Need new Blinds?
Typically, when people decide to update/renovate their home, they think of the obvious: new décor, new furniture, and even a new coat of pain. However, they often overlook a very important component: window treatments.
The window treatments you have on your windows significantly affect the look and feel of your room. Whether you are updating your room or not, there are several indicators that it’s time to replace your blinds.
When you are ready to replace your blinds, contact Made 4 U Shades, Blinds, and Shutters. We serve a 50-mile radius around Murphy, North Carolina. We will come out to your home or office with our samples and take measurements so we can provide you with a quote- all for free!
Below, we’ll look at 10 indicators that it’s time to replace your blinds.
10 Reasons to Replace Window Blinds
If you notice any of the following issues with your blinds, it’s definitely time to replace them as soon as possible.
Slats are warped/bent
If your blinds are warped or bent, it can be a sign of humidity damage for wood blinds and heat damage for faux wood blinds. Both of these issues keep your blinds from raising properly and wavy slats stick out. If it’s just a couple of slats, you may be able to get away with only replacing those slats, but if most or all of them are ruined, you should probably replace the whole thing.
It’s important to note that if you have kids or pets, aluminum mini blinds may not be the best idea, as they are easy to bend out of shape. Therefore, you may want to choose a safer, more resilient option- we’ll go over that a bit later.
Blinds are difficult/impossible to raise
If your window blinds require a lot of effort to raise or you can’t raise them at all, there are potentially two serious issues with them. First, the lifting mechanisms may be damaged and about to break. Second, the blinds may be too wide for the cords and mechanisms to support them.
Blinds that are difficult to raise are dangerous, as they could fall out of the window if you put too much force on them. In order to ensure your family’s safety, they should be replaced immediately. If you like the look, but need more stability, you may want to consider 2 separate blinds or a 2-on-1 headrail.
Cords are frayed
Frayed cords are a clear sign that your blinds need to be replaced. This indicates that the blinds are so old that wear and tear has taken a toll or that there’s something wrong with the internal mechanisms, which is causing damage to the cord. Either way, you should get them replaced as soon as possible before they fall or become unusable.
Slats are discolored/yellowed
Over time, all blinds will become somewhat discolored due to fading from the sun. Of course, the newer blinds do have some UV protection. That being said, if your blinds are extremely discolored or yellowed, it’s a sign of deterioration and you need to start shopping for a replacement. When you do start shopping, make sure to prioritize options with UV inhibitors or perhaps a fabric window treatment instead.
Edges of fabric shades are frayed
If you have roman shades, solar shades, roller shades, or cellular shades that are frayed on the edges, it means that they are too wide for your window and are scraping the side of the frame.
When you notice this issue, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible because the problem will only get worse and ultimately, your window frames could end up damaged. We take the time to accurately measure your window openings so that you can be sure your blinds will be a perfect fit.
Blind slats don’t close tightly
If your blind slats are not closing as tightly as they did when you first got them or you keep twisting the wand and the slats are barely moving- or not moving at all- the mechanism has probably given out. It’s not easy to replace the mechanism alone, so it’s best to replace the whole thing.
Blinds are unsafe for children/pets
If you have blinds with an exposed cord, they pose a strangulation hazard for small children and pets. Consider upgrading to a safer option to protect your loved ones. These safer options include curtains, cordless cellular shades, cordless roller shades, or curtains. We will be happy to provide you with more information about window treatments that are safe for children.
Blinds are not meeting your needs
Take a moment to evaluate your blinds. Do they give you privacy? Do they keep the indoor temperature regulated (cool during the summer and warm during the winter)? When they’re closed, are you still getting a glare on your TV?
Perhaps your blinds are in perfect shape, they’re just not meeting your needs. When you have the wrong blinds, it’s almost impossible to make the most of your living space. Plus, you’re losing a lot of money on energy costs. Consider upgrading to something better and then you can pass on your old blinds to loved ones or donate them to a local charity.
If privacy is what you’re after, you may want to consider shades instead of slatted blinds and if insulation is your goal, you may want to consider cellular shades. Finally, if you’re looking for glare control, consider drapes or blackout shades.
They’ve gone out of style
If you have an older home and the blinds are the same ones that were there when it was built- it’s probably time to replace them. After all, older window treatments are likely to be worn out and potentially dangerous- not to mention they make your house look old.
The typical life expectancy for most window treatments is about 7 to 8 years. Therefore, if yours have been around for longer than that, it’s time for an update. If you need help finding a window treatment that will give your home a facelift, we will be happy to show you the various options we have available.
You’ve just replaced your windows
Perhaps you’ve recently added on to your home or made some energy upgrades. Either way, new windows could mean a shallower frame, so your blinds won’t fit properly anymore. Consider replacing them with more contemporary options such as roman shades or top-down/bottom-up shades.
Ready to Get Started?
If we’ve convinced you that it’s time to replace your blinds, consider calling Made 4 U Shades, Blinds, and Shutters. We are located in Murphy, North Carolina, and serve a 50-mile radius. We will be more than happy to come out and offer you a free, no-obligation quote on your window treatment needs. We’ll bring out samples and take measurements to give you the most accurate quote possible. We look forward to serving you!
