Showing posts with label blinds. Show all posts

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Window Blinds Add to the Decor Redefine Window Treatments

This blog is sponsored by Blinds Blinds, Inc. Intended to help you complete the various window décor projects you have in your home, we have combed the Internet to gather the thoughts of the experts in the industry and we present them to you, one article at a time.

We sell interior shutters, shades and blinds of all kinds. Our experts can help you find the perfect solution to all your window treatment challenges. Call right now to schedule your personal, in-home consultation. 941 460-0200.

Please email us at info@blindsblinds.net to ask questions about window treatments, to tell us your ideas, or your interesting stories of different ways you have created lovely window treatments for your home! Send us some pictures and we may feature your home in our blog!

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Window Blinds Add to the Decor Redefine Window Treatments

By Clara Ghomes

Blinds are a coined term to describe the purpose of window coverings. As the name itself explains, window blinds block the view people would normally have through the window. A window blind may be made from wood, plastic, cloth or any kind of fiber. These shades can be vertical or horizontally designed.
The most common blinds and shutters are the horizontal type. These are narrow strips of plastic, vinyl, wood or fiber, about an inch in diameter. The length of the strip may vary to fit the window it is meant to cover. The strips are mounted on strips of fabric or ribbon that run down the length of the blinds about six inches from either end.

When the ribbons or cord the strips are mounted on are pulled the blinds fold over overlapping each other shutting out all the light and preventing people to look into the room. When the strips are horizontal to the floor, from a distance they will appear invisible because they are so thin. These horizontal blinds can be pulled up and fixed at the top of the window as well.

The other kind of blinds include vertical blinds. These are more like curtains that have been curt into 6 inch broad strips and hang vertically like conventional curtains. They have the same technique of opening and shutting blinds and shutters. They have a strip along the top of the blinds that when adjusted will either rotate the vertical slats to rest at 90 degrees to the window or close them by rotating them to rest 180 degrees to the window.

Some have a beaded chain along the side of the window that needs to be pulled to open or close the shutters and some have a smart wand that can be rotated clockwise and anti clockwise to open and close them. The vertical window blinds can be moved entirely to one side like a window curtain. This is because they come fitted with their own rail that is installed at the top of the window.

Blinds, shutters, shades and other window treatments are designed to match the interior of the room and the furnishings. They add décor to the place not to mention elegance. Blinds and shades are fast replacing curtains as window treatments and window coverings. Some of the best blinds, shades and shutters are made by the renowned manufacturer of window treatments and window coverings, Hunter Douglas and Vista Levlor. These manufacturers have literally redefined the term 'window treatments.'

It is important to first decide what kind of blinds or shutters will match the décor of the room. then the measurements of the window should be takes accurately. Before ordering the window blinds or shutters, experts should be consulted as they will be making the window blinds to fit your window. As a rule of thumb the measurement should be 8 inches longer than the window and 8 inches wider than the window to block out all light and view from the outside.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4008623

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We hope you enjoyed today’s article. Call today, at 941 460-0200 to schedule a FREE-NO OBLIGATION measure and estimate. We offer a complete shop from home service!

Feel free to email us at info@blindsblinds.net with any questions. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blindsblindsinc Or just stop by the showroom at the corner of State Route 776 and Spinnaker, in Englewood, FL - NEWPORT SQUARE - 940 460-0200

Blinds Blinds

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Who Else Wants Graber Blinds?

This blog is sponsored by Blinds Blinds, Inc. Intended to help you complete the various window décor projects you have in your home, we have combed the Internet to gather the thoughts of the experts in the industry and we present them to you, one article at a time.

We sell interior shutters, shades and blinds of all kinds. Our experts can help you find the perfect solution to all your window treatment challenges. Call right now to schedule your personal, in-home consultation. 941 460-0200.

Please email us at info@blindsblinds.net to ask questions about window treatments, to tell us your ideas, or your interesting stories of different ways you have created lovely window treatments for your home! Send us some pictures and we may feature your home in our blog!

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Who Else Wants Graber Blinds?

By Fay Salmons

What makes Graber blinds so special? Why buy them at all? Since 1939, the Graber brand has proven time and time again that their window blinds are the best in the industry. Throughout the years, Graber blinds have become synonymous to high-quality window treatments that are stylish, durable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly.

