Roller blinds are a wonderful decoration for any interior. Ease of use and reasonable cost make this solution accessible to a wide range of users. Roller blinds do not take up much space because they are attached to the frame, and when assembled they significantly save room space. A variety of colors and patterns help decorate the interior of the room. The mechanism of roller blinds is simple and, if used correctly, will last a long time.
Characteristics of roller blinds
Roller blinds consist of a durable single material that can be easily formed into a roll. The canvas is attached using a special shaft, which is controlled by certain mechanics. The fabric for roller blinds must be dense and smooth.
Roller blinds are one of the most functional ways to decorate a window in your room.
Main indicators of roller curtains:
- Well protected from ultraviolet radiation. Thanks to the dense fabric, the furniture does not fade so quickly, and people passing by will not be able to see anything inside. Even the lightest colors will not open up a room to its surroundings. The sun comes, but in a certain quantity.
- Decoration. Roller blinds are quite specific and unique. Such a product will definitely not go unnoticed.
- Protects against drafts. Thanks to its texture, the canvas does not allow wind and cold to pass through.
Important! Do not confuse ordinary blinds with roller curtains. They have completely different functionality. Rolls are more practical and reliable. They do not require special care, practically do not absorb dust and provide the necessary lighting.
Do not confuse blinds and roller blinds.
Useful tips
Some expert tips for proper installation of motorized curtains:
- Buy an Arduino module. The operation of the device can be regulated by the module after installing a special program on it. This is especially convenient when installing systems with 2 or more windows. Lightly pressing the buttons allows you to set the desired closing/opening speed, raising the curtains completely or partially, and performing other necessary manipulations. In addition, the Arduino module allows you to program additional functions, such as a security mode, which promptly notifies you of malfunctions in the module.
Installing the Arduino Module
- Leave the function of controlling the blind structure manually. This will allow, if the balance is disturbed, to synchronize the operation of the system or use curtains when disconnecting the motor, to replace or repair it.
- It is necessary to protect the mechanical part of the curtains from dust and moisture entering the room through the window or soot and steam for curtains in the kitchen.
- The electric drive requires repair over time; plastic boxes containing moving elements cannot be glued together. To fasten them together, you need to use staples that can be removed if necessary.
Comfort in the adult bedroom
An electric roller blind is a step towards comfort and coziness in any home. With an electric drive, significantly less effort and energy is spent than when opening/closing curtains by hand.
Description of spare parts for roller blinds
The complete set of spare parts for roller blinds for plastic windows includes:
- Adapter. This is a U-shaped element that protrudes the conventional cassette circuit to a certain distance.
- Insert for moving the shaft axis. This detail will only be needed if the curtain is more than two meters. The insert will help you wind the fabric.
- Box The curtain can be made by hand, but you need to buy a box. It is made of plastic or aluminum.
- Bracket. To avoid drilling a double-glazed window to attach a roller blind, buy a bracket.
- Adhesive tape, which is created from polyurethane. Thanks to it, the product will withstand heavy loads. Please note that after a while the adhesive tape will need to be replaced.
- Fishing line. Standard item with diameters from 8 millimeters.
- Control blocking elements.
- A magnet that will need to be attached under the window bead using a screw. This element is only necessary if there is sun protection with metal weighting.
- Stopping the chain. A small round piece with a notch that holds the curtain at a specific distance.
- Ear. An element that secures the roll under the fishing line.
Before installing roller blinds, you should understand all the pros and cons of such decorative elements.
Guides
Lifting roller blinds are made from different parts. Suitable for people who want to guide the curtain. It fits well on the window and protects from direct sunlight.
This curtain is fixed on the window and protects from direct sunlight.
Thanks to a special lock, this curtain will last longer than usual, because the fabric does not hang or deteriorate. Roller blind tracks are attached directly to the window frame. There are side and U-shaped types.
Ordinary roller blinds for a balcony or loggia.
The product is created mainly from plastic and aluminum. Plastic ones are considered a small addition to the room. The texture is light and practical, so it can break. The advantage is that plastic is more affordable. Aluminum is more durable and can last longer. Aluminum curtains are created on a wide canvas that can withstand mechanical force.
A roller blind will help you save on expensive materials, but will look no less original.
Basic fittings
Roller blinds have different components. It all depends on the price, the installed system, the creator. Sometimes manufacturers do not add some elements that are needed to use the curtains. You need to buy parts in construction or furniture stores, or order them online.
Purchasing spare parts for roller blinds is not difficult. They can be found in any specialty store.
