ROLLER SHADES - Getting Started With The Important Basics

ROLLER SHADES - Getting Started With The Important Basics

 

• HOW TO MEASURE FOR ROLLER SHADES
• MOUNTING LOCATION: INSIDE MOUNT OR OUTSIDE MOUNT
• MATERIAL ROLL DIRECTION: REVERSE OR REGULAR ROLL
• MOUNTING DEPTH & ROLL DIAMETERS?
• WILL MY SHADE HAVE A SEAM IN IT?
• WHAT IS THE LIGHT GAP ON THE SIDES OF MY SHADES?
• DO I NEED A CONTRACTOR FOR INSTALLATION OF ROLLER SHADES?
• I HAVE A HANDLE ON MY DOOR OR WINDOW THAT IS IN THE WAY!!
• SHOULD I USE THE SAME ROLL DIAMETER FOR ALL MY SHADES?

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HOW TO MEASURE FOR ROLLER SHADES

Tip to Tip Width (Default): The Tip to Tip width measurement is defined as the confined space where the shade needs to fit. When you provide a Tip to Tip measurement we will make the necessary deductions to ensure the shade fits in the required space. Tip to Tip measurements MUST be made at the exact location where the roller shade is to be mounted. When measuring your tip to tip width please be accurate to 1/16”. We do make the shades to tight specifications and there isn't much play in the shade so if your measurements aren't critical you might want to take a 1/16" off your measurement. 

Fabric Width: We do accommodate ordering based on a "Fabric Width" measurement. Please see the individual shade ordering pages on information on how to order a shade based on fabric width. Fabric width measurements should Never be used when you are to be mounting the shade within a confined space. For guidelines on how to determine your fabric width please see the section below called Mounting Location.

Height: The measurement for the height should be the measurement of the area to be covered (Top of the Shade to the bottom of the shade). The height measurement is far less critical than the width measurement because there is always extra material on the roller shade tube. When measuring for your shade height please be accurate to 1/4".

Tools:
Typically, the common tape measure is typically used to make measurements. Be aware that the common tape measure can be inaccurate due to the tab on the tape measure. The tabs on tape measures often get bent. The tab on a tape measure is designed to move to provide an accurate inside our outside measurement but if you inspect 5 tape measures you will find 3 out of five have a different tab design making a golden rule for using a tape measure inaccurate. When using a tape measure we do recommend making your measurements with an assistant for wide shades to prevent the tape measure from sagging. It is also good practice to start your measurement at an alternate number on the tape like at the 1" mark and then subtract that from your measurement.

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MOUNTING LOCATION: INSIDE MOUNT OR OUTSIDE MOUNT

There are two types of mounting locations used for mounting roller shades; Inside and Outside mount. Inside mount is used when mounting a shade within framed width constraints and outside mount is used when there are no physical width constraints.


Inside Mount option is for shades mounted within framed constraints.

Inside mount considerations:

• Mounting Depth: You must measure the available depth to mount you shades to ensure the brackets and rolled up shade fit within the space available. See "Mounting Depth" below for a more in-depth look into mounting depth
• Window Style: Ensure your window style (Picture Window, Double Hung, Windows with Cranks) does not interfere with the shade material dropping unobstructed.
• Multiple Shades: We consider shades mounted as outside mount tip to tip measurement when they must fit within an overall confined space.
• Side Gaps: There will be gaps on each side of the shade that will allow some visibility and light leakage. The severity will depend on the design of your windows and the drive option selected for the shade. Light Gaps are discussed in more detail below.

Outside Mount is for shades mounted without side constraints.

Outside mount considerations:

• The most often question we are asked about outside mount is how wide should the fabric be made. Our recommendation is to make the shade fabric a minimum of 1/2" wider than the window frame/trim molding. Making the fabric wider will make installing and centering the shade easier if it is wider than the frame and trim molding.
• One disadvantage to using outside mount is that the fabric is typically further away from the glass. This can sometimes result in more light leakage. The wider you make your shade the more it will block the light.

