Can You Motorise an Existing Roller Blind? A Guide to Retrofitting a Roller Blind Motor
If you already have a roller blind that fits your window and you're happy with the fabric, you may not need to replace the complete blind to add motorised operation.
Many existing roller blinds can be converted from manual chain or spring operation to a rechargeable motor, using the existing fabric and roller tube.
This is known as retrofitting a roller blind motor. In many cases, the existing mechanism is removed from the roller tube and replaced with a tubular motor designed to fit inside it.
The result is a motorised blind operated by remote control, with some systems also offering app, voice and smart-home control.
How does a roller blind motor retrofit work?
A conventional roller blind normally has an operating mechanism at one end of the roller tube and an idle-end fitting at the other.
On a chain-operated blind, the operating end contains the sidewinder mechanism that turns the tube when the chain is pulled. Spring-operated blinds use a spring mechanism instead.
When converting a suitable blind to motorised operation, these components are replaced with compatible motorisation parts.
Typically, the conversion involves:
Taking the roller blind down from its brackets.
Removing the existing chain or spring mechanism and idle end.
Inserting the motor and correct drive/adaptor into the roller tube.
Fitting the appropriate motor and idle-end fittings and brackets.
Reinstalling the blind.
Pairing the motor with its remote or control system and setting its upper and lower stopping positions.
The exact procedure varies between motor systems, but programming a modern roller blind motor can normally be completed relatively easily in a few steps.
We will cover individual motor programming procedures separately in our fitting and programming guides.
First, identify your roller blind tube
One of the most important things to establish before buying a retrofit motor is the diameter and type of roller tube already fitted to your blind.
Don't choose a motor simply from the overall width of the blind.
The motor actually fits inside the roller tube, so the motor, drive and adaptor must be compatible with that tube.
Common roller blind systems include approximately 32mm and 38/40mm tubes, although other sizes and profiles exist.
Measure the outside diameter of the tube itself, rather than the rolled fabric around it.
The tube profile can also matter because the motor drive and adaptor need to engage correctly with the inside of the tube.
If you're unsure what system you have, photographs of the tube and existing mechanism can often help with identification.
32mm roller blind motor retrofits
A 32mm tube is commonly found on domestic roller blinds and can be particularly suitable for retrofit motorisation because compact rechargeable motors are available for compatible existing 32mm tubes.
At Blind Parts Hub, there are two different approaches depending on the type of control you require.
Stelor 32mm is designed for straightforward remote-controlled motorisation. The rechargeable SR22 motor provides 0.5Nm torque, USB-C charging and optional solar charging, making it a practical choice where app or smart-home control isn't required.
Cruze 32mm provides 0.55Nm torque and uses Somfy RTS radio technology. It can be operated using compatible Cruze or Somfy RTS controls, with the option to add the Somfy Connectivity Kit for compatible app and voice-assistant control.
Both systems allow a suitable existing 32mm roller blind to potentially be motorised without replacing its fabric or complete blind.
What about larger 38mm and 40mm roller tubes?
Larger roller blinds commonly use larger-diameter tubes, and these can also be suitable for motorisation.
Cruze 40mm provides a 1.1Nm rechargeable option for compatible 40mm systems and uses Somfy RTS technology, making it particularly suitable where Somfy-compatible controls or smart connectivity are wanted.
Raex 38/40mm provides a 1.2Nm rechargeable motor with a broader choice of controls, including multi-channel and timer remotes, together with optional Smart Life Wi-Fi and solar charging.
The correct system will depend on the tube, blind dimensions, fabric and weight.
Larger motors can also provide greater torque for larger or heavier blinds, so it is important not to select a motor solely because it physically fits inside the tube.
Does the size and weight of the blind matter?
Yes.
Every roller blind motor has a rated torque and operating capacity. The motor must have sufficient power to raise the blind reliably.
Blind width, drop, fabric weight and overall construction can all affect the load on the motor.
For example, the Cruze 32mm motor is rated at 0.55Nm and is intended for compatible blinds up to approximately 4m², subject to the dimensions, fabric and weight of the blind.
Larger blinds may require a higher-torque motor or a larger roller tube.
Always check the manufacturer's sizing guidance rather than assuming that any motor suitable for the tube diameter will be suitable for every blind.
Rechargeable motorisation makes retrofitting easier
One of the biggest developments in roller blind motorisation has been the availability of motors with integrated rechargeable batteries.
Traditionally, motorising a blind could mean providing a permanent electrical supply near the window. That isn't always practical when upgrading an existing blind.
A rechargeable motor sits inside the roller tube and contains its own battery.
Once charged, the blind can operate for an extended period before needing to be recharged, depending on the motor, blind and frequency of use.
For many retrofit installations, this means there is no need to run permanent mains wiring to the blind.
Do I need a remote control?
Not necessarily.
A remote is the simplest way to operate a motorised blind and may be all that is required.
Multi-channel remotes can also allow several blinds to be controlled independently or together, depending on the particular motor system.
