Description of roller blinds "Uni 2" and "Uni 1"
Since roll curtains are very popular, there are many varieties of them. Let's try to understand the advantages of UNI roller blinds. For which windows and rooms are more suitable, what are the fastening features, and how practical it is to work.
Types of roller blinds
Cassette models have the following varieties:
- UNI-1. Equipped with a special box, inside of which there is a chain that collects or unwinds the web. The guides with which the web moves are flat. Curtains are mounted to the glazing beads of the window profile.
- UNI-2. In many ways it is similar to the previous model, only the guides of this roller blind are made in the shape of the letter "P" and are attached to the window frame. Thanks to the fastening system, it is possible to lower the curtain by covering the lower glazing bead.
- UNI-2 with spring mechanism. The main distinguishing feature is the control system. To unwind (twist) the roll, you need to rotate the handle. The box can be located at the top, at the bottom, or even to the side of the window frame.
A little trick: if you are looking for a canvas that protects the room as much as possible from the sun's rays, just hold a piece of fabric against the glass and check the material's throughput. The main thing is to do it during the day, and it is better if the day is sunny.
Mounting methods
Any of the above models are attached in one of two ways:
- With self-tapping screws. First, neat and accurate measurements are made where exactly the holes for the fasteners will be. To do this, use a pencil and a level. After that, holes are drilled. One side of the box is fixed with a self-tapping screw and the web is unwound for checking, then it is fixed on two self-tapping screws from each edge, and the side covers are put on. At the final stage, the chain height is adjusted and the lower position of the web is set. A plumb line is also attached to the chain.
- Using double-sided tape. This option is only suitable for ultralight models. Considered unreliable. According to experts, it is better not to use this method of fastening, since the structure can "come off" simply because you pulled the chain with a little more effort than was necessary. On the other hand, if you are sure that your curtain has a modest weight, and you are an extremely neat user, you can fasten the structure with tape.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any roller blinds for plastic windows, the UNI-1 and UNI-2 cassette models have both strengths and weaknesses. Let's consider in more detail.
UNI-1
First, about the merits. The UNI-1 is slightly cheaper than its competitor, the UNI-2.
In addition, the model is considered more compact, and the opening angle is eleven degrees greater. In some situations, this factor is decisive in the choice.
Now let's add a fly in the ointment. According to experts, this model has much more disadvantages, namely:
- The model cannot be called universal. It can only be attached to a rectangular glazing bead with a width of at least 1.4 cm.
- The design reduces glass, cassette and side rails overlap the surface, making it difficult to clean windows. The canvas is too tight on the glass. If there is high humidity in the room and the windows periodically fog up, be prepared for the canvas to stick to the glass. And this will lead to the fact that not only the canvas will deteriorate, but the entire mechanism.
- If there are errors in the design of the window, for example, the left side is a couple of millimeters shorter than the right, then even with a strictly horizontal fastening to the glazing bead, a small opening will appear from below, which will not allow to reliably protect from outside light.
Important! If you want to install blackout curtains, the UNI-1 design may not be suitable, and this is also a minus.
UNI-2
Advantages:
- The design is universal, attached to any window, from above to the frame.
- Since the cassette and guides are located on the frame, the structure does not cover the glass.
- There is always a small gap between the canvas and the glass, which means that even if condensation accumulates on the windows, it will not damage either the curtain or the mechanism.
- Thanks to this model, you can hide some of the design flaws of the window itself.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than the first model.
- There is a restriction on the opening of the window due to the fastening of the cassette directly to the frame.
And yet the main advantage of the UNI-2 lies in the true versatility of the design, because it can be mounted on a wide variety of windows.
So, it is only at first glance that all UNI models are twin brothers. Differences, and moreover significant, prompt you to carefully understand the features of each design and only after that make your choice.
The UNI-2 variant is traditionally more popular, probably due to its versatility.
Video: a detailed review of roller blinds Uni 1 and Uni 2