Which external blinds to choose in 2024?

Which blinds to choose in 2024?

Nowadays, when comfort and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, choosing the right external blinds can be crucial to improving the quality of life in our homes. The year 2024 brings with it a number of innovations that are influencing the development of this market, offering users modern technologies, new materials and features. In this article, we discuss the most important aspects of choosing external blinds in 2024 to help you make an informed decision.

What do you really need external blinds?

Why you need external blinds

External roller shutters are not only an aesthetically pleasing addition to buildings, but also perform a number of practical functions that contribute to living comfort and energy savings. Their main advantages can be summarised in a few points.

External blinds provide effective regulation of light and shade in rooms, allowing residents to adjust the amount of light entering the interior and the degree of shading. This makes it possible to create the right atmosphere in the home or office, without the need for additional curtains or drapes.

Another important function of external roller shutters is protection from excessive sunlight. They block the sun's rays from reaching the windows, effectively reducing interior heat build-up on hot days. As a result, rooms remain cooler, which can save on air conditioning costs.

External roller shutters also provide greater privacy for residents, especially for buildings located on the ground floor or adjacent to busy streets. In addition, they have a protective function against atmospheric conditions such as rain, wind or hail, which helps to keep the windows in better condition for longer.

Finally, external blinds can contribute to energy savings by reducing the energy required to cool rooms on hot days and by increasing the thermal insulation of windows. In this way, they can be part of a building's energy-saving strategy, benefiting both the environment and the occupants' wallets.

What type of roller blinds should I choose?

External roller shutters are an excellent solution for providing protection against adverse weather conditions, noise and potential break-ins. There are several types of external roller shutters, each with its own distinctive features and advantages. Here is a discussion of the three main types: overhead, flush and adaptive roller shutters.

Attachment roller shuttersThe sashes, also called overlapping sashes, are installed on top of the window frame. They are an integral part of the frame, which means that their use is only possible during window installation. Their boxes are located inside the building structure, which may affect the appearance of the façade. Overhead roller shutters are difficult to dismantle, which increases security against break-ins. They also provide good thermal and acoustic insulation, improving indoor comfort.

Concealed blinds are installed inside the wall, eliminating the need to interfere with the building's insulation layer. Their main advantage is that the mechanism is completely hidden in the wall, which provides an aesthetically pleasing facade. Concealed roller shutters are more difficult to remove in the event of an attempted break-in, which increases the security of the house. In addition, their installation can take place during the construction phase or when the façade is being insulated.

concealed shutter

Adaptive roller shutters, also known as surface-mounted, are installed on building facades or in the frame. Their boxes are not built into the wall or window frame, allowing easy installation on existing buildings. Adaptive roller shutters are easy to install and remove, making them an attractive choice for people who do not want to change their windows. However, they are less effective at providing burglary protection compared to overhead or concealed roller shutters.

adaptive roller shutter

The choice of the right type of external roller shutter depends mainly on the stage of construction of the building, aesthetic preferences and security and thermal insulation requirements. Each type of roller shutter has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is advisable to carefully analyse your needs before making a decision.

What material should the blinds be made of?

Four materials are mainly used for external roller shutters: aluminium, PVC, wood and composite. The first two are the most common choice and are suitable for most projects. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should carefully assess your own needs and choose the best external blinds for your home.

Aluminium: It is strong, lightweight and economical. It is a very interesting option, available for every pocket. This material is virtually maintenance-free and has a long service life. Its main disadvantage is its low insulation.

PVC: It is insulating, durable and economical. It's also a very versatile material as it's accessible to all budgets and requires little maintenance. However, PVC is not suitable for large roller shutters. Aluminium is more durable and secure.

Wood: It is aesthetically pleasing, insulating, safe and durable. However, it requires regular maintenance, which can be a nuisance. Also, it is more expensive and heavier than aluminium or PVC.

Composite: It is the result of a combination of aluminium and PVC. As such, it tries to combine the advantages of both. This material is a good alternative to commonly used materials. However, it is more expensive and is not yet offered by all professionals.

