When renovations have just been completed in a house, the question arises about the design of window openings. One of the most popular modern ways of decorating a window can be called roller blinds (roller blinds, fabric roller blinds). If you want to save a little on the services of specialists, it is quite possible to hang them yourself. Installing roller blinds with your own hands is possible even for not the most skilled home craftsman. Their installation does not require complex tools or special skills. There are several options for attaching such curtains, depending on the size and shape of the window, as well as the wishes of the home owners regarding the design of window openings. The method of fastening must be determined when placing an order, since the dimensions of future roller blinds depend on it.
Design options
Currently, according to the characteristics of their design, blinds are divided into the following types:
- Horizontal window blinds. The main feature that determines the name of this type is the horizontal lamellas (strips), assembled into a single web using a system of fishing lines.
- Vertical window blinds. A special feature of this type is the long and wide vertical slats. The size of these blinds exceeds the similar size of structures of the first type.
- Roller blinds. A solid canvas made of special fabric or bamboo fibers serves as a light filter.
- Cassette blinds. A “cassette” is a special box into which the blinds are retracted when rolled up.
Horizontal window blinds
Rice. 2. Horizontal window blinds.
Horizontal window blinds, like plastic windows, are available in various sizes. Therefore, to simplify the installation process of this structure as much as possible, careful measurements of the window dimensions (width and height) should be taken. It should be noted that in order to maintain convenience during window operation, it is advisable to install small blinds on each double-glazed window, rather than using one mechanism that covers the window completely. In the case of using large horizontal blinds that completely cover the window opening, it becomes impossible to open the sash with the slats lowered. Horizontal blinds are attached to the window frame using brackets or, in extreme cases, screws.
Vertical window blinds
Rice. 3. Vertical window blinds.
Vertical window blinds, due to the large size of the entire structure, cannot be attached to the window profile. Their base (resembling a cornice of classic curtains) is mounted on a section of the wall that is located above the window opening. In this case, it is necessary to use strong screws of the optimal size (too short ones will not work in this case). One of the disadvantages of vertical window blinds is the difficulty of opening the sashes, which can touch and cause mechanical damage to the slat system. Among the advantages are ease of maintenance and operation, pleasant external design, a wide range of materials for lamellas and a bright color palette.
Roller window blinds
Rice. 4. Roller window blinds with wall mounting.
Roller blinds for plastic windows are currently one of the simplest types of these interior elements. Small dimensions, light weight and simplified design allow the use of roller blinds on windows of almost any size.
The design of roller blinds (they are also called “roller blinds”) consists of the following elements:
- Canvas made of fabric or bamboo fiber. During production, the fabric is treated with a special impregnation liquid, which increases its dust-repellent properties. This impregnation also prevents the fabric from creasing.
- Control mechanism. This could be a chain or a spring mechanism.
- The shaft on which the fabric is wound.
- The box in which the shaft is placed. In the open type of roller blinds there is no box.
Cassette window blinds
Rice. 5. Horizontal cassette blinds with sash mounting.
A special feature of cassette blinds for plastic windows is a special cassette (or box) into which the blinds' slats are assembled when closed. The materials used for their manufacture are in most cases plastic and aluminum. Less commonly – wood and bamboo. Cassette blinds can be combined with almost any interior design style (you just need to choose a design made from a suitable material). This type is one of the most suitable for combination with plastic windows (they can be mounted directly on the window profile of each sash). The position of the slats is adjusted using a special chain.
Types of roller blind designs
There are roller blinds of open and closed types. The latter are distinguished by the fact that the roll of fabric is located inside a special box, which performs protective and decorative functions. It is especially recommended to hang such curtains on wooden windows. For them, you can choose an option with a box made of material that matches the color and texture of the wood from which the window frames are made.
Cassette roller blinds
When installing closed roller blinds, vertical plastic guides are often additionally installed, which ensure reliable fixation of the curtain and complete artificial darkness in the closed position. Thanks to them, the roller blind hangs parallel to the glass, regardless of how much it is lowered. You can secure the guides using double-sided tape.
Methods of attaching blinds to windows
Window blinds, depending on their type, can be mounted in three different ways:
- Installation of blinds using drilling.