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MATERIAL ROLL DIRECTION: REVERSE OR REGULAR ROLL


Regular Roll: The shade fabric unrolls off the back of the tube closest to the glass.
Note: If you add a Fascia to your shade you will be forced to use Regular Roll.

Regular Roll Considerations:

• Provides less light leakage and increased privacy. The material will be closer to the window and the angle for which light to escape will be smaller.
• Double Hung Windows: Use caution when using Regular Roll in double hung windows. Keep in mind that even though you have enough mounting depth at the top of the shade you may not have enough space to use regular roll and have the material drop in front of the lower window.

Reverse Roll: The shade fabric unrolls off the front of the tube further away from the glass.
Note: Reverse Roll is not available with Fascia

Reverse Roll Considerations:

• Often the choice of customers not using a fascia or other means to conceal the shade assembly. The material rolling over the front of the tube partially conceals the installation.
• May provide reduced privacy and more light leakage on the sides of the shade dues to the larger angle from the increased space between the shade and the window.
• May be used to extend the material off the mounting surface so that the material clears obstructions like double hung windows, handles, cranks etc

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MOUNTING DEPTH & ROLL DIAMETERS?

Yikes, this is perhaps the toughest one to get a grasp on as there are several variables. We will first consider the combination of the rolled up material on the shade tube (Roll Diameter) which is commonly the dominating factor in the determining the required mounting depth. Most often less significant but things that also need to be considered are the dimensions of the actual drive mechanism, the brackets used for the drive mechanism and dimensions of the fascia (if you are considering fascia)

Roll Diameter: The roll diameter is a calculation that requires the knowledge of the shade material thickness, roller shade tube diameter and height of the shade. If the roll diameter looks a little tight for your installation you should start by first looking at the material thickness options available for the specific type of material you are looking at using if you can change the tube or drive mechanism.

• Material Thicknesses can be found by looking at our Roller Shade Material Selections page ,or down below in the "Will my shade have a seam in it?" Q&A and on each roller shade product page. We also provide the customer filters on the category pages that allow you to see the various material thickness and eliminate them from the product search.
• Roller shade tube diameters vary with the drive mechanism of the shade because some of the motors and clutches have minimum tube sizes that can be used. The width of the shade is also used to determine the tube diameter so both the drive mechanism and the width of the shade must be known.
  • Tube Diameters
    • Clutch Drive Shades
      • Shade widths up to 64.25" width use 1.25" tubes.
      • Shade widths 64.25" to 97.25" use 1.5" tubes.
      • Shade widths 97.25" to 121.25" use 2" tubes.
      • Shade widths 121.25" to 145.25" use 2.5" tubes.
    • Somfy LT30 Motorized Shades
      • Defaults to a 1.5" tube which covers sizes up to 97.25".
      • 1.25" Tube can be used for shades up to 64.25" width on special request.
    • Somfy ST30 Sonesse 30 Motorized Shades
      • Shade widths up to 97.25" use 1.5" tubes.
      • Shade widths 97.25" to 121.25" use 2" tubes
    • Somfy ST50 Sonesse 50 Motorized Shades
      • Shade widths up to 121" use 2" tubes.
      • Shade widths 121.25" to 145" use 2.5" tubes

The following will formulas will provide an approximate rolled up shade diameter. For a more precise and automatic calculation you can download the Rollease Shade Diameter Calculator. Note: The calculator uses Microsoft Excel.

