Outdoor Protective Blinds for Windows (Raft Blinds)

Nowadays, many ways have been invented to protect a room from the penetration of sunlight and the views of passers-by. Among all the variety, such a novelty as external blinds especially stands out. In addition to the main task, they also allow you to protect your home from intruders, which is very important for private houses and apartments on the ground floors.

Previously, shutters, both solid and in the form of bars, were often used to protect windows on the first floors. But they were replaced by beautiful and functional protective blinds or rain blinds, as they are also called. Such a system will protect the house from intrusion by thieves much better than previous options .

Of course, they will be able to provide complete protection, but before the intruders get into the house, they will need to deal with the blinds, which will take a lot of time and will undoubtedly attract the attention of the neighbors. Security blinds are often confused with roller shutters.

They really have a lot in common, but with the help of the latter you can only completely shade the space or let light into it through a window. Raft blinds allow you to adjust the flow of sunlight into the room.

In this article we will talk in detail about this type of blinds for windows, such as external ones.

Benefits of using security blinds

In the past, shutters were used to protect windows, but now they have evolved into functional roller shutters that are not only practical, but also incredibly beautiful. This system can protect a room from burglary even better than conventional window bars, which were previously often installed on first-floor windows. In any case, there is a chance of penetration, but thieves will have to try for a very long time to open the blinds, which will undoubtedly attract the attention of neighbors and household members themselves.

Roller shutters are considered an ideal security system for country houses, due to the many advantages they have:

Stylish and modern appearance. This design will decorate the facade of any building and give it a stylish design.

Protection from sunlight penetration.

High soundproofing qualities, due to which the sound from the street will come in a minimum amount.

The opportunity to save on heating costs thanks to the thermal insulation properties of blinds, which retain heat inside the room in winter and prevent it from being too hot inside the house in summer.

Easy to maintain and no additional maintenance.

Variation in cost, thanks to which you can choose a system to suit your budget.

Protecting windows from bad weather.

Classification

There are several types of external roller blinds. They differ in the shape of the lamellas: flat, C and Z-shaped. The latter are most often taken to assemble blackout blinds.

Flat slats

C-shaped slats

Z-shaped slats

The following classes also exist:

with dual controls;
equipped with various electronic systems, sensors;
asymmetrical structures designed for irregularly shaped openings.

The blinds can be controlled manually using a handle or cable, or automatically using a switch block, remote control or smartphone application

Horizontal and vertical models

Models with horizontal lamellas are the most common. The plates can be up to 6 meters long, their width is 25 or 50 mm. The lamellas are fastened together with a metal string.

Vertical metal blinds are made according to the same principle as their fabric counterparts. Instead of a nylon fishing line, a metal string is used in the lifting and turning mechanism. Unlike models with horizontal lamellas, vertical protective devices do not make noise when opening.

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External metal shutters

Shutters-blinds are an external structure for a window that combines two elements. They can be made from any material, but metal is most often used, since such shutters have not only decorative, but also protective functions.

They will perfectly protect the house from thieves entering through the window , and look aesthetically pleasing when open or closed; during the hot season they will keep the room cool and fresh. Unlike regular shutters, shutter blinds will provide a sufficient level of lighting in the rooms. They can be installed on both plastic and wooden frames. In addition, they will give PVC windows additional soundproofing properties.

Stylish metal shutters will not only protect the house from burglars and vandals, but will also perfectly decorate the facade of the building.

They are installed in cases where there is a need to protect windows from penetration. The cheap option - installing a grille - is not suitable for those who are concerned about the aesthetic side of the issue. Shutters-blinds are necessary for owners of country and country cottages, residents of apartment buildings whose apartments are located on the ground floor. They are often installed by owners of restaurants, cafes and shops who prefer not to frighten customers with prison-like bars.

Shutters-blinds can have different colors, which allows you to match this detail to the overall design of your home or establishment. There are designs that are located on the inside of the window, but they are less common, since in this case the protection of the glass and frame is not guaranteed.

On an inclined plane

Raft blinds on an inclined plane can be installed both inside and outside the room. But for the cold climate of Russia, external installation on inclined or horizontal planes will not be acceptable, since in winter, snow may accumulate between the slats of the blinds and their operation will be impossible. Cleaning them will also be quite difficult.

Therefore, it is recommended to install this type of protective systems indoors on walls other than vertical ones.

