FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are integral blinds?
Integral blinds are a type of sealed unit, which refers to the glass or glazing component of
windows and doors. What sets them apart is the inclusion of a venetian or pleated blind
enclosed within the double or triple-glazed unit. These blinds are housed in the cavity of the
sealed unit and can be operated using either a manual magnetic system or a motorized
system.
How long do integral blinds last?
Integral blinds are far more durable than conventional blinds because they are securely
enclosed within the double or triple-glazed unit, protected on both sides by toughened glass.
The only way they can be damaged is if the glass itself is broken, exposing the blind. In
contrast, conventional blinds are prone to scratches, bending, twisting, and breakage due to
exposure to people, pets, and everyday objects.
We provide a robust 10-year guarantee for our integral blinds, which covers both the sealed unit—ensuring protection against fogging and condensation—and the blind’s mechanism and operation. By following our user guidelines, provided during installation, your integral blinds can last up to 20 years or more, depending on how frequently you operate the blinds and use the raise and lower functions.
We provide a robust 10-year guarantee for our integral blinds, which covers both the sealed unit—ensuring protection against fogging and condensation—and the blind’s mechanism and operation. By following our user guidelines, provided during installation, your integral blinds can last up to 20 years or more, depending on how frequently you operate the blinds and use the raise and lower functions.
What colour blinds do you have available?
Our magnetic integral blinds are offered in a range of colors, including anthracite grey, black,
cream, silver, and white. Additionally, we provide two dual-color options: white on the inside
with anthracite grey on the outside, and white on the inside with black on the outside. These
color options are available for both the slats and the perimeter frame, which includes the left
and right sides, as well as the headrail at the top.
Do you supply just the blinds that go in-between the glass, or the blinds as well as the glass?
We provide fully finished sealed glass units, which are double or triple-glazed units with a
blind permanently enclosed within the cavity. We do not supply the blinds separately;
instead, we offer completed double or triple-glazed units with the blind integrated and sealed
into the cavity during the manufacturing process at our factory.
Can integral blinds be fitted into existing windows and doors?
Yes, our integral blinds can be installed in UPVC, aluminium, and timber windows or doors.
They can be fitted into any opening or aperture that can accommodate a sealed glass unit
with a thickness of 24mm or more. Our integral blinds have a standard thickness of 28mm.
Where can I use integral blinds?
Integral blinds can be installed in any opening or aperture that is suitable for and can
accommodate a sealed glass unit with a thickness of 24mm or more. They are commonly
fitted in windows, bifold doors, French doors, sliding patio doors, single half- or fully-glazed
doors, and conservatories.
How do I clean the blinds?
One of the greatest benefits of integral blinds is that they require no cleaning. Enclosed
within the double or triple-glazed unit, they are hermetically sealed, ensuring an airtight and
watertight barrier that prevents anything from entering or exiting. This means the blinds
remain free from dirt and dust, eliminating the need for cleaning. All that’s needed is to
occasionally clean the glass as you would with any other sealed glass unit.
Do I have to change my window/door frames to have your integral blinds installed?
Yes, integral blinds can be installed into your existing window or door frames without the
need to replace the frames. The process involves removing your current sealed glass units
and replacing them with integral blinds, which are double or triple-glazed units featuring a
venetian or pleated blind enclosed between the glass panes. However, it is not possible to
reuse your existing glass. We provide new glass units with the blinds integrated and sealed
during the manufacturing process.
Can you have integral blinds in sliding doors?
Integral blinds are an excellent choice for sliding patio doors. In fact, we believe they are the
ideal solution for dressing your patio doors. Since the blinds are enclosed within the glass
units, they do not occupy any additional space on the door surface and won’t interfere with
the door’s operation. This allows you to slide the doors back and forth smoothly without any
issues. Additionally, our slimline controls are designed to sit discreetly on the glass surface,
ensuring they do not obstruct or hinder the functionality of your doors.
How do I use the blinds?
We offer two operating systems for integral blinds: a manual magnetic system and a batterypowered motorized system.
The manual magnetic system is operated by hand using two discreet control blocks positioned on the left or right side of the inside glass pane. These magnetic controls connect to internal magnets within the sealed unit, which are attached to the blind’s strings. However, the strings and internal magnets remain hidden within the perimeter frame. The smaller control block tilts the blinds open and closed, while the larger block raises and lowers the blinds. By sliding the larger block up or down the glass, the blinds move twice the distance, enabling quick and effortless adjustment.
The motorized integral blinds are powered by a battery module that attaches to the glass, typically in the top left or right corner, or can be operated with an optional remote control. These blinds lack a perimeter frame and feature only a headrail at the top of the unit, where the motor is concealed. The motor is connected to a contact pad, hidden within the unit, which supplies power from the battery module. The battery module is magnetically secured to the contact pad and features up and down buttons for tilting or raising and lowering the blinds. Holding the buttons allows for smooth movement of the blinds, while a remote control provides an additional option for convenience. The remote can be synced to control multiple blinds simultaneously with a single button press, making it a practical choice for managing multiple units with ease.
