Blinds and shades are the most common types of window coverings. Designed to provide privacy and regulate how much outdoor light enters a room, they are ideal for both home and office use. There is a huge variety of blinds and shades on the market with multiple operating systems. They also can be made of multiple materials, such as wood, plastic, metal and the elements that can be held together by cords made of rope or plastic. There are a lot of designs available, depending on the installation type, the size of the window, the building’s architecture and many other factors.
In some areas, window blinds are used to describe various other types of window coverings, such as shutters, cellular shades, roller blinds, honeycomb shades, roman and wood blinds or Venetian blinds. In the United Kingdom, blinds or shades are used instead of awnings.
Some of the most popular types of blinds and shades are roll up window blinds and roll up window shades. Here’s a quick guide about them – you’ll learn how are they made, how do they work and how can you use them:
Components
Roll up blinds and shades are made of solid sheets of fabric and a long hollow tube that houses the spring and the ratchet. They come in sunscreen, blackout or translucent options, depending on the model. The system also includes a pull-tab located at the bottom of the fabric. This provides easy manipulation of the shades or blinds without having to touch the fabric itself. Roll up blinds have special adjustable winders so you can manually lock the blinds at different heights. The internal ratchet helps this mechanism and enables easy operation.
Automatic blinds and shades also exist. These models are usually larger and designed to cover large windows. The larger roller blinds or shades are used for picture windows and sliding glass areas and are operated by remote control.
The operation of roll up window blinds and roll up window shades
The operation of window blinds and shades is very simple, making them the ideal choice for many homeowners. The fabric simply winds around the long tube as you pull the tab. As the fabric is pulled up or lowered, you can adjust the light coming into the room. Similarly, you can adjust the privacy level you want. Also, there is an internal ratchet that allows you to lock the shade into place, at different heights, as you want. The system is under tension – the spring adjusts the tension according to the position of the fabric. For automatic blinds or shades, a motor raises or lowers the fabric. Almost always, automatic systems also have a remote control.
The configuration
Usually, roll up blinds and shades are configured so light doesn’t pass through. The fabric is designed to roll behind the roller, so the fabric is close to the window. This maximizes the efficiency of the system, allowing minimal light passage. Other configurations are also available. For instance, some blinds and shades systems have a rolling mechanism that rolls the fabric in front of the tube. This creates a larger gap between the window and the blinds, letting more light through the window. This system is often used for smaller windows.
Troubleshooting and other mechanism issues
Although the roll up blinds or shades have simple mechanisms, sometimes they can have issues. For instance, sometimes the systems can become stuck in the down position. If this is the case, remove them from the wall bracket. Then, turn the pin on the side of the tube. Use a set of pliers for this procedure and adjust the tension of the spring. As soon as you feel tightness in the mechanism, rehang them on the wall. Now, they will work properly.
If the blinds move too slowly, take the shades or the blinds off the wall. Lower the shades or blinds to the bottom and roll it again up halfway. On the other hand, if they move too rapidly, you should retract the shades completely and take them off the wall. Then, remove the tube from the bracket and roll the fabric down halfway. Now, the system will work properly.
If you pull the shades down and they don’t stay in place, roll them up as far as possible. Look for debris and dust near the rolling mechanism, usually, this is the cause of the problem. Use a toothpick or a small similar instrument to clean debris and dust around the internal ratchet. After it is free of debris and dust, spray the mechanism with a simple lubricant to prevent similar issues and make it work properly.
The main types of roll up window blinds and roll up window shades
Roll up blinds or shades come in a huge variety of models and types. The fabric can be very varied. They can be designed to allow various levels of light blockage and various privacy levels. For instance, blackout roller blinds are often used to block light almost completely and provide excellent privacy for homeowners and office spaces. Blackout roll up shades are designed to provide insulation, protect the floors, cabinets and other pieces of furniture from sunlight.
Similarly, shades or blinds can be made of translucent fabrics. These let some light inside, depending on the model. They also provide protection from the sun and limited privacy. Also, sheer roller blinds and shades let in more filtered light. They provide minimal sun blockage and minimal insulation against sunlight and heat.
Shades and blinds can be custom made to a client’s needs. While basic models, shapes, sizes, and colors are ideal for most clients, customization is very popular. Materials can vary a lot: fabrics can be made of cotton, bamboo, artificial fibers and many other materials, the mechanism can be made of plastic or metal and accessories of metal, wood, and plastic. The shades or blinds can be customized even more with tassels, trims, painted designs and many more.