When buying accessories, do not save money. Cheap, unreliable elements will quickly require replacement, so a person will simply overpay again.
Accessories required for roller blinds:
- The connector that secures the control circuit.
- Guide.
- Adhesive tape.
- Bracket.
- String clamp.
- Stub.
- Pipe.
If you buy accessories for curtains, try not to save money.
This determines how long this product will serve you. Please note that these are the most common parts, so additional small elements may be needed when attaching.
Parts for roller blinds can be made of metal or plastic.
Control mechanisms
In order to lift the canvas, special mechanics are required. There are three types of mechanism for roller blinds:
- Chain.
- Spring-loaded.
- Electric.
Note! It is the mechanism that is exposed to the sun and can fail due to wear, improper configuration or poor care.
Chain
The chain mechanism is the most common due to its simplicity. Control is achieved by a small metal chain that is attached to the toothed end of the shaft. The caterpillar stretches with its teeth, wrapping itself around the shaft. It is found in most cases in open types of roller blinds.
Roller blinds on a chain.
Pros of this type:
- Can be repaired manually. The chain is easily replaced with a new one. The cost is cheap, and every store sells it.
- Ease. You can operate it with one hand without any effort. For this reason it works for a long time.
- It can be installed both right-handed and left-handed.
Advice. Choose a metal chain because plastic is a very unreliable and weak material.
A metal chain is more reliable and will last a long time.
Spring mechanism
The spring is attached to the fabric automatically. Near the weighting there is a regulator that helps lower and raise the curtain. The width of the roll in profile with a spring mechanism is generally 1.5 meters. But there is a minus: a curtain with such a system can rise and fall on its own. There is a stopper, but if it fails it will need to be replaced. The main rule: do not make sudden movements or heavy loads.
Roller blinds with a spring mechanism.
Electrical control
Electric control is considered the best, although it is more expensive. With the help of a drive, the curtain opens and closes comfortably. Pros:
- You can open and close the curtain without getting up from the sofa (there is a special remote control).
- Easy to use even large canvases.
- The material practically does not wear out.
- You can set the time when the curtains open and close themselves.
Disadvantages: price, which is almost half as high as others, and difficult repair of the engine or other elements. Only a specialist can create an electric drive for roller blinds with his own hands.
Electrically controlled curtains are very convenient, but they are also more expensive.
Types, configuration options
| System type | Equipment, design features |
| Open | This type of product consists of a canvas, a shaft, a dense tube at the bottom, and a control mechanism. The package of such a product usually includes all the listed parts, special clamp brackets, double-sided tape, and self-tapping screws. The configuration depends on the cost of the kit and its purpose. An open system can be mini or wide. Mini roller shutters are most often installed without the use of a drill - using ordinary double-sided tape. |
| Closed | Closed roller blinds include a shaft, a fabric sheet, a control mechanism, special guides for roller blinds, and a protective box. Plastic and aluminum boxes reliably fix the material, preventing it from sagging and premature wear. The guides also significantly extend the life of the fabric panels, tightly fixing them to the double-glazed windows. The closed system is most often used for opening sashes. |
Roller blind open type
Closed roller blind
Other accessories
There are interesting accessories on the market for roller blinds. They are not necessary for the operation of the curtains, but can make them more practical. It is important to complete with the following elements:
- Decoration. The chain works thanks to the weight. It can be purchased in different shapes, colors, patterns. The decor can complement the stylish roll and decorate the window. The cost is small.
- Case for decoration. The weight can be placed in a beautiful box. Basically, a white part is selected to blend in with the window. Can be attached with standard self-tapping screws.
- A plug. Very often, creators save money and do not add this important element to the composition. This is a decoration that decorates the curtain and hides the uneven end of the weighting material. Most often the plug is sold from plastic, but aluminum or metal will also work.
- Use a handle if you choose attic curtains.
- Limiter. To ensure that the fabric is wound evenly, buy a weighting agent. This way you will control the process of winding the fabric.
What you need for work
To work you need to purchase/stock:
- threads, needles;
- iron (you will need it to smooth the fabric);
- screwdriver;
- screwdriver;
- stapler;
- dimity;
- wooden block 25x35 millimeters (it should not be shorter than the width of the window opening);
- tube (both metal and plastic are suitable);
- fastening elements: self-tapping screws;
- two pieces of hooks and rings (diameter about fifty millimeters);
- ribbons/laces;
- wall hook.
You need to stock up on a lot of materials
How to avoid mistakes when installing curtains
Installing the curtain is very simple. There are several fastening methods. The curtain consists of a roller, gear, bracket and fabric. The bracket can be spring or static and is attached to the window frame.