External blind control

Lifting and turning of the lamellas is carried out in several ways: using a mechanical drive and an electric motor. Mechanical external metal blinds have a cost significantly lower than those made on an electrical system.

Installed on electric motors, they perform all functions at the touch of a button. Control is carried out using a remote control from the inside of the room. Outdoor blinds with control are able to independently rise or fall when the owner needs it. Mechanical ones are equipped with a special cardan shaft, to which a “curved” handle is connected, which is also located on the inside.

Manual

Roller shutters

Roller shutters are rolled metal blinds on doors and windows. They are used mainly for additional protection. Metal roller shutter systems are installed on doors and windows, balconies and loggias. They perfectly isolate the room from noise and dust, bright sunlight and save heat in the cold season.

Roller shutters have an attractive appearance, and when rolled up, they take up little space.

Roller blinds made of steel profiles are installed on windows and doors only in the openings of the first and second floors of buildings due to the significant weight of the structure. The metal sheet has a thickness of 1-2 mm, and the width of the lamella is 10 cm. It is desirable that the structure be equipped with a reliable electric drive of sufficient power.

Aluminum profiles are lighter and have no restrictions on installation. Due to their hygienic properties, aluminum roller shutters are often used in children's and medical institutions. Such systems can be controlled either manually or using an electric drive.

There are several types of manual control.

The blinds are raised using a tape. The weight of the roller blind should not exceed 15 kg.
Controlled by a cord made of durable material. The weight of the canvas is up to 20 kg.
If a steel cable is used instead of a cord, then this control is called cord control. Withstands weight up to 80 kg.
Roller blinds weighing no more than 35 kg are driven by a crank control using a cardan.
The spring-inertial mechanism is used for structures weighing up to 60 kg. A torsion spring built into the mechanism shaft compensates for the weight of the roller shutter.

Roller shutter systems can be vertical - this is the more common option - or horizontal. The latter are used, for example, to protect an outdoor swimming pool. This design must be equipped with an electric drive, which is most often mounted with the Smart Home system.

Roller shutters are usually made to order, according to individual sizes. According to the nature of installation, roller shutter systems are divided into built-in and overhead. The first option involves mounting the box directly in the window opening. In the second case, roller shutters are mounted on top of the opening; they do not reduce the illumination and area of the window, but in this case the protective functions are somewhat reduced.

Prices for popular sizes of blinds with cable

Prices for popular sizes are indicated in Euros at the Central Bank exchange rate on the day of payment
Width, cm

Height, cm	1000	1100	1200	1300	1400
1200	196	202	209	215	222
1300	200	207	214	221	228
1400	205	212	219	227	234
1500	209	217	225	232	240
1600	214	222	230	238	246

Plastic blinds

Such structures have high aesthetic qualities, so they decorate the building more than protect it from penetration. In terms of reliability and strength, external blinds of this type are inferior to the metal models mentioned earlier. Their main advantage is their affordable cost.

The system is a plastic case, inside of which there are the same plastic partitions with air gaps between the elements. The basis of plastic external blinds is polyvinyl chloride, which allows these products to be lightweight and easy to use.

In addition to the material, raft blinds also differ in the design of the slats. They can be:

C-shaped . This allows you to adjust the light flux as efficiently as possible, thanks to the ability to rotate each bar.
Flat . This external design is the cheapest. Such blinds are easy to control, but this may result in unwanted gaps in the canvas.
Z-shaped . These blinds have a pre-fixed turning amplitude. When closed, they are very difficult to move apart, which provides maximum protection from the sun entering the room.

Distinctive characteristics

Outdoor blinds are mounted on the outside of the window opening, creating a kind of air gap between themselves and the glass, which provides many advantages:

conditioning antibacterial effect - reducing heat loss in winter and protecting against heating of glass in summer;
the possibility of reducing the cost of operating air conditioners;
visual camouflage of the room;
increasing the level of noise insulation;
convenient and simple control, including using a remote control;
Elegant design that perfectly complements the exterior of any building.

What to consider when buying rugged blinds

In stores it is now difficult to determine the type of outdoor blinds that will suit the owner’s specific desires, since the assortment is simply huge.

In order not to be mistaken, let us present the criteria that external blinds must meet:

Possibility of adjusting the light flux at any time of the day, regardless of lighting conditions.
Protecting the room from heat loss and excessive heating.
Noise insulation.
Duration of operation without loss of external qualities.
Resistance to external influences: temperature changes, frost, mechanical damage, UV radiation.
Vandal resistance.
Ease of control.
A laconic combination with the facade of the building.

