Classroom roller shades for an Ontario elementary school

148 sunscreen and blackout shades for 18 classrooms, a library and a gym — measured in spring, installed over the summer break.

Sector: Education
Location: Ontario, Canada
Year: 2025
Project type: Education — school renovation
Application: Classrooms, library, gymnasium
Quantity: 148 shades
Product: Meridian Sunscreen 3%; Meridian Blackout; hardwired motors for gym clerestory
Fabric: Sunscreen 3% in Grey; blackout in Charcoal; NFPA 701 tested
Customization: Multi-band shades on one chain for ribbon windows; wall-fixed chain tension devices
Installation: General contractor’s crew, during summer break
Coordination: Submittal package and sample board approved by the school board
Technical support: Wiring diagrams for 6 gym motors; video call with the installer on day one

Challenge

Glare on interactive displays was the main complaint from teachers. Classrooms had long ribbon windows that exceeded a single shade width, the gym had clerestory windows 20 ft above the floor, and everything had to be installed in the eight weeks of summer break.

Solution

We prepared a submittal package — spec sheets, NFPA 701 test report and a physical sample board — for the school board’s approval in April. Ribbon windows were covered with multi-band shades linked on one chain so each run operates as one. Chain loops are held by wall-fixed tension devices. The gym clerestory got hardwired motors on a key switch, with wiring diagrams sent to the electrical contractor in May.

Result

Shades arrived on site a week before the break began, labeled by room number, and the contractor’s crew installed all 148 in eleven days. The board has added two more schools to next summer’s program.