Graber window blinds are proudly marketed as "green" window coverings. For 72 years, it has been a long-standing commitment at Graber to find ways to improve their products without compromising the welfare of the environment. This principle enabled them to produce real green window treatments that put value to any home.

Made from North American hardwood, Graber's Traditions wood blinds add a perfect touch of character and warmth to any living space. These are specifically built to provide maximum privacy, light control, and energy conservation. The Traditions 2-inch wood blinds allow you to get creative by using their 29 beautiful options for stains and paints.

You can control your graber blinds in two ways-manually or automatically. Their manual control options include the cordless system, standard cord tilt, and optional wand tilt. But if you don't want to exert effort altogether, you can always operate several hard-to-reach blinds using a wall switch or handheld controller device.

Got big windows? Let Graber's vertical blinds cover them up with clean and stylish look. You can set the mood and privacy inside your home by choosing between their room-darkening and light-filtering options. If you want to minimize glares and interior temperature, you can check out their new solar fabric louvers.

They might not come from real hardwood, but faux wood window blinds and composite window blinds from Graber certainly have a lot of perks. For one, they are cheaper than authentic wood window blinds. They also don't get easily damage or go out of shape when exposed to humid environment conditions.

Versatile is the best word to describe Graber horizontal blinds. Their timeless look, durability, and ergonomic design are something that you can look forward to. The Micro Supreme Aluminum Blinds features 6- or 8-gauge aluminum with ½-inch to 1-inch slats. With 20-71 classic and modern colors to choose from, these don't have any problems blending well with your interiors.

Cleaning is practically a breeze when it comes to their aluminum window blinds. Graber has fully equipped them with their Advanced Finishing Technology, which prevents dusts from accumulating on the surface. It also protects the aluminum window blinds from tough stains and unsightly surface scratches.

It is not that easy to buy window treatments since there are hundreds of products out there. But Graber window blinds are certainly making it easier for others to choose because of their many benefits. Graber blinds are promised to be naturally "green", long-lasting, functional, and classy without the expensive price.

These are just a few of the options in Graber blinds.
Next, discover at www.windowblindsadvice.com/ how the right window blinds can save you time and money and bring relaxation back into your world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6168865

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Blinds Blinds

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Monday, September 10, 2012

History of Levolor Blinds

This blog is sponsored by Blinds Blinds, Inc. Intended to help you complete the various window décor projects you have in your home, we have combed the Internet to gather the thoughts of the experts in the industry and we present them to you, one article at a time.

We sell interior shutters, shades and blinds of all kinds. Our experts can help you find the perfect solution to all your window treatment challenges. Call right now to schedule your personal, in-home consultation. 941 460-0200.

Please email us at info@blindsblinds.net to ask questions about window treatments, to tell us your ideas, or your interesting stories of different ways you have created lovely window treatments for your home! Send us some pictures and we may feature your home in our blog!
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History of Levolor Blinds

By Susan Slobac

Window covering designs have never been the same since the introduction of the 1" mini-blinds by Levolor ninety-six years ago in 1914. Levolor designed the first of what we know today as mini-blinds. Their infamous design of the 1" mini-blinds we all know has been setting industry standards since that day nearly 100 years ago. Levolor blinds are synonymous with quality, style, and innovative design in mini-blinds. Cellular shades and roman blinds are two window fashion designs dominated by Levolor as well. Levolor styles have always been cutting edge and, as a result, highly copied by other window treatment manufacturers throughout the world.

In 1993, the Levolor company was officially acquired by Newell Rubbermaid. Levolor is still headquartered in High Point, North Carolina while Newell Rubbermaid has its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Levolor window treatments are manufactured at facilities located in the United States, Mexico, China, and Canada. Levolor has effectively established itself as the worldwide authority on window blinds and window shades; Levolor is the brand everyone knows and trusts.

A variety of national retailers and independent dealers proudly sell Levolor shades and blinds. Retail stores as well as independent online dealers carry the full line of Levolor mini blinds and other Levolor products on their websites. You can be completely assured that all Levolor partners such as those listed above sell genuine Levolor products. These stores are the best way to purchase Levolor window treatments.

Quality can't be copied and that is why Levolor is the best window treatment manufacturer in existence today. Still to this day, nearly a century after opening their doors and introducing the famous 1" mini-blinds, Levolor shades continue to be the world's most recognized and successful line of window covering brands. It's a fair guess that most people have owned Levolor mini-blinds at one time or another.

