Skylights and roof lanterns are becoming very popular in high-end residential houses, extensions and garden rooms. In 1982, when we started to manufacture and install Genuine French Pinoleum Blinds in conservatories, blinds were considered an interior detail when a building was built. Today, architects and interior designers anticipate future needs and they see shading as an important feature of a house. With roof roller blinds, this is essential as blind cassettes, cables, side channels and wires are best concealed inside the ceiling. 

Use of Skylight Blinds

Just as normal window roller blinds, skylight blinds, or roof roller blinds can be used to gently filter sunlight, reduce glare, protect floors and furniture from the sun (UV fading), or if considered early enough, as a complete blackout in a media room or bedroom. In roof lanterns and domes, there can be extreme temperature ranges and Grants fabrics are often provided with reflective backing and heat reducing properties. In our showroom, we demonstrate dual roof roller blinds with fabric/blackout in two skylights and fabric/insect screen in another one.

Fighting Gravity

Skylight and roof roller blinds need to work against gravity and the bigger the skylight, the bigger the challenge. To minimize sag in the blind, heavier hem bars are used and the fabric is being tensioned by a very clever system. This is accomplished using side tracks and/or guide wires. Tensioned roller blinds can be installed in any direction and for very long skylights (8+ meters), two roller blinds can meet in the middle. We have different blind systems to suit individual requirements and can do an opening up to 3200mm wide with no visible guide wires.

Operation

While small roof roller blinds can be operated manually, most installations use electric motors that are fitted within the barrel of the blind. With electric operation, it is possible to operate all blinds individually. However, we can group blinds together and also operate all blinds together through a wall switch, remote controls or we can work with all home automation systems. 

Concealment

Most of our installations of roof roller blinds are concealed today using Blindspace® boxes. When possible, a complete frame is installed on all sides of the skylight to have everything concealed, including the hem bar when the blind is open. Grants work with many innovative architectural glazing companies, some of which have complicated situations with glass fins, glass-to-glass corner connections, or bent glass, where thin visible wires are needed to guide the hem bar. In most cases, the skylight roller blind is fully concealed when not in use, and only fabric is seen when in use. 

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More From Grants

We work closely with architects. This often includes challenging requirements such as complex shapes, skylights, multiple blinds and curtains. Find out more about our specialist blind solutions.

Most of our projects are for prime or ultra-prime residential clients. The same attention to detail is applied in every project. Read more about our bespoke blinds projects.

For more than 35 years, Grants has provided a broad portfolio of products. Using only materials selected for their quality, durability & aesthetic suitability. See more of our blinds and shades product range.

Get In Touch

Contact us with no obligations for advice, initial design consultation, and cost proposal. We can arrange meetings at your office, the site, or our London showrooms. Include us as early as possible for maximum options to be available. We also offer CPD and training sessions for architects and designers. Please contact us using this form, by email to sales@grantsblinds.com, or call us as +44 800 652 2190.