Have you decided to install Alicante blinds? Excellent option! Especially if it’s hot in your area: you’ll get fresh air to enter naturally without being bothered by excessive heat or light, which can even damage your furniture or other objects. In addition, with the variety of models on the market, you will surely find one that gives a beautiful touch to your window or balcony. We tell you more about these blinds so that you can choose the best option.
Types of Alicante blinds
These blinds, also called Alicante curtains, are characterized by being raised and lowered by rolling up by means of a pulley system, which works simply by pulling or loosening a rope. Therefore, the only basic difference between one type and another is the material.
wooden alicans
They are the most traditional, and will provide you with a natural freshness, in addition to allowing you to regulate the passage of light and prevent flies and mosquitoes from entering your home. They are very resistant, even in adverse climates. They also withstand abrasion, thanks to the fact that the wood has a protective layer. They can be used both indoors and outdoors, they are available in a wide variety of colors and their fine varnishing gives them the perfect finish.
There are also the Alicante unpainted wooden shutters (they only have the protective varnish), ideal for rustic decorations.
PVC Alicantinas (plastic)
If you have a tighter budget, opt for the Alicante PVC blinds. They have the same advantages as wooden ones and, in addition, they will provide you with better insulation against heat. The only disadvantage they have compared to wooden ones is that they are lighter and, therefore, can break if it is very windy.
How to install an Alicante blind
Thanks to the simplicity of its mechanism, it is easy to install a Alicante blind. We can install it in three ways: covering the whole of a door, the whole of a window or having it embedded inside the window.
In the first case, first take the measurements of the door to order the custom-made blind. Add 10 cm to the width (5 cm on each side) and 15 to 18 cm to the length: these will be the measurements with which you will have to request your blind. Before placing it, make sure that there is 2 cm between the floor and the blind.
In the second case, if you want to cover a window completely, add 10 cm to the width of the window opening (5 cm on each side) and 2 cm to the length.
And, finally, if you want the blind to be recessed into the window, subtract 2 cm from the width of the window opening (1 cm on each side) and 4 cm from the length. It is very important that you take these measurements well, since the blind must in no case exceed the opening of the window.
installation mechanism
The installation mechanism is the same in all three cases. First divide the width of the blind into 4 parts. This way, you can easily place it at a quarter of the total distance from each of the ends. Mark the holes in the blind and drill them. If the alicantina is made of plastic it can be difficult to start the hole, for which you can start by using a drill smaller than the size of the thread. Afterwards you may be able to continue opening the hole with the same eyebolt.
Next, mark on the wall the points where you are going to place the blind. Help yourself with a level, since it is important that they are aligned. Drill the holes in the wall with a 6-8 drill bit and put in the plugs and spikes. Enter the eyebolts. For very wide blinds, you may need to install three or four instead of two.
If the installation is recessed, you will have to do the same, but putting the eyebolts at the top of the shutter.
Where can you install Alicante blinds
Remember that you can not only put these blinds on doors Y windowsbut also in porches Y pergolasor even about fences. Thus, you will have the protected space and you can take advantage of it to give a touch of color to the facade of your house. You can also use them to cover open cabinetsto which it will give a very original touch.
Don’t worry about using them for your business. There are already curtains from Alicante in the windows of many offices, hotels and restaurants, where they provide an original touch.
Cleaning of Alicante blinds
If they are made of wood, the ideal is to use a cloth with a special cleaning product for wood in each of the slats. If it is plastic, just pass a cloth with a little neutral soap and warm water.
To deep clean your blinds more conveniently, take them off the hook and unroll them on a table. Don’t forget to clean between the slats.
Now that you know all the details about Alicante blinds, Which one do you prefer? Think that you have endless colors and textures to choose from!
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