The Levolor line of blinds has recently grown to include a line of stylish drapery hardware and beautiful draperies, aluminum blinds, wood blinds, vertical blinds, cellular shades, woven textured shades, roman blinds, and other window treatment designs that always have the high quality and great design one would only expect from Levolor blinds. Undoubtedly, Levolor will keep the designs coming.

Almost 100 years later, Levolor is still at the top of their game doing what they do best, making mini-blinds and all the other innovative blind and shade designs they continue to revolutionize. Levolor is a name that is definitely not going anywhere anytime soon.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5286405

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Blinds Blinds

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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Learn Why Designer Hunter Douglas Roller Shades Are Your Best Picks

This blog is sponsored by Blinds Blinds, Inc. Intended to help you complete the various window décor projects you have in your home, we have combed the Internet to gather the thoughts of the experts in the industry and we present them to you, one article at a time.

We sell interior shutters, shades and blinds of all kinds. Our experts can help you find the perfect solution to all your window treatment challenges. Call right now to schedule your personal, in-home consultation. 941 460-0200.

Please email us at info@blindsblinds.net to ask questions about window treatments, to tell us your ideas, or your interesting stories of different ways you have created lovely window treatments for your home! Send us some pictures and we may feature your home in our blog!
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Learn Why Designer Hunter Douglas Roller Shades Are Your Best Picks

by Laurel R. Lindsay

The designer Hunter Douglas roller shades features a broad range of window covering solutions made of custom fabrics, which include natural, soft and traditional fabrics. Roller shades made out of natural fabrics highlight exotic elements that are typically associated to woven woods. Roller shades made out of soft fabrics make a perfect add-on to the elegant elements of the interior design of home or office. Roller shades made of traditional fabrics evoke classical character and appeal.

Combinations and Design Options

When it comes to best picks in terms of elegance and practicality, vinyl and fabric shades takes on the same position as plastic roller shades. This means that in as far as your range of choices for your window covering solutions is concerned, you are not only limited to the usual shades or blinds in plain white. You can toy around with a diverse set of over 200 fabrics, and several patterns and designs that you can match to fit your design and preference.

If you are inclined in using see-through shades primarily for its decorative value then you can use fabric as a stand-alone window covering solution. You may also use it in tandem with a vinyl window blind with matching design and style if you want more light control and privacy. Interior designers recommend that you combine bold designs with a few colors that seamlessly blend with your design theme and style.

All in all, the designer Hunter Douglas roller shades redefines the standards of traditional shades with the infusion of contemporary design and style.

Choice of fabric material

When choosing the right or most appropriate fabric material, you have to take into account the total weight of the whole assembly as ease in handling and maintenance are important considerations. Your ideal choices may include strong cottons and light canvass. Most people prefer stiff fabric over soft fabric materials as the former can be easily rolled up without wrinkling. You can also use Hunter Douglas roller shades made of ultra-thin fabric materials if you have a strong border that can hold your shades. If you are going for Hunter Douglas shades with heavy fabrics, then your best choice include blackout and light blocking.

Hunter Douglas Cleaning Methods

Most of the shade-fabrics used in Hunter Douglas roller blinds are dirt and dust resistant. Each of the company's window fashion sets comes with a detailed cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Hunter Douglas window fashions offer a wide range of cleaning methods.

• Light dusting is the method of choice when you are doing regular cleaning and maintenance

• For a more thorough and deeper cleaning, Hunter Douglas recommends vacuuming using a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment. Most fabric and vinyl roller shades of Hunter Douglas are cleaned using vertical strokes.

• You can spot-clean fabric roller shades and blinds. Using a sponge or soft cloth with lukewarm water. It is important that you use mild detergent to avoid damaging the soft fabric. Don't rub the fabric as this can permanently damage the material. However, don't use this cleaning method on roller blades with honeycomb or ultra-thin fabric material.

• Professional cleaning methods can be used on fabric and vinyl roller shades. These include injection-extraction system and ultrasonic cleaning method. These professional cleaning solutions are your best option if you are aiming for deep cleaning of your window treatments. Specifically, the injection-extraction system is ideal for roller shades made of fabric materials.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5212821

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Blinds Blinds

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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Blackout Blinds: A Night Shifter's Best Friend

This blog is sponsored by Blinds Blinds, Inc. Intended to help you complete the various window décor projects you have in your home, we have combed the Internet to gather the thoughts of the experts in the industry and we present them to you, one article at a time.

