I've a new extension and was thinking about vertical blinds for the windows.
How are they normally fixed? The top of the reveal is a steel cavity lintel with a render/plaster skim. The window is pvc., which I wouldn't have thought was strong enough. Never had them before so I don't know.
Mine are fixed to the top of the window recess, in to a concrete lintel. You could do the same, but use self-tapping screws instead. Drill in to see how far it is to the metal lintel then use screws that are suitably longer through a hole that's OK for them. SF & TS have stainless steel pan-head STs.
If you fit them within the reveal, they will cover part of the window even when open. (Due to the stack of slats) If you fit them on the wall above the window, you can fit a longer rail so the slats are all stacked up to one side of the window. You also need to decide which side of the window they move to, or if to have them "bi-parting". (For big windows)
You also need to consider the clearance needed for them when they rotate. There are different widths of slat too. The narrower ones need less clearance. But there are more slats and more to go wrong and more friction when you open them.
They are a bugger to clean. They are not draught proof either. Be sure spare parts are available too. Always best to go to a specialist supplier.
If you fit them within the reveal, they will cover part of the window even when open. (Due to the stack of slats) If you fit them on the wall above the window, you can fit a longer rail so the slats are all stacked up to one side of the window. You also need to decide which side of the window they move to, or if to have them "bi-parting". (For big windows)
You also need to consider the clearance needed for them when they rotate. There are different widths of slat too. The narrower ones need less clearance. But there are more slats and more to go wrong and more friction when you open them.
They are a bugger to clean. They are not draught proof either. Be sure spare parts are available too. Always best to go to a specialist supplier.
And DO NOT buy venetian blinds. If anybody tells me that they know how to clean them I will buy them as much booze as they can drink.
They'll be fixed to the top of the frame, three 'L' brackets with 3 screws in each, the long blind mechanism simply clicks into these three brackets. loads of pictures here:
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There's pictures of the brackets that are screwed to the head of the reveal, but these aren't usually used for reasons mentioned above
Mine are expensive cheap plastic from Hillarys. I've kinked a few of the slats just by wiping them. A pressure washer could do even more damage. I wish I had never seen the things.
Don't you use those funny dusters with "fingers" to enable you to clean top/bottom of several slats at once ? I've never used one but seen them around. Scotch will do. Simon.
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