FAQ: VELUX Duo Blackout Pleated Roller Blinds DFD (Expert Answers)
What is the difference between the VELUX DFD blackout pleated roller blind and the standard DKL blackout roller blind?
DKL is a classic roller blind offering only one function: total blackout. The DFD roller blind is a two-in-one solution. It combines the same blackout material as in the DKL model, but additionally has a second, pleated fabric in white color, which is attached to the bottom rail. This gives you flexibility that a standard roller blind lacks: you can completely darken the room at night, and during the day use only the pleated part to soften harsh sunlight without making the room dark.
How does the 2-in-1 mechanism work in the DFD roller blind? Can I use both fabrics simultaneously in the roof window?
The operation of this system is very clever. The pleated fabric is permanently connected to the bottom edge of the blackout fabric. These are not two independent roller blinds running on separate channels, but one integrated system. This means that when you lower the blackout material from the top, you automatically move the pleat down as well. You can set the roller blind in any configuration: blackout only, pleated only, or an intermediate arrangement – for example, the top half of the window darkened and the bottom covered with a white pleat for privacy.
Is the VELUX DFD blackout pleated roller blind suitable for a child's bedroom in the attic?
Definitely yes - it is one of the most frequently recommended solutions for children's rooms. The blackout part is invaluable during daytime naps and in summer when the sun sets late and the child needs to go to sleep. The pleated part, in turn, is useful during play - it diffuses harsh light, creating a cozy atmosphere, but does not completely darken the room, so the little one can play freely in natural light. Additionally, the polyester material is safe and durable.
Does the blackout pleated roller blind fit older models from before 2014?
Yes, VELUX manufactures DFD roller blinds also for older generations of windows. The key is to provide the exact type and size code from the window's nameplate (e.g., GGL 304 or GGL M04) when purchasing. Although windows from newer and older generations differ in dimensions, the DFD mechanism is available and fully functional even in windows installed 20 or 30 years ago.
Does installing the roller blind limit the ability to clean the roof window from the outside?
No, installing the DFD roller blind does not affect the functionality of the window itself. The sash can still be freely rotated 180 degrees to the cleaning position. Just remember to fully retract the roller blind into the upper cassette before rotating the window. This will prevent accidental soiling or wetting of the fabric with window cleaning fluid when washing the external glass.
How do I properly clean both fabrics in the blackout pleated roller blind?
Both fabrics are made of dirt-resistant polyester, but they require slightly different treatment. The blackout (smooth) part can be wiped with a damp cloth or sponge with mild detergent (grey soap). The pleated part is best cleaned dry, using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment set to the lowest suction power to avoid crushing the delicate pleats.
Does the VELUX DFD roller blind darken the room better than a single pleated roller blind FHL?
The difference is fundamental. The DFD roller blind has a blackout module that physically blocks 100% of the light passing through the material. The FHL pleated roller blind is a decorative, semi-transparent blind - it only diffuses light and will never provide darkness on a sunny day. If your priority is darkness in the bedroom, DFD wins hands down.
Can I combine the VELUX DFD roller blind with an external awning in the same roof window?
Yes, this is an excellent combination, often recommended as complete attic protection. The external awning blind (e.g., VELUX MHL) stops heat before it reaches the glass (reducing heating), while the DFD roller blind inside controls light and decoration. Both products are installed independently (one outside, one inside) and do not interfere with each other during use. This is the best way to keep a bedroom cool and dark in summer.
Why is the DFD roller blind more expensive than a standard blackout roller blind? Is it worth paying extra?
The higher price is due to the fact that you are buying a 2-in-1 product – an advanced mechanism containing two different fabrics. It is worth paying extra if the room serves multiple functions. In a bedroom that also serves as an office, playroom, or reading room during the day, the ability to regulate light with just the pleat is invaluable. However, if the room is used only for sleeping and you only enter it at night, a cheaper DKL roller blind will be sufficient.
Does the VELUX DFD roller blind require special maintenance?
No, this is a product designed to be maintenance-free. The winding mechanisms hidden in the cassette and the guide cords are factory-adapted for many years of operation and do not require lubrication. With normal domestic use, the roller blind should serve reliably for years, provided you keep the channels clean and avoid mechanical damage to the delicate pleated fabric.