If you're thinking about installing outdoor blinds on your home, then it's worth considering products that use a track-guided system. How do track-guided blinds work, and why should you choose them?

What Is a Track-Guided Blind?

Standard outdoor blinds hang from the top; they also hang freely at the sides. Track-guided blinds work a little differently. As well as attaching to the top of their frame, these blinds also have vertical tracks on both sides. Each side of the blind sits inside a track. The tracks effectively create a frame for the blind.

Why Should You Install Track-Guided Blinds?

Regular outdoor blinds cover a specific area; however, some of them don't do this as effectively as others. This is often a problem if you install blinds that hang loose at the sides. For example, these blinds don't have anchor points to hold them in place. If there is wind, then the blinds and their cords will blow in and out of their frames. This might damage the blinds themselves. If a blind hits an object, then it can do some damage itself.

If your blinds don't stay in place, then they may not shield you enough from inclement weather. They also won't provide full thermal benefits, as they will let draughts and gusts in through windows and patios.

They also can't provide an effective sunscreen or consistent shade if they don't stay where they are supposed to be. Dust that blows in through the sides of the blinds may make your al fresco areas and windows dirty; insects have a way of getting around the screen the blind should create as well.

Track-guided blinds solve these problems. For a start, you get blinds that fit tightly into their spaces. The tracks that hold the sides of the blinds prevent them from moving if the wind gets up. Therefore, the blinds can help keep the wind out of your patio or home and make things more comfortable for you.

You also get shade and sun protection whenever you need it. Your windows or outdoor area will be covered enough to keep heat outside and to filter out the sun's rays. Plus, a tightly fitting blind helps keep dust and insects at bay. You don't have any gaps at the side to contend with.

To find out more about track-guided blinds and how they could work in your home, contact outdoor blinds suppliers and ask for advice. They can show you examples of products, designs and colours.