However, some motor systems can work with other compatible controls,
existing compatible Somfy RTS controls may also be usable with the motor.
This can make retrofitting particularly useful when adding another motorised blind to an existing compatible system.
Can I control a retrofit roller blind from my phone?
With a compatible motor and gateway, yes.
A smart-home controller acts as the link between the roller blind motor and your home network.
For Cruze/Somfy RTS installations, the Somfy Connectivity Kit can add compatible app and voice-assistant control. One Connectivity Kit can operate multiple compatible motors, so you don't normally need a separate hub for every blind.
Other motor systems have their own smart-control options.
Smart control is entirely optional — you can still have a straightforward rechargeable, remote-controlled blind without connecting it to a smart-home system.
Can several roller blinds be motorised together?
Yes.
This is one of the advantages of radio-controlled motorisation.
Depending on the chosen control system, several blinds can be operated individually, arranged into groups or operated together.
For example, you might have separate controls for three blinds but also be able to open or close all three together.
This can be particularly useful in rooms with several windows, large glazed areas or multiple blinds fitted side by side.
What parts are needed to motorise an existing roller blind?
The exact components depend on the motor and existing roller blind system, but a retrofit installation will normally require:
A suitable rechargeable tubular motor
The correct drive and tube adaptor
Compatible motor bracket/fittings
An appropriate idle-end fitting
A remote or other compatible control, if required
A suitable charging method — depending on the motor this may be a dedicated charger, a suitable USB power supply or an optional solar charging system.
An optional smart-home gateway if app or voice control is wanted
Buying a motor conversion kit can make this easier because the necessary motor and compatible fitting components can be supplied together.
Will my existing roller blind brackets work?
Not necessarily.
Although some motor systems use fittings based around familiar roller blind bracket designs, you should not assume that the brackets from your existing chain or spring-operated blind can simply be reused.
The motor and idle end need to be securely supported by the correct compatible fittings.
When converting a blind, it is therefore usually best to use the brackets and fittings specified for the chosen motorisation system.
Can I replace the fabric at the same time?
Yes. If your existing roller blind fabric is worn, damaged or you simply want a different colour or finish, motorising the blind can also be an opportunity to replace the fabric.
Provided the roller tube and other components are suitable, new roller blind fabric by the metre can be fitted to the existing tube before the blind is reassembled and motorised.
Alternatively, if you're happy with your existing fabric, there is no reason to replace it simply because you're adding a motor.
Blind Parts Hub supplies roller blind fabric by the metre, together with roller tubes, bottom bars and motorisation components, so you can replace only the parts of the blind that you actually need.
What happens to the operating chain?
When a chain-operated roller blind is converted to motor operation, the manual sidewinder and operating chain are removed.
The motor then rotates the roller tube directly.
Apart from giving the blind a cleaner appearance, this also removes the accessible operating loop associated with a conventional chain-operated blind.
Motorisation can therefore be an attractive cordless operating option, particularly where reducing accessible operating chains is desirable.
Choosing between 32mm and 40mm motorisation
The starting point should always be the roller blind you already have — particularly its tube diameter, dimensions and weight.
Stelor 32mm – for straightforward rechargeable remote control, with USB-C and optional solar charging.
Cruze 32mm – for compatible 32mm blinds where Somfy RTS and optional smart-home integration are wanted.
Cruze 40mm – the higher-capacity Somfy RTS option for compatible 40mm blinds.
Raex 38/40mm – a flexible rechargeable option offering a wider choice of remote, timer, Wi-Fi and solar controls.
Don't automatically choose the most powerful motor. The objective is to select a motor and fittings appropriate for the tube, blind dimensions, fabric and weight, as well as the type of control you want.
Remote, smart or voice controlled?
Motorisation doesn't have to mean building a complicated smart-home system.
You can keep things very straightforward:
Rechargeable motor + remote -A simple way to motorise an existing blind without permanent wiring.
Rechargeable motor + multi-channel remote - Useful when motorising several blinds and controlling them individually or in groups.
Rechargeable motor + smart connectivity: Adds compatible app control and, depending on the system, voice-assistant integration.
The advantage of choosing a modular system is that you can select the level of control you actually need.
Can I motorise my existing roller blind?
For many roller blinds, yes.
If the existing tube is compatible and the blind falls within the chosen motor's size and weight limits, retrofitting can be a practical way of adding motorisation without purchasing a completely new blind.
The key things to establish are:
Your roller tube diameter and profile
The width and drop of the blind
The approximate weight/type of fabric
The appropriate motor capacity
Whether you want remote-only or smart control
Once those are known, choosing the appropriate motor and conversion components becomes much easier.
At Blind Parts Hub, we stock roller blind motorisation components and conversion kits for compatible roller blind systems, including rechargeable options for 32mm and larger roller tubes.
If you're unsure which motor is suitable for your existing blind, contact us with the tube diameter, blind width and drop, and we can help you identify the appropriate system.
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