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CONTINUING EDUCATION WORKSHOP
The ABCs of Motorized Window Coverings

As the process of automation rapidly advances in homes and offices, the entire spectrum of the window coverings industry becomes increasingly confronted with the demand to offer a treatment solution that meets design and decorating standards in combination with all the conveniences of automation. Automated window coverings systems offer an excellent opportunity to lock in your customer’s order, to increase your sales volume and to significantly improve your bottom line. However, the process often confronts the window coverings specialist with challenges that go well beyond the standard decorating tasks. It is important that we are aware of the potential pitfalls that could occur anywhere in the process, from the initial system recommendation through quoting, specification when ordering and, finally, the actual installation. We must take the guesswork out of the equation and eliminate the uncertainties that may cause costly surprises and eat your profits. The role as designer/decorator of window treatments now has expanded into that of the consultant in design and system solutions. To help pave your way to profits in this new field, this is the first article in a series of three that deal successively with:

A. How to recommend the right motorization solution.
B. How to draw up the right specs to eliminate product discrepancies (coming in June).
C. How to properly prepare and successfully complete the installation (coming in October).

HOW TO RECOMMEND THE RIGHT
MOTORIZATION SOLUTION

When counseling the client in the choice of window automation, the window coverings professional must consider four crucial elements that will lead to the right system solution:

1. The type of treatment best suited for the application.
2. The configuration and dimensions of the required system.
3. The operating control environment.
4. The installation criteria and conditions

Treatment selection: In many situations clients will have a preconceived idea of the type of treatment they desire. The mechanical operation will be either a lift system, a roller system or a traversing system—they all can be motorized. More decisive for the customer, as a rule, is the choice of the fabric and its color. In that the decorator/designer consultant often plays a key role. At this point the consultant often can steer the system selection into the direction of the one that will be best suited for the job.

For example, for lift systems one factor is the location of lift tapes and cords. Motorized lift systems usually require a minimum of six inches of side clearance between the tape and the edge of treatment. Most other systems also have their considerations. It is prudent to consult your BTX automation specialist to make sure you get the technology right. In the schematic overview you will note that BTX offers solutions for almost every type of system. Make sure to request the free-of-charge BTX catalogue to help you make the right system choice.

Configuration and dimensions: Special configurations will require special solutions. If, for instance, draperies must be provided for a curved area or for a treatment that bends around a corner, be very careful in choosing your system. Systems with external or internal pulling wires are invariably limited in their curvability. Tight curves reduce pull capacity and often lead to noisy and inadequate pull over time. In most cases BTX internal belt drive systems may be the only solution.

Another factor in choosing the right motor capacity is the overall drapery weight to choose the right motor capacity. The workroom can tell you the weight per yard as well as the total yardage required, and don’t forget the lining. BTX offers very quiet DC motors as well, ideally suited for shorter tracks and non-curved applications. As of today, however, the line-powered systems are still the best in pulling capacity and operating reliability. Make sure to check the available pocket width and depth. If the pocket is too tight or too short, the drapery will drag or be obstructed and the customer will blame the system, not his pocket width.

When dealing with roller shades, be aware of the relationship between the width and the weight of the fabric and the height of treatment. Motorized systems will easily lift most roller shades; however, not every fabricator will adequately consider the potential deflection of a roller tube. Once over 12-foot width, deflection becomes a factor. A bending tube will cause a shade to cup and wrinkle. BTX carefully dimensions its tubes, motors and fabrics for optimal solutions. The BTX catalogue will provide the information you need to know about the right relationships.

Operating controls: It is important to keep in focus that the window coverings treatment is foremost a decorative element. Automation must conform and be made compatible with this environment. BTX therefore puts the treatment as the first priority and provides the optimal solution to match this with the operating environment. You, as the decorator consultant, however, must carefully observe and analyze the operating environment to ensure the correct system and operating interface are selected. Because treatments as a rule are selected by decorator/consultants so that fabric properties and colors are the optimal match, motorized hardware systems must be able to coordinate with these. In most cases the motorized systems we are dealing with will be non-network-wired or non-designated-network. When entering the client’s home, the consultant should go by the accompanying interior environment checklist.

It is very important to know what kind of operating control system will be chosen. This will permit you to get the correct wiring. Again, check with the BTX consultant to get the necessary wiring schematics and control advice. It will greatly simplify the forthcoming installation and may save you a lot of unexpected hidden costs later on.

Installation considerations: Finally, do not overlook the fact that someone will have to install the systems. Motorized systems tend to be bigger and carry greater weights than manual ones. BTX recommends specific bracket spacing for each type of system. Make sure the mounting surfaces are solid and strong and accessible. Some of the systems, such as drapery rods, can be spliced, but non-spliced tracks are preferred. Other systems, such as roller shades, cannot be spliced. This means upper floors could be hard to access with long systems. Also, carefully consider how easy it will be to assemble and install the system on-site. The Easy-set roller shade system, for which patent is currently pending, was carefully designed for quick and easy snap-in installation, an important time-saver.

To ensure quiet operation, all BTX motors and systems are carefully checked for operating sound level. Mechanical motion in all motors invariably generates vibration. It is important that on-site installation does not result in the sound box effect that can be caused by vibration and resonance. For installation advice, shop drawings and wiring schematics, contact BTX engineering at www.btx inc.com or (800) 422-8839.