1. Calculate the Circumference of the tube
   1. Circumference of a circle (C) is equal to the Diameter (d) x Pi (app. 3.14159) C = d x 3.14159
   2. Tube Diameter of 1.25" will have circumference of 1.25 x 3.14159 = 3.92"
   3. Tube Diameter of 1.5" will have circumference of 1.5 x 3.14159 = 4.71"
   4. Tube Diameter of 2" will have circumference of 2 x 3.14159 = 6.28"
   5. Tube Diameter of 2.5" will have circumference of 2.5 x 3.14159 = 7.85"
2. Calculate the material length on the tube
   1. Take your shade height and add 10" to that.
   2. 73" Shade height Plus 10" = 83"
3. Calculate the number of wraps of material on the tube. (This is an approximation)
   1. Divide the material length by the circumference of the tube
   2. 83" divided by 3.92" (1.25" tube) = 21.17 wraps of material
4. Calculate the added material thickness
   1. Take the number of wraps of material, multiply by the material thickness and multiply by 2.
   2. 21.17 wraps x .026" (Sheerweave 7000) x 2 = 1.1" added material thickness
5. Calculate the final roll diameter
   1. Take the tube diameter and add the added material thickness
   2. 1.25" Tube + 1.1" = 2.35" Roll Diameter

Drive Mechanism Diameters: Each of the drives types (Clutch, Motor Etc) have a head that protrudes outside the tube. The head is sometimes larger than the calculated roll diameter so this must be considered in calculating the mounting depth requirement.

1. Clutch Drive Shades
   1. Shades up to 64.25" width use Rollease R8 Clutches. Head Diameter = 1.94"
   2. Shades 64.25" to 121.25" use Rollease R16 Clutches. Head Diameter = 2.66"
   3. Shades 121.25" to 145.25" use Rollease R24 Clutches. Head Diameter = 3.6"
2. Somfy LT30 Motors have a Head Diameter = 1.75"
3. Somfy ST30 Sonesse 30 Motors have a Head Diameter = 1.75"
4. Somfy ST50 Sonesse 50 Motors have a Head Diameter = 2.25"

Shade & Fascia Brackets: Shade Brackets rarely are the culprit but they to can sometimes play a roll in determining the mounting depth requirements. We will use the term foot print in the following and this term is the width of the base of the bracket. Most of the brackets we use do allow for a variety of mounting positions (Sidewall, Ceiling & Back Wall). The other term we will use is projection. The projection of a bracket is the distance it places the center of the tube off the mounting surface. So if you know your roll diameter is 3" and you have a projection of 1.5" and you will be forced to use back wall mounting you will be able to determine the mounting depth requirement. Example: 1.5" (Half the 3" Roll Diameter) + 1.5" Bracket Projection = 3" Total Depth requirement.

1. Clutch Drive Shades up to 64.25" width using Rollease R8 Clutches use:
   1. Rollease RB360 Brackets (Default) - 1.5" Foot Print x 1.5" Projection to the center of the tube
   2. Rollease RB380 Brackets - 1.5" Foot Print x 2" Projection to the center of the tube
   3. Rollease RB380 Brackets - 1.5" Foot Print x 2 7/8" Projection to the center of the tube
2. Clutch Drive Shades 64.25" to 97.25" width using Rollease R16 Clutches use
   1. Rollease RB560 Brackets (Default) - 2.5" Foot Print x 1.62" Projection to the center of the tube
   2. Rollease RB580 Brackets - 2.5" Foot Print x 2" Projection to the center of the tube
3. Clutch Drive Shades 97.25" to 144.25" width using Rollease R16 & R24 Clutches use
   1. Rollease RBGAL Brackets (Default) - 3" Foot Print x 2.25" Projection to the center of the tube
4. Somfy LT30 Motorized Shades use:
   1. Rollease RB360 Brackets (Default) - 1.5" Foot Print x 1.5" Projection to the center of the tube
   2. Rollease RB380 Brackets - 1.5" Foot Print x 2" Projection to the center of the tube
   3. Rollease RB380 Brackets - 1.5" Foot Print x 2 7/8" Projection to the center of the tube
5. Somfy ST30 Sonesse Motorized Shades use:
   1. Rollease RB360 Brackets (Default) - 1.5" Foot Print x 1.5" Projection to the center of the tube
   2. Rollease RB380 Brackets - 1.5" Foot Print x 2" Projection to the center of the tube
   3. Rollease RB380 Brackets - 1.5" Foot Print x 2 7/8" Projection to the center of the tube
6. Somfy ST50 Sonesse 50 Motors use:
   1. Somfy 9410651 & 9410635 Brackets - 3.15" Foot Print x 3.75" Height & 2.2" Projection to the center of the tube
7. Fascia Brackets
   1. 4" Fascia is our standard size and requires a 4.1" Mounting Depth
   2. 3" Fascia requires 3.1" Mounting Depth
      3" Fascia is available by special request where the roll diameter is 2.75
      but never with Somfy ST50 Shades or R24 Clutch Shades.

