How Long Do Exterior Blinds Last For?

Outdoor blinds are becoming a popular solution among UK homeowners, schools and businesses who need to control indoor temperatures.

They not only intercept and reflect sunlight before it reaches the glass but also block solar heat and minimise glare, reducing indoor temperatures by up to five degrees or more.

This is vital when taking into account overheating regulations because five degrees can be the difference between feeling comfortable and stifling heat.

Even when the blinds are down, the open weave of the fabric allows light to enter the room and for occupants to see the world outside, unlike shutters and venetian blinds.

The blinds also help to protect soft furniture from sun damage and can be controlled remotely via an app or by connecting them to your home automation system.

They can even be installed with sensors to lower the blinds when the room reaches a certain temperature, providing control over how warm or cool the indoor climate remains throughout the day.

Long Lasting Energy Efficiency

Blinds are also a much more energy efficient and sustainable option than energy guzzling air conditioning, using just a small amount of electricity to raise and lower the blinds. They’re also low-maintenance; we’ve had exterior blind installations in place for over 10 years without requiring any callbacks or repairs.

For example, a single 480-watt air conditioning unit uses approximately 0.48 kWh per hour, or 11.52 kWh per day. An average four plus bedroom home with four or five occupants uses approximately 11.78 kWh per day so using a single air conditioning unit could double your energy usage and electricity bill.

And compared to air conditioning units which need regular maintenance and a yearly filter clean, there is no comparison in terms of cost and time spent on looking after outdoor blinds.

Outdoor Blinds Sound Great, But How Long Do They Last For?

Our Renson Fixscreen and Topfix blinds carry a 5 year warranty but you can expect them to last considerably longer.

Our fixtures and fittings are engineered to last for many years and this is reflected in our customer experience where it’s rare to receive complaints about them.

In fact, we are proud to say that we have never received any callbacks for or requests for replacement of any components used on many of the blinds we fitted over ten years ago.

Their longevity is due to the quality of materials and manufacturing, and confirmed by the rigorous testing carried out on all the materials used in the blinds, including the fabric, fixtures and fittings.

For example, our Fixscreen blinds have been tested to withstand winds of up to 130km/h to ensure they can withstand extreme weather; while Topfix blinds can withstand winds of up to 120 km/h, which is considered hurricane force.

Do You Have Guarantees?

Despite the rarity of customer complaints about our blinds, we make sure our customers are protected should anything go wrong.

The blinds and the motors we use have a five-year warranty and our fabrics carry a seven-year warranty.

What About Maintenance Though?

The key to outdoor blinds’ longevity is to look after them.

They are robust, corrosion-resistant and extremely easy to care for but, like shutters, they will need cleaning and checking every now and then.

Mildew and dirt can affect how well your blinds work and how they look if these are allowed to build up over time.

This is especially true in coastal areas because of the humidity, salt and wind and if you live by the sea, we recommend you clean your blinds regularly to keep them in tip top condition.

The good news is that you don’t need fancy cleaning products to maintain your blinds. All you need is a sunny day, a sponge, a soft brush and good old-fashioned soap and water, though please make sure you don’t put your blinds up until they are fully dry!

If you have any stains or areas of corrosion, our team of experts are always happy to advise you on how best to treat and remove them.

Find out more about our range of blinds today.