Installing roller blinds is very simple and does not cause any difficulties.
The roller and holder are mainly made of metal. The product is attached to the window sash, wall or ceiling. This is more convenient for the owner and fits better into the design of the room. The fabric is attached to a blind or opening frame. You can also fix it along the length of the entire window.
This type of curtain is attached directly to the frame itself, wall or ceiling.
Almost always, the product comes with additional instructions, so read them carefully. From it you will learn step by step about attaching curtains. There are also photos and videos on the Internet that show the process in detail.
On the Internet you can find detailed instructions for installing such curtains.
Roller blinds fit into every room. Due to their shape, they can come in different colors, designs and sizes. Choose the right curtain and enjoy ease of operation.
Application practice
Mechanisms that are identical in operating principle will differ in size, depending on the size of the roll. The shaft is made of aluminum tube; it should not bend under the weight of the fabric. Therefore, blanks of different thicknesses are used: Ø 19 (18) mm, Ø 25 mm, Ø 32 mm, Ø 45 mm. To learn how to choose roller blinds, watch this video:
The capabilities of blinds include protection from prying eyes. For this purpose, a spring roller blind with a lower cassette arrangement is used (the fabric is pulled onto the glass from bottom to top). It is even more practical to install 2 rolls at the top and bottom of the sash. By simultaneously moving 2 canvases, a gap of the required width is left between them.
Spring cassettes installed at a sufficient height can be controlled by chain pendants.
Additional Information
Such devices must be kept clean. The housewife's dust is removed with a vacuum cleaner at low power or with a steam generator. To wash, it is recommended to rinse in the shower, unfolding the fabric in a horizontal position, or clean with a natural-based stain remover. As a last resort, there is also dry cleaning.
When cleaning the fabric, try not to rub or press too hard on the fabric.
DIY lifting mechanism installation
In order for the resulting structure to decorate the room, it is necessary to strictly follow the instructions during the work process.
The process of installing curtains with your own hands is as follows:
- Using an iron, the material is smoothed, all wrinkles are removed, and the seams are ironed. During operation, unlike conventional curtains, roller curtains do not wrinkle.
- Mount the weight tube. To do this, sew a pocket at the bottom of the material into which a metal tube is inserted.
The tube-weight is inserted into the pocket of the canvas
- The resulting product is applied to the window so that the bottom of the product is at a distance of five to ten millimeters from the window sill. The top marks the place where the structure should be located.
- Then a block is wrapped in the upper part of the curtain. Then the staple form is fastened. If there is no stapler in the scrap, then small nails will do. During work, you should ensure that the material maintains symmetry.
Design of the upper part of the canvas
Detailed assembly sequence
- First, assemble the bracket and fix the parts until they click.
- Then double-sided tape is glued to the platform (if the installation takes place on it).
- The brackets are connected to the platform until there is a characteristic click.
- The structure is assembled on the windowsill first.
- Place it on the window sash and mark with a pencil the placement of the left and right landings. Then glue the pad into place under the markings.
- The right bracket is installed, and a shaft with fabric is put on it. Next, add the left one, make a note regarding the location of the left site. Then the left one is disconnected from the platform. The empty part must be glued to the marked place on the profile.
- You need to place the shaft in the right one and fix the left one.
- Then release the curtain and mark the position of the latch.
The process of assembling and installing curtains is quite simple, but requires precision and accuracy
Note! It is recommended to attach the curtain to the sash based on the width of the material. Double-sided tape can only be applied once. Although they are installed quickly in this way - in 10 minutes.
If you are not confident in your own abilities, it is advised to turn to specialists. It is recommended to call a surveyor by leaving a request on the appropriate website.
Another roller blind assembly is proposed, step by step instructions below. There are the following stages of installation on a “blind sash” using adhesive tape:
- Use fastenings without self-tapping screws. The window profile must be degreased in advance, markings must be made and the installation locations must be marked with a pencil.
- Then remove the protective layer of double-sided tape and attach the brackets. First, they are mounted where the manual or automatic control element will be placed.
Aesthetic and practical
The use of plastic profiles has led to changes in the design of houses. Heavy curtains have been replaced by functional devices. They are easy to maintain. This should be taken into account.
Roller blinds, often used in modern interior design, are easy to care for and use.
The only disadvantages are that they cannot adjust the direction of light and look a little “laconic”. Although the entire space of the room is used as rationally as possible.
Let us add that plastic windows differ from their wooden counterparts. Ordinary curtains do not look very aesthetically pleasing with such glazing.
