Author: admat

Installation Of The Week – Cummings, GA

Written by admat on February 18, 2020. Posted in Motorized Screens.

Two Great Features For The Price Of One

Cummings, Georgia backyard with motorized screens Peachtree Blinds completed the installation of 3 outdoor motorized screens produced by Universal Screen. Using a 95% solar mesh and installing them with a zipper system, this customer will be able to enjoy a bug free environment while greatly reducing the amount of heat and sun. They currently have a Southern exposure and even in the late months of winter when this was installed (February 2020), the temperature inside was reduced by 10 degrees.

Looking at the pictures you can see that visibility was not sacrificed. The sleek housing were measured precisely so that the original caps on the columns remained intact. Our standard color of tan blended in perfectly to provide a nearly invisible look from the outside looking in.

Installation Of The Week – The Manor, Alpharetta, GA

Written by admat on February 5, 2020. Posted in Motorized Screens.

This project took place in the prestigious community known as The Manor in Alpharetta, Ga.

Peachtree Blinds installed 12 motorized screens with Phifer Tuff Screen. Motors were provided by Somfy and the customer utilized the My Link system that would them to operate the screens from not only their phones but powered by Alexa.

The screens were assembled and manufactured by Universal Screens. The unique zipper track system allows for the smooth movement of the screens but at the same time creates retention. A plastic sleeve inserted into the side tracks prohibits the screen mesh from popping out and can withstand a wind gust of up to 45 MPH.

Learn more about our motorized retractable screens.

Prepare For Spring With Motorized Patio Screens

Written by admat on February 5, 2020. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades.

Spring is right around the corner, and the seasonal clean up doesn’t have to be limited to inside spaces. Tidy up your Georgia patio for the warmer days ahead. Sweep off the porch, wipe down furniture, wash cushion covers, and add some motorized exterior shades to keep your space cool, comfortable and convenient.

Motorized solar screens are made with solar screen fabric that is available with varying degrees of light blockage ranging from 60- 90%. Fabrics with higher light blockage ratings will give superior UV protection, but allow for less visibility.

If you want to keep your great view, but still need moderate sun protection for family or fragile furniture, choose a fabric with a lower light blockage. These weaves let some natural light in, but keep out glare.

All motorized patio shades are produced with stainless steel and aluminum hardware that won’t tarnish, fade or chip, and can stand up to the elements. Wind sensors are available to keep your screens protected even in the highest wind conditions. Motorized outdoor shades can be used to keep patios cool and comfortable as pictured above, or they can be installed on the exterior of windows and doors to stop the sun’s heat before it enters your home. This will save you a ton of money on your energy bill.

Our motorized porch shades are available with several lift options from motorized to manually operated. From continuous cord loops, to hand-crank systems to touch of a button, motorized retractable screens, Peachtree has you covered. If you choose motorization, each shade will come equipped with a remote control and we can incorporate them into your home automation.

Give us a call today @ (770) 664-0027 or email us and be prepared for entertaining outside, for family play time or to just relax bug free in your backyard.

Peachtree Blinds installs and services patio shades and motorized solar screens in Buckhead, Morningside/Lenox Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Ormewood Park and other Metro Atlanta and surrounding Georgia cities.

How Much Do Motorized Blinds Cost?

Written by admat on June 26, 2019. Posted in Motorized Window Treatments.

Advances in technology and increased demand for smart and connected living have all contributed to rising excitement about motorized blinds.

The benefits are many: The ability to control your shades or blinds with the touch of a button. Freedom from unsightly cords that pose a risk to children and animals. Cost reductions on your home heating bills. Transforming your living room into a media room for the best middle school sleepover ever.

But first? You’ll want to know how much installing motorized blinds costs. In truth, the answer varies greatly depending on a variety of factors including the type of motor you select, whether or not your existing window treatments are compatible with motorization, and the size and number of windows you seek to add motorized blinds to.

Here, we breakdown the cost of the different Somfy motors and examine what the costs would be for outfitting different window treatments.

Motors

When it comes to choosing which motor will power your new motorized blinds, you have a variety of options to choose from. While motors on the lower end of that price range may at first seem like a steal, it is important to keep in mind that motorized blinds are an investment, enhancing your home’s comfort and liveability. Investing the money upfront to purchase a quality motorized system can save you money, time, and headaches down the road. Often, motors that fall on the lower end of the spectrum have shorter warranties, more mechanical difficulties, and may even be louder. You’ll also want to research the warranty that accompanies your motor; Somfy motors are covered by a full five-year warranty, but this may not be the case with other products.