In addition to these criteria, you can also choose models of external systems with additional functions, which may be useful to someone. This is, for example, the presence of drives that can be controlled remotely using the Internet or telephone. This is very convenient if the windows were left open and bad weather began while the owner was away.

This also includes products that have weather sensors that respond to the sun, rain or wind. Thus, when installing rainblinds, you can get a whole system that is easy to manage and maintain the indoor microclimate in normal condition.

Expert commentary

Vladislav Dobronravov

Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company

Important! If you want to cover the windows in an apartment building with external curtains, you should check with the municipal authorities about the possibility of doing this, since they often prohibit spoiling the historical appearance of buildings.

The choice of blinds is carried out in accordance with the wishes of the owner of the house, local climatic conditions and the need for additional functions.

Manual

Manual control

The vortex control is the combination of a cardan transmission with a gearbox. With such a control and regulation system, raising and lowering shutters is much easier. The permissible weight of rugged blinds is no more than thirty kilograms. External metal window blinds, adjustable with a bar, have a high degree of safety.

Using long cardans, installation is possible on long window openings. After use, the handle folds into a flat bar, so blinds with such a system do not require additional space. The main scope of application is commercial enterprises and private property.

Video of installation of manual external blinds

Automatic

How to choose security blinds?

When purchasing metal security shutters for doors and windows, you should pay attention to the following points.

If equipped with an electric drive, ensure that the motor is adapted to operate in difficult weather conditions. Foreign products must be suitable for the characteristics of Russian electrical networks.
If there are interruptions in the power supply at home, it is advisable to equip the roller shutter systems with an emergency manual drive.
Check whether the product has a certificate. It must indicate the UV resistance characteristics of the coating. Otherwise, the blinds will fade in the sun and if one slat is replaced, it will differ in color.
Security roller shutter systems may differ in their anti-burglary characteristics. Preference is given to models equipped with a locking system that does not allow the canvas to be lifted from the outside. The lamellas, which are filled with polyurethane foam, are also more durable. The bottom bar should be strong enough to resist prying with a crowbar, and the blade should fit deep into the side guides.
Anti-burglary roller blinds must be accompanied by appropriate certificates. Such shutters are installed in banks, jewelry stores and similar institutions. They are additionally equipped with some elements that make hacking impossible.

Metal blinds have not only protective functions. If desired, metal blinds can be used in an apartment whose interior is designed in high-tech style. In this case, devices with thin silver slats will look good. The greater strength of the metal allows us to produce blinds for windows of non-standard configurations - curved or unusual shapes.

How best to install rainblinds

It is advisable not to attach the curtains from the outside, but to “sink” them into the building itself. This way they will look more natural and neat. But this is only possible if the installation of the structure was intended at the time of design. If not, then you’ll just have to try to place the curtains as organically as possible, choosing an option that is close in color to the facade.

It is most difficult to choose curtains for a harmonious combination under a wooden facade. Take this factor into account if you are planning to make repairs or are just planning to install glass and a sun protection structure. However, if you plan to glaze the entire facade and cover it with rain blinds, then you shouldn’t even rack your brains with the option of installing them and the color. Just take what you like, because on the outside there will be no other designs that would not be combined with the rain blinds.

Metal blinds design

Security exterior blinds, or roller shutters as they are also called, are systems that are used for window and door openings on the outside of a building. The canvas itself moves along guides. When it rises up, it is rolled up in a closed system. Such a roll does not take up much space and is completely protected from external influences by a metal box. Such blinds are controlled using a manual or electric drive.

Expert commentary

Vladislav Dobronravov

Leading technical specialist at Okna-Media company

Important! Roll-up external blinds cannot be lifted from the street side.

The design of external blinds consists of several elements. This:

The canvas itself, which consists of horizontally located lamellas made from hollow or solid elements. Inside the first option there are additional stiffening ribs. The second type does not have such stiffening ribs inside, but provides more heat and sound insulation.
The slats are fixed to each other with hooks.
Guides, which are like rails along which the canvas moves.
A metal box in which the blinds operating mechanism itself and rolled slats are located.
The shaft that makes the shutters move.
Bearings.

As previously mentioned, external protective blinds for windows vary in cost and you can choose the option that best suits your specific budget. But why does this happen? The cost of the system depends on the material used, the size of the lamellas, the version of the control mechanism and the weight of the web.