We sell interior shutters, shades and blinds of all kinds. Our experts can help you find the perfect solution to all your window treatment challenges. Call right now to schedule your personal, in-home consultation. 941 460-0200.

Please email us at info@blindsblinds.net to ask questions about window treatments, to tell us your ideas, or your interesting stories of different ways you have created lovely window treatments for your home! Send us some pictures and we may feature your home in our blog!
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Blackout Blinds: A Night Shifter's Best Friend

By John C Cherry

To make this great country run, some people must work the night shift at their place of employment. While not every company operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a large number do. These employees who must work when almost everyone else is sleeping understand how difficult it can be to get a good day's sleep when their shift is over. The main reason why they have trouble sleeping during the day is because the sun shines brightly into their windows. Their bodies' rhythms are telling them that it is time to be awake, not asleep.

Fortunately, there is an excellent solution to this problem. Blackout blinds can darken any room to the point of almost zero light, which can definitely be handy to someone working the night shift. Blackout blinds, sometimes referred to as roller blinds, are a great option because you can simply roll them up when you actually do want light in the room and roll them down again when you don't.

Many night shifters also find it difficult to sleep during the day because it is often warmer in the daylight hours than it is after the sun goes down. Blackout blinds can help resolve this issue as well. When the blinds are down, the heat from the sun is blocked so that the room stays relatively cool. It can actually make a difference of about 10 degrees, which is really a huge change when you're trying to sleep. In addition, if you're trying to keep the heat in the room in the winter, blackout blinds can aid in this effort as well.

You don't have to worry about blackout blinds not fitting into your décor either. There are all kinds of styles, colors and designs of roller blinds. There are blinds made out of vinyl and blinds made out of cloth. If you are really picky, you can even contact a custom blinds manufacturer to make your very own blinds out of whatever material you would like. This means you can match your blinds to your couch or bedspread. While many blackout blinds that you get from commercial stores are boring white, you can add as much or as little color as you want by ordering custom blinds.

If you are working on the night shift, you are to be thanked for helping make this country run the way it does. You deserve that good day's sleep you have been craving.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7263643

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Blinds Blinds

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Friday, August 17, 2012

What Are Venetian Blinds?

This blog is sponsored by Blinds Blinds, Inc, Newport Square, Englewood, FL 941 460-0200. Expert fit, and measure, help you add beauty, value, and comfort to your home with VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL BLINDS! We also have PLANTATION - or TROPICAL STYLE SHUTTERS, in white and natural colors. WOVEN WOODS & BAMBOO, PANEL TRACKS, ROLL DOWN SHADES, ROLLER SHADES,...whatever your mood and budget, we have what you want. We even have two lines of solar panels that let you save up to 20-40% of your energy bills. Ask about the Sheerweave or Visions lines!

Call right now to schedule your personal, in-home consultation at 941 460-0200, and then come back and get some inspiration from today's article! Please email and tell us your ideas, or your interesting stories of different ways you have created lovely window treatments for your home!

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What Are Venetian Blinds?

By Penny Markham

Venetian blinds are composed of many horizontal slats of wood, metal or plastic. These slats are attached together with thin strips of cloth called tapes or by cords. Having them attached this way allows the blinds to be open and shut together. Additionally, they can move almost 180 degrees in rotation allowing sunlight in partially or not at all.

You can lift horizontal blinds up or lower them through the use of a pulley system on the side of the blinds. It's an ingenious way to change the mood of a room or leave you in darkness if you choose, such as when sleeping longer and avoiding morning sun in the room and also for security so that others cannot look into your home or space.

The first venetian blinds were patented by Mr. Edward Beran in 1769 but the French had already invented them long before Mr. Beran's patent. It has been said that the Venetians brought the idea to Venice from Persia. In French, the name for Venetian blinds is "persiennes". Here in the US, Philadelphia is one of the first cities to use blinds in buildings and churches.

