With increased awareness around the effects of overheating and the desire to find a sustainable solution, many homeowners have turned to exterior blinds to help them keep their homes cool and comfortable instead of air conditioning.
Today, we'll try to answer one of the most common questions about external blinds: Why are they so expensive?
Well, expensive in comparison to what? It's true that exterior blinds cost more than interior blinds. But in comparison to installing air conditioning, external blinds are often similar or less (and without the maintenance and potential health problems)
However, exterior blinds are completely different to interior blinds in their design, materials used, size and installation requirements. Find out what contributes to the higher cost of outdoor blinds compared to interior blinds.
Factors Contributing to the Cost of Exterior Blinds
Larger Blind Size
One of the main reasons why exterior blinds are more expensive than interior blinds is the larger size of external blinds. Due to their outdoor placement, exterior blinds need to cover larger areas such as windows, patios, or balconies. This requires more materials for manufacturing, resulting in higher costs.
Quality and Durability of Materials
One of the significant factors contributing to the higher cost of exterior blinds is the quality and durability of materials required. Exterior blinds are exposed to various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and sunlight.
To ensure their longevity, these blinds are constructed using high-quality materials that can withstand these elements without deteriorating. The materials used are specifically chosen for their resistance to fading, warping, or damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or moisture.
They're also built with extreme weather events in mind - for example, Renson® exterior blinds can withstand winds of up to 130km/h.
Complexity and Design Features
Exterior blinds are complex compared to interior blinds, and often include various design features to meet the specific requirements of outdoor use. These blinds are engineered to be low-maintenance and provide robust functionality. For instance, they may include features such as remote-controlled motors, zipped screens, and adjustable slats that allow for precise control of light and privacy.
The design also takes into consideration the need for protection against strong winds, heavy rain, and intense sunlight. These design considerations increase the complexity of manufacturing and add to the overall cost of the blinds. However, they provide homeowners with a product that not only enhances the aesthetics of their outdoor spaces but also offers the practical benefits of heat reduction and glare control.
Motorisation and Additional Features
Motorization is a common feature found in exterior blinds, which adds to their cost. This feature allows homeowners to effortlessly control the blinds with the push of a button or through home automation systems. Motorized exterior blinds provide convenience and ease of use, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
Additionally, they can be integrated with sensors or timers to automatically raise or lower the blinds based on sunlight intensity or time of day. These additional features enhance the functionality and versatility of the blinds but increase their overall price. However, the added convenience and automation make motorized exterior blinds a popular choice for many homeowners.
Professional Installation Requirements
Due to the electrical work involved and the increased number of components, professional installation is typically required for exterior blinds. Unlike interior blinds, which can often be installed by homeowners themselves, exterior blinds require expertise and knowledge to ensure proper installation and functionality.
Professional installers are trained to handle the electrical aspects of motorized blinds and can ensure that all components are securely in place. While this adds to the upfront cost of exterior blinds, it guarantees a hassle-free and seamless experience for homeowners, knowing that their blinds are installed correctly and operating smoothly.
Are External Blinds Worth The Investment?
Exterior blinds are without doubt a significant investment, but an investment that pays big dividends long term. Reflecting heat away before it enters the house, external blinds keep your home cool while still allowing you to enjoy views outside.
Low maintenance and very long-lasting, an external blind installation is a sustainable alternative to air conditioning.
Learn more about external blinds today, or get in touch to us to get your project started.
