Integral Blinds FAQs

Integral Blinds are a great accessory to any home, adding a luxurious finishing touch to any window or door system.

Aspect Windows offer a range of integral blind systems for our various window or door systems.

If you’re considering adding integral blinds to your home or next project, we’ve compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

If you need any more information or support with integral blinds, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team for more information.

For sales, email: sales@aspect-windows.com.

For aftersales and maintenance support: aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

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Integral Blinds FAQs

What is an integral blind?

An integral blind is fitted between two glass panes to create a double—or triple-glazed unit. Depending on your preference, it can be operated magnetically, electrically, or via a manual pull cord. Integral blinds help homeowners achieve a sleeker, flush finish versus traditional blinds.

Can integral blinds be fitted to existing windows?

Yes, you don’t need to replace your existing windows to have new integral blinds fitted to your home. However, the windows you’re looking to fit them in must have at least 25-28mm space in between the sealed glass.

How do you operate integral blinds?

Integral blinds have the option of manual or electronic operation. The manual systems have a cord attached to a rotational magnetic transmission through the glass and open and close in a similar nature to traditional blinds. Magnetic sliders are a popular choice for homeowners who don’t want the visual impact of their windows to be impaired by a cord. Your integral blinds can also be integrated into home automation systems for additional convenience.

Are integral blinds easy to clean?

Integral blinds require very minimal ongoing maintenance once they are installed. The blinds themselves are protected from dust and dirt because they are positioned inside the glass unit. Beyond that, any cords or control devices need to be cleaned with a simple wipe-down as part of an ongoing routine cleaning schedule.

What types of integral blinds do Aspect Windows offer?

Aspect Windows are excited to supply and install a range of integral blind systems, perfectly suited for doors and windows. Our range Uni-Blind range includes the C System with a manual cord, the SV System which includes the vertical sliding arm, the MB System – a mains-powered motorised wired unit – or the W Swipe System, which uses solar electricity.

Are integral blinds cheaper than curtains or traditional blinds?

Traditional blinds or curtains are going to be cheaper, more affordable options than integral blinds. However, the increased cost of integral blinds is a reflection of their long-term value and appeal. They require less ongoing maintenance, can last longer in your homes and offer greater visual appeal.

Do integral blinds improve a room’s heating?

Yes, integral blinds can contribute to a room’s temperature. They can act as another form of insulation within a glazed unit, helping it retain heat. It also helps you regulate how much direct sunlight you let into any one room, ensuring a balanced temperature all year round.

What is the Make It Safe Campaign?

Make it Safe is a campaign from the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) that promotes blind safety in homes and public environments where children and babies could be at risk. Blind cords and chains present safety risks to young children. All systems offered by Aspect Windows comply with EN13120 for cord safety, which means all systems include standard safety features that reduce the risk of strangulation.

I’m concerned my integral blinds are letting too much light in. What should I do?

If you’re concerned that your integral blinds are letting in too much light when they are closed, this could be a fault of the closing angle of the slats. For us to accurately determine if your slat closure is correct and acceptable, please send us a photo with the following criteria.

  • Slats fully closed
  • 1.5m back from the blinds
  • Photo at eye level
  • Photo taken from the outside looking in
  • At night with your internal light on.

Please send this photo to aftersales@aspect-windows.com

C System FAQs

What do I do if when my C System blind is lowered it appears to be locked in the closed position?

If your C system blind appears to be locked in the closed position, pull the cord in the blind in the ‘up’ direction using short, sharp pulls. This should release the blind. If it doesn’t, the blind could be in ‘lockdown’. To prevent this issue from happening, users should stop pulling the blind when it reaches the bottom of the unit. Advise future users not to pull the cord until it hits a physical stop, otherwise, slack is put back into the cord and the chance of the blind locking increases.

If you require further support, please contact our Aftersales department at aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

What should I do if the cord on my C System integral blind is difficult to use?

