As the cold, bitter air from our Minnesota winter is here, I am always thankful for the exterior shutter that protect me from the chills and drafts that often find me during this season. You see, I sit near my computer at my work place in front of a large window. I am lucky to have a remote at my ease to adjust my shutter in all Minnesota’s extreme temperatures. The shutter is on a timer to open specifically the hours I work and closes in the evening to secure the building I work at. I often adjust the shutter by letting only the light I want in. It’s a great insulator, gives me privacy and security too.

I’m sure the shutter has saved my employer money on their heat and air conditioning bills in the summer. Minnesota’s balmy heat in the summer can heat up my office space fast. The shutter insulates me from Minnesota’s hot and humid summer afternoons. The shutter even matches the exterior of the building. When the shutter opens, it is contained in a small box above the window and blends in with the facade of the building.

Solutions For Mistakes In Pre-Wire For Motorized Window Treatments

Bob, our main man at Usautomated shade put this article together. I think it has good info in it.



All right…so you’ve received your shipment of motorized window treatments and it’s time to install.

The most common mistake in pre-wiring for switch operated AC motorized shades/blinds is not installing the proper 4-conductor wire (14/3 with ground). Many people don’t realize this until the shade is installed and it’s time to connect wiring. Realizing they have pre-wired with 3-conductor wire (14/2 with ground) can cause a sinking feeling and images of demolition to flash through their minds. This is not the end of the world, nor do invasive measures have to be taken to correct the problem.

The two most common solutions for the problem are swapping out the standard 4-wire motor with a 3-wire RF enabled motor, or adding an RF receiver to the equation. We typically employ the latter for someone who has erred in prewire since it does not require any dis assembly of the shade/blind. An RF receiver (110v) can be wired at any point between the power source and the motor itself providing a quick and relatively low cost solution to demolition and re-wiring.

A prime candidate for this fix is the Elero Combio 915 RF receiver. *Its compact size (roughly half the size of a deck of cards) makes it easy to conceal behind/above the window treatment or even in an existing electrical box. Remote controls for this receiver include single or multichannel handheld transmitters, wireless wall switches, or wireless programmable timers.

So… before you push the panic button and start removing sheet rock, consider converting/upgrading to RF remote control with a Combio control package.

trends or function?

As long as I can remember trade magazine and window covering industry "experts" have been telling us draperies and other fabric treatments are growth areas in the window treatment market. I guess its true from the standpoint that fabric, with it's textures, colors, varieties of structure are as fluid over time as any trend. Growth as a single market entity... I'm a bit skeptical. I think critics of that last statement may have cause, because fabrics can be used in so many different ways,in many kinds of treatments. They bring color and warmth to a room, but only in a sense. To to put them into a fabric treatments in a single category may not be - appropriate - (I hate that word. It's right or it's wrong... Right?) I'm a guy. I don't 'get' trends so I only seem to relate to the use of the word warmth as it can be measured by a thermometer. But I do get it. It works or it doesn't. Proportion is more measurable, style is subjective.

I can talk function better than fashion. As I've seen the growth sector it the window covering industry has most recently been in two areas. Anything motorized or automated, and sun screen shades. I will write about these topics. Here are a few other topics I have in mind for future articles involving functional ideas.

- Window security
- Saving energy with window treatments
- Best way to treat a patio door.
- Products for odd shaped windows
- Why motorize
- The evolution of shade automation
- The drawbacks of various motorized drapery tracks
- The most functional shades are installed on the outside.

I may not proceed in the above order, but I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you.

What is a rolling shutter?

My sister asked me, "does everyone know; what are rolling shutters?" I thought I should offer some explanation.

Rolling shutters are really an overhead rolling door, but used for windows. They originated in Europe. Rolladen is a common name for them there. Mostly they are mounted exterior and operated from the interior. They are made up of a set of side tracks, a panel that rolls up onto a tube or axle, and usually a hood or box to contain the roll above. Operating mechanisms? It might be a pulley with strap or rope, a spring-lift, a motor or a crank. Uses for roll shutters include hurricane protection, security, sun control (before the suns heat enters the building), heat loss prevention, screen porches, store fronts, or really anywhere a roll-up door is practical. Here is a link to our sight to look at them .

The panel material or slats are made of various material depending upon the application. They can be foam filled aluminum, extruded aluminum or PVC. Most of this type are opaque, with a vent in the hinge part to allow you to position the shutter to let in some light and ventilation. There are clear Lexan panels and grill type panels for store fronts and windows. We have a new line specially made to prevent smash and grabs.

Most of the shutters were made in Europe until recently. Now it's nice to know you can get roll up shutters made in the USA!

Cost of a rolling shutter for a standard 6' patio door ?

Wish I had a nickel for every time I answered that question....You know what? I bet I earned more than a nickel!

Here is how I usually answer that question from a local customer.

The price for a motorized roll shutter using 40mm foam filled alum slat would run about $1310.00 before installation and electrical wiring. Manual operation would cost $1098.00 before installation. Install usually costs about $150 - 200 on most projects but can vary significantly if conditions warrant it.
It doesn't cost anything to have me come have a look and give you a firm price with all tax and labor.

Pella patio door handles often require significant build outs for clearance.

If you consider motorized; We don't employ a licensed electrician. We often work with our client's own electrician or we recommend one to work directly with you. Sometimes our clients prefer to have the electrician work as our subcontractor. Any of these are fine with us. I've seen enough projects to be able to give you an idea of what wiring for the shutter may entail.

Give me a call with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Thanks,
David
Little Blind Spot/Shutters N Shades
17 8th Ave South
Hopkins, MN 55343

recent local store closings

I'm concerned about other window covering store closings in our areas. I guess it is a sign of this very difficult economic time.

Some of the stores in the west side of the Twin Cities that have had to closed are Home Value Interiors, and a couple of Viking Locations. We at the Little Blind Spot in Hopkins are here to help anyone who maybe is affected by the closings. We try can help with manufacturers warranty issues or can even attempt to work with mutual vendors to clear up projects that might be in progress.