blinds for schools, colleges and universities

Nantmor Blinds Limited, 1 Brindley Road, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton-on-Sea,Essex CO15 4XL T: 01255 475044 [email protected] www.nantmorblinds.com

nantmor

blin

ds

Blinds for Schools, Collegesand Universities

A comprehensive guide for anyonewho has responsibility for window blinds

in educational establishments

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.nantmorblinds.com


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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesVertical Blinds

Vertical louvre blinds consist of two basic elements; a rigid aluminium headrail along which travel louvrecarriers incorporating rotatable hooks and a set of louvres each of which hangs from one of the hooks.The carriers are connected to each other in such a way that they can be bunched together at one orboth ends of the headrail or drawn out along the full width of the headrail.

When drawn out, the distance between adjacent hooks is less than the width of the louvres. Thereforewhen the hooks rotate the blind to the closed position each louvre overlaps the louvre or louvres nextto itself.

Description

Operating Methods

Cord and chain Cord to draw louvres and a chain to tilt them

Wand operation Wand is used to pull louvres and when twisted tilts louvres as well

Mono control One continuous chain draws and tilts the louvres

Electric operation Fully concealed motors behind headrail both draw the louvres andtilt them

Verti

cal

Shapes

Headrails can be curved to fit in a bay type window or arched to follow the contours of an archedwindow(tilt only with arched windows).The louvres can be cut to match shaped windows such as those shown on the next page.




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and Universities

§ Cords can pose a hazard with young children in particular§ Wand operated blinds do not have operating cords and chains§ PVC louvres tend not to have chains at the base of the louvre§ Cord and chain restraints can be fitted§ Crank or electrically operated alternatives remove the hazard associated with cords

A wide range of flame retardant materials are available including:

§ Heat reflective§ Black-out§ Wipe clean§ Machine washable§ Anti-bacterial§ Metal§ Solid PVC

Vertical blinds can be top fitted (to soffit) of face fitted (to window or lintel).Extension brackets allow the blind to be projected clear of items that would prevent the blindoperating such as window furniture.

Shapes (cont.)

Vertical Blinds

Fabrics

Child Safety

Fitting

Verti

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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and Universities

Pros Cons

Relatively inexpensive way of covering largeareas

Take up window cill so any items placed on thecill will pose an obstruction

Can vary the amount of light entering through thewindow Not ideal for very small windows

Low maintenance Not always operated correctly

One of the few solutions for sloping windows Not ideal for high use and abuse areas

Vertical Blinds

Pros and Cons

Verti

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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesRoller Blinds

Contract quality roller blinds consist of a steel or aluminium roller barrel which contains the operatingmechanism of the blind and on which the fabric of the blind is rolled. To ensure the fabric hangsstraight a weighted bar is attached to the base of the fabric.

The most common operating method is a self-braking clutch mechanism which is inserted in one end ofthe blind and simply operates the blind by means of a chain. On larger blinds sometimes a counter-balancing spring is used which is charged as the blind is lowered making the raising of the blind easier.

Description

Rolle

r

Operating Methods

Side chain A continuous chain at one side of the blind to raise or lower theblind. Self-braking clutch stops blind in any position.

SpringA latching spring is contained in the roller barrel of the blind. Theblind is pulled into position. The blind retracts once the spring isunlocked.

CrankA detached or detachable crank rod is used to wind the blind intoposition. Ideal for large blinds, blinds fitted at high level or where youwish to prevent unauthorised use of the blinds.

Electric operation

Depending on the size of the blind either low voltage or mainsvoltage tubular motors are used which are fully contained in theroller barrel. Once fitted a whole range of options may be used tocontrol the blinds. See page 16.




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Shapes

Triangular high-levelblinds fitted to aschool sports hall

§ Cords can pose a hazard with young children in particular§ Cord and chain restraints can be fitted§ Crank or electrically operated blinds remove the hazard associated with cords

A wide range of flame retardant materials are available including:

§ Heat reflective§ Black-out§ Wipe clean§ Anti-bacterial§ Screen

Fabrics

Child Safety

The brackets used on roller blinds are always fitted at either end but allow for face fixing (to window orlintel) or top fixing (to soffit). It is even possible to side fix roller blinds when fitted into a reveal.

Fitting

Rolle

r

Shaped roller blinds can be made with manual or electric operation. Ideally the shape needs to besymmetrical and only certain fabrics can be used in shaped roller blinds.




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Other Options

Fascia SystemAn aluminium fascia provides a neat finish by concealing the brackets and roller barrel.

Interconnecting bracketsWhere blinds butt together it is possible to have one operating blind which drives other blinds by themeans of interconnecting brackets.

Twin SystemTwo roller barrels and two fabrics used in one blind - allowing the use of a translucent or screen fabricand a dim-out fabric in one blind for the ultimate in light control.

PrintingCertain fabrics can be either screen or digitally printed.

