Shading Systems Frequently Asked Questions
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General
Buying Shading Systems
QBasic+
QzHub3
Shading
Roller Shades
Taller Shades
General
Q: What makes Shading Systems shades the right choice for parents with young children at home?
Shading Systems' motorized shades are a great choice for families with young children because they have no pull cords which can be a strangulation hazard. Shading Systems also offers our patented manual override system which allows users, regardless of age, to activate the shade with a gentle tug.
Q: How do I clean and care for my Shading Systems shades?
You can remove dust with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air. It is not recommended to use solvents or scrub your shades with an abrasive substance. This might damage the coating of the fabric. For more intense cleaning, please contact us for instructions.
Q: Where can Shading Systems shades by repaired?
The original dealer where you purchased your Shading Systems shades may be able to repair or service your shades. If they are not able to assist you, call Shading Systems Customer Service at 1-800-555-9891.
Q: What warranty covers my Shading Systems shades?
We now offer a limited lifetime warranty on everything except the batteries. For more information on the warranty, please visit our resources page
Q: Are Shading Systems shades environmentally friendly products?
Depending on the choice of fabrics, you can select some which have various "green" certifications. Additionally, Shading Systems practices efficient manufacturing to minimize the ecologically adverse impact. When using battery powered Shading Systems shades, the batteries are Alkaline style, which the EPA has determined are safe enough to be disposed with other household trash.
Q: What type of replacement batteries will I have to purchase?
Shading Systems shades utilize standard "D-Cell" Alkaline batteries. Depending on the size of your shade, they will take between 3-8 batteries.
Q: What is an 'energy efficient' window shade? Will this type of shade help reduce at home utility costs?
An energy efficient shade is one which does not consume much electricity when running, and may also help manage power consumption in a space. Shading Systems shades are among the least "energy thirsty", and our light filtering materials can help a space to be well lit while moderating the effects of the sun and giving privacy.
Buying Shading Systems Products
Q: Does Shading Systems sell direct for my home or office?
Shading Systems products, while quite simple to install and use, are sold through our dealer network. This helps us ensure the best possible experience for you with our products. You can find a dealer near you by using our dealer locator.
Q: Are Shading Systems' products still a good value, even if they are only available through dealers?
Shading Systems dealers are trained to help select the right product solution, and to be sure that it is measured and installed correctly. This means that you can expect your experience to be professional and satisfying. Our Worry-Free Guarantee assures that certified dealers can have any mis-measured shades replaced at no charge, adding an extra layer of comfort.
Q: How do I find a Shading Systems dealer in my area?
Use our dealer locator to find a Shading Systems dealer near you. We add dealers often, if no dealer appears near you or you need additional help please call 1-800-555-9891
Q: How can I get pricing information?
Pricing is only available through an authorized Shading Systems Dealer. While we would like to provide reference pricing for our products, prices vary by window size, fabric selections and other options.
Shading Systems' Qbasic+
Q: Will the tubes be equipped with battery holes when shipping?
Yes. The tubes will all be perforated at shipping. The perforated tube will have a cover over the battery replacement slot so as not to damage the fabric. That needs to be removed and replaced with the battery cover when upgrading to motorized.
Q: If someone orders a Qbasic+ shade with a right clutch, what happens if they decided to order the motor kit and it's a battery motor?
We are adding a new reverse battery MCA for the product offering for Qbasic+. So, shades can be manual as left/right standard/reverse, and we will have the right replacement MCA without needing to ship springs.
Q: Which bracket is adjustable? What motors can be used for the upgrades?
On the manual Qbasic+ shade, the side with the chain is adjustable. On the motorized shade, both sides have brackets that can be adjusted by raising or lowering during installation.
Q: If I want to upgrade to a wired system, like QIS, how do I do that?
Start the project thinking about this, especially in new construction or in a home that will have wired shades in other rooms. If there is a chance that shades may be upgraded, start wiring for the desired system when wiring for other motorized shades.
Q: What is the benefit of the springs inside on the manual shade?
The internal spring systems on the manual shade makes raising and lowering the shade smoother and requires less pull force. It also is there to be ready for the motorized system, as that same system will support it.
Q: If it is easy to upgrade, why can't homeowners just do that upgrade themselves?
Shading Systems shades are all designed for professional installers, to ensure proper leveling, performance and programming. Training given by Shading Systems supports the professional installers in getting it right.
Q: What is the maximum size I can get a Qbasic+ shade?
Depending on the selected fabric and its own capabilities, the Qbasic+ manual shade is ONLY chain controlled and does not have manual override operation. Upon conversion to a motorized shade, then it will have the standard manual override feature.