Protective box

When choosing metal blinds, the design of the box in which the twisting drum is located deserves special attention. Since metal blinds are located, in most cases, outside the room and perform anti-vandal and barrier functions, the choice of the frame and installation method significantly influence not only the protective, but also the decorative functions.

The variety of colors of slats and boxes allows you to successfully combine them with the color and texture of the building facade. For metal blinds with a twisting mechanism hidden in the structure of the window covering or under the decorative elements of the building's façade, the dissonance that visible and protruding protective boxes can introduce is completely eliminated. Such external metal blinds can be safely installed on the windows of buildings that are architectural monuments or cultural heritage sites, without fear of opposition from regulatory authorities.

The protective boxes protruding beyond the building facade are made of steel sheet. Their main purpose is to protect the canvas and the twisting mechanism from precipitation and street dust. They are painted in the color of the blinds. In some cases, they can repeat the color or texture of the facade, making them less noticeable.

Blind guide rails

Unlike indoor window blinds, all outdoor anti-vandal blinds have metal tires in which the ends of the metal slats slide. It is the guide rails that, along with the slats, are the main protective element that prevents free access to the room.

Depending on the design, the guide rails of metal blinds can be located outside - along the edges of the window (door) opening, or hidden. The material for their manufacture is a profile made of high-strength stamped steel with a complex profile that is resistant to mechanical stress and precipitation.

In the lower bar of the guide rails, and sometimes in the side bars, there is a locking mechanism for the blinds, which blocks the ability to open them without using a key.

Overhead

The external method of installing street blinds on windows is simple and requires low costs for additional tools. Its main advantage is that you do not need to create a special niche to place outdoor blinds . This method has several advantages

For houses with already installed windows
Suitable for various types of drives
Does not block the light opening
The box protrudes beyond the plane of the facade

External metal overhead blinds are more expensive than built-in ones. This can be explained by the simplicity of the functionality of this method.

Built-in

Features of installing anti-vandal blinds in residential premises

Most often, grilles and metal anti-vandal blinds are installed on the windows and doors of low-rise construction projects - in cottages, country houses, dachas or on the first floors of residential buildings.

In this case, the choice of the mechanism for twisting the blinds is of paramount importance. The most common and convenient for residential premises is a fully automatic mechanism that allows you to control opening and closing without leaving your home.

Self-installation of metal anti-vandal blinds is a rather labor-intensive and complex process, which, unlike most other finishing works, is best entrusted to professional installers.

This is due to the need to drill a large number of holes on the outside of the building, sometimes at a considerable height. Using reinforced reinforcement and special fasteners that provide high resistance to burglary and an anti-vandal effect.

In compliance with fire safety standards, which not all owners of residential premises are familiar with, sometimes with the approval of installation permits from architectural supervision authorities, management companies, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Hidden

Such a system can only be implemented in a pre-prepared niche, or, as I described just above, it can be installed with an overlap (perform an overhead installation), and then cover the facade with some material, you can even simply decorate it with some kind of cornices. In this case, the building will look much more attractive.

External window blinds are installed on the street side, immediately in front of the window. Before finishing work begins, a special niche is made in the lintel above the window, where the box will be installed. If necessary, an additional thermal insulation layer can be laid to ensure heat retention in winter.

Before installation, the main parameters are determined: Measurement of the window opening; Selecting a profile type; Control Mechanism Selection

Depending on the type of installation, you can select a specific system control option. This can be either manual control or automatic.

On an inclined plane

Care Tips

Proper care can significantly increase the service life of raft curtains.

The easiest to use are plastic, iron and metal-plastic blinds. Simply wipe them with a damp sponge and a mild soap solution and let them dry on their own.
Models with wooden panels are best cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or dry cloth. Water can cause the slats to deform.
Caring for roller blinds is similar to cleaning wooden blinds and excludes water treatments.
Glass parts can be treated using household chemicals.
Fabric variations used in the seasonal design of gazebos and summer cafes require a particularly careful approach. Before washing them, you need to remove the fabric from the panel, wrap the roll in gauze and dip it in soapy water. Then rinse gently and hang until completely dry. The fabric used in such products is coated with a special impregnation, so all actions should be carried out with caution.
Regardless of the material of the lamellas, in all structures it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance of the adjustment mechanisms - apply silicone grease to the guides at least once a year, check the electromechanical parts, and monitor the operation of the software in the smart home system.