Guide WiresGuide wires positioned at either side of the blind have a number of advantages:

§ Help prevent the blind from moving when windows opened§ Help prevent the blind from being physically moved in high use areas§ On long narrow blinds they help the blinds to roll up square to the barrel

Roof RollersUsing either a constant tension spring to maintain the tension in the cloth or two motors working intandem to achieve the same effect it is possible to provide blinds to any horizontal or sloped glazing.

Manually operated roof rollerblinds at the University of Essex

Rolle

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Pros Cons

Very robust system for high use environments Blind is either up or down

Wide choice of materials Spring operation not ideal for schools

Very low maintenance

Allow cills still to be used when compared withvertical or Venetian blinds

Pros and Cons




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesVenetian Blinds

Venetian blinds consist of a steel headrail which contains the blind’s operating mechanism andaluminium slats which can be tilted in either direction to vary the amount of the light entering the room.The slats are stove enamelled to make them resistant to abrasion, peeling or discolouration.A steel bottom rail adds weight to the blind to prevent excessive movement and ensure the blindhangs level.

On popular colours the headrail, slats, bottom rail and cords can be colour co-ordinated.

Available in 50mm, 35mm, 25mm and 16mm slat widths.

Description

Vene

tian

Operating Methods

Cord and wand Mainly used on 16mm and 25mm wide slat blinds. A plastic wand isused to tilt the slats and the cords to raise and lower the blind.

Cord and cord loopMainly used on 35mm and 50mm wide slat width blinds. Thecontinuous cord loop tilts the slats and the cords raise and lower theblind.

Mono control A single, continuous cord loop which both raises and lowers theblind and tilts the slats.

Crank operationA detached or detachable crank rod is used to both raise and lowerthe blind and tilt the slats. Ideal for large blinds, blinds fitted at highlevel or where you wish to prevent unauthorised use of the blinds.

Electric operation

Depending on the size of the blind either low voltage or mainsvoltage tubular motors are used which are fully contained in theheadrail. Once fitted a whole range of options may be used tocontrol the blinds. See page 16.




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Shapes

Cords can pose a hazard with young children in particular. Cords can be fitted with connector whichwill separate if excessive weight is applied to the cords but can be pushed back together again.

Crank or electrically operated blinds remove the hazard associated with operating cords.

All contract quality Venetian blind slats are made from an aluminium alloy and are available in a widerange of colours in solid slats with a reduced colour range in the following finishes:

§ Perforated§ Hammerbeat§ Brushed§ Matt§ Gloss

Slats

Child Safety

The brackets used on Venetian blinds allow for face fixing (to window or lintel) or top fixing (to soffit).Extension brackets allow the blind to be projected clear of items that would prevent the blindoperating such as window furniture.

Fitting

Vene

tian

Shaped Venetian blinds can be made although some will be tilt only. It is also possible to makeVenetian blinds with small cut-outs to go around obstructions - see illustrations on following page.

Slats cut to avoidobstruction




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Other Options

Audio Visual Venetian BlindsUsing 50mm wide slats this blind has aluminium side and bottom channels to reduce light ingress aroundthe sides of the blinds. To reduce light gain through the slats a special ladder tape is used. Generallymanufactured in low gloss black- other colours are available.

Hold down clipsThe bottom rail of the blind is held in position using special brackets. Ideal for use on the back of a dooror opening window.


§ Help prevent the blind from moving when windows opened§ Help prevent the blind from being physically moved in high use areas§ Can be used on tilt/turn windows (max. angle 15 deg.)

Wooden SlatsUsing a similar headrail to a standard Venetian but using real timber slats. Rarely used in schoolapplications due to cost.

Roof BlindsFor horizontal or sloping glazing a rack arm louvre system can be made using aluminium Venetian blindslats. The slats do not retract as they are held in position but they can be tilted to control the light. Theseblinds can be operated either with a detachable crank rod or electric motors.

Vene

tian

Pros Cons

Slats can be tilted to vary the amount of lightentering the room Slats can get dusty

Wide choice of slat widths, colours and finishes If slats become bent they are almost impossible tostraighten

Low maintenance Not as effective at reducing heat gain as highperformance roller and vertical fabrics

Pros and Cons




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesDim-out Blinds

Dim-out blinds use a 100% black-out fabric on a roller blind system but with a headbox to contain theroller mechanism and side channels and a bottom channel to reduce light ingress around theextremities of the blind.

These blinds effectively control the light but are not guaranteed to be 100% light-tight.

Description

Dim

-out

Operating Methods

Side chain A continuous chain at one side of the blind to raise or lower theblind. Self-braking clutch stops blind in any position.

CordThe blind has a non-latching spring in the barrel of the blind and acord is used to pull the blind into the desired position. The cords arethen wound around a cleat to hold the blind in that position.


Electric operation

Depending on the size of the blind either low voltage or mainsvoltage tubular motors are used which are fully contained in theroller barrel. Once fitted a whole range of options may be used tocontrol the blinds. See page 16.

