FAQ's
Blackout/Dimout Blinds - What type do I require ?
If you are doing light sensitive experiments or photographic processing choose a room without a window or brick it up!
The fabric of a blackout blind will be 100% blackout but for a retractable system total blackout is exceedingly difficult to achieve and for almost all purposes is unnecessary. To test 100% blackout with the human eye can take up to 2 hours for the eye to assimilate to the conditions. At this time the slightest pin prick of light will become a bright beam of light. But is 100% the requirement? In fact in some circumstances, public circulation areas such as a gallery for example, total blackout could be a hazard
What are the options?
Roller dark blinds with side guides and boxing and 100% blackout Fabric VS650 dark blind
Roller dim out blinds with 100% blackout fabric and side masking Dimout roller blinds
Roller dim out blinds without side masking easi roll roller blinds
Roller blinds with a dark/dense fabric
Venetian blinds AV with side masking Classic AV
Venetian type with privacy slats (without cord holes) Privacy Slimstyle mini blinds
So what type of blind is really needed?
The main reason for using boxed blinds is that the use of a 100% blackout fabric highlights the light sources at the edges. The extent to which you need to solve this light seepage is one of the main issues. Boxing and side channels add significantly to the cost so when should they be considered?
1. The boardroom or lecture theatre
If ease of operation and aesthetics are the main concern consider electrically operated boxed blinds. Control of all blinds from one position and guides and boxing for neatness of appearance VS650
2. School Physics lab with light experiments
Function dictates that boxed blinds are required and cost that manual operation is adequate VS650
3. Other school labs and AV rooms
Function and cost suggest dual function Audio visual Venetian type Classic AV or manual dim out roller blinds possibly with side guides
4. Conference room that already has sunblinds
Occasional AV use - cost and function. Easi-roll roller blinds with blackout fabric Easi roll fitted outside the reveals wider than the window using the walls as side masking or Venetian type with privacy slats
So assess the priorities:- function, ease of operation, aesthetics, cost and that determines the solution
Other possibilities
Blackout curtains. Curtains lined with a blackout fabric with 100% fullness are an alternative to boxed blinds that when fitted full height outside the window can be almost as effective in light exclusion.
Blackout roman blinds –an alternative to dim-out roller blinds at a higher cost
VR110 Shutters. Will provide a good degree of dimout when closed and also have the benefit of their normal functions for security and privacy.
Rooflight blinds or blinds to sloping glazing. – whilst roller type are possible we only recommend Techtonic non retractable louvre type except for photographic studios where Rooflight roller blinds are the only option
Linked Information:
Classic AV audio visual venetian blind
Awkward shapes?
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