Manual VS Electric Skylight Blinds
If you’re in the market for skylight blinds this year, there are a number of factors to consider. What brand roof window do you have? What is most important - controlling light, reducing glare or managing excessive moisture? And, how will you operate them when they have been installed. We’re passionate about the idea that practicality and style should go hand in hand. When you invest in made-to-measure window blinds, you want to ensure you’ve placed your money in the right product. And not one that doesn’t meet the needs of you and your family. In today’s blog, we’ll go through the differences between manual and electric skylight blinds to help you understand which option is right for you.
What are manual skylight blinds?
As the name suggests, manual skylight blinds are controlled manually. Made to fit your window exactly and with a range of fabrics available, they have an aluminium cassette, channels, and handles. This design ensures that the material stays taunt throughout multiple uses and allows you to open it smoothly too. In order to expose or cover your roof window, you’ll need a blind opening pole. This telescopic pole features a small hook at one end. With this, you can hook the handle of the window blind and move it easily - all without needing to climb up ladders or precariously balance on furniture.
Pros
- Same wide variety of styles to choose from
- Equally easy to install
- Can be operated by anyone, with any skillset
- Adjustable telescopic pole can be used on multiple roof windows around the home
- No impact on household bills
- Not reliant on external sunlight to operate
Cons
- With modern technology advancing, manual skylight blinds aren’t the sleekest option out there
- If you lose or damage the telescopic pole, it will be challenging to adjust them
- Some elderly or less able people may struggle to operate them
- While poles extend to 3m, this still may not be enough for very high ceilings
What are electric skylight blinds?
Ever-advancing technology and demand from homeowners has resulted in the production of electric or solar-powered motorized skylight blinds. Instead of simply having a handle/hook that you use to adjust coverage, they have an internally built motor. Within this, a solar-powered battery sits and absorbs natural light throughout the day. Because the entire unit is self-contained, the installation process remains simple with no need for additional wiring. And, they still manage to maintain their sleek and un-bulky look. The solar-powered motorized skylight blinds available in our own range come with a multi-channel remote control. With a few clicks of the buttons, you’ll be able to adjust up to 20 blinds individually. And, you can stand up to 35 meters away to do this. So, there’s no need to get up from your seat while watching the big game or move from the dinner table if the sunlight becomes a distraction. You can simply use the remote and adjust the window coverage from afar and with impeccable ease.
Pros
- A modern and sleek option for minimalist homes
- Easy to use for all members of the household
- Requires no manual labor to operate - ideal for the less able or elderly
- Uses solar power so won’t ever run out of battery
- Multi-channel remote makes it easy to control the light throughout your home
Cons
- Replacement remote controls come with an additional cost
- May incur an additional charge due to extra technology
Which one is right for me?
Whether you opt for manual operation or an electric skylight blind largely comes down to personal preference. Access the room and ask yourself the following questions:
- Will I have difficulty accessing the area underneath the skylight window?
- Does my window get ample natural light to help power an electric battery?
- Are my ceilings higher than 3m?
- Do I have more than 1 skylight that needs covering?
Here at Skylight Blinds Direct, we are specialists in both manual and solar-powered motorized skylight blinds. If you’re struggling to find the right option that fits within your budget and offers all the features you’re looking for, get in contact with us here today. We ship worldwide and can provide free delivery on all orders over £149.
By craig@ecommweb.co.uk