Final Mounting Depth Thought: Now, you are armed and dangerous. Most often when mounting depth is considered you are able to use the brackets with sidewall or ceiling mounting which negates the dimensions of the brackets with the exception of Somfy Sonesse 50 motorized shades because all of the other shades will either typically have a roll diameter or drive mechanism that is larger than the foot print of the bracket. In these cases the mounting depth requirement will be 1/4" (recommended mounting gap) plus the larger of the roll diameter or drive mechanism diameter. Example: 3" Calculated Roll Diameter + 0.25" = 3.25" Mounting Depth. If for some reason you are forced to use back wall mounting you will need to consider the projection of the bracket, the roll diameter and the drive head diameter (if larger than the roll diameter) to figure your mounting depth. Example: 1.5" (Half the 3" Roll Diameter) + 1.5" Bracket Projection = 3" Total Depth requirement.

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WHAT IS THE LIGHT GAP ON THE SIDES OF MY SHADES?

Light Gap on the sides of shades is more of a concern for some windows than others. What it really makes the difference really is the design of the window and whether or not you are trying to significantly darken a room using blackout material. Some windows have larger frames than others which is really where the compatibility concerns come from. Most windows have more than enough side frame space to allow use of any of the shades. The light gaps listed below are an approximation derived from the Tip to Tip deduction for a given shade. The side gaps will be approximately 1/2 the tip to tip deduction. Note: The light gaps are not perfectly equal for each side of the shade and are typically within 1/8" with the exception of the Somfy Sonesse 50 Motor than has app 1/4" variation side to side. Since this is typically of less concern we only list the primary light gaps for the most common installations. Changes in tube size and the use of fascia can also effect the light gaps.

• R8 Clutch Drive Shades - 1 1/8" Tip to Tip Deduction = App. 9/16" Side Gaps
• R16 / R24 Clutch Drive Shades - 1 1/4" Tip to Tip Deduction = App. 5/8" Side Gaps
• Somfy LT30 Motorized Shades - 1 3/16" Tip to Tip Deduction = App. 19/32" Side Gaps
• Somfy ST30 Motorized Shades - 1 1/8" Tip to Tip Deduction = App. 9/16" Side Gaps
• Somfy ST50 Motorized Shades - 2 3/8" Tip to Tip Deduction = App. 1 3/16" Side Gaps

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WILL MY SHADE HAVE A SEAM IN IT?

Roll Width: Each material is defined by a roll width. The roll width is the size of the bolt of material as received by the material manufacturer. The roll width defines the max size we can make a shade without a seam and when we need to railroad a material.

Railroading: Normally, the width of the shade is cut from the roll width of the material bolt and the height of the shade is cut from the material length rolled off the bolt of material. Railroading a material is when the shade material width is cut from the length of the material rolled off the bolt and the height of the shade is cut from the roll width of the material bolt. A shade must be railroaded if the shade width is wider than the material roll width. When a material is railroaded it changes the orientation of a patterned material and this is more noticeable on some materials than others. If a shade in a room must be railroaded we recommend railroading all the shades in the same room. We do this automatically for our customers but we must know what shades are in the same room as others.