Electric or manual roller shutters?

roller shutter control

Manual control:
- The traditional method of controlling roller shutters, involving the manual manipulation of a tape or crank. This is an economical option, available for all budgets. Manual control allows precise adjustment of the position of the blinds, but can be cumbersome for large or numerous blinds as it requires physical strength to operate. It is also slightly less secure in the event of an attempted break-in, as the blinds can be easily lifted from the outside.
Push-button electric control:
- This type of control uses an electric motor that allows the blinds to be raised and lowered using a button on the wall. This is a convenient option, especially for large or hard-to-reach roller blinds, as no physical force is required. Push-button electric controls can also be equipped with additional functions, such as automatically stopping the blind at a selected level or programming schedules for opening and closing the blinds.
Electrical radio control with control unit TaHoma® Somfy:
- This is an advanced solution that allows you to remotely control your roller shutters via a mobile app with the TaHoma® Somfy control panel. With this system, you can control your roller shutters from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet. The TaHoma® Somfy control panel can also be integrated with other devices in your smart home, allowing you to create operating scenarios and automate various functions in your home.
Remote control:
- This method of control involves operating the roller blinds using a remote control. This is a very convenient option that allows the blinds to be raised and lowered quickly and easily from anywhere in the house. Roller shutter remote controls can be programmed to operate multiple roller shutters at the same time, making them very practical to use.
Phone control in the system Smart Home:
- This is the most advanced solution that allows you to remotely control your roller shutters via a mobile app as part of your smart home. With this system, you can control your roller shutters from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet, similar to Somfy's TaHoma® control panel. In addition, the Smart Home system allows you to integrate your roller shutters with other devices in your home, allowing you to create advanced operating scenarios and automate various functions in your home.

The price of external roller shutters in 2024

Price is often a key factor when choosing window blinds. It is rare for people not to look at the price before buying. However, it is important not to focus solely on price, as this can lead to buying low-quality blinds. If you are concerned about price, it is worth knowing that there are many solutions that offer good quality at an affordable price. In 2024, you should expect to spend around PLN 350 per mb for an external roller shutter in the case of manual control, but in the case of an electric roller shutter, it may be PLN 500 per mb.

We share our tips on how to pay less without sacrificing quality:

Do not choose low-quality roller blinds: What is cheaper often ends up being more expensive (poor quality and durability, improper use).
Look for bargains and promotions that save you money (e.g. at GM PLAST we offer a discount of 10 % extra on blinds when you buy windows)
Find a reliable and responsible seller who provides advice and support in case of unforeseen problems. A reliable customer relationship is important and often saves money (discounts, human approach, assistance...).
Choose manual roller shutters: they are cheaper and more durable.
Compare several quotes for roller shutters: prices can vary considerably from supplier to supplier. Make sure you compare blinds of similar quality. If you need an exact price for your blinds, please send us an enquiry at matheo@gmplast.eu or szymanowicz@gmplast.pl or via the contact form.

Thermal and acoustic insulation of roller shutters

Which blinds to choose in 2024?

Is thermal and/or acoustic insulation important to you? It is worth knowing that virtually all roller shutters provide an additional barrier in this respect. They create an insulating air space between the window and the roller shutter. However, few models offer real benefits in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation. From this point of view, their main function is usually to block the sun's rays in summer and protect the window from the weather in winter. However, there are several ways to improve insulation with roller shutters.

Which type of roller shutter to choose to improve insulation? To optimise the insulation of your roller shutter as much as possible, it is advisable to opt for an aluminium roller shutter with insulating polyurethane slats or PVC. Both of these materials are naturally insulating. Nowadays, aluminium roller shutters are designed to prevent thermal bridges (injected foam). In addition, for a small improvement in insulation, it is advisable to choose electric opening systems that completely prevent air flow between the interior and exterior (no openings to operate). However, it is worth noting that the crank and strap leave very little room for airflow, or even in some models do not allow it at all.