If the cord feels stiff, clunky, or makes a grinding noise, try the following:

  1.  Adjust the Base Plate: If set too low, the cords may be too tight. Reposition it slightly higher to add slack.
  2. Inspect the Safety Bridge: Excess tension can break the top mechanism’s safety bridge. If broken, replace the mechanism and adjust the base plate to reduce cord strain.
  3. Check Magnet Alignment: Ensure the top mechanism’s magnet aligns with the internal blind magnet for smooth operation.

If you require further support, please contact our Aftersales department at aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

SV System and SV+ System FAQs

Why is the magnetic slider in my SV/SV+ System coming off the glass in my hand when I lower the blind?

When using the SV or SV+ System, this can be a result of incorrect alignment within the three magnets. For the SV and SV+ Systems to function correctly, the three magnets inside the slider and blind unit within the sealed unit must be lined up. The slider will only detach when sliding down the blind if the magnetic zone endpoint is reached, which is noticeable on taller glass units.

If you require further support, please contact our Aftersales department at aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

Why is the magnetic slider stiff and difficult to operate?

This can happen for three reasons:

  1. Strong New Magnets: When new, the magnets have stronger attraction, making the slider stiff. This will naturally ease with regular use. No action is needed.
  2. Friction with Glazing Gasket: If the slider rubs against the gasket, it increases friction. To fix this, deglaze the unit, adjust the operation track slightly away from the gasket, then reglaze and test for smooth movement.
  3. Incorrect Slider Fitting: If the slider feels loose or unstable, it may not be fitted correctly. Ensure the small square cut-outs on the slider’s underside face the track side for proper alignment.

If you require further support, please contact our Aftersales department at aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

W Smart System FAQs

Why does my W Smart System not work when it is first installed?

Batteries Not Fully Charged: The rechargeable batteries need an initial full charge via mains power using the provided USB cable, as the solar panel is designed only to top up the charge, not charge from zero. After charging, the blind should operate normally. Regular USB charging may be needed with frequent use.

Incorrect Wiring: Check the wiring between the battery module backing plate and the sealed unit:

Left-hand side installation: Grey wire connects to orange wire.

Right-hand side installation: Grey to grey, orange to orange. Ensure the connections match the installation side for proper operation.

If you require further support, please contact our Aftersales department at aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

Why is the battery not recharging via the solar panel?

Check the writing connections between the battery module backing plate and the wires are correct and have not become detached.

Why does the battery module backing plate not stick to the glass?

The self-adhesive pads are designed for long-term adhesion but won’t stick properly if the glass isn’t cleaned beforehand. Grease or contaminants from gaskets can affect the adhesive.

Solution: Request new self-adhesive pads, thoroughly clean the glass surface, and reapply.

Why do the lights go solid green immediately when charging the batteries?

This indicates the battery charging function isn’t working correctly.

Solution: Switch the power off and wait for a yellow ‘up’ arrow to appear and disappear. Then, switch the power back on. The green arrows should pulse from bright green to off, showing the batteries are charging. Once solid green, the batteries are fully charged.

MB System FAQs

Why does the blind stop working when opening ‘traffic’ doors?

This usually happens when a wire becomes disconnected, often due to insufficient slack in the wires connected to the spring-loaded magnets in the tappet contactor. Tight wiring can cause disconnection as the magnets move with the door.

Solution: Remove the tappet contactor, add more slack to the connecting wires, and reconnect.

Why don’t the blinds work on sliding doors?

The tappet contactors on sliding doors must be installed inside the top frame. If the contacts on the sliding sash and frame are misaligned when closed, there’s no electrical connection, preventing the blinds from working.

Solution: Adjust the door’s horizontal position when closed and reposition the tappet contactor to ensure proper alignment.

Why don’t the blinds work at all after installation?

This is often due to misaligned or poorly positioned magnetic contacts, preventing electrical connection to power the MB System’s motor.

Solution: Check the tappet contactor’s position to ensure the magnets make proper contact when the sash is closed.

If you require further support, please contact our Aftersales department at aftersales@aspect-windows.com.

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