Seams: A seam in the height of the shade will be required for your shade if both the following are true: 1) The Width of the shade is wider than than the roll width of the material AND 2) The Height of the shade is ALSO taller than the roll width of the material. When we place a seam in a material it will be placed at approximately the height of the roll width minus app. 2" to 3" as measured from the bottom. For Instance, if we are using a roll width of 94" the seam would be app. 92" to 93" from the bottom of the shade. When a seam is fabricated the material is overlapped and then stitched with color matching thread. Seams will be noticeable but more so in open weaves, translucent and room dimming materials than blackout materials because the overlapped area will be less transparent than the rest of the material. Seams can never be placed vertically. We do have the ability to custom specify a seam height if one is desired.

The table below indicates the roll widths of the materials we use. We always use the largest roll width necessary to fabricate a shade. This table may not be as up to date as the actual product advertisement where the roll width is also listed. If you prefer you can open this information in a separate web page using the following link. Will my shade have a seam in it? Opens in New Tab

Material	Open	Companion Series *	Thick	Max. Seamless W x H *
Phifer Sheerweave 7000	Blackout		0.026"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7200R	Blackout	7250R	0.022"	118" x115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7400	Blackout	7450	0.029"	118" x115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7500	Blackout		0.014"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7500R	Blackout		0.014"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7600	Blackout	7650	0.020"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7700R	Blackout	7750R	0.026"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7250R	Translucent Dimming	7200R	0.018"	118" x115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7450	Translucent Dimming	7400	0.0118"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7650	Translucent Dimming	7600	0.014"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 7750	Translucent Dimming	7750R	0.012"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 2500	1%	2360 2390 2410	0.024"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 2701	1%	2703 2705 2710	0.027"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 4800	1%		0.036"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 5000	1%, 3%, 5% 7%, 10%		0.032" to 0.052"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 2410	3%	2360 2390 2500	0.019"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 2703	3%	2701 2705 2710	0.028"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 4400	3%	4000 4100	0.037"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 4600	3%	4500	0.03"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 4650	3%	4550	0.026"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 5000	1%, 3%, 5% 7%, 10%		0.032" to 0.052"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 8000	3%		0.019"	118" x 115"
Phifer Sheerweave 2000	5%	2100	0.019"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 2390	5%	2360 2410 2500	0.017"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 2705	5%	2701 2703 2710	0.025"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 4000	5%	4100 4400	0.036"	126" x 123"
Phifer Sheerweave 4500	5%	4600	0.024"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 4550	5%	4650	0.025"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 5000	1%, 3%, 5% 7%, 10%		0.032" to 0.052"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 2100	10%	2000	0.02"	96" x 93"
Phifer Sheerweave 2360	10%	2390 2410 2500	0.017"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 2710	10%	2701 2703 2705	0.025"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 4100	10%	4000 4400	0.035"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 5000	1%, 3%, 5% 7%, 10%		0.032" to 0.052"	98" x 95"
Phifer Sheerweave 3000	14%		0.028"	96" x 93"
*Companion Series - These are materials that are color matched to each other and have the same thread patterns. *Max Seamless - These are maximum sizes each shade can be made without a seam for the given material.

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DO I NEED A CONTRACTOR FOR INSTALLATION OF ROLLER SHADES?

Some shade companies and contractors would like you to think otherwise but we think most people can handle the task. All that is needed are a couple simple tools, the ability to read and some attention to detail. Note: We did put the ability to read.... That is for those of you out there that do first then read... Then scratch your head or pick up the phone. Now we aren't suggesting that our written instructions are perfect but they are a good basis point for installation of shades (at least ours).  The clutch drive shades come with the clutches & beaded chain installed in them. The Somfy motorized shades do require a couple more steps but installation and programming is typically a fairly simple task. One thing we typically recommend is taking Somfy's instructions and put them in the bottom of the pile of papers. The basic remote and motor instructions really should only be used for reference information. We have rewritten many of the programming instructions to make things easier for our customers.