Some leading manufacturers of venetian blinds are:

· Levolor

· Silent Gliss

· Design Blinds

· Helioscreen

· Vertilux

· Maxim

· Markilux

· EcoSystem

Their versatility coupled with the wide array of colors and materials make them an extremely popular window covering for homes, offices and anywhere else you can find a window. Venetian blinds are also available in many sizes from wide slats to the popular mini-blinds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3760302

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We hope you enjoyed today’s information. Call today, at 941 460-0200 to schedule an FREE-NO OBLIGATION measure and estimate. We offer a complete shop from home service!

Feel free to email us at blindsblinds@inbox.com with any questions. Or just stop by the showroom at the corner of 776 and Spinnaker, in Englewood, FL - NEWPORT SQUARE

940 460-0200

Thursday, August 16, 2012

How to Clean Window Blinds

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How to Clean Window Blinds

http://www.howcast.com

Steps:

You Will Need:

· A dust cloth or a vacuum with a brush-head attachment

· Towels or a drop cloth

· A sponge or cleaning brush

· All-purpose cleaner or ammonia

· Fabric-softener sheets

Step 1

Get the dust off

Begin by removing loose dirt and dust with either a soft cloth or a vacuum with a brush-head attachment. Clean with the slats tilted upward first, then downward.

Tip

Regular fabric-softener sheets absorb dust just as well as cloths made specifically for that purpose.

Step 2

Remove from the window

If your blinds are plastic, vinyl, or aluminum -- not wood -- remove them from the window for washing.

Tip

Wood blinds should never get wet; just dust them regularly. Only use a wood cleaner if the manufacturer says it’s safe.

Step 3

Take it outside

If you have a yard, take the blinds outside. If you don’t, put them in the bathtub.

Step 4

Wash them

Wash each slat with a sponge or brush. Don’t forget to wash the cords!

Tip

If you’re outdoors, use a water-filled bucket containing a half cup of ammonia. If you’re using your tub, a mild detergent works best. Never use hot water on plastic blinds; it could cause them to warp.

Step 5

Rinse thoroughly

Rinse the blinds thoroughly, then hang them on a clothesline or shower rod.

Step 6

Wipe them down

When they’re completely dry, wipe the blinds with a fabric-softener sheet. It will help prevent dust from clinging to them, so they’ll stay cleaner longer.

Fact

Thirty-one percent of homeowners say that cleaning window treatments is their least favorite cleaning job, according to a survey.

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We hope you enjoyed today’s information. Call today, at 941 460-0200 to schedule an FREE-NO OBLIGATION measure and estimate. We offer a complete shop from home service!

Feel free to email us at blindsblinds@inbox.com with any questions. Or just stop by the showroom at the corner of 776 and Spinnaker, in Englewood, FL - NEWPORT SQUARE

940 460-0200

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Hunter Douglas Window Shades - Stylish Design

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Hunter Douglas Window Shades - Stylish Design

By James A Anderson

Hunter Douglas window shades feature exquisite and stylish design that would significantly enhance the interior décor of your home. The wide collection of Hunter Douglas shades has been designed using advanced technology and quality materials such as fabrics, bamboo, wood, grass and synthetics.

Furnish Your Home with Stylishly Designed Window Shades

Elegantly designed Hunter Douglas window shades for covering almost all kinds of windows are readily available. These include Roman shades, Roller shades, Sheer shades, Woven wood shades, Solar screen shades, Cellular Honeycomb shades and Pleated shades. Stylish Roman shades are the most admired and adaptable window covering options. They can be bought in a number of patterns, colors and textures. Besides providing sufficient lighting for your living space, these are distinguished by their extreme elegance.

The dazzling handy Duette® honeycomb shades offer superior energy efficiency and brightness control. They are available in single, double and triple cell patterns with various pleat sizes and in a broad range of colors.

The Woven wood shades, also called matchstick shades or bamboo shades have a natural appearance. They are available in an extensive collection of patterns, including handmade weaves in hobbled or flat folds.

Enables Easy and Safe Handling

To keep the window-shades in equilibrium, Hunter Douglas window shades are provided with changeable weight and a clutch-operated metal roller, which enables easy manual control. To ensure child safety and ease of operation, cordless window shade models are also available in the industry. These shades can be operated by slowly pushing or pulling the bottom rails up or down. The shades can be placed at any desired height as well.

Hunter Douglas window shades that can be operated using remote controls are designed to cover tall and difficult-to-reach windows. Besides, all these window shades are integrated with options that can be customized according to your particular requirements and are provided with lifetime guarantee.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2815720

______________________________________________________

We hope you enjoyed today’s information. Call today, at 941 460-0200 to schedule an FREE-NO OBLIGATION measure and estimate. We offer a complete shop from home service!