Bamboo roller blinds

Outdoor blinds for a veranda of this type are controlled only using a system of cords. They differ from other models in that the shaft on which the fabric is wound is located at the bottom. Bamboo does not deform and can be used for verandas, gazebos, kitchens and bathrooms. It is not afraid of moisture and environmental influences. Check out other options for wooden blinds made from natural materials such as jute and linden.

Photo of bamboo outdoor blinds

Review of manufacturers

Based on customer reviews, the most reliable manufacturers of outdoor blinds include the following:

Isotra . The Czech company has been developing and developing sun protection technologies for a long time to save energy resources. Conducting a large amount of research in this area has allowed the company to take a prominent place among the leading global manufacturers. Production covers outdoor horizontal and roller blinds, roller shutters. For over 25 years, Isotra has been providing customers with a product with a guarantee.
RedSonn. On the market since 2000. Supplies and installs systems from well-known manufacturers from Europe. Brings to life any ideas using blinds and roller shutters.
Warema. The largest German company for the production of sun protection structures. Offers a wide variety of facade blinds, vertical and horizontal awnings, translucent models with manual and automatic control.
Levin-Group. Since 1998, the company has been producing modern devices for facades with an optimal price-quality ratio. The most popular of the entire product line are roller shutters and gates.

Prices for popular sizes of blinds with guides

Prices for popular sizes are indicated in Euros at the Central Bank exchange rate on the day of payment

Width, cm

Height, cm1000110012001300140012002202272342402471300226233240247254140023123924625326115002372452522602681600242250258266275 Rafblinds LG Comfort with manual control and cable

maximum dimensions

Standard Options
— Gearbox (gear drive 45 ° – 90 °) — Anodized drive — Galvanized cornice 56x58 mm — Anodized guides — Anodized cable bracket — Standard colors of lamellas according to the RAL table — Anodized lower cornice — One-sided tilt of lamellas

Possible options

— Electric drive — Outer box — Colors according to the RAL table — Interior gearbox — Removable handle

Materials

External roller shutters are made of metal - aluminum or steel, less often they are made of plastic. Aluminum is non-corrosive, lightweight and flexible. Steel is more durable, but to protect it from moisture it is coated with a special solution. This makes the structure heavy and expensive. The plastic is lightweight, resistant to moisture, but fragile and easy to damage.

Internal protective curtains are not affected by moisture, temperature changes or break-ins. They are made from fabrics coated with compounds that protect against dust and dirt, plastic, aluminum and steel. Various designs are applied to the internal models, which gives the room a more beautiful look.

Awnings

An awning is an external collapsible sun protection device that effectively limits the access of sunlight. During periods of solar activity, it is attached to the building above a window or door. In winter it can be removed, folded and put away. Awnings look elegant and usually decorate the facade of a building.

Types of awnings

There are window, balcony, terrace and pergola awnings.

Located above the window, the awning acts as a canopy that protects from the sun and does not obscure the view.
The awnings covering the terraces look like temporary roofs. Their width can reach six meters. There are systems equipped with an electric drive. They are controlled by sensors that monitor precipitation, wind and sun.
Pergola awnings are terrace awnings with a reach of up to 10 meters, which are supported by additional supports.

Awning design

The frame is made of aluminum or its alloys. The material must withstand significant physical impact and be resistant to precipitation. The canvas stretched over the frame is made of acrylic fabric. Sometimes fiberglass is used.

According to the method of folding the frame, awnings are:

lever-roll;
basket;
Marchisolettes.

A special feature of marquesolettes is the ability to deflect the lower part of the canvas at an angle from the vertical. The resulting canopy is very convenient because, regardless of the angle of incidence of sunlight, the shadow will be in the right place in any case, and the view will remain open.

Installation diagrams

Installation diagram for protective curtains with radio remote control

Installation diagram for IR control of roller shutters

Wired system control diagram

Remote controlled blinds

There are 3 types of remote control of mechanisms:

Wired control is carried out via a button. It is connected to the curtain using electrical wiring. Some models are equipped with buttons with self-starting or shutting down timers.
Wireless radio control via remote control. A radio signal receiver is installed in the engine of the structure. After pressing the remote control button, it is activated, activating the blinds mechanism. The remote control can be mobile and moved to another room or mounted on the wall in the form of a button.
The wireless infrared device is activated by a remote control aimed at the curtain.

Sun sensors are used to control sunshades. The air temperature is set in the device memory. When the set level is reached, the button automatically turns on the motor and the curtain closes or opens.