Renson® outdoor blinds are known as the top quality exterior blind solutions on the market. With the click of a button, these blinds allow you to control the indoor temperature; a one-off investment that offers effective long-term passive cooling.
However, the devil is in the detail when it comes to specifying them. If a blind is not used in the correct application and does not fit properly, you will find that solar gain starts to seep into the building, defeating the installation purpose.
How can you specify these blinds correctly? Keep reading to find out.
What Are Renson® External Blinds?
Renson® blinds are a method of achieving thermal comfort by minimising solar gain within a building. Not only are these fully Part O compliant, but they are a sustainable, intelligent technology solution that gives a stylish, contemporary finish to any home or commercial space.
With external blinds installed on the building’s exterior, light travels into the room, but heat does not reach the glass, helping rooms of all sizes to stay cool. The durable fibreglass fabric reflects heat but maintains high levels of visibility, perfect for maintaining a light but cool ambience within the building. Gone are the days of having to cloak a room in darkness to keep it cool or overuse the air conditioning; with these blinds, you can do the job at the click of a button.
Specifying External Blinds – The Considerations
As expert installers, we understand what's needed for a flawless fit. Renson is known for being one of the leading European manufacturers of external blinds and shading systems, with their products being installed in countries all over the world.
Correct specification of external blinds involves considering the following points to ensure an effective, long-lasting solution:
Orientation - Vertical or Pitched?
These external blinds are suitable for all windows, but knowing the orientation is important as it affects elements such as the blind type, size, mechanism, and installation method.
Renson offer a product for all glazing requirements;
- Renson Topfix is designed for horizontal or sloping windows, including skylights
- Renson Fixscreen is intended for vertical windows and doors
- Renson Panovista is part of the Fixscreen range but is designed specifically for glass-on-glass corner glazing where no mullions are used.
Window Size
Generally, the Topfix blind can cover up to 30 sqm, while a Fixscreen can cover up to 22 sqm. This means that even floor-to-ceiling windows can be covered. The size will dictate the product and fixing method, so accurate measurements are required.
You will also need to consider the size of the window you are specifying if you intend to fit external blinds as well – for example, if you would like a single blind to cover the window, or if more than one blind is required.
Installation Type
Renson® exterior blinds are available in large sizes and therefore require ground or roof fixing for support. Fixscreen and Panovista blinds are designed to be self-standing and will be supported from the floor. However, fixing the headbox to the wall is recommended to prevent any potential deflection.
Topfix blinds will require reasonable fixing grounds around the roof light. Unfortunately, frameless roof lights are unsuitable for retrofitting exterior blinds, because there is no way to fix them other than directly onto the roof, which risks damaging its water tightness.
If you want to recess fit the blinds into soffits, you'll need to ensure the cavity space is large enough to accommodate the headbox. You can download technical drawings for each blind from our website to check this.
Fabric
Renson® blinds are available in a vast array of colours, powder coating finishes and blind fabrics. This offers almost unlimited customisation options and the ability to match the blind finish closely to the building's aesthetic. Contact us to find out more about the frame and fabric colours on offer.
Operation
Renson® external blinds are powered by a mains-operated electric motor so consideration must be made for the installation and ongoing maintenance.
You need to consider how clients would like the blinds to be operated – for example by wall switch, remote control, or via an app.
For wired-in blinds, 13A fused spurs will also need to be located near the blinds for wiring up once installed. Alternatively, ‘plug-and-play’ options are also available where blinds can be connected to an outdoor-rated plug.
Home automation integration is also possible – please contact one of our experts to discuss.
Explore Our Renson® External Blinds Collection
By specifying external blinds correctly, you have more chance of having the perfect fit upon installation. With benefits including passive cooling, cost savings on utilities and improved privacy, now is the time to include them in your designs. And if you have any queries, we are here to advise you.