Feel free to email us at blindsblinds@inbox.com with any questions. Or just stop by the showroom at the corner of 776 and Spinnaker, in Englewood, FL - NEWPORT SQUARE

940 460-0200

Monday, August 13, 2012

Professional Window Covering Installation - What You Need To Know!

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Professional Window Covering Installation - What You Need To Know!

By Ed Reamz

More and more homeowners are turning to professionals for help in selecting and installing their window coverings. Consumers choose professional installation companies because they ensure high quality products, top notch fit and finish, and usually a guarantee. There are three distinct styles of window coverings a professional might suggest; blinds, plantation shutters (shutters) or shades. All of these styles have their pros and cons but the choice usually comes down to application and price.

Blinds –

Blinds are window coverings that make use of slats or louvers to block the interior of a home from sunlight and outsiders. These slats vary in size and material and are mounted on the track vertically or horizontally. Most window blinds have slats mounted horizontally and are drawn up and down by a string and pulley system. Vertical blinds are common for sliding glass doors and are drawn right to left. Blinds are popular because they are easy to install and can be very cost effective.

Shades –

Shades are a lot like blinds but instead of using slats or louvers to block the window they use fabric. Roman shades, cellular shades, pleated shades and roller shades all utilize soft fabrics to block the window. Alternately, some shades use thin organic materials like straw or bamboo in place of fabric; this is for looks only. Shades also use a string and pulley system to adjust the amount of light that is let into the room. Like blinds, they are mounted vertically with the track at the top of the window. Shades are popular because of their diversity; shades can be very beautiful and ornate or simple and effective. Shades can also be used for a multitude of applications since there are so many varieties.

Plantation Shutters –

Plantation shutters are usually the most expensive of the three window coverings. Plantation shutters, or just shutters, are more expensive because of the quality of their materials and complexity of their design. Just like blinds, shutters use solid slats as a means of blocking the window. Instead of mounting on a track and manipulated by a pulley system; shutter slats are mounted on four distinct frames for each quarter of the window. Each frame is then mounted to the side of the window and swings open on hinges, like a door. Each frame has a centered wooden dowel to control the slats. Plantation shutters are arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of the three window coverings because of their quality design, fit and finish.

Homeowners install blinds, shades and shutters for three major purposes; privacy, aesthetics and comfort. Window coverings offer the homeowner privacy because they obscure the window from outsider view. This gives the homeowner the ability to display or conceal their interior whenever they please.

Shades, blinds and shutters are also used aesthetically in interior design. Aesthetic applications are the most common reason for hiring a professional. A professional installer will have the experience and skills to match a quality window covering to your unique home. They will carefully construction and install the product to ensure proper fit and finish. If looks are the primary objective, a professional installer is the only way to go.

Lastly, window coverings provide the homeowner with comfort. Window coverings block outside light that makes it hard and uncomfortable to read or watch T.V. Shades, shutters and blinds also help with temperature control. Depending on the type of window covering, they can help keep your home cooler during the summer or keep the heat in during the winter.

Hopefully this article has provided additional insight into the specifics and applications of the three major window coverings; blinds, shades and shutters. Each style has its own unique look and purpose so be sure to consult a professional before making a final decision. Hope you enjoy your new window coverings!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Reamz

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We hope you enjoyed today’s information. Call today, at 941 460-0200 to schedule an FREE-NO OBLIGATION measure and estimate. We offer a complete shop from home service!

Feel free to email us at blindsblinds@inbox.com with any questions. Or just stop by the showroom at the corner of 776 and Spinnaker, in Englewood, FL - NEWPORT SQUARE

940 460-0200

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Going Beyond LEED

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Going Beyond LEED

Posted by Neil Gordon on Sun, Nov 14, 2010 @ 06:09 AM

What is LEED^®?

The LEED green building certification program encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance.

LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Who uses LEED?

Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials all use LEED to help transform the built environment to sustainability. State and local governments across the country are adopting LEED for public-owned and public-funded buildings; there are LEED initiatives in federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and State; and LEED projects are in countries worldwide, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico and India.

