How to choose roof window blinds: blackout or sun-filtering?

For an attic or a room with a roof window, the choice depends on what you want to achieve: a blackout blind to sleep in the dark, a sun-filtering or pleated blind to reduce light and glare during the day, an external roller blind to stop the heat before it reaches the glass, a fly screen to keep insects out. In every case the first step is to read the model and size on the window's identification plate, because the accessories are made for a specific model.

The types

• Blackout blinds: cut the light down to almost total darkness and are used in bedrooms. Versions exist for pitched roofs and for flat roofs (ARF/D), also with Z-Wave control.
• Sun-filtering blinds and sunshades: filter the light without blocking it out completely. They provide comfort in workspaces and living rooms.
• Pleated blinds: folded, in sun-filtering or blackout versions, with a decorative function as well as shading.
• Standard blinds: the simplest solution for basic light control.
• External roller blinds: fitted outside, they shade the sun before it reaches the glass. They are the most effective answer to summer heat.
• Fly screens: internal and roll-up, to keep insects out.
• Handles and espagnolette bolts: horn or butterfly type, with Gratz play, for window frames that need a replacement or an upgrade. The rods are half-round with a hole and are cut to length.

How to choose according to the job

The features to look at

• Window model and size: the sizes in the collection are given as width × height, for example 55 × 78, 78 × 140 or 114 × 118. Take them from the identification plate and not from the opening by eye.
• Operation: manual, electric or Z-Wave. Manual is simpler, electric is convenient if the window is high up; Z-Wave is only worthwhile if you have a compatible system.
• Function: blackout, sun-filtering, decorative or insect protection. Some models combine two.
• Type of fabric: plain, pleated, slatted. It changes the appearance, the amount of light and the cleaning.
• Colour: the blackout version is available in 9 colours; the casings come in an anodised finish.
• Warranty: 2 years, as stated in the data sheet.

Common mistakes

• Ordering based on the window opening instead of the identification plate: the blind may not be compatible.
• Confusing blackout and sun-filtering: a sun-filtering blind does not give darkness.
• Expecting an internal blind to stop the heat: it filters the light, but the heat has already come in through the glass.
• Buying a model for a pitched roof for a window on a flat roof, or vice versa.
• For espagnolette bolts, not measuring the rod and the type of window frame before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find the model and size of my roof window?

On the identification plate, which is usually on the frame. With the model and size you can identify the compatible accessory.

Is a blackout blind enough to keep the room cool?

No, it helps but is not enough: the heat already comes in through the glass. To limit it you need external shading.

Can I fit a blind and a fly screen on the same window?

Generally yes, because they attach to the profiles provided on the frame. Check in the data sheet that the models are compatible with each other.

What is Z-Wave for?

It is a radio protocol for home automation. It lets you control the blind from a home system that supports it.

See the range in the window accessories collection, for example the ARF Z-Wave blackout blind Fakro or the APS pleated sun-filtering blind. To check compatibility with your window, ask for a quote or advice from the AMES technicians.