- Installation of blinds without drilling.
- Installation of window blind mounts on the wall.
Each method of attaching blinds to plastic windows has both undeniable advantages and some disadvantages, which we will look at in more detail in the following paragraphs of this article. It should be noted that the disadvantages of each of these fastening methods can be minimized with proper installation (which it is advisable to entrust to specialists).
Installation of blinds using drilling
Rice. 6. Installation of blinds using drilling.
As a rule, drilling is used to fasten relatively heavy blinds, the installation of which is not possible in two other ways. This applies, first of all, to vertical blinds.
Installation using this method occurs according to the following scheme:
- The distance between the fastening elements of the blinds is carefully measured.
- Points are marked on the walls or window frame to indicate the location of future holes.
- Drilling is done using a drill.
- Blinds are attached to the wall or window frame using screws and dowels.
This is a good, reliable method of fastening, and if done well, the blinds will function normally for a very long time.
Installation of blinds without drilling
Rice. 7. Installation of roller blinds without drilling.
As a rule, this installation method applies primarily to roller blinds. Thanks to the compact size and extremely low weight of the entire structure, there is no need to use screws or drilling into walls and window frames. The main fastening element in this case is double-sided adhesive tape, which is located on the back surface of the box (for a closed type of roller blinds), or on the bar behind the shaft (for an open type). To install, you need to remove the protective film from the double-sided adhesive tape, then firmly press the structure to the window profile.
Installation of window blind mounts on the wall
Rice. 8. Installation of window blind mounts on the wall.
To install window blind mounts on the wall, you will need the following tools and components:
- Drill
- Drill of the required diameter
- Dowels
- Screws
- Screwdriver (manual or electric)
- Hammer (wooden)
The first operation that precedes the installation of window blind fastenings on the wall is measuring the length of the blinds and the distance between the fastening elements. Then, using a drill, holes of sufficient depth are drilled into which the bolts are carefully hammered using a wooden hammer. Then the fasteners are screwed in with screws.
Preparing for installation
Before hanging roller blinds, you should make sure that the windows on which the products will subsequently be located maintain a good vertical position. For this purpose, a special device “spirit level” is usually used. It must be applied to the window and the liquid reading in the small hole must be checked. If it has “run away” on one or more windows, you need to install the roller shutter not along the line of the window, but so that the level is perfectly level. Otherwise, the curtain will wrap unevenly when opening and closing, which will lead to the formation of holes on the sides (uneven fit of the fabric) and rapid failure of the entire system. You can find out how to properly install plastic windows here.
Features of fastening blinds
Rice. 9. Blinds with fastening to the sash.
Features of fastening blinds for plastic windows depend, first of all, on the type of their design. As mentioned earlier, vertical window blinds cannot be attached to a profile. Cassette and roller blinds do not need to be attached to the wall (especially since this may be unprofitable from the point of view of their design features). Horizontal blinds can be attached both to the wall (large-sized samples) and to the window profile (on each sash). The latter option makes it possible to use the rotating mechanism of plastic windows without raising the blinds, so it is more rational to choose it.
Roller window blinds
Rice. 10. Roller blinds with fastening to the sash.
Rice. 11. Roller blinds with wall mounting.
Attaching roller window blinds is the simplest procedure among all other types of blinds. The small dimensions and light weight of the structure make it possible to do without drilling and screws. Roller blinds in most cases are mounted on the window frame, but there are also cases of mounting on the wall. In this case, you should pay attention to its condition. If the wall is plastered, you need to check how firmly it holds. To do this, simply knock on the wall. If the sound is dull, this indicates that the layer of plaster is coming away from the wall. Therefore, before installing roller blinds on the wall, all defects should be eliminated.
Horizontal window blinds
Rice. 12. Horizontal blinds with sash mounting.
Rice. 13. Horizontal blinds with wall mounting.
Horizontal window blinds, as mentioned in previous paragraphs, can be attached both to the window profile and to the wall. When mounting on a frame using self-tapping screws, one important feature should be taken into account. Drilling is unacceptable in cases where it is necessary to preserve the heat-insulating and sealing characteristics of the profile (this applies to warm aluminum profiles and energy-saving double-glazed windows with an increased coefficient of heat transfer resistance). In this case, it is preferable to opt for attaching horizontal blinds to the window frame using double-sided adhesive tape (the thickness of the adhesive layer should be 1 mm).
