Frequently Asked Questions about Conservatory Roof Blinds

Lots of answers to lots of common questions. Contact us, if you cannot find what you need.

Conservatories

...topWhat type of blinds do you fit?

We are an accredited supplier of Louvolite’s Perfect Fit System in the UK. All of our blinds are of the Perfect Fit type, meaning there are no holes drilled in your conservatory. In fact if you want you can remove them entirely and no one would know there had been blinds there. This type of blind comes in it’s own frame which clips into the roof window recess ensuring maximum coverage.
The only reason for fitting any other type of pleated blind is if the windows are not suitable. This could be due to the material the conservatory is made or the awkward shape of a triangular window.
Just call us for further advise but the surveyor will confirm that all aspects of your conservatory are acceptable for Perfect Fit when they visit.

...topCan I fit the blinds myself?

No, the blinds are measured in a very exacting way and need to be fitted in accordance with our techniques to enable us to Guarantee them for 5 years. We recommend that you avoid trying to even measure the blinds you need as this can just lead to frustration and time wasting on your part. The only time you will need to measure anything is when filling in the quote form on this website - leave the rest to us!
You may find websites that encourage you to take your own measurements, however these are for the side windows NOT the roof!

General Questions

...topWhy shop at ConservatoryRoofBlinds.net?

In a word expertise, not only that but expert advise which is accessible and FREE. Call the Freephone if you have any questions regarding Roof Blinds or send us an email. Obviously you may have a question, which can be answered in the FAQ section but if you would rather talk to us please don’t hesitate. Please bear in mind a lot of blinds sales websites are put together by web experts and NOT blinds experts!
We will be able to give you the time and attention which only comes with the experience of meeting our customers face to face and installing blinds all over the Country for the last 7 years!

...topDo I need to maintain the blinds in any way?

Care of your conservatory roof blinds is very straightforward, our blinds having unipleat cords, which make sure the pleats don’t fall out or the blind ‘flatten’ in time. The permanence of the pleat can vary from fabric to fabric. For your peace of mind just retract them once a month or so and leave them for a few hours (normally overnight) before extending again. If you need to clean the conservatory roof blinds at all you only need to unclip them from the roof (each conservatory roof blind is in its own frame). Once free just shake off any flies, etc, that may have gathered on the upper side of the pleats and clip back into place.

...topWho makes the blinds?

All the blinds we supply are made by selected manufacturers in the UK. Because of this flexibility in manufacturing supply we are able to offer a wider range of fabrics than some suppliers you may find. Our bulk buying power also enables us to offer the keenest prices plus a comprehensive 5 year guarantee.

...topHow accurate are the swatch colours you show on your site?

Do beware that the colour you see on your computer screen may vary slightly from the actual fabric. You can of course request a sample at the end of the online quote; this may put your mind a t rest. Even then don’t feel tied into that particular fabric, as you will be able to see the full portfolio when and if our surveyor visits you.

...topWhat if I change my choice of fabric?

When our surveyor visits you he will have a full portfolio of the fabrics we offer. Please feel free to ask to look through them whilst he carries out the survey. If you find that there is another material that you would prefer mention this to the installer. He will note the change and advise if there is any slight change in cost (unlikely as due to our strong purchasing power means we get the more exotic fabrics at non-exotic prices).

...topWho took the photo’s on the website?

All ‘gallery’ images on our website have been taken by our installers. Therefore please excuse poor lighting and the ‘bareness’ of the conservatory. We would rather give you slightly imperfect images of actual work rather than glossy library pictures of ‘made up’ conservatory roof blinds installations.

...topDo blinds actually help with heat issues in the conservatory?

Definitely, good quality correctly specified and fitted blinds will keep heat out on hot days and keep heat in in winter or at night. Think of it like this, with blinds you have a trapped layer of air at roof level.

...topWill conservatory roof blinds darken the conservatory?

No, not unless you select the blackout version (ESP material). All the other materials we supply let light through the fabric - as a general rule the darker the fabric the less light it will let into the room. When you get your quote though just select a material that will give you the correct aesthetic look, as you will be able to see all the fabrics in due course if you proceed with us.

