Roller blinds are a pipe with a block on which the curtain fabric is wound. They are installed on wide windows, more than one and a half meters and an area of 2 square meters. There is also a mini version, ideal for a plastic window. Such structures cover small windows and openings. The operating principle is identical to roller blinds.
Roller blinds of the mini system are designed for installation on the sash of a plastic window
The curtain kit includes a shaft, a window-shaped sheet, a weighting agent, a control unit, a system for limiting the movement of the blinds and brackets. The mechanism can be supplemented with fishing lines that work with the folding window, in addition with a magnet holding the bar, and fasteners.
Open type mini roller blind device
Features of roller blinds
Roller blinds are a single piece of fabric with a special mechanism and roller. With the help of these parts, the product curls completely when opened or unfolds to protect it from the sun.
Design principle
Roller blinds for PVC windows in the form of a tight cut have guides made of fishing line. The lower bar slides smoothly and evenly along them without tilting or turning away from drafts.
A standard set of roller blinds includes a metal tube, a panel, fasteners and a fishing line with guides. The fixing brackets are placed on the active sash, and the curtains are attached to the stationary part of the frame with glue.
To control the opening/closing cycles, a chain is used on the left or right side. Modern models are also equipped with a remote control, so they can be opened or lowered from anywhere in the room.
According to the principle of operation, the designs come with open or closed mechanisms. In the first case, the roller for winding the fabric is clearly visible. Closed roller blinds are equipped with a shaft hidden in a plastic box.
The size chart of products depends on the manufacturer, so you can adjust the width yourself. It is enough to saw off part of the mounting tube and cut the fabric to the required parameters.
Product advantages
Roller blinds for plastic windows are designed to be placed on each sash. Models from different manufacturers differ:
- compactness - due to their tight fit to the double-glazed window, they practically do not take up space;
- good rigidity - do not stretch during operation;
- resistance of the material to fading or abrasion;
- antistatic properties - dust does not accumulate on the surface at all;
- versatility - suitable for small or inclined plastic windows;
- ease of installation without the use of construction tools;
- ease of use - the leaf or balcony door operates without obstacles;
- a variety of textures, prints and colors - suitable for any interior;
- different densities - the material can provide diffused light or darken the room up to 95%.
On a note! Fabric roller shutters made of cotton, nylon, fiberglass, polyester are included in the line of durable, dust- and ultraviolet-resistant.
How to measure mini curtains yourself: instructions for beginners
To choose the right roller system, you need to measure the window parameters. These will be the following characteristics:
- Opening width. The width of the fabric is calculated between the two window beads. It must be remembered that the width of the mechanism is 38 millimeters, and it must be added to the width of the blade. If you take this parameter into account, the roll will completely cover the window.
- Window height. The distance between the upper and lower glazing beads is measured. The size of the roller shutter here is 70 millimeters, it must be taken into account in the measurement. It also adds 36 millimeters to the movement.
Window measurement for open type roller blinds
For roller blinds with flat guides, the following are measured additionally:
- opening width (according to fabric);
- box width;
- glazing bead protrusion;
- glazing bead width (the guides are attached with tape 9 millimeters wide, this parameter should not be less).
Window measurement for cassette curtains with side rails
Important! The fabric does not touch the glass unit, this is unacceptable!
The opening angle of the window requires that the distance between the slope and the mechanism be taken into account. However, a professional measurer will take measurements better and faster, and a quality canvas will be installed that covers the entire window completely, so that the window opens well.
There are two types of curtains with different body heights, which determine the opening angle of the rotary sash of a plastic window
For a system with a U-shaped direction, first of all, the width from one edge of the bead to the other is determined - this is the width of the roller shutter. It is 20 millimeters larger than the guides.
Structure management
Roller curtains can be controlled mechanically. Manufacturers offer the following devices:
- cord with chain. The simplest adjustment is to select the position of the material with a cord on the panel. You will need to lift, fix in the desired position and lower the roller blinds manually. The chain cord can be placed on any side of the mechanism. If handled carefully, the system does not sag and can be used for a long time;
- spring holder. The device is suitable for classic sun protection options and curtains that open from bottom to top. The control process is implemented by automatically fixing the material at the desired level. Spring mechanisms are only suitable for curtains without constant adjustment. Otherwise, they may stretch and weaken. Problems with fixing blinds lead to expensive repairs to the holder;
- electric drive. Despite the complexity of the design, the system is easy to use. The electric motor allows you to control the canvas on high windows, ceilings, and sloping attic walls without going near it.
Advice! Before choosing a control system, test it in a store.
Fastening
Mounting is carried out as follows:
- Remove the protective film from the self-adhesive strip of the shaft.
- The canvas is wound onto a shaft and unfolded along the side of the window.