The price of motorized blinds and shades will vary, depending on whether they are battery, plug-in, or hard-wired. Somfy battery powered motors start at $270, and hard wired options go up from there.

The Somfy Motors Product Line

Sonesse 30 RTS
Compatible with roller shades, horizontal blinds, Roman/woven shades, pleated and cellular shades, and projection screens.
Quiet operation
24 DC low voltage, plug and go.
Backed by 5 year warranty

Sonesse 40 RTS
Compatible with roller shades, horizontal blinds, Roman/woven shades, pleated and cellular shades.
120 AC – directly wire to your home’s electrical system
Backed by 5 year warranty

Sonesse 50 RTS
Compatible with roller shades, horizontal blinds, Roman/woven shades, pleated and cellular shades.
Quiet operation
120 VC – plug and play or direct wire into your home’s electrical system
Backed by 5 year warranty

Sonesse Ultra 50 RTS
Compatible with roller shades, horizontal blinds, Roman/woven shades, pleated and cellular shades.
Ultra-quiet operation
120 VAC – plug and play or direct wire into your home’s electrical system.
Backed by 5 year warranty

Roll Up Wire Free 28 RTS
Compatible with roller shades, sheer horizontals, Roman/woven wood shades.
27 RPM
56 dBA
12V DC with flexible options: Lithium batteries, plug-in, or solar.
Backed by 5 year warranty

Tilt 50 Wirefree RTS
Motorized tilt for 2” horizontal blinds (wood, faux wood, or composite).
12 V DC with flexible options: Lithium batteries, plug-in, or solar.
Backed by 5 year warranty

Cord Lift Wirefree
Compatible with pleated and cellular shades.
12 V DC with flexible options: Lithium batteries, plug-in, or solar.
Backed by 5 year warranty

Before making your final decision then, it is important to make sure that you have examined the technical capabilities of your selected motor, which will impact price, speed, and noise level. A complete warranty is a strong indicator that the company stands by their product and suggests that, should you need assistance, the company will be there to help.

Window Treatments

Since you are contemplating installing motorized blinds, chances are that you already understand your window treatments to be an investment in your home. As with your choice of motor, you have lots of window treatments options to choose from, and there are a number of factors that will impact how much these window treatments will cost.

With so many different types of window treatments to choose from, picking the right one is a challenge. The best solution, if you are struggling to decide whether you want to outfit your home with shutters, blinds, shades, or curtains, is to identify the main needs that you expect your window treatments to solve. For example, cellular or honeycomb blinds help with energy efficiency and solar shades can reduce UV glare.

Below, we consider several factors that will impact how much you can expect to spend on your window treatments.

Materials

One of the main factors that impacts the cost of a window treatment is the material that it is made from. Before making a decision, consider the tradeoffs between different materials. For example, real wood is one of the most expensive window treatment materials out there, but it can also add more value to a home and is more durable than faux wood or vinyl. Eco-friendly window treatment materials like bamboo or other woven fibers may also be more costly, but add value if you are seeking to green your home.

Number and Size of Windows

In order to develop a sense of the cost of your window treatment project, you will first need to spend time measuring your windows. If you feel uncomfortable gathering the exact measurements, do not hesitate to contact a window treatment professional — measuring windows is all just a part of their daily business. However, if you are not afraid to get out your notepad and measuring tape, here are a few guidelines to ensure that you are taking accurate measurements:

Use a metal tape measure. Soft measuring tapes that bend or fold will not provide you with the level of accuracy you are after.

Measure every window you plan to cover. Even windows that look identical to the eye can vary slightly in size.

Round to the nearest 1/8th”. This is where having a metal tape measure (and your glasses!) really comes in handy.

Notate measurements in width by height. It is very easy to flip those numbers around, but doing so will cause many headaches down the line.