The manual magnetic system is operated by hand using two discreet control blocks positioned on the left or right side of the inside glass pane. These magnetic controls connect to internal magnets within the sealed unit, which are attached to the blind’s strings. However, the strings and internal magnets remain hidden within the perimeter frame. The smaller control block tilts the blinds open and closed, while the larger block raises and lowers the blinds. By sliding the larger block up or down the glass, the blinds move twice the distance, enabling quick and effortless adjustment.
The motorized integral blinds are powered by a battery module that attaches to the glass, typically in the top left or right corner, or can be operated with an optional remote control. These blinds lack a perimeter frame and feature only a headrail at the top of the unit, where the motor is concealed. The motor is connected to a contact pad, hidden within the unit, which supplies power from the battery module. The battery module is magnetically secured to the contact pad and features up and down buttons for tilting or raising and lowering the blinds. Holding the buttons allows for smooth movement of the blinds, while a remote control provides an additional option for convenience. The remote can be synced to control multiple blinds simultaneously with a single button press, making it a practical choice for managing multiple units with ease.
Do you provide an installation service?
Yes, we provide supply and installation services across the entire country.
Can you provide a measuring up service?
Yes, we offer free surveys nationwide. One of our experienced and friendly surveyors will
visit your property to accurately measure the glazing dimensions for your windows and
doors. During the visit, they will also provide a sample of the integral blind unit and a color
swatch for your review.
Do you provide a guarantee for your integral blinds?
We offer a comprehensive 10-year warranty for our integral blinds. This warranty ensures
the integrity of the sealed unit, providing protection against fogging, condensation, and unit
failure. It also covers the operation of the blind and its internal mechanisms, giving you
complete peace of mind that your units are fully protected for 10 years. Upon supply or
installation, we provide a PDF certificate for your warranty, ensuring you have all the
necessary documentation should you need to make a claim in the future.
If I just had new glass installed without integral blinds, can you fit your blinds into my new glass?
Unfortunately, we are unable to do this. The blinds must be enclosed between the panes of
glass before the unit is sealed and bonded, which is a process completed in our factory. As a
result, we need to provide new double or triple-glazed units for installation
Do you provide a guarantee for your integral blinds?
We offer a comprehensive 10-year warranty for our integral blinds. This warranty ensures
the integrity of the sealed unit, providing protection against fogging, condensation, and unit
failure. It also covers the operation of the blind and its internal mechanisms, giving you
complete peace of mind that your units are fully protected for 10 years. Upon supply or
installation, we provide a PDF certificate for your warranty, ensuring you have all the
necessary documentation should you need to make a claim in the future.
What if something goes wrong with the blind inside the glass?
Most issues with traditional blinds arise because they are exposed and susceptible to
damage from regular use, such as being bumped or knocked. In contrast, our blinds are
securely sealed between the glass, making them tamper-proof and highly durable. The
mechanism is simple and, because it is protected from external interference, issues are
extremely rare. In the unlikely event of a problem, most can be resolved easily using the
magnetic controls without needing to dismantle the unit. For your peace of mind, we also
offer a full 10-year warranty. If anything does go wrong, we will repair or replace the blind at
no additional cost.
Are your integral blinds energy efficient?
When selecting the glass for your windows and doors (sealed units), it’s important to
consider the type of glass being supplied, as different options offer varying levels of energy
efficiency. For instance, low-emissivity (low-E) glass is one of the most energy-efficient
options available today. It features a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on one of the
internal glass surfaces, which reflects heat back into your home while still allowing natural
light to enter. Low-E glass is up to 40% more energy-efficient than standard glass options. All
our integral blinds are manufactured with low-E glass as standard, using Planitherm Total
Plus, the UK’s leading low-E coating brand.
Integral blinds further enhance your home’s energy efficiency by adding an additional barrier between the interior and exterior. This extra layer helps retain heat within your home, reducing energy consumption and lowering your heating bills.
Integral blinds further enhance your home’s energy efficiency by adding an additional barrier between the interior and exterior. This extra layer helps retain heat within your home, reducing energy consumption and lowering your heating bills.
Are your magnetic integral blinds symmetrical in appearance?
Our magnetic integral blinds are designed to be symmetrical as standard. This means the
aluminum perimeter frame inside the unit is present on both the left and right sides, with a
headrail at the top. This symmetrical design ensures a clean and sleek appearance, as
having the frame on just one side can appear unbalanced and detract from the overall
aesthetic. While technically only one side needs the internal perimeter frame (the side
opposite the magnetic controls), we include it on both sides purely for a visually pleasing,
symmetrical finish, even though the additional frame serves no functional purpose.
Are your integral blinds argon filled?
All of our sealed units with integral blinds come filled with argon gas as standard. Argon is a
colorless and odorless gas that is significantly denser than air and has a much lower thermal
conductivity—approximately one-third that of air. Sealed units filled with argon gas are more
energy-efficient compared to those filled with air. Additionally, argon helps ensure smooth
operation of the blinds, even in cold weather when the glass may contract and deflect
inward.
We specialize in high-quality integral blinds designed for durability, style, and ease of use. With over 50 years of expertise, we offer innovative solutions manufactured in the UK.
Service
Contact Us
- Rutland House, Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5QQ
- 0800 464 7552
- hello@rukintegralblinds.co.uk
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