- The fastening is carried out on the shaft in a horizontal position to avoid distortions.
Types of fastening
- Fold 50 mm of the top part, getting a fold.
- Place the shaft in the fold with the strip facing up.
- Afterwards it is rolled to the top.
- The canvas is folded to ¾ of its length and the bottom rail is inserted into the finished hole. It is ready to install.
- The construction is carried out by inserting its end with the control mechanism into the bracket, then the other end is inserted.
To learn how to assemble roller blinds, a video is provided.
Material Density
Differences in translucency and transmission capacity are ensured by the density of the material. According to this indicator, the canvases are:
- transparent - decorative blinds that diffuse the flow of sunlight. Combined with drapes or curtains;
- dimout - partially transmits the sun's rays, retaining heat. Curtains provide high-quality shade for offices, living quarters, winter gardens or greenhouses;
- blackout - models are completely light-proof, so they are ideal for ceiling or attic blocks. Look good in a bedroom, nursery or home theater;
- day-night – systems with transparent and dense panels. Users can choose the darkness as desired without opening or closing the canvas.
Advice! When purchasing blackout systems, consider quality lighting.
Areas of use
Roller blinds are now being actively installed in apartments and office spaces; they are used not only to protect from direct sunlight, but also to isolate employees from each other.
In the kitchen
Roller blinds are increasingly used in the kitchen. Apartment owners spend a lot of time in this room, so a cozy interior is extremely important. However, using curtains and tulle here is not very convenient, because... They may become contaminated with stubborn contaminants. In addition, classic curtains are more likely to catch fire. In the kitchen it is better to install roller blinds with mini-mounts.
"Day-night" in the kitchen.
In office premises
Good lighting is important for offices. If it is insufficient, it will negatively affect the performance of employees. In such rooms it is recommended to install roller blinds with a permeability of at least 50%. This will help prevent the office from heating up due to exposure to direct sunlight, but will not affect the light levels.
The light transmission of roller blinds intended for office use must be at least 50%.
In the nursery
It is not recommended to hang classic curtains in children's rooms, because... A lot of dust accumulates on them, which can later provoke the development of allergic reactions and asthma in a child. In such rooms it is better to install roller blinds with bright canvases and illustrations. This will make the nursery more comfortable.
For a children's room, it is recommended to choose brightly colored curtains.
Installation by drilling
How to hang blinds using a drill? It is allowed to drill into the ceiling, wall, window opening and fix the structure with dowels made of plastic or wood, and mount the brackets with screws. The frame is also drilled, and the holders are fixed with self-tapping screws.
Preparation of materials and tools
For the work you will need a drill or screwdriver, as well as a level, dowels, brackets, a screwdriver, and a plumb line. To make the markings, prepare a pencil, ruler and marker. Installation is carried out only on a flat surface.
Fixing to the wall
Roller blinds are mounted on the wall to mask defects in the window surface or window sill, insulate or visually expand the glass. With your own hands you need:
- Attach the assembled curtain to the surface of the wall above the slope from above.
- Center the product and level it with levels.
- Place marks for fastening with a pen or pencil.
- Remove the brackets from the shaft.
- Drill holes, use a screwdriver or screwdriver to fasten the fasteners.
- Install roller blinds on brackets.
On a note! Use a chain with an opening stop.
Sash mounting
Cassette-type roller blinds can be mounted on PVC guide plates as follows:
- The side plugs are removed from the box.
- The box is placed on the top bead of the frame and markings are made along it.
- Holes are drilled and screws are screwed in.
- Plugs are installed.
- The canvas is produced at 10-15 cm.
- The film with the adhesive strip on the guide is removed.
- PVC plates are glued so that the lower plumb line of the fabric is underneath it and slightly pressed against the glass unit.
Advice! On the bottom bar of curtains without a chain, you can put a complete decorative weight instead of a chain.
Photo of mini roller blinds
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What does the roll system consist of and how does it work?
The basic package of mini curtains includes a shaft with a diameter of 19 mm, a rectangular fabric sheet, a lower weight, a chain control unit, a chain holder, blind travel limiters and two brackets. When purchasing a ready-made kit or ordering custom sizes from the manufacturer, the compact curtain mechanism can be supplemented with guide lines for folding windows, magnets for fixing the bottom strip, and snap-on or adhesive fastenings.
Tip: The availability of all parts must be checked or clarified in advance, because not all manufacturers include additional accessories in the kit for mini roller blinds by default.
The material is lifted using a chain, and the fabric is automatically fixed at the desired height. The tension of the web is ensured by installing a metal weight strip with a rubber gasket along the lower edge. This prevents noisy lowering onto the windowsill. Mini roller blinds of the economy version are equipped with a plastic weighting material.