...topDo you supply blinds that screw into the conservatory frame?

Yes, but only in very unusual circumstances. Perfect Fit blinds have clips that go into the rubber seal between the UPVC and the glass - if you don’t have this seal you can’t have clip-in blinds. Therefore if you have a wooden conservatory the chances are that you will end up having screw in blinds. If we need to contemplate fitting anything else we will tell you why when we carry out the survey.

...topI’ve seen some blinds already, can you supply them?

Yes, if the material is listed on our website.

Pricing and Payment

...topWhy do you not accept payment online?

We do not encourage payment online as we feel it is better for us to speak to you when you want to order. At this time we do have to arrange when the survey will take place too so we can ‘kill two birds with one stone’. This way it gives you confidence in our service and it save us spending more money and overhead on the website making it secure (in turn saving you money).
If you would like to carry out a bank transfer to pay just call us and we will give you the relevant bank details.

...topPayment: What forms of payment do you accept?

Since all products we supply are custom made to your specifications, all orders are partly paid for when your order is placed. Visa, Mastercard, Switch & Maestro are acceptable (and we do not charge any additional transaction fees). If you prefer to pay by Cheques, postal orders etc must be sent to us before your order is started. Just provide your preferred method of payment to the surveyor when he visits you.

...topCan you offer the lowest Price?

For the same material backed up with the same comprehensive 5 year Guarantee, Yes!
We do not employ expensive, commission based, sales people. We deal with the factory directly (and have done for many years) and hence provide you with the most experienced and the most economical solution.
If you get a better-written offer than we provide please let us have a copy and we will beat it. You do sometimes find rogue sales techniques being used which lead to unreliable quotes (often based on high-pressure sales and supply of discontinued fabrics). The best advise is to shop around so you get a true picture and ‘feel’ of what to expect to pay.
Please note, we keep our overheads down by NOT sending anyone out to your property until you have accepted our quotation, thus keeping our prices down too!

...topDo I need to pay a deposit with my order?

Yes, as with most purchases that are made to order you would need to pay a deposit of up to 50% at the time of the survey. This is because the conservatory roof blinds we make for you will only fit your conservatory. As soon as we begin making the conservatory roof blinds for you we are in a position that we are exposed if there is a change of mind.
We find that most customer’s pay using a credit card so are not actually incurring any charge until the blinds have been fitted.
Oh and by the way you will find many of our competitors actually charge the full amount at the time of order!

...topWhat is your Returns and Refunds policy?

Your order is custom-made to your precise measurements at the time you order it. We keep no stock. As a result, we cannot accommodate returns, modifications or exchanges of damage free products.

...topCan someone just come round and show me the fabrics?

Yes we can arrange this, however you will need to pay for it. The whole essence of our website is that we do NOT need to send sales/survey people out unnecessarily. This way we keep our overheads low and our prices rock bottom (allowing us to offer the lowest prices for Louvolite clip in blinds on the internet). Should you want someone to come out to show you the fabrics, a blind and measure your roof we charge £150 for this service. If you then confirm that you want the job done within the next 7 days from the visit we then deduct this amount from the deposit. If you would like to arrange a visit of this kind please call us and we will charge a credit/debit card this amount. When the surveyor visits he/she will provide you the copy of the credit card receipt.

Survey and Installation

...topDo I have to be there at survey and installation?

Generally yes, particularly at the survey stage as we need to confirm that the material is correct for you, to sort out payment details and get your signature to confirm the order is to progress.
When the blinds are fitted our surveyor will show you how to operate the conservatory roof blinds and gain your acceptance of the completed job. Once we have finished we need to make sure you are happy so that we can take final payment.

...topDo I need to clear my conservatory at any time?

Our surveyor will advise on this on visiting your house, however he will aim to cause minimum disruption but ensure that he or she is working safely and in compliance with any Health and Safety issues. If there are any heavy items that need moving he or she will of course advise and assist.

...topHow long does it take to measure and prepare a quotation?