Shapes

It is possible to create a fixed position dim-out blind for any shape of glazing but fully operational blindscan only be made for square or rectangular shapes.




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesDim-out Blinds

Fabrics

Child Safety

Brackets allow for face fixing (to window or lintel) or top fixing (to soffit).

The channels of the blind need to be fitted to surfaces that are both flat and square to ensure a goodlight seal. If this is not the case then timber frames may need to be created first.

Fitting

A limited range of flame retardant materials are available including:

§ Heat reflective§ Wipe clean

§ Chains and cords can pose a hazard with young children in particular§ Chain restraints can be fitted§ Crank or electrically operated blinds remove the hazard associated with chains

Dim

-out

Pros Cons

Effective light control so ideal for science, IT andperformance areas

Cloth can be “sucked” out of the side channels ifa window is left open behind the blind

Wide choice of sizes and operating methods formost applications

A relatively expensive blind system. Sometimes aroller blind with blackout fabric will suffice

Low maintenance

Pros and Cons

Other Options

Twin SystemTwo roller barrels and two fabrics used in one blind - allowing the use of a translucent or screen fabricand a dim-out fabric in one blind for the ultimate in light control.




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesPleated Blinds

Pleated blinds use a heat treatment process which permanently pleats the fabric and this is affixed toaluminium head and bottom rails.Predominantly used in shading conservatories these blinds also have applications in schools:

§ Very small glazing - such as vision panels in doors§ Fire doors - as the blind can be cover the glazed area only without interfering with the panic

gear§ Shaped glazing - pleated fabric has inherent strength so can be easily made into shapes§ Roof blinds - due to the way the blind is held under constant tension pleated blinds can be

made to work at any pitch and at any angle

Description

Plea

ted

Operating Methods

Cords On a standard window blind cords are used to raise and lower theblind using a cordlock much like a Venetian blind.

Constant TensionThe blinds are fixed at either end of the glazing and are held inposition by constant tension. The blind can then be simply pushedand pulled into position.

Cord loop A continuous control loop is used to raise or lower the blind. Usefulfor high level or roof blinds - cord always stays the same length.


Electric operationLow voltage motors are used which are fully contained in theheadrail of the blind. Once fitted a whole range of options may beused to control the blinds. See page 16.




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesPleated Blinds

Fabrics

Child Safety

Brackets allow for face fixing (to window or lintel) or top fixing (to soffit).

Fitting

A limited range of flame retardant materials are available including:

§ Heat reflective§ Black-out

§ Cords can pose a hazard with young children in particular§ Cord restraints can be fitted§ Crank or electrically operated blinds remove the hazard associated with chains and operating

cords.

Plea

ted

Pros Cons

Can be used for very small glazed areas Not suitable for covering large areas of glazing

Ideal for opening or sloped windows as blinds canbe fixed to window Limited range of fabrics

Ideal for shaped applications Not as robust as other blind styles

Can be used in roof and sloping applications

Pros and Cons

Other Options


§ Help prevent the blind from moving when windows opened§ Help prevent the blind from be physically moved in high use areas§ Allow blind to be fitted to tilt/turn windows

Given the pleated nature of the fabric it is possible to make a whole range of shapes includingtriangular and regular shapes but with cut-outs to allow the blind to go around obstructions.

Shapes




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Blinds for Schools, Colleges and UniversitiesOther Options

Nantmor Blinds are also able to supply and fit other shading and privacy products:

External awnings and canopiesProviding a shade during break times but also an effective from of sunscreening.Available with manual or electric operation.

Soft BlindsRoman, Austrian or Festoon blinds using flame retardant materials and either manually or electricallyoperated.

Curtain and Stage TracksFrom simple, discreet tracks right up to stage tracks - either manually or electrically operated.

CurtainsAny specification of curtain design and size available in an extensive range of flame retardantmaterials, including 100% black-out.

Cubicle Tracks and Curtains

Suitable for use in medical areas and where privacy is required. All tracks are formed to provide theshape you require and a range of NHS approved, flame retardant curtains are also available.

Anti-ligature blinds and tracksFor areas where vulnerable people may be present we provide a range of anti-ligature options on ourblinds and tracks.

Electric Operation

All systems are available with electric operation. In most instances the motors are 240 vAC and are fullycontained within the blind hardware. Once a blind has been motorised the control options are virtuallyendless and include:

§ Individual control (single blind), group control (a number of blinds) or master control (all blindstogether) or any combination of these options

§ Control via wired switches, including key switches§ Wireless control via radio controlled switches or handsets§ Automatic operation via environmental sensors, AV or building management systems

Electrically operated systems are ideal where:

§ frequent adjustment is required§ fitted to high level or inaccessible situations§ you wish to prevent unauthorised use§ automatic control is required§ child safety is a concern

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V 1.1 May 2009. © Nantmor Blinds Limited, 2009



blinds for schools, colleges and universities

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