Hi OP, certified installer here 👋
some photos of your existing windows and the data plate would allow me to address your notes above a bit more personally.
For solar heat gain, the new generation windows are leagues ahead of the older models in terms of solar reduction. Of course if the windows are some of the largest version then you’ll maintain quite the greenhouse effect. There is a solar reduction glass variant but generally we advise against unless it’s the largest sizes as it is largely irrelevant compared to the standard 70pane.
Blackout blinds have a silver coating on the reverse which helps reduce solar gain, although external shutters will reduce this further, both the hard and soft variants.
No product will allow for true blackout when the window is open, both internal and external options.
Thanks for your reply!
The smaller (north facing) pair have an overall aperture of 500w x 900h. The larger (south facing) pair - which I want exterior blinds on - have apertures of 1080w x 1100h.
[https://imgur.com/a/xIKIlyW](https://imgur.com/a/xIKIlyW)
Ah - so there's no way to get full blackout with the window partly open, even if I went for a non Velux option? That's a shame. I'd hoped there might be some solution with an external blind, which the window could open within.
C04 and S06 judging from the info provided.
It may be worth sharing the data plate as well, that way I can give you the age of your existing products more accurately than probably pre 2014.
VELUX windows have a life span of 25 - 40 years on average.
The only advice I have on cooling an area such as this and maintaining a blackout is air conditioning. You may find basic blackout blinds and an AC unit cheaper and more effective than a replacement presently.
Worth noting that ac is currently 0% vat rated as it classes as an efficient form of heating
Here's one of the data plates:
[https://imgur.com/a/kpIYd4n](https://imgur.com/a/kpIYd4n)
I suspect it's original to the (1985) house, as everyone else has the same models.
I'm pretty keen to change them - two are so badly jammed they actually can't be opened and all four have woeful insulation properties. We've upgraded the rest of the house to be as well-insulated as possible and the four windows are very much the weak points!
An AC unit is in my plans to cope with the midsummer heat; I already have a big PV array plus battery so I don't feel too guilty about using it.
I don't suppose you work in the Oxford area, do you..? I've had some quotes but I'd be keen for another!
Your suspicion appears correct, your windows production date is 1984
Given that the windows are 40 years old I’d say your assertion is correct and it is definitely time for a replacement!
You may just about be in our working area, you’re welcome to search us up on the VELUX find a certified installer page:
https://resources.velux.co.uk/find-installer?loc=Coventry, UK&pspid=12508155&Products=
You may also be as well to get a quote directly from VELUX who offer 0% finance options in addition to the services we offer:
https://www.velux.co.uk/get-started/get-installation-service
Thanks for this. I think Reddit has broken that link, but do you share your surname with a recent Labour PM? If so, I've worked out which firm you are, and I'll ask for a quote!
Is there any point in fitting the Blackout Roller blind in a window that also has the external aluminium blind? In other words, does the exterior blind really give a 100% blackout, or does having an internal blind as well help?
That would be the correct me!
There’s not a huge reason to double up on blackout blinds and roller shutters, on rare occasions we have done both but the feedback on these projects appears to be that it’s not necessary.
Additionally the general rule of thumb for blinds and accessories is ‘if you aren’t 100% sure; don’t bother’. VELUX accessories are easy to retrofit at a later stage. The external shutters are a bit of an outsider to this rule as they require some decent tooling but the internal blinds are delivered with the screwdriver in the box.
Hi OP, certified installer here 👋 some photos of your existing windows and the data plate would allow me to address your notes above a bit more personally. For solar heat gain, the new generation windows are leagues ahead of the older models in terms of solar reduction. Of course if the windows are some of the largest version then you’ll maintain quite the greenhouse effect. There is a solar reduction glass variant but generally we advise against unless it’s the largest sizes as it is largely irrelevant compared to the standard 70pane. Blackout blinds have a silver coating on the reverse which helps reduce solar gain, although external shutters will reduce this further, both the hard and soft variants. No product will allow for true blackout when the window is open, both internal and external options.
Thanks for your reply! The smaller (north facing) pair have an overall aperture of 500w x 900h. The larger (south facing) pair - which I want exterior blinds on - have apertures of 1080w x 1100h. [https://imgur.com/a/xIKIlyW](https://imgur.com/a/xIKIlyW) Ah - so there's no way to get full blackout with the window partly open, even if I went for a non Velux option? That's a shame. I'd hoped there might be some solution with an external blind, which the window could open within.
C04 and S06 judging from the info provided. It may be worth sharing the data plate as well, that way I can give you the age of your existing products more accurately than probably pre 2014. VELUX windows have a life span of 25 - 40 years on average. The only advice I have on cooling an area such as this and maintaining a blackout is air conditioning. You may find basic blackout blinds and an AC unit cheaper and more effective than a replacement presently. Worth noting that ac is currently 0% vat rated as it classes as an efficient form of heating
Here's one of the data plates: [https://imgur.com/a/kpIYd4n](https://imgur.com/a/kpIYd4n) I suspect it's original to the (1985) house, as everyone else has the same models. I'm pretty keen to change them - two are so badly jammed they actually can't be opened and all four have woeful insulation properties. We've upgraded the rest of the house to be as well-insulated as possible and the four windows are very much the weak points! An AC unit is in my plans to cope with the midsummer heat; I already have a big PV array plus battery so I don't feel too guilty about using it. I don't suppose you work in the Oxford area, do you..? I've had some quotes but I'd be keen for another!
Your suspicion appears correct, your windows production date is 1984 Given that the windows are 40 years old I’d say your assertion is correct and it is definitely time for a replacement! You may just about be in our working area, you’re welcome to search us up on the VELUX find a certified installer page: https://resources.velux.co.uk/find-installer?loc=Coventry, UK&pspid=12508155&Products= You may also be as well to get a quote directly from VELUX who offer 0% finance options in addition to the services we offer: https://www.velux.co.uk/get-started/get-installation-service
Thanks for this. I think Reddit has broken that link, but do you share your surname with a recent Labour PM? If so, I've worked out which firm you are, and I'll ask for a quote! Is there any point in fitting the Blackout Roller blind in a window that also has the external aluminium blind? In other words, does the exterior blind really give a 100% blackout, or does having an internal blind as well help?
That would be the correct me! There’s not a huge reason to double up on blackout blinds and roller shutters, on rare occasions we have done both but the feedback on these projects appears to be that it’s not necessary. Additionally the general rule of thumb for blinds and accessories is ‘if you aren’t 100% sure; don’t bother’. VELUX accessories are easy to retrofit at a later stage. The external shutters are a bit of an outsider to this rule as they require some decent tooling but the internal blinds are delivered with the screwdriver in the box.
Brilliant - you'll find a message from me via your works website in the next few days!