     –  Roller Shade Installation Instructions

     –  Somfy LT30 12VDC IR Shade Motor Programming Instructions

     –  Somfy LT30 12VDC RTS Shade Motor Programming Instructions

     –  Somfy Sonesse ST30 24VDC RTS Shade Motor Programming Instructions

     –  Somfy Sonesse ST50 RTS 120VAC Shade Motor Programming Instructions

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I HAVE A HANDLE ON MY DOOR OR WINDOW THAT IS IN THE WAY!

Trying to figure out if a handle or protrusion might seem a little complicated but all you really need to do is break down to the basics. All you really need to know are your tube size and bracket options to figure out where the material will drop. If your handle or protrusion is at the middle of the shade height you may also need to know the shade roll diameter. For the particulars of tube size, bracket options and roll diameters please see the section above termed "Mounting Depth & Roll Diameters". We will run through a couple scenarios for you.

Scenario:
L Shaped Handle 50% Down the height of a 80" H Shade.
Clearance off mounting surface to back of handle 1.5" & 2.5" to front of the handle.
Calculated Roll Diameter 2.25" on a 1.5" Tube using 1.5" Projection brackets

If we use regular roll (material coming off the back of the tube) and loosely approximate that the roll diameter will lose half the material thickness at 50% down (it will lose less but it is a more complex calculation) we can figure this:

2.5" Roll Diameter minus 1.5" Tube Diameter = 1.0" Material Thickness on Tube (Total)
Material Thickness divided by 2 (because half is on the front of the roll and half on the back) = 0.50"
Calculate 1/2 roll thickness at obstruction height which is at 50% height in our example so
Take 50% of the material thickness and add that to 1/2 the tube diameter = 0.25" + 0.75" (1.5" tube) = 1"
Now Consider we are using the std 1.5" Projection brackets.
When the material drops using regular roll it will be at 1.5" Projection minus 1" = 0.5" off the mounting surface for 50% of the drop height.
In this case we do not have a problem with the material dropping behind the handle.


Now lets take the same scenario but say we have to use reverse roll for whatever reason. The calculations are the same but instead of thinking about the back of the roll we think about the front.

2.5" Roll Diameter minus 1.5" Tube Diameter = 1.0" Material Thickness on Tube (Total)
Material Thickness divided by 2 (because half is on the front of the roll and half on the back) = 0.50"
Calculate 1/2 roll thickness at obstruction height which is at 50% height in our example so
Take 50% of the material thickness and add that to 1/2 the tube diameter = 0.25" + 0.75" (1.5" tube) = 1"
Now Consider we are using the std 1.5" Projection brackets.
When the material drops using reverse roll it will be at 1.5" Projection plus 1" = 2.5" off the mounting surface for 50% of the drop height.
In this case we will likely hit the handle with the material as it drops.

OK, so how do I fix that. Well if you read the section above term termed "Mounting Depth & Roll Diameters" you will notice that we list several bracket options for some of the shades. If we use the 2" projection brackets and reverse roll the material will drop at app. 3" off the mounting surface and this is enough to clear the handle.

The same calculations and thought processes apply to handles, trim molding and other obstructions.

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SHOULD I USE THE SAME ROLL DIAMETER FOR ALL MY SHADES?

Tube diameter is rarely a concern for customers using clutch drive shades. We typically will not drop the tube size at a given width unless we have already stated it as an option because as the shades get wider the tube needs to be larger (regardless of material height) to prevent or minimize tube sag. Anyhow, this topic wasn't brought up to discuss tube size reduction. It was brought up to discuss increasing tube size on smaller shades to match larger shades in the same room. Typically the only time one should consider increasing tube size is for motorized shades and if you want the speeds of the shade to be near equal in the same room. The motors run at a fairly constant RPM. If one shade has a 2.5" tube and another a 2" tube the shades will move at different speeds. In some cases we can accommodate increasing the tube size of a smaller shade to the size of the larger shade. When this is done the shades will move at the same speed if the shades are using the same material and the same height. Note: if you have differing material thicknesses or shades that are not the same height you will not be able to closely match the speeds of the shades.

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