the acoustics of a room by providing an effective sound barrier while at the same time ensuring privacy.
There is a choice of different blind solutions available in the UK but essentially all provide the same outcome. What distinguishes them is quality, reliability, method of operation, choice of colours and above all technical support. Buying the cheapest is not always the best outcome; buying the most appropriate to suit the customer’s needs and the windows ensures long-term customer satisfaction.

Sunbell has launched a range of blinds that combines Italian design, quality and engineering excellence for the ultimate in solar shading solutions. Utilising the latest control technology, it offers a choice of manual, battery, solar and mains electric solutions but critically no cords or magnets in a choice of aluminium, pleated fabric and blackout options.

Designed for windows, doors and glass partitions from 100mm to 3m high and 250mm to 2.5m wide, Sunbell blinds are available in a choice of widths from 22 to 27mm and are suitable for all types of windowframe including PVC, timber and aluminium.

The blinds are powered by a low-voltage motorised system with control technology that varies from the simple up-and-down rechargeable battery unit with optional solar panel and remote activation to the more sophisticated hard-wired options for up to 12 blinds.

For partitions and internal screens, Sunbell offers a range of tilt-only manual blinds operated by an easy-to-use rotating knob linked by a steel cable allowing complete privacy without the need for cords or magnets. The control knob has a unique anti-abuse design preventing any excessive force and strain on the blind components and ensuring long-term performance.

Interstitial blinds are a stylish, flexible and energy-efficient response to managing a building’s environment; sealed from dirt, dust and moisture, they are the perfect glazing choice for conservatories – and all types of rooms.

• Tel: 01245 422489