Roof window blinds – which one to choose?

Roof windows are frequently chosen solution for attic spaces. In order to get shading and protection against high temperatures it is essential to come up with an answer in the form of blinds intended for roof windows. The modern market offers a wide range of solutions, so before making a final decision, it is worth considering all the options available and learning  about both the pros and cons of each of them. What kind of blinds for roof windows should you choose?

Types of roof window blinds

Choosing a proper blind is an investment for many years to come, therefore before you make up your mind, make yourself familiar with types of roof window blinds. However, the most important division is the distinction between internal and external blinds. They differ both in the way of their assembly and the type of materials used. A vital difference can also be found in their properties

External blinds provide homeowners with more possibilities. As they stand behind excellent thermal insulation, too hot or frosty days do not heat up or cool down the room to the same extent as with no blinds at all.

External blinds also serve to protect windows against harmful factors such as dust, hail or rain. Their design is based on aluminium slats reinforced with plastic elements. Slats applied in the blind slide in the window in the same way as a traditional blind to produce improved comfort of use. It should be pointed out that external blinds for roof windows require maintenance, which involves thorough and regular cleaning to be carried out at least once every six months. As far as external blinds are concerned, we can distinguish those manually operated, electric models controlled via a remote control as well as blinds powered by electricity or a solar-charged battery.

Internal blinds for roof windows, characterised by lower price and decorative functions, are very popular as well. Among internal blinds, we can mention traditional blinds fitted on guide rails, which enables their unfolding to reach the required length; internal blackout blinds that have an aluminium coating on the internal side; pleated and roller blinds are traditional forms of blinds made of textile materials. The price difference is therefore considerable since here the price is reduced by the cost of the materials used, which in the case of external blinds is much higher. The installation process of internal blinds is also cheaper as it can be easily and quickly performed  by the end user. External blinds, on the other hand, effectively stop the inflow of light and make it possible to darken the room.

Internal blinds

• Roller blind ARP, ARP Z-Wave - excellent protection against light, ensuring thermal comfort even on very hot days. Moreover, it improves aesthetic appearance of the interior, thanks to which the room looks impressive. With this model, customers can stop the blind at any position because of side guide rails. In addition, the fabric used in the blind protects against UV radiation, while a wide range of colours makes it enhance any interior design.   
• Venetian blind AJP, AJP Z-Wave - adjustment of slats to change the intensity of external light to meet your own needs. The use of side guide rails makes it possible to gain greater room shading as well as to turn the sash when the blind is pulled down.
• Roller blind ARS - control over the amount of incoming light. A wide range of colours makes the blind match with the interior. Available in manually operated version.   
• Blackout blind ARF - light-reflecting blackout blinds that are very popular among customers. They can darken the room even on the most sunny days. Side guide rails provide an even higher degree of shading. Light-reflecting blackout blinds are also eagerly used in children’s room as darkening the room guarantees a better sleep for kids during their daytime nap.  
• Blackout blind ARF DreamWorks - probably all children dream to have a wonderful room where they could spend time with their favourite fairy tale heroes. This series of blinds is dedicated to the youngest as they not only protect the room from light, but also create an exceptional interior design. This range of blackout blinds has been designed for the youngest fans of such animated movies as '’Kung Fu Panda'’, ‘Trolls' or ‘Penguins of Madagascar’. They are made of elegant fabric that does not let light through, which certainly turns out to be the best solution for a window screen in a child’s room!
• Pleated blind APS - pleated blinds are stylish and decorative sun screening devices that enhance any interior design. Their application gives a feeling of soft light inside combined with UV protection and top-down function for easy operation by means of an upper and lower bar. Guide rails come in two colour versions (white and silver). 
• Pleated blind APF - it is similar option to the one above, however this blind comes with a more advanced design since the fabric has a honeycomb structure. Having applied this solution, you can enjoy inside full blackout or pleasant darkness. Blinds also improve thermal performance.
• Insect screen AMS - protection against mosquitoes and other insects. However, it does not offer thermal protection and does not function as room darkening. Thanks to this solution, roof windows, despite being opened, will not let any unwanted visitors inside.

Fabrics intended for attic spaces are manufactured in modern textile production. Blinds effectively reflect the sunlight as a result of using a foil. However, the reflection of light is not the same as  the reflection of heat. Fabrics can be covered with pearl mass, while in the case of pleated blinds, fabrics usually have an aluminium layer. In this way, one side of the blind is adjusted to the interior design, while a silver layer is applied to the other side to reflect the sunlight. These blackout blinds are excellent accessories for living rooms, bedrooms and children’s rooms.

Pleated blinds - darkening the room

Pleated blinds guarantee complete privacy and control over the flow of light. They allow to get the so called soft light in the room, which is not fully dimmed. Blinds occupy little space, while convenient adjustment mechanisms allow for their free control. Pleated blinds ensure impeccable aesthetics inside the room. 

Blinds for roof windows in children’s rooms

Parents find children’s rooms as one of the most important spaces. Kids need a window cover that lets them play freely, secures the inflow of light while doing homework as well as provides darkening of the interior for daytime naps and long, lazy mornings. The FAKRO brand offers blinds dedicated for children in a number of colour versios.  

The DreamWorks series of roof window blinds has been prepared for the youngest fans of fairy tales. Favourite heroes are now present on their surface. As far as children’s rooms are still concerned, internal shading blinds are also very popular, especially when there is a small child in the house who sleeps most of the day.

External blinds

External blinds for roof windows ensure thermal insulation and complete room darkening. By applying them, you eliminate the problem of overheating in the attic. External blinds provide better protection than internal shading blinds. Electric blinds for roof windows can be operated via a remote control or manually.

The ARZ roller shutter provides shading, privacy and protection against noise and tiresome heat as well. It is available in many control options.

Other external accessories

The range of FAKRO roof window accessories also includes awning blinds, both manually and electrically operated.

• The AMZ awning blind secures protection against overheating inside while maintaining visual contact with the surroundings. It protects your eyes by preventing 
• light reflection on computer and TV screens. The awning is made of durable mesh fitted in an aluminium structure. The product is operated manually or by means of a control rod. 
• The AMZ electric awning blind offers a combination of extremely effective protection against overheating of the interior with simultaneous comfortable operation. In this case, we can distinguish 3 awning blind types, i.e. the AMZ Z-Wave powered by mains and operated in the wireless Z-Wave system via a remote control or wall switch, the AMZ Solar powered by solar battery pack and operated automatically or via a remote control. The last type is the AMZ WiFi powered by mains and operated using a smartphone app.

Internal blinds vs External blinds. Which one to choose?

Surely every customer has tried to answer this question and wondered which type of the blind would be better. Is it worth choosing internal blinds for roof windows or maybe external ones? The choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

In the case of internal blinds, we can certainly talk about a lower price, easy installation and a wide range of colours to choose from to perfectly match the interior. In the case of external blinds, we talk about a higher price, but we gain a guarantee of full light dimming and effective (even 8 times more better than offered by internal blackout blinds) protection against interior overheating and UV radiation. External blinds also provide protection against noise, thus contributing to higher comfort and feeling of privacy.