To produce the initial emailed quotation will take you probably 10 minutes just follow the instructions on this website and take the 2 measurement of the overall size of your conservatory. Once we have this information you will have a comprehensive and guaranteed quotation within 24 hours (excluding weekends)!
Following this if you decide to purchase from Conservatory Roof Blinds we will then agree a date for our surveyor to call on you to measure your conservatory. The surveyor will measure very accurately and note any unique points regarding your roof blinds installation. At that time he or she will also confirm with you your choice of fabric and show you our entire portfolio of materials if requested. The survey can take up to 2 hours.
Fitting usually takes place 5 - 6 weeks later (manufacturing of blinds takes about 25 working days - dependent on the time of year) and again will take 2 - 3 hours.

...topWho else besides the surveyor needs to visit my home?

No one and particularly NO SALES PEOPLE. The only person who needs to visit you is the surveyor and the fitter (who is the same person - thus eliminating any room for error). All other communication is done through email and/or telephone
If you are anxious to meet anyone else we can probably arrange a factory tour!

Technical Advice

...topHow to measure?

Let me stress the only measurements you need to take are the overall size of the conservatory, that is 2 dimensions in all. We recommend you use the longest metal tape measure you can get hold of as this can reduce your work and eliminate having to ‘add up’.
If there are two of you available to measure hold one end of the tape against the back wall of the house and the other end against the opposite vertical window pane. Don’t forget to add the width of the body of the tape measure to help us give you an accurate quote (the dimension is often marked on the measure itself). Now to go across the conservatory hold one end to the windowpane and the other end against the opposite windowpane.
If you are on your own when measuring you may find it easier to place the tape on the floor (you can sometimes use the joins in the tiles or wood flooring to check you are square to the wall also). And measure up to the dwarf wall and then add the width of the window sill(s). Any problems do not hesitate to call us on the Freephone. We aim to give you the most competitive and accurate quote possible so you special attention to this is appreciated.

...topHow are the fabric blinds suspended in the window?

Each conservatory roof blind has polymer wires (called ‘monofilaments’ in the trade) that hold the blind up and stop it from sagging. The number of wires in each blind is dependant on the fabric and shape of the blind. This wire provides the tension on the conservatory roof blind to ensure it moves smoothly and hangs correctly.

...topI have a wooden conservatory is that a problem?

Clip in blinds are fitted by pushing clips into the rubber gasket between the glass and the UPVC/Wood. With wooden conservatories often this membrane does not exist, meaning that we cannot fit Perfect Fit clip in blinds. However we can usually fit traditional blinds but these do need holes to be drilled to fit them. If you have a wooden conservatory it is best to tell us if this membrane exists or supply photos with yuor quotation request.
Generally timber conservatories are not a problem, however there can be a massive variation in the ways they are built and how the roof is supported. This just makes recommending and fitting the correct blinds more important than ever as there is no standard advice to cover all shapes, roof layouts and manufacturers.
The other issue, which can affect the fitting of conservatory roof blinds, is the warping and/or twisting of wooden rafters. This means expert measuring and fitting is even more important than with the more common UPVC conservatories.

...topHave you any advice on fabrics?

The first step is to find something you are happy will suit your decor, it is you and not the supplier who has to look at it for the next 10 years or so!
Once chosen request a sample, every fabric has slightly different heat and light characteristics depending on the coating it has and the colour you have selected. You can then request the technical specification that shows how it compares with other fabrics (we send the spec. with the sample).
One thing to bear in mind is that many retailers of conservatory roof blinds will favour certain ranges for cost reasons (i.e. they make more money out of it). Therefore it is important to find a supplier with good support and bulk spending power - in this way you will find the cost difference is very small and so you can choose a fabric purely on its properties, not cost.

...topShaped roof blinds… are they a problem?

Some conservatory roof blind retailers cannot make shaped blinds for conservatories at all, we can, but not only that we can advise on which shapes work where. Do be careful as there are some shapes which if made will render the blinds inoperable! That means you can’t operate then as they are fixed in the shading position (for ever). This is a rare occurrence, however if your roof blinds supplier knows what they are doing and if this scenario does arise they can adequately explain why and how to overcome it.
However just for good measure when you get your quotes you may like to ask the Salesman/Retailer ‘will all of my roof blinds draw’? If you have any doubts make sure you get the response in writing!