Keeping these guidelines in mind, it is time to take your window measurements. Once you know the width and height, you can begin to get a sense of the materials cost of your project. Below, a glance at the average price range for some of the most popular window treatments. Note that this price range is per shade, with a shade considered a fairly standard 36” by 48”:

Cellular/Honeycomb Shades: $50 – $100/shade
Roman Shades: $100 – $300/shade
Solar Shade: $30 – $100/shade
Wood Blinds: $50 – $175/blind
Faux Wood Blind: $30 – $120/blind
Vinyl Mini Blinds: $25 – $120/blind
Aluminum Mini Blind: $25 – $85/blind

Installation Costs

DIY is all the rage nowadays, but what if you would prefer that someone else does the DIY for you? This will impact the cost of your project, but many people feel that it is worth working with a professional to ensure that the job is done right the first time. Installation costs will vary depending on the number of windows you are covering, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $35 – $75 per window that is receiving motorized blinds treatments. (This is just an estimate and can vary depending on where you live and whether or not any of your windows fall into the “tricky” category — skylights, bay windows, etc. You will also be interested to know that if you choose to hard-wire your blinds or shades into your home’s electrical system, the cost of installation will be included in the overall project cost.)

As you can see, the cost of motorized blinds depends on a number of interrelated factors including the type of motor you select, your Atlanta window treatments, and how many windows you plan to motorize. However, whether your budget is small or the sky’s the limit, you’ll be able to find a solution that works for you if you are determined to integrate motorized blinds into your Georgia home. And when you do, you will begin to enjoy your home in a whole new, smart, connected way!

Make Your Atlanta Plantation Shutters Look New Again

Written by admat on April 6, 2017. Posted in Plantation Shutters, Window Treatments.

Plantation shutters are a gorgeous and popular option for Georgia interior and exterior windows. They are easy to use, effective at blocking sunlight, and much more efficient than traditional blinds with strings and attachments that break easily. Plantation shutters are the perfect window treatment in many homes – except when it comes time to clean them. Removing dirt and dust from the separated slats can be tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, there is an established way to clean plantation shutters of all materials for the simplest, fastest, and best-looking finished product.

Cleaning Wooden Shutters

If you have wooden plantation shutters, keep the cleaning process as dry and natural as possible. Using harsh cleaning chemicals can harm the wood or ruin the paint on the wooden surface. Here is what to do:

Use a vacuum’s brush attachment to run over the shutters. The vacuum picks up most of the dirt and dust from the surface of the shutters.
Take a small dusting brush or dusting cloth and clean small spaces the vacuum could not reach. Pick up any dust and dirt particles the vacuum missed.
If you notice marks or dirt on the surface of the shutters that the vacuum and dry cloth/brush could not remove, use a slightly damp small brush, such as a toothbrush, to scrub the dirty area. Wet the brush with water or a mild cleaning solution. Gently scrub the area until clean.
Dry the wet area as soon as possible to prevent water damage or wood warping.
For an extra sheen, use wood polish, such as Pledge spray, and wipe down your plantation shutters.

Enjoy your clean shutters! Wooden shutters are a bit more work than other materials, but they are a beautiful and durable way to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Cleaning Polywood Shutters

Some plantation shutters are made with polywood, a synthetic material made to look like wood. If necessary, you can use harsher chemicals on polywood shutters. The material will not damage as easily as real wood would. Start with the same dry-cleaning methods as the wooden shutters – the vacuum brush attachment, dusting cloth/brush, and small brush. If you see marks, stains, or dirt that cannot be cleaned or removed with dry methods, use cleaning solutions and a scrubber. A mild grease-cutting dish soap and warm water mixture is often effective for polywood or vinyl shutters.

Cleaning Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters can be difficult to reach. Safely use a ladder (with someone supervising) or step stool to reach higher shutters. Begin by pressure washing your exterior blinds to remove most of the built-up dirt and debris. Get a brush or cloth and a bucket with a cleaning solution. The soap and water mixture for polywood shutters should work well. You may want to mix in bleach or use a bleach cleaner to remove mold, mildew, and stubborn stains. Scrub shutters clean with the brush/cloth and cleaning solution of your choice.

Cleaning your plantation shutters regularly will make the process easier each time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shutters, don’t hesitate to contact Atlanta’s window treatment experts, Peachtree Blinds.

The Somfy Sonesse® ULTRA 50 Quiet Motor for Atlanta Window Coverings

Written by admat on March 31, 2016. Posted in Motorized Window Treatments.

The Sonesse® ULTRA 50 DC RTS is now available, offering an ultra-quiet and ultra-powerful shading solution with the convenience of low-voltage power. Now your can effortlessly control your room’s natural light using the full suite of Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS) control options such as hand-held remotes, a smartphone/tablet app, wireless wall switches, sensors, timers and more.

Ultra Quiet Window Covering Motor

Sonesse ULTRA 50 offers near silent operation at less than 38 dBA when fabricated with Somfy recommended hardware and components. It’s a must have wherever silence offers well-being and everyday comfort.

