The Long Read
Slimline shading for tomorrow’s homes
An expanded range of colours for Morley Glass’s exclusive slimline SL16 integral blind system adds a new dimension to the appeal of this thoroughly modern shading and privacy solution for the upgrade of heritage properties. Ian Short, the company’s managing director explains why.
Two current home improvement trends are driving increased interest in integral blinds for the windows and doors of heritage properties.
Firstly, many homeowners are currently opting to ‘improve rather than move’ in response to the short term economic outlook. This is illustrated in a survey commissioned by Compare the Market earlier this year, which found that 52% of homeowners said they are staying put and making improvements to their property rather than moving.
Another trend is homeowners looking to take steps to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, whilst at the same time giving their property an aesthetic makeover. This is driven by a growing realisation amongst the wider public that one of the most effective ways to reduce energy bills is to invest in the fabric of their homes, taking steps to boost insulation and reduce heat loss rather than hoping in vain for gas and electricity costs to fall.
Both trends mean interest is relatively strong amongst homeowners in replacing windows and doors or even just the IGUs with the latest generation of products, particularly in the middle to high end of the market.
The importance of slim integral blinds for retrofitting
Integral blinds have not always been regarded as compatible with the IGUs we usually find in the windows and doors of older properties. This is because many of the older generation frames will not accommodate the 28mm IGUs which is the minimum width required for standard integral blinds and the norm for many new windows and doors today.
Hence why we introduced a slimmer Venetian integral blind system into the UK in 2018 called the ScreenLine® SL16. This is designed to be fitted into 24mm IGUs, the width that is common in new PVCu vertically sliding sash windows today as well as many older casements.
So, whether a homeowner is interested in replacing complete window and door units or just the IGU, the SL16 will provide a solution where standard systems cannot.
New colours boost the slim system’s visual appeal
An expanded choice of colours for SL16 makes it possible for installers to offer integral blinds that tick the box for the vast majority of customers from an aesthetic perspective.
The narrower slats of the SL16 have always made it a popular choice for heritage properties. However, until now, the limited choice of three colours – White (S102), Cream (S149) and Silver (S157) – was fairly restrictive compared to the other ScreenLine® integral blinds, and there was a growing realisation that this had to be increased to meet ever changing and more divergent customer tastes and décor.
This is why ScreenLine® systems manufacturer Pellini S.p.A. has responded by developing a further six slat colours which have the potential to take the system’s appeal to a whole new level. Nine colours are now available, including contemporary Agate Grey (S120) and Black (B160), along with more traditional colours such as Beige (S125) and Light Grey (S155).
Not just about an aesthetic upgrade
Integral blinds give windows and doors the wow factor and the SL16 can now provide that in more heritage properties than ever before given the new colours. But the appeal of integral blinds is enhanced further given that the glass can be upgraded to a product with a very low U-value or a glass with enhanced solar control.
Both these performance characteristics can contribute to a reduction in energy consumption and increased year-round comfort within the home. Choosing a slimline SL16 integral blind unit made with Planitherm One, for example, allows a homeowner to insulate their property to an even higher standard and add a shading solution that will help to reduce overheating and glare at the height of summer.