Vertical window blinds
Rice. 14. Vertical window blinds with wall mounting.
Rice. 15. Vertical blinds with ceiling mounting.
Vertical window blinds can be mounted both on the wall and on the ceiling. The second option requires a more responsible approach. Light vertical blinds, the cornices and slats of which are made of plastic or fabric, are more suitable for it. First of all, it is necessary to ensure good adhesion between the dowels and the walls of the holes in the ceiling. To do this, a special adhesive solution can be applied to the dowel, which, after drying, will provide a fairly reliable adhesion. When attaching vertical blinds to walls, they must be inspected for structural damage and, if necessary, removed.
Cassette window blinds
Rice. 16. Cassette blinds.
Before installing cassette window blinds on the profile, it is necessary to mark the place where the cassette is attached (the box into which the blinds are assembled when closed). Next, you need to attach the blinds (on the back of the cassette there is double-sided adhesive tape, from which you must first remove the protective film). Then, if necessary, you can finally secure the cassette to the window profile using self-tapping screws (not acceptable if the plastic window profiles are heat-saving - drilling can reduce this characteristic).
Dismantling blinds
For the most part, the process of dismantling blinds for plastic windows does not have relatively strong distinctive features. The differences mainly concern the dismantling of those structures that were attached in different ways (for example, with and without drilling, using double-sided adhesive tape). Otherwise, the process of dismantling blinds for plastic windows is approximately the same and does not require too much effort. We will look at the process of dismantling each individual type of blinds and some of the features of this procedure in more detail in the following paragraphs of this article.
Roller window blinds
Rice. 17. Dismantling roller blinds.
Before dismantling the roller blinds, the following operations must be performed:
- Roll up the fabric.
- Disconnect the line.
- Remove the side plugs from the bottom rod (which is the weight).
- Disconnect the roller with the rolled web.
- Using a screwdriver, if necessary, disconnect the brackets by unscrewing the screws attaching them to the window frame.
It should be noted that these operations must be performed with extreme caution to avoid damaging some of the fragile structural elements of roller blinds (fishing line, roller and bracket fastenings, canvas, window profile).
Horizontal window blinds
Rice. 18. Dismantling horizontal blinds.
It is necessary to pay attention to one important detail: it is much easier to dismantle small blinds that cover one window sash than large blinds that cover the entire window opening. In this case, it will be extremely difficult to dismantle it on your own, so the help of another person is needed.
Removal of horizontal blinds occurs according to the following scheme:
- Detaching the blind rod from the brackets that hold it.
- Removing the side plugs
- Removing the block of slats (care must be taken to ensure that the window handle does not get caught on them and cause mechanical damage).
- Disconnecting brackets from a window profile or wall using a screwdriver.
Vertical window blinds
Rice. 19. Disconnecting the slats of vertical blinds.
The main feature of dismantling vertical window blinds is to disconnect the slats from the cornice. Due to their large size and mobility, it is not possible to remove the entire block of lamellas at one time. Therefore, each strip will have to be disconnected one by one. In this case, it is necessary to straighten all the lamellas so that they form an even sheet and face the same direction. Before dismantling the slats, you need to remove the side plug on the cornice, then pull out the weights from the bottom of the blinds and disconnect the chain. And only then can you begin to remove the slats. The cornice is dismantled last. One last reminder: carefully carry the removed slats through the door - they may get caught on the door handle.
Cassette window blinds
Rice. 20. Structure and installation stages of cassette blinds.
Cassette window blinds are dismantled in almost the same way as their open roller counterparts. First of all, you need to assemble the blinds into a box. Then the guide strips along which the blinds move are disconnected. Then you should disconnect the cassette from the brackets holding it using a screwdriver (unscrewing should be done strictly one by one to avoid possible mechanical damage to the structure and window profile when the load on one bracket sharply increases in the case of unscrewing all the screws on only one side).
For easy installation and dismantling, purchase blinds only from those manufacturers who guarantee the high quality of their products.
