Please note: Everyone has permission to use this article. Please be kind and reference www.shadesshuttersblinds.com and Lawren Gournay This is part two of an ongoing series of eco friendly blinds that are great for energy efficiency and good for the environment. We will be discussing the metal blind or mini blinds. Mini blinds have been around since the 1970’s. They are made of aluminum and are recyclable. Each slat is one inch across and is horizontal on the blind. There are several thicknesses that are available for added energy efficiency. The three main thicknesses are based on the gauge of the slat. The standard in the mini blind industry is a 6-gauge slat, which has an R-value of around a 3.51. The R-value is simply the measurements of a mini blinds ability to keep the heat in and the cold out. An R-value of a 4.00 blocks around 75% of the heat loss through a single pane window*1. The six-gauge slat materials are the most affordable and the least energy efficient. All components are typically made from recycled aluminum. The next most popular thickness in the mini blind is the 8-gauge slat. Although it is more expensive, each slat is around 25% thicker than the 6-gauge. This added energy savings. The typical R-value for a standard eight gauge is around a 3.63. Again, the 8-gauge material is usually made from 100% recycled aluminum. The last size slat is the hardest to find, the most expensive, and the most efficient. It is the 12-gauge slat. It is found mainly in the 2-inch slat mini blind. This mini blind has an R-value of around a 4.25 and is well insulated. All of the mini blinds come in lots of colors all made with lead free paint. Each mini blind block around 99% of the harmful UV rays that can enter the room when in the closed position. One of the great advantages of the mini blinds is not just the energy efficiency and the recycleablitly, but also the cost factor. Mini blinds are typically the least expensive of all of our blinds.
Lawren Gournay is the owner of <a href="http://www.shadesshuttersblinds.com">Shades, Shutters and Blinds</a>, a leading online seller of blinds and other window treatments.
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