Continental or dutch blinds explained

Continental or Dutch Blinds This is the one of the most popular of all external awnings and is widely used on shops, restaurants and hotels and on domestic properties. Either retractable or non-retractable (see 'wet look blinds' below). The quarter circle shape is formed by four or five legs, depending on the projection, from anodised aluminium extrusion and held together by metal or plastic components and rivets. The profile has a channel into which a PVC extrusion is inserted and to which the blind fabric is stapled and then covered by Hydem tape. The blinds can be housed under an aluminium or white PVC extruded top board and end cheeks if required. Types and operation Manual Heavy-duty nylon cord fed through three pulleys and attached to the front of the blind. It is held in the closed position by winding a cord around a cleat. Gear and electric operation Can be fitted into a tube that winds up the nylon cord and is mounted under the top frame. Components Dutch profile Small radius corner with two tongues to slip into extrusion to form leg and cross member - made from alloy or glass filed nylon. Dutch hinge set Free hanging lazy pulleys to operate raising and lowering the blind via heavy duty nylon cord secured to a cleat. Pulley plates Alloy component that fastens at an angle across the corner of the frame for reinforcement. Fitted normally on back and front frames only. Also made from alloy or glass filled nylon. The brackets will also square the framework and carry the pulleys and cords. Dutch blind cleat Made from alloy, steel or plastic for fastening cord to hold blind in retracted position. Top board Made from anodised aluminium sheet folded to shape or aluminium extrusion to give weather protection. Also available in brilliant white PVC complete with moulded cheeks. Top fix/top board bracket Anodised aluminium or steel bracket, formed to fasten upwards and backwards, carries frame under shop front etc. Face fix bracket Anodised aluminium bracket to face fix only. Trimming tape (or Hydem tape) A PVC tape which has a self-closing groove. The tape is stretched over the frame concealing the staples as required. Studs or Dutch nails Plastic, brass or enamelled steel for fastening stud tape.

For more information on Continental or dutch blinds explained talk to British Blind & Shutter Association