LEED and Window Coverings

LEED also addresses several applications for the use of Window Coverings. LEED points may be awarded for Window Coverings in the following areas:

Daylighting LEED NC 2.2 – EA 1.0

Daylighting Shading Systems work through redirecting the natural light to reduce the usage of artificial lighting and thereby reduce the energy used for powering electric lights and energy used cooling the heat generate by the electric lights.

Energy Reduction LEED NC 2.2 – EA 1.0

Energy reduction through window coverings may be quantified in two primary categories; reduction of solar energy entering a space and thereby reducing the amount energy used for cooling and reduction of thermal energy leaving the space and thereby reducing the energy required for heating.

Recycled Content LEED NC 2.2 – MR 4.1, 4.2

Recycled content can be defined as materials used in the production of products that have been redirected from the waste stream. Usually these materials are associated into two categories, pre-consumer and post-consumer.

Automation LEED NC 2.2 – EA 1.0

Maximum indoor comfort can be achieved through building and automation systems which regulate and allow users discrete management over thermal control and light levels to suit individual needs or those of groups in shared spaces.

Indoor Environmental Quality LEED NC 2.2 – EQ 4.2

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are air pollutants produced from off gassing of materials that can cause respiratory and other health problems. Decorating with Fabric has a full line of low VOC products that pass the GreenGuard® Air Quality Certified® and GreenGuard® for Children and Schools SM standards. All GreenGuard Certified Products have been tested for their chemical emissions performance including for formaldehyde, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), respirable particles, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide.

What LEED doesn't address:

1. Solar Shade Fabric Performance such as Fabric Content (PVC Free), Glare Control, Openness of Weave, Color of Fabric.

2. Window covering options for reducing energy leaving the space.

3. Fabrics and materials used for window treatments and upholstery.

Solar Shade Performance

While Solar Shades play a key role in daylighting concerns with LEED, the USGBC does not address fabric content, glare control performance, the differences in the openess of the various weaves available or the color choices of the fabrics.

Fabric Content:

Let's take a look at the back of the fabric card for Mermet's M-Screen.

Across the top of the chart are codes: Ts, Rs, As and Tv. These codes are interpreted as:

Ts = Solar Transmittance is the energy that passes through the fabric

Rs = Solar Reflectance is the percentage of solar energy reflected

As = Solar Absorption is the amount absorbed by the shade fabric.

Ts + Rs + As = 100%

Tv = Visual Transmittance is the measure of Glare

Visual Transmittance

The number is a ratio of the amount of total solar energy which passes through the glass and screen combined.

M-Screen 5% White/White = 15
This fabric reduces glare by 85%

M-Screen 5% Charcoal/Sky = 5
This fabric reduces glare by 95%

As you can see, the darker the color, the better the performance for reducing glare.

Shading Coefficient

Shading Coefficient is the percentage of solar heat gain through a combination of glass and screen. Light colors have lower shading coefficients and darker colors have higher shading coefficients. Lower shading coefficients means lower heat gain and better thermal performance.

M-Screen 5% White/White = .36
This fabric allows 36% heat gain

M-Screen 5% Charcoal/Sky = .65
This fabric allows 65% heat gain

In terms of reducing heat gain, the lighter the color, the better the performance.

Openness

The most common weaves in solar shades are 1%, 3%, 5% and 10%. You can also look at it as the 3% open weave is also 97% closed. To determine which weave is the appropriate percentage, I usually recommend 1% for areas where light and privacy are needed such as bathrooms. 3% and 5% are great for intense sun exposure such as south and west orientations. For northern exposures, 10% is adequate. Eastern facing windows will get morning sun, so 5% works well.

Fabric Options

We offer a wide range of fabric options from several weavers such as Verosol, Hunter Douglas Contract, Draper, Mermet, Rockland and Phifer. In addition we also have several PVC free fabrics and blackout fabrics.

Drapery & Window Covering Blog

http://www.dwfcontract.com/Drapery--Window-Covering-Blog/bid/49692/Going-Beyond LEED ___________________________________________________________
We hope you enjoyed today’s information. Call today, at 941 460-0200 to schedule an FREE-NO OBLIGATION measure and estimate. We offer a complete shop from home service!

Feel free to email us at blindsblinds@inbox.com with any questions. Or just stop by the showroom at the corner of 776 and Spinnaker, in Englewood, FL - NEWPORT SQUARE -

940 460-0200

Blinds Blinds Inc

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