Shading Systems' QZHub3
Q: Do I need to buy new shade motors or range extenders to work with the new QzHub3?
No. Your current Shading Systems Motorized Shades and extenders will still work with the new QZHub. However, older remotes may need to be upgraded and corded range extenders are not compatible, so RZ2 extenders will be needed.
Q: Do I have remote access to my system through the Shading Systems QzHub3 app?
No, but once your shades are connected to the app on your local network.
Q: How do I know what drivers are supported and where do I find them?
Because we offer 3rd party integration, options for control have never been easier. Please visit the QzHub3 product page for updated driver support information.
Q: Are timers available?
Though that feature is currently not available, we are always looking at ways to improve and enhance the experience of our products. In the meantime, some 3rd party systems offer timers if the QzHub3 is integrated.
Q: Is the Shading Systems QzHub3 a commissioning app?
Yes, but it is also an end-user app giving the homeowner ultimate control at their fingertips.
Q: I don't like my current shade upper limit. Is there an easy way to fix this?
Once your shades are connected to the app, you can adjust using the new nudge controls on the setting limits page.
Q: What's the benefit of creating shade groups?
You'll want to do this for consistent control. In the app, go to the "Edit Groups" page and tap the "+" icon to create a new group.
Shading
Q: How do I select the right openness for a screen?
The range of openness factors for screens indicates the amount of solar protection offered. The lower the numbers, the more visual light and UV light will be blocked. Typically, darker colors will block glare more. If sun light is a significant concern, a smaller openness screen may be required. To keep more of the view, use a larger openness factor.
Q: Can I use two solar shades on the same window?
While the easy answer would be yes, the results may not be what you would expect. With two screen shades, or a screen shade with an insect screen in the same window, there may be strange visual effects, called moire effects. These can be visually dizzying for some. We recommend choosing the best solar shading option, and using dual shades with only a single solar shade fabric on one of the shades.
Q: What different types of shading systems does Shading Systems offer?
Shading Systems offers additional styles and types of window shades besides motorized roller shades. Our selection includes: manual cordless shades (Qfree), and also a manual clutch controlled system (Qbasic), and an upgradable manual clutch to motorized system (Qbasic+). To select the best choices, speak with your Shading Systems Dealer. View our current offering and learn more on our residential shading systems page.
Q: If I pull on the shades, will it damage the motor?
No, pulling on the hembars of Qadvanced shades is okay to do. In fact, Shading Systems motorized shades have a patented manual override feature which allows users to control the shades manually by pulling on them.
Q: What is the benefit of Dual Shades?
The dual shade bracket system allows you to easily install two shades on a single window. They are often used with a light filtering fabric in the front with a room darkening fabric closest to the glass. Legrand dual shade bracket system provides flexibility in light management, style, and choice.
Roller Shades
Q: Can fabrics be changed on my existing hardware?
There are ways to reuse the motor and potentially the spring on your existing shade. You can contact your authorized Shading Systems dealer or Shading Systems customer service at 1-800-555-9891 for more information.
Q: How many colors/fabric options are available with roller shades?
Shading Systems currently offers over 300 different fabrics! Among these are a range of screen materials, colors, styles and more. For more information view our Fabrics page or request samples through an authorized Shadings Systems dealer.
Q: My ZigBee shades sometimes are not responsive.
Typically, when a ZigBee shade stops responding to commands, it is probably because it is not "on the network". This situation could mean that there may have been a power failure or perhaps a device to build the network has been disconnected or relocated. Start by identifying that the system is fully powered, including any gateways and range extenders. Also, verify that all devices are located properly to support the network. A Dealer may need to verify this with you. Once everything is back and powered up, it may take 15 minutes until devices are working again. You may tug a roller shade to help it find the network faster.
Taller Shades
Q: Now that Shading Systems shades are available at 15 feet tall, what shades can I get in this new height?
All Shading Systems motorized shades are available in the new size offering. Manual shades, including the Qbasic and Qfree shades, each have their own maximum height and are not available in 15 feet at this time. Also, not all fabrics are available at this height.
Q: So you mentioned fabric limitations. What are they and how do I learn more about that?
Each fabric in our collection is manufactured with its own specifications. These specifications can, at times, limit their capabilities. Your dealer can walk you through what fabrics are best for your project using our fabric brochure. To learn more about our fabrics, visit our Fabrics page.
Q: Will the taller shades use more electricity or will they consume the battery faster?
Certainly taller shades can be expected to travel for a longer time and use more energy when moving the full length. So, yes, a shade traveling the full height cab be expected to consume batteries slightly faster than smaller shades; however, batteries for taller shades will still have the same life expectancy.