Ultra Powerful Window Covering Motor

4Nm of lifting capacity with the convenience of low-voltage wiring.

Ultra Flexible Window Covering Motor

Sonesse ULTRA 50 DC RTS streamlines programming and installation with advanced options which save time:

Ability to set/adjust limits directly on the motor head or via transmitter
LED indicators for immediate feedback
5-minute sleep mode directly from the motor head eliminates the need to unplug motors for programming, grouping or adjusting limits.

Control Multiple Motorized Indoor/Outdoor Shades With Somfy IGC

Written by admat on January 21, 2016. Posted in Home Automation, Motorized Screens, Motorized Window Treatments.

Somfy 4n1 Motor Controller The Individual Group Control (IGC) 4n1 Motor Controller provides individual and group control for up to four Somfy Wired Technology (WT) motors with up to three intermediate positions per motor.

Through the use of the DecoFlex Dry Contact Keypad (#1811402, required), users can access 3 preset positions as well as Up, Down and Stop. Keypads can also be used to set custom intermediate positions. Multiple IGC 4n1 Motor Controllers can be daisy-chained together for simplified synchronized control from a single keypad.

Somfy DecoFlex Controller The Somfy DecoFlex Digital Keypad for Somfy Digital Network (SDN) is an intelligent control device providing a hard-wired in-wall user interface for stand-alone SDN shading systems. Keypads provide users a familiar way to adjust their environment for personal comfort. Each keypad communicates directly with intelligent motors in the system without the need for a centralized system controller, distributing intelligence across the network, ensuring reliable operation.

Every DecoFlex Digital Keypad uses a priority based command structure which allows multiple keypads to have different levels of authority. For example, a system can be programmed to prioritize life-safety and facility manager control over local user control. Available in both 6 button and 8 button configurations, the DecoFlex Digital Keypad comes with default engraved buttons (shown at right). Custom engraved buttons are available. Each keypad also includes 8 dry contact inputs on the reverse, regardless of the number of buttons on the front. All contacts, even those not associated to a specific front button, are programmed to output SDN commands for the control of intelligent motors on the network.

Connections & Indicators

Somfy Motor Controller Board

Instructions
Spec Sheet

Child Safe Window Coverings - Atlanta, GA

What You Need To Know About Window Coverings & Child Safety

Written by admat on November 6, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Child Safety.

According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), a child between the ages of 7 months and 10 years old dies each month from window cord strangulation. Additional children suffer from the injuries of near strangulation.

How Safe Are Your Window Treatments?

Ways strangulation can occur:

Place their heads through a dangling cord loop.
Wrap a single long pull cord around their neck.
Pull out and play with the inner cords of the window blind.

Child Safety Above All

The window covering industry has worked closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), industry stakeholders and others to develop strong voluntary corded window covering safety standards to mitigate risk and protect consumers. In fact, the current U.S. safety standard is recognized as the most stringent in the world.
The window covering industry, federal officials and Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta all agree that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords should be used in homes with infants or young children.
The industry has invested millions of dollars to develop technology that has resulted in a wide platform of cordless products and products with inaccessible cords. Today, just about every product category on the market is offered with cordless or inaccessible cord options.
The industry has invested additional millions of dollars to develop, promote and distribute child-safety education and awareness materials at point-of-sale, online and in digital and social media campaigns.
We firmly believe that even one child fatality is one too many. We also believe that new product development and increased consumer education is working, as the number of fatalities has declined dramatically over the last five years.

Keep Kids Safe Around Window Coverings

Keep cords and chains far out of reach of children.
- This includes the ladder and lift cords running through the blind slats which young children can pull out and quickly become entangled.
Never tie, loop, or knot cords together.
- Ideally, completely cordless window treatments are best especially in rooms where young children and pets are likely to spend a lot of time.
Make sure blinds & shades are properly installed.
- Read all instructions provided by the window blind manufacturer and make sure the window treatment is installed securely.
Children should never play with window treatments.
- Never allow children or pets to play with or chew on window treatments. Teach them early on to stay away from the window blinds.
Keep children & pets away from windows.
- Move furniture and toys that children could climb on away from windows. Never place cribs, playpens, or children’s beds near windows and window treatments.
Check child’s caregiver’s window treatments.
- Make sure your child is safe when they’re under someone else’s supervision. Share your concerns and verify that your child’s caregiver has taken steps to ensure safety.
Eliminate dangling cords and secure them out of the reach of young children and pets.
- The Window Covering Safety Council recommends that if at all possible upgrade to only cordless window coverings in homes where infants and young children are present. Sometimes replacing every window treatment simply isn’t an option. However, installing safety tassels and securing cords out of reach is a safer alternative to dangling cords.

