5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Blinds

Many people replace their window treatments every 7-8 years, and if you’ve had your in place for a while, maybe it’s time to take a close look at them. Over time, window treatments are subject to a lot of daily wear and tear, and sun damage can fade them. In this article, we will look at five signs that it’s time to replace your blinds.

1. Bent or Warped Slats

A series of bent or warped slats is a sure sign that your wood blinds have been damaged by humidity or that your faux wood blinds have succumbed to heat damage. No matter the cause, this type of damage will prevent your blinds from raising and falling correctly. If you’re lucky, you may be able to replace one or two slats, if replacements are available, but it’s usually a better idea to install new blinds instead. If you have conditions that cause this type of damage, it’s a good idea to avoid using wood or faux wood blinds. Solar shades can be used to block high-intensity sunlight, and fabric window treatments are easy to clean.

2. The Blinds Cannot be Raised

If your blinds are hard or impossible to raise without a considerable amount of force, there could be two possible causes. First, the lifting mechanism could have been damaged, and they may be on the verge of failing altogether. The second cause could be that your blinds are too wide, and the mechanism and cords cannot support the load. Blinds that are hard to lift can fall out of the window if enough force is exerted, and it’s important to fix the issue before it gets worse. In many cases, this problem can be solved by installing two blinds to cover the same window or by using a 2 on 1 headrail configuration.

3. Worn and Frayed Cords

This is a sure sign that your blinds are way past their best. The blinds are either too old or too worn, and the mechanism could be causing damage to the cord. No matter the cause, the blind is in danger of failing and falling, making it unsafe to use. If you notice worn or frayed cords on your blinds, it’s time to replace them for a new set.

4. Frayed Fabric Shade Edges

If you have roman, cellular, solar, or roller shades that have frayed fabric edges, it may mean that the shades are too wide for the opening. When the shades are raised or lowered, they are scraping on the inside of the window frame. The best solution is to replace the frayed shades because they will become more damaged over time by a fit that is too tight. When you replace the blind, make sure it’s measured correctly to ensure that you get a perfect fit for your window frame.

5. A New Look

If you want to update your home with a new look, switching out your window treatments is a great way to give your home a contemporary feel. An older set of window treatments can make any room feel dated, and they could even be dangerous to use. Most window treatments have a useful lifespan of around 7-8 years, and if your blinds are older, it’s probably time for an upgrade.