Roller Blinds - How to Measure
Introduction
There are a number of things you need to consider when measuring for new Roller Blinds. Below is a quick guide to help you. Firstly make sure you have a pencil and some paper and a tape measure (preferably a metal one).
What to measure in
Always measure in millimetres (mm) as most blind suppliers require a size in millimetres.
Where to measure
In normal window areas there are 2 potential places for your blinds to be installed, these are known as the window face, or the window recess. Roller Blinds can be fitted to the face of your window frame or wall, or into the top of the window recess. This gives you complete control over the positioning of your blind.
For a recess measurement:
Make sure you have enough depth to mount the inside the window frame area. 75mm should be fine; any less will result in the blind protruding out of the recess. If you have less than 75mm it may be worth considering installing your blind outside the window recess as a face fit.
1) Measure the width of the recess from wall to wall at the top. This is where the brackets will be fitted. Be sure to measure across 3 areas of the width to ensure the area is the same width (or very similar) and the walls do not have bulges that will affect the operation of the blind.
2) Note down the shortest measurement.
3) Take off 10mm each side - this will give you some flexibility in case of any variants in your walls and will ensure your blind doesn't get damaged. If you want total light block out we suggest you fit your blind to the window face.
4) Measure the drop by taking the measurement from the top of the recess to the bottom.
5) Note down the shortest measurement.
A stopper is provided with many Roller Blinds which means you can restrict the movement of the blind to ensure it extends down to fit perfectly on your windowsill. Operate the blind chain with one hand and with the other pinch one of the chain balls between your thumb and forefinger and work out when this will reach the top of the mechanism. When you have your perfect length worked out nip the blind chain stopper onto the chain with a pair of pliers.
For a face measurement:
1) Measure the exact width of where you'd like your blind to be. As a guide add an overlap from the window frame of between 50 and 100mm this will help reduce the gap at the side of the blind, providing better light control and more privacy.
2) Note down the measurement.
3) Measure the drop from the top of where you want your blind positioned to the bottom.
4) Note down the measurement.
And remember...
• Ensure that on all recess width measurements that you have deducted 10mm from each side.
• Measure at least twice to make sure there are no errors.
• Note the side you wish the controls to be so that they are easily accessed.
• To be sure of a great fit it is important that when measuring you account for any obstructions like window handles.
• For full length windows we recommend that you measure to approx 20mm off the floor. This will give enough clearance and allow the blind to have room to settle overtime.
• For face fit installations remember to raise the blind by 100-150mm above the frame to allow the roller mechanism to clear as much glass as possible when raised. This will allow more light into the room and is important when blinds are on doors, to allow for clearance.
• Decide if the blind is over roll or under roll, i.e. is the fabric to roll off the front of the tube or the back. The fabric rolling off the back is generally the standard roll.
Other installation considerations
Shallow sill depth (recess fitting):
Around 50mm minimum sill depth is required to fasten all brackets as the minimum depth necessary for a flush mount (where the product does Blinds not protrude into the room). If your sill depth does not cover this you should probably consider a face fit installation.
Corner windows:
When two meet in a corner or in a corner where there is only glass, there can be a privacy problem. That's due to a gap where the products fit together. In order to minimize the problem, consider making one product bypass the other, then specify the other product to fit flush into the first.
French doors:
The wider and taller you specify your product, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. You will need approx 100mm (width) x 50mm (drop) additional per Roller Blind for the mounting brackets at the top. This higher and wider measurement means that when the Roller Blind is raised it blocks less of your view.
For the width you also should add at least 30mm on both sides of the glass. However door handles may constrain the width you'd prefer. Ideally the Roller Blind should fall just inside the door handle.
Roller Blinds can be installed on either a wood or metal doors. For metal doors, you'll need "metal screws" designed for attaching to metal doors.
Sliding doors:
All our blinds can be specified to mount either within the doorframe (RECESS) or over it on the wall (FACE). When deciding this ensure you measure to see if the handle is an obstruction.
For an outside mount it is normally sufficient to measure about 100mm wider on both sides. The wider you specify, the better your privacy, insulation, and light control. For the height, specify about 50mm above the top of the frame.
Roller Blinds - How to Install
Introduction
Roller Blinds are easy to fit and we are confident it won't take up too much of your time. Be sure to read all of the instructions below.
You'll need:
1) Power drill
2) Drill Bit
3) Phillips Screwdriver (The one with the crossed head)
4) Flat head Screwdriver
5) Box of Screws
6) A pencil
How to fix your brackets into...
Concrete, Brick or Plaster:
If you're drilling into concrete, brick or plaster you should use a 5.0 mm diameter masonry drill bit. You will also require wall plugs and 1 inch phillips head screws (8 gauge).
Wood or Steel:
If you're drilling into wood or steel you should use a 3mm diameter high-speed steel drill bit. Often in wood you can secure the screws into the wood without any need to pre-drill.