Child Safety is a very important focus at Peachtree Blinds. We will work closely with you to make sure your child has a safe, worry free environment. If you would like assistance making your window treatments safe please give us a call at 770-664-0027. Together we can educate others and save lives.

Window Treatments for Uniquely Shaped Windows

Written by admat on October 26, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Treatments.

Large and uncommonly shaped windows bring a unique look into your home. These windows allow maximum natural light and, in many cases, added ventilation, making them a valuable addition to any room. However, there is one challenge that uniquely shaped or exceptionally large windows present. Finding window treatments to fit these windows can be difficult and expensive. At Modernize, we know curtains are an important aspect of completing the style of your home. In addition to this, window coverings can block drafts during the winter and the heat from the sun during the summer, increasing the energy efficiency of your home. Continue reading for five window treatments that you can use for your uniquely shaped windows.

Custom Atlanta plantation shutters

Plantation Shutters

Shutters from Peachtree Blinds can be custom made from real wood components to perfectly fit the special shape windows in your home including arch-top windows. Additionally, the bi-pass shutter tracks allow for use of plantation shutters for large windows and doors. These shutters allow for maximum control of light in privacy and are easily operated to open or close.

Window Tint or Window Film

Covering large or uniquely shaped windows provides a unique problem of blocking light from entering the home. Window tint or film can be cut custom to fit your window, and it blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays from entering your home. Known for reducing energy costs by up to 40 percent and providing added security, window tint is become the standard in new home construction.

Custom Drapes

Drapes serve two purposes in every home. First, they block out light, increasing energy efficiency and protecting you from UV rays. Secondly, they provided an aesthetically beautiful and customizable look for your home. Custom-made drapes from PeachTree Blinds can be created to fit the unique windows in your home.

Remote Controlled Shades Atlanta

Custom Panels

Panels hang from above your window, straight to the floor. Their uniquely uniform shape allows them to be placed strategically to cover windows of all shapes and sizes. When panels are not being used, they can be pulled to the side and secured, allowing for light to enter the home. Custom panels can be created from various textiles, allowing you control of the design and light block capacity of the fabric.

Motorized Window Treatments

In many homes, large windows are difficult to cover and overcover because of the size of the window treatments. Motorized window treatments are easy to use, darkening a room or allowing light in with the push of a button. The motorized window treatments at Peachtree can be customized to fit various window sizes.

Finding the perfect window treatments for your special shape or large windows is possible, you simply need to exercise a little creative and know exactly where to look. We love Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta because of their versatile inventory of window coverings and the assistance they provide in their free shop-at-home appointments. While a do-it-yourself window treatment may be possible, the ease and time-savings provided by a professional installer can’t be beat.

*Mary Sauer is a writer for Modernize.com a home improvement website based out of Austin, Texas that focuses on design ideas.

Powered Window Treatments from Hunter Douglas

Written by admat on August 20, 2015. Posted in Home Automation, Motorized Window Treatments.

No longer just for tech geeks and the super rich, smart home products and systems are growing exponentially. They are quickly becoming more affordable and simple to use.

Smart home technology has arrived for your windows with products such as the Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization. This new wireless technology is available on a wide array of sophisticated window treatment designs and fits perfectly with today’s connected lifestyle.

Hunter Douglas Motorized Window Treatments - Atlanta, GA

A seamless blend of high style and convenience at the window, PowerView Motorization offers:

Customization: Window treatments can be programmed to adjust themselves automatically to create the perfect room ambience, morning, noon and night.

Design: Available in seven on-trend colours, the Pebble Controls have a sleek design that complements any décor.

An intuitive PowerView App features fun, colourful icons and the ability to fully personalize ‘Scenes’. With battery-powered and plug-in power options available, PowerView is a simple technology solution for both newly constructed and existing homes.

Connectivity: PowerView lets you adjust your shades when you’re away via a RemoteConnect feature on your mobile device. An RS-232 serial connection or IP allows easy integration into virtually any home automation system.

Energy efficiency: You can schedule window treatments to operate at certain times of the day for optimal energy efficiency and to moderate room temperature.

Enhanced Child Safety: With no operating cords, you create a safer environment for young children and pets.