Good to know: If you want to significantly improve the thermal and acoustic insulation of your opening, focus on the characteristics of your window. The window is much more important than the roller shutter in this category. In short, the roller shutter adds an interesting "extra bonus".

How to look after your external blinds in 2024

nice blind

Cleaning and maintenance of external roller shutters is a key part of keeping them in good condition and ensuring long-term functionality. Regular maintenance not only improves the appearance of your roller shutters, but also helps to prevent damage and maintain their effectiveness. Thus, by taking care of your roller shutters, you will not only keep them looking aesthetically pleasing, but also prolong their life, which translates into saving time and money in the long run.

Regular cleaning: Regularly remove dirt and dust from the surface of the roller blinds using a soft brush, sponge or damp cloth. You can also use mild detergents or special roller blind cleaners.
Lubrication of moving parts: regularly lubricate the guides, hinges and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation of the roller shutters and extend their service life.
Check for damage: Regularly check the condition of the roller shutters to detect any damage or loose components. If necessary, take corrective action immediately to avoid further problems.
Avoiding extreme weather conditions: Try to avoid extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, downpours or storms, which can damage the roller blinds. If necessary, protect the roller blinds from adverse conditions.
Regular maintenance: Once in a while, carry out a comprehensive maintenance of your roller shutters, including lubricating the moving parts, checking the tension level of the tape or line and repairing any faults.
Take care when using: Use external blinds with care, avoiding excessive pressure on the mechanisms and sudden movements that may damage the blinds or their components.

Caring for your external blinds according to the above tips will help you to keep them in good condition and provide long-lasting protection for your home.

What colour blinds to choose in 2024?

colour of blinds

The choice of roller blind colour in 2024 can depend on current interior design trends and the aesthetic preferences of each customer. Here are some suggestions for popular roller blind colours for this year:

Grey: Grey continues to be a very fashionable choice as it suits many interior design styles and adds elegance and modernity. Shades of grey, such as anthracite, steel grey or light grey, can blend perfectly with both modern and classic settings.
Beige and neutral shades: Beige and neutral colours lend warmth and cosiness to a room and are therefore a popular choice for many people. Soft shades of beige, ecru or cream make an interior appear larger and more spacious, while being easy to combine with other colours.
Dark and deep colours: In 2024, you can expect an increased interest in dark and deep colours such as bottle green, navy blue or maroon. These intense colours add character to rooms and create interesting accents in the décor.
Natural wood colours: Natural-style interiors will continue to be popular, so roller blinds in shades imitating natural wood, such as oak, walnut or ash, can be an excellent choice for those who value harmony with their surroundings.
Pastel colours: Pastel shades such as powder pink, soft mint or blue-blue will continue to be a fashionable choice for those looking for subtle and muted colours. These delicate colours add freshness and lightness to interiors.

The final choice of colour for the roller blinds should depend on individual preferences, the style of interior design and the prevailing atmosphere in the room. It is also important to match the colour with the other elements of the décor, such as walls, furniture or accessories, to create a coherent and harmonious arrangement.

Summary

Choosing the right roller shutters in 2024 requires considering several important factors. Starting with the type of control, it is worth considering manual or electric systems, taking into account their advantages and convenience of use. Next, when choosing the dimensions of the roller blinds, it is worth considering the standard sizes available on the market or opting for roller blinds adapted to non-standard window sizes.

In terms of material, roller shutters made of aluminium, PVC or wood can be an excellent choice, depending on your aesthetic preferences and usage needs. It is also important to ensure adequate thermal and acoustic insulation, so it is worth paying attention to the insulating properties of the materials and the installation method.

The colour of the roller blinds plays an important role in the interior design, so it is advisable to choose one that matches the style of the room and harmonises with the rest of the décor.

And don't forget to maintain and care for your roller shutters, which will keep them aesthetically pleasing and functional for years to come.

In summary, the choice of blinds in 2024 should be an informed one, taking into account individual needs and preferences, as well as current trends in interior design and technological innovations. This will help to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment in every room.