The go-to shading and privacy solution for windows and doors in modern properties is also ideal for heritage buildings too , thanks to an innovative slimline integral blind system . Ian Short , MD of Uni-Blinds ® manufacturer , Morley Glass , explains more .

“ Can I fit integral blinds in the windows of a period property ?” is a question that we ’ re often asked , perhaps because we associate them more typically with more contemporary window and door styles , such as bi-folds and slim aluminium frames . But they are , in fact , ideal for use in heritage buildings given the availability of an exclusive slimline integral blind system .

The window styles in older buildings , such as vertical sliding sashes or early generations of casements , often do not lend themselves to upgrading with the sort of IGUs that are the norm for new windows and doors being installed today . The main reason why is because frames which are more than 20 years old are often unlikely to be able to take an IGU ( insulating glass unit )

with a thickness of 28mm – this is the thickness usually required to achieve a Building Regulations compliant level of thermal insulation .

In addition to limiting the scope for upgrading thermal performance , this can also stand in the way of property owners who like the idea of having integral blinds in their windows and doors , but they are unable to change the frames due to cost , the disruption or planning restrictions , such as a location in a conservation area .

A slim and sleek solution from ScreenLine ®

The reason why integral blinds often cannot be used in slimmer sealed units is because the vast majority of systems require an IGU cavity of 20mm . In most integral blinds , the Venetian blind slats are 12.5mm wide and a couple of millimetres of clearance is needed at either side to prevent contact with the glass – which all adds up to the need for a 28mm IGU .

Fortunately , ScreenLine ® integral blind systems manufacturer Pellini S . p . A . offers a solution which is only available in the UK from Morley Glass within our Uni-Blinds ® range . Called the SL16 , this slimline system can be used in IGUs with a 16mm cavity because it is made with slats that are only 10mm wide – a size that is exclusive to Morley Glass .

This means the windows and doors in older properties that can accommodate a 24mm IGU can take advantage of the SL16 integral blind system , providing the IGU ’ s overall size is below 1.6 sq . m . That limit , however , is set to increase later this year , which will enable the SL16 to be used in larger windows – so watch this space !