Contact Blinds default product (included in quotations without any given specification) are made using a minimum 40mm tube diameter system for commercial use. On top of this, where the requirements are different to standard size / access windows, Contract Blinds will automatically raise the specification. As the m2 of the fabric increases so does the hardware. a 110mm tube is used for 5m wide blinds with and weighs at least 50kg!
For comparison a standard residential system usually comprises of a 28mm diameter tube or 32mm for higher quality systems, mainly with plastic components and hardware (excluding tube).
As well as fabrics, hardware choice is very open if no product has been specified. Some of the following options needs to be considered;
Spring Assist
Spring assist helps control the rise and fall of roller blinds as well as assisting users. It's a bit like power steering. Particularly common in larger blinds used with heavier weight fabrics, spring assist aids the operation of blinds and puts less stress on the control system and user! Spring assist is automatically included in manually controlled blinds by Contract Blinds where it is deemed necessary.
Spring Raise
A spring mechanism can be favoured over a typical control chain operation. Roller blinds can be lifted and lowered by the bottom bar on a roller blind. This can be safer for use within Schools or nurseries where there would be no control chain and leaves less to be tampered with. It can also look more attractive than having a control chain and can be used in feature rooms or locations.
Contract Blinds have developed an in-house product called the 'buffer system'. This combines the spring raise with automatic stop positions. A blind can be set to stop in a set downward position and stop in a set upward position i.e. halfway or just before the top of the blind. This helps to provide a consistent look within a large office area from the inside and outside and makes it easier for window cleaners and security to ensure blinds are closed, open or set back to a correct position.
Control Chain, Crank or Electric Operation
Roller blinds are usually controlled via a beaded chain to the left or right hand side of a roller blind. The chain can be white plastic, nickel plated ball chain or available in a variety of other colours. Typically white plastic for residential or low cost projects and nickel plated for a more durable and higher quality finish. Control chain operation may not always be practical or the best solutions.
Larger blinds (beyond use of a spring assist) require crank handle or electric operation. Many of the large tube diameter systems are only available with crank handle or electric control, this would include most systems above 50mm in tube diameter. Crank handles can be fixed in position, any length, detachable, angles and painted in a RALÂ finish.
Fabrics
The default fabric provided by Contact Blinds is from the A' Range. This includes Guardian and Carnival fabrics available in 50 different shades, all FR. Here is a small selection of the most popular:
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| white |
cream |
grey |
blue |
royal |
yellow |
mocha |
green |
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