Clear Insulating and Draught Proof Blinds
Save up to 80% of heat loss
There are many instances where replacing windows or fitting secondary glazing is not a cost effective or aesthetic option such as with period, sash and heritage windows. The problem of cold and draughty rooms can be easily remedied by fitting Insu clear insulating blinds that provide insulating performance equivalent to double glazing (2.9 U value) and reducing heat loss by up to 80%!
They are also a popular choice as they do not alter the appearance of the window frame and are light and easy to use. The blinds are made from ‘Insu flexible glass’ which has optical clarity same as glass and a breaking strength equivalent to mild steel. It can be accommodated into 3 systems – patented roller blinds, 2 panel movable blind and single panel blind. The best option will depend on the window type and situation. (See section below for further information).
Take a look at the benefits of our patented system:
- Crystal Clear – Superior to glass in most cases
- Neat and Inconspicuous – all fittings are barely noticeable
- Practical and lightweight – access to windows for opening and cleaning is simple and straightforward
- Maintenance free – although systems are simple they are robust and require no maintenance
- Protection against fading – Up to 85% of damaging UV rays are excluded
- Prevents pollution and dust - the tight seal is formed around the blinds
Applications for Insu clear insulating blinds
Sash Windows
All versions of insu crystal clear blind are suitable for normal sash windows. Where shutters operate tight up to the soffit and there is insufficient space to accommodate a roller, or for windows with a curved outer top frame, we usually recommend the rigid twin or single pane versions.
Where staff beads protrude, or clearances are extremely tight, a modified staff bead may be needed to allow a good fit flush to the frame.
Period Wood Casement Windows
All versions are suitable. Twin rollers or rigid twin or single panel versions, or a mixture of these, are recommended for very wide windows.
Metal Frame Windows
All versions can be fitted. Twin roller or rigid twin or single pane versions, or a mixture of these are recommended for very wide windows. Where window furniture protrudes beyond the frame of the window, or is let into the wall and no frame exists, it is necessary to build out (or create a frame) for the product to fix onto.
Small Cottage Windows
All versions are suitable although the rigid twin or single pane blinds are usually recommended as they are exceptionally inconspicuous, particularly with casement or side hung sash windows.
French Windows and Garden Doors
The roller version is ideally suited to full-length French-style windows or doors as it simply rolls up above the door when not in use. Inward opening windows or doors, which fit tight to the ceiling or floor can cause some difficulty. As a general rule, a clearance of 31/2” is necessary to allow the door to open below the blind. This clearance can be reduced to 11/2” if the blind is lifted out of its brackets at the end of the winter season to allow the door/s to be opened.
Large Landing Windows
The roller or single rigid version is recommended. Where the window is curved at the top, there are two options: a single pane, rigid type cut to match the top curve with a roller below (on the parallel part of the window) or a shaped single panel over the whole window.
Bay Windows
The twin and single pane versions can be fitted to all bays.
The roller version cannot be fitted onto the two right angle windows of a square bay as the brackets will clash. This problem is overcome by fitting one window with the single or twin rigid type, the other with a roller.
In general, the return is fitted with the rigid type unless the side window is used for ventilation in which case a roller is more appropriate. The roller can generally be used on angled bays as long as there is sufficient width of frame to accommodate the brackets on adjacent windows. Any problem of interfering brackets can be simply overcome by alternating the rigid and roller versions.
Stone Mullions
Three options are recommended:
a) a single roller version or rigid pane, to cover the whole window; b) multiple units of these two versions for very wide or large windows, and c) single rigid panes positioned in each mullion recess to exactly cover the individual window frame (an extremely inconspicuous option).
Where (b) multiple units are used, the face of the mullion is prepared by firstly sealing the stonework, and then fixing matching Velcro. This process results in an extremely inconspicuous installation.
Leaded Lights
All versions are suitable. (See also sections on bays and large landing windows if your windows are of this type).
Church Windows
All versions are suitable but preparation of the frames may be necessary (as described under Stone Mullions).
Unusual Shaped Windows
The single pane version can be fitted to any shape of window including portholes.
The Options – more details
Roller Blinds
The blind consists of a patented roller system, which seals against the top of
the window frame. Velcro forms the seal at the sides and bottom of the blind.
To operate, simply pull the blind down, and depress the lever on each roller bracket to seal the roller against the neoprene strip on the window frame. The sides and bottom seals are made by pressing the blind’s Velcro strips (on the perimeter of the blind) to those on the window frame.
The blind is made of crystal clear 'Insu Flexible Glass' which is based on ICI Melinex at a thickness of 180 micron. This exceptionally tough and durable material has a breaking strength equivalent to that of mild steel, and retains its remarkable clarity under all conditions.
The roller is made of heavy gauge aluminium, fitted with a high quality constant tension steel coilspring enamelled to the same standard and colour as the brackets.
No maintenance is required as all the moving parts are made from bearing quality nylon. The two brackets which hold the roller are face-fixed to the top of the window frame with four screws. The perimeter strips are made of UPVC at a width of either 3/4" (19mm) and 11/4" (32mm). They have a pressure-sensitive adhesive fixed to the rear for bonding to the window frame. The top strip (behind the roller) is mounted with a neoprene sealing strip, the sides and bottom are mounted with Velcro. A UPVC angle extrusion is fitted to the bottom of the blind for easy operation and sealing and unsealing of the Velcro. A drawstring pull cord and rod for operation of the blind from floor level are also supplied.
Rigid One and Two Panel Moveable Blinds
Made from rigid light weight scratch-resistant crystal clear polycarbonate or Methylmethacrylate the system consists of one single or two overlapping panes which seal with Velcro against the window frame.
The centre overlap of the two panel version corresponds exactly with the meeting rail of the sash window, or glazing bar of a casement window, which means it is virtually invisible against the window frame. The rigid, single pane movable blind spans the whole window giving a totally inconspicuous finish.
The perimeter strips are made of UPVC at a width of 3/4" (19mm) or 11/4" (32mm). This consists of a pressure-sensitive adhesive for fixing to the paintwork to the rear of the strip with Velcro mounted to the front.
To open or clean your sash window, simply lift the lower pane onto a Velcro parking position on the upper pane. For casement windows, the pane is parked to the side. No storage is therefore necessary, which means that the product is extremely practical and convenient. A special grade of Velcro is used which allows the panes to be hinged into the room for controlled ventilation.
Standard colours are white or veneers which match dark oak, light oak, pine, mahogany and stone mullion.
They are easy cleaned using a clear, non-abrasive liquid glass cleaner/polish. For Velcro, simply vacuum or brush with water and mild detergent.
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