Pay Special Attention

...topWhat should I consider in a quotation?

With other companies who visit you it can become distressing and it is easy to get distracted from your original idea and funnelled into what the visiting salesman wants to sell you. Please view our advice on the Pros & Cons page as this advice may save you a lot of time and money. You will be able to spot some of the tricks the salespeople employ to get your order!
Just to underline we do not need to do this as you can get your quote online without us needing to know your name - whether you go forward with us is up to you at least you have got the facts. If you have not got a quote from us already just follow this link.

Here is some general advice however.

Always get a detailed written quotation.
The quotation MUST detail how many blinds there will be fitted (ask about infill blinds and are they included in the total).
How are the blinds to be fitted, are they Perfect Fit or will they be drilling holes in your conservatory.
The quotation MUST detail which material will be fitted.
Make sure they provide an actual blind sample; this allows you to compare the material with other samples you may get. You will be surprised by how much materials vary in thickness and light transmission. Be suspicious if they don’t have a sample.
View actual installation photographs, rather than marketing photos provided by a supplier, ask to see the portfolio or look at the suppliers website for this information.
Check payment terms are acceptable to you - are there charges for using cards or for credit?
Never be pressured into making a decision for fear of missing out on a “special price”. Remember the market is competitive and this is usually the antics of a desperate salesman trying to meet targets.
Is there a payment ‘cooling off’ period? We know of people who have paid and lost their deposit to one company and still saved money by coming to us to complete the job!

...topDo I need to compare quotations?

Yes, do get comfortable with what is on offer, for you may find major differences in what you are being offered. Make sure you get written quotes so you can check the following:
Are the quotes for the same number of conservatory roof blinds, if not, why not?
Are they the same blinds? Meaning is the material the same and is the fixing method the same. This is important as you could be accepting conservatory roof blinds that mean holes will be drilled in your new conservatory!
Is there a quote, which is much cheaper than the others? If so this should ring alarm bells as this may mean the quote has come from people with little experience. Did they show you pictures of actual installations? At the end of the day you could be spending a lot of money on blinds - best to make sure it is going where it should.

...topWhat happens at the survey?

Once you are happy with our quotation we will arrange the survey to take place. The surveyor that visits you is THE SAME person that will install your blinds. Any questions you have please ask him or her. For he/she will have all the answers on any technical issues, not only that but they will carry all the sample materials for you to ensure your choice is correct.
The surveyor will measure your conservatory very accurately and will explain where and how the blinds are fitted. Make sure you are aware of any gaps in the conservatory roof blinds, as many companies will not supply infill blinds (click here to see an example).
Ask the surveyor to confirm what the blinds will look like when open/closed and how to operate them. The surveyor will also explain exactly how the blinds can be cleaned.
Remember, once manufactured and fitted you will almost certainly not have any basis for complaint, so always double-check all of the key points made to you so that you will not be disappointed with the result.
Any doubts, do not go ahead but get further advice.

Why Buy Conservatory Blinds?

...topBlinds to transform your conservatory

Correctly specified and fitted conservatory roof blinds can transform the appearance of a conservatory and create a truly finished room. All of a sudden the room can become a true asset and extension to your house. A common use for a conservatory is to have a ‘summer’ dining room - a comfortable and relaxing room will ease digestion!

...topWill blinds insulate my conservatory in winter?

Yes, particularly conservatory roof blinds - these will make your conservatory warmer when it is cold outside and retain heat for longer (turn your thermostat down)! One advantage that is unique to the clip in blinds we supply is that each blind is in its own frame. Meaning that you cannot see the edge of the blind (as you can with normal roof blinds) therefore the cold air is trapped in a layer (between glass and blind) giving much better thermal qualities. With normal blinds air can just move around them over the exposed edges, thus meaning you will be spending more on heating your conservatory in winter!

...topOther benefits of roof blinds

New conservatories often echo as they are fairly bare also particularly at night you can feel as if you are in a ‘goldfish bowl’. You can reduce the reflections in a conservatory by considering matching Perfect Fit window blinds also. We can offer these if you require.

