The practical solution of bi-fold and sliding doors
Integral blinds can be fitted inside any window or door in sizes from 300mm to 2600mm wide and in any frame – timber, aluminium or uPVC – and can even be retrofitted into existing doors and windows. They are easy to install – the same way as any other sealed unit.
They are also the only practical solution for sliding patio doors, French doors and bi-fold doors, as they don’t interfere with the opening mechanism and sit neatly inside the panes of glass.
Adding a stylish finishing touch to your room, integral blinds in glass are perfect for controlling room temperature, maintaining privacy and protecting your furniture from fading. They give you the ultimate in protection from the heat and glare of the sun whilst remaining dust and dirt-free – forever. They are also available in triple glazed sealed units.
What are integral blinds?
Integral blinds feature Venetian or pleated blinds installed between the two panes of glass that make up a double-glazed unit. All our Uni-Blind sealed units with ScreenLine integral blinds inside give users the ultimate in protection from solar glare and the bleaching effect of the sun while also staying clean and free from dust.
Do integral blinds work with any window or door?
Because ScreenLine integral blind systems can be operated electronically or manually, they can be installed into almost any type of window or door, be it inward or outward opening, sliding or bi folding. If you’re unsure of the suitability of your double-glazed unit or bi-folding door, contact your installer for more information.
Are integral blinds expensive?
Although they will generally be more expensive than most wooden or fabric blinds, the myriad of benefits offered by a Uni-Blind sealed unit with integral blinds inside mean the long-term benefits are worth the investment.
Benefits of integral blinds include the ability to last as long as your double-glazed unit or bi-folding door without needing to be replaced, and a long list of additional features exclusive only to integral blinds, such as solar control and improved thermal performance.
Cord or cordless? Manual or automatic?
When it comes to integral blinds, you’re really only limited as far as your taste allows. Manual systems feature a securely attached cord fitted to a rotational magnetic transmission through the glass. However, for those who don’t want their double-glazed units or bi-folding door impeded by cords, discreet magnetic sliders are another option. All our blind systems comply with the “make it safe campaign “
Plus, with the growth of home automation systems, some manufacturers such as Morley Glass & Glazing can integrate the automation of integral blind operation within home automation systems, using pre-wired control boxes, and making for a smooth problem-free installation.
Can you fit retrospectively and into frames of different materials?
ScreenLine integral blinds are most often fitted inside new windows and doors but they can be retro-fitted into existing internal and external doors by simply replacing the sealed unit. They can also be fitted into frames of all materials, including PVCu, timber and aluminium, as well as curtain walling.
What glass options are available?
In the home or workplace, there is no better option than our Uni-Blind sealed units created using the SGG PLANITHERM range of energy efficient low-e glass. They can also be fitted inside specialist solar control, fire-safety, noise control and toughened glass types, depending on the comfort needs of the end-user.
How big/small can the windows with integral blinds inside be?
While in the past integral blinds were only suitable for double-glazed units and bi folding door with a frame that was no thinner than 28mm, this is no longer the case. In fact, thanks to its slimline 10mm slats, Morley Glass and Glazing’s new SL16 integral blind system is the first of its kind that is suitable for use in cavities as small as 16mm. The maximum size of a Uni-Blind sealed unit with integral blinds inside is 2500mm (w) x 2500mm (h). The minimum size is 450mm x 200mm.
How do I choose the right integral blind system for me?
Use our simple guide to help you decide what kind of blind is right for you. Things to consider include where the blind is being fitted, which direction the room faces, how you want to operate the blind, and which style and colour you prefer.
Specialising in the manufacture of sealed units with integral blinds, and offering an industry-beating lead time of 10 days, Coupled with free mainland UK delivery when it comes to ensuring a high quality finished product Morley Glass and Glazing is the expert you can trust. We hope this blog has been helpful in answering any questions you or your customers may have about the installation and benefits of a ScreenLine integral blinds system.
How are Integral blinds in glass operated?
- Rotational cord winder – this patented product is a popular system. The cord loop is housed inside a magnet mechanism attached to the glass at the top of the unit by high performance adhesive and there is a bottom guide roller attached further down the glass pane, at 1 metre as standard. (The cord can be any length, it can even be specified to run the full length of the glass pane). To open and close the blinds simply move the cord up or down; to tilt the blind slats, gently move the up and down cords simultaneously. This system allows you to quickly deploy or retract the blind. If the blinds are not in regular use, the cord mechanism be easily detached for aesthetic reasons. The cord is held lightly under tension by a cord tensioner and fully complies with the British Blind and Shutter Association – ‘Make it safe’ campaign.
2. Wand winder – the wand winder is a 400mm plastic rod connected to a rotational winder knob at the top of the unit. To open and close the blinds spin the rod in your fingers and to tilt the blind slats, gently twist the rod in reverse. Retracting or deploying the blinds is a slow process. This is slow if the blinds are not in regular use, the rod can easily be detached for aesthetic reasons.
3. Twist winder – a small ‘thumbturn’ style winder. This is the smallest and least obvious control unit (other than electrically operated) but it takes a lot of patience to wind a blind up and down. If the blinds will generally be left closed and the only regular requirement is to tilt the blinds open and closed then this is a very good solution.
Slider mechanism – It is easily the fastest and easiest to use. It is operated by a magnetic slider placed on the left or right hand of the glass. You simply move the slide device up and down to open and close your blinds very quickly. The slight negative is there is an obvious slide track from top to bottom of the glass pane. For more information or to request a quote for blinds in glass,
Other opening options
- Solar control – solar panel units are fitted to the outside of each glass unit and inside each unit there is a control device fixed at the edge of the glass. The internal control units have a battery back-up and can be mains charged. The control unit has sensors which allow you to open, close and tilt the blinds. Each unit operates independently, so in a 3 pane bifold for example; one blind could be fully open, one fully closed and one in tilt open position.
- Electrically operated – This system has a brushless motor used for raising/lowering and tilting the integral Venetian blinds. It allows (by means of an encoder) the simultaneous and synchronised operation of several blinds at the same time and the accurate tilting of the slats. No control device is required on the glass or window frame, as the motor is activated by means of wall-mounted push buttons or a remote-control optional unit. All blinds work in tandem, they will not operate individually, and the system must be wired into the mains. This system is particularly suited to prestigious projects, especially the exclusive contemporary domestic market.
What size Doors and Windows can Integral Blinds fit into?
- Maximum width of a blind is 1200mm. Maximum height is 3000mm.
- Other widths/heights are available by special order – ask for details
- Our standard cavity width is 20mm as standard to accommodate a 28mm sealed unit.
- Blinds for other cavity depths are available by special order.
What Colours are available for integral blinds
There are 10 venetian slat colour options:
White
Yellow
Hay
Sage
Sky
Cream
Putty
Dark Silver
Metallic Silver
Anthracite
Morley Glass integral blinds are suitable for KAT’s:
Bifold Doors
French Doors
Single Glazed Doors
Casement Windows
Sliding Patio doors
Delivery lead time is 3 weeks