...topCan I fit my own conservatory roof blinds?

No, this is not possible, as the whole conservatory needs to be very accurately measured and blinds expertly fitted. You will get some idea of how complex the operation is when you see the surveyor in action! Our surveyors have many years experience and have built up a whole wealth of knowledge, which you can benefit from; this ensures we provide you with a no hassle experience.

...topWill roof blinds reduce the heat in a conservatory?

Conservatories can get very hot - but you may already know this and it is possible that this is the prime reason you are on our website. The running joke that our customers often quote to us is ‘we ordered a Conservatory - but we got a Greenhouse’!
If you did not know already most of the heat going in and out of your Conservatory is ‘through the roof’. In other words don’t install window blinds and expect the heat to drop, it won’t!

...topWill roof blinds reduce the noise also?

Yes they will, and incidentally window blinds can help with noise also. If you have a conservatory roof, which is made of polycarbonate and have ever been in there when it is raining or hailing you will know already how noisy a Conservatory can be.
So for all round the year comfort it is advisable to start with the roof for glare, heat and noise reasons. Also consider window blinds for privacy and noise issues.

...topHow do I order window blinds?

Just select the type of blinds you would like on your side windows and then fill in the boxes. ‘Standard windows’ means the large windows including the patio doors. ‘Small top windows’ are those above the larger windows (except the patio doors). Eg: A typical conservatory may have 15 large windows and 13 small.
We do NOT have samples of the materials used for Rollers and Venetians on the website. However we do have a large range of roller fabrics and venetian slats (26 micron aluminium NOT ‘second rate’ plastic) which our surveyor will show you when he visits.
Please note we can ONLY offer a discount on sideblinds if they are surveyed and installed at the same time as the roof blinds. This is because we offer very aggressive pricing on these items and cannot maintain our competitiveness if we need to visit you more than twice. If you only want sideblinds tell us in the comments box and we will send a price for these only.

Frequently Asked Questions about Conservatory Roof Blinds

Lots of answers to lots of common questions. Contact us, if you cannot find what you need.

Conservatories

General Questions

Pricing and Payment

Survey and Installation

Technical Advice

Pay Special Attention

Why Buy Conservatory Blinds?

Conservatories

...topWhat type of blinds do you fit?

...topCan I fit the blinds myself?

General Questions

...topWhy shop at ConservatoryRoofBlinds.net?

...topDo I need to maintain the blinds in any way?

...topWho makes the blinds?

...topHow accurate are the swatch colours you show on your site?

...topWhat if I change my choice of fabric?

...topWho took the photo’s on the website?

...topDo blinds actually help with heat issues in the conservatory?

...topWill conservatory roof blinds darken the conservatory?

...topDo you supply blinds that screw into the conservatory frame?

...topI’ve seen some blinds already, can you supply them?

Pricing and Payment

...topWhy do you not accept payment online?

...topPayment: What forms of payment do you accept?

...topCan you offer the lowest Price?

...topDo I need to pay a deposit with my order?

...topWhat is your Returns and Refunds policy?

...topCan someone just come round and show me the fabrics?

Survey and Installation

...topDo I have to be there at survey and installation?

...topDo I need to clear my conservatory at any time?

...topHow long does it take to measure and prepare a quotation?

...topWho else besides the surveyor needs to visit my home?

Technical Advice

...topHow to measure?

...topHow are the fabric blinds suspended in the window?

...topI have a wooden conservatory is that a problem?

...topHave you any advice on fabrics?

...topShaped roof blinds… are they a problem?

Pay Special Attention

...topWhat should I consider in a quotation?

...topDo I need to compare quotations?

...topWhat happens at the survey?

Why Buy Conservatory Blinds?

...topBlinds to transform your conservatory

...topWill blinds insulate my conservatory in winter?

...topOther benefits of roof blinds

...topCan I fit my own conservatory roof blinds?

...topWill roof blinds reduce the heat in a conservatory?

...topWill roof blinds reduce the noise also?

...topHow do I order window blinds?

We supply and fit conservatory blinds in the following areas: