When was the last time you assessed your blinds, and how often should you replace them?
Is it time to replace your blinds? Well, that depends on the quality when originally purchased, but an average lifespan is 6-8 years. Pre-packaged off-the-shelf products have a much shorter lifespan meaning you may need new blinds sooner.
Often you will see signs of wear and it could be an indication it’s time for replacement. We recommend replacing them every 6-8 years to ensure proper safety and ease of use.
If you experience any of the issues listed, contact us on (07) 3881-2666 for an obligation free measure and quote. However, it is important to add, if your blinds aren’t very old or seem to be in decent condition but have a few minor issues, our experienced technicians may be able to repair your existing blinds and extend their life a little longer.
1. Warped or Bent Slats
Whether you have PVC/faux wood or timber Venetian blinds, if the slats appear warped or misshapen, it can be a sign of heat damage. This is either from the sun over time, especially if you live in a hot climate, or they may have been too close to a heat source such as a heater/air conditioner on heat setting. This can also occur when hanging block out curtains over the top, as shown here.
Extended high humidity can also warp timber blinds, particularly if not maintained with regular re-oiling or re-lacquering, as it leaves the wood exposed to the elements. (see here for more info on maintaining your venetian blinds)
When your venetian slats become warped – it will prevent your blinds from moving up and down correctly, and be visually noticeable. If you only have a few warped slats – you may be able to have them replaced by our repair service.
Similarly with aluminium venetians, the slats can very easily become bent, especially if you have small children or pets. If that is the case, there are other types of window coverings which are safer and more durable.
2. Slats Yellowing or Discoloured
It is common for blinds to experience some fading from the sun, although some newer materials offer more UV protection. If your blinds have increasingly become more yellowed or discoloured, this can be an indication of deterioration in the material. With this in mind, it may be time to start looking for a replacement. When looking for new blinds, look for materials with UV inhibitors or choose a fabric window treatment.
3. Frayed Cords
If your blinds cords are fraying, depending on the blind quality, you may be able to have it repaired. But, if your blinds are old or cheaper quality (most off the shelf imports) the wear and tear has likely broken down the operational cords or the cords running between the slats, or the internal mechanisms are causing damage to the cord, and it might be time to replace them. Once the cords begin to fray, there is a high possibility that the blind has become unstable, and could become a potential danger of falling down, or becoming unusable.
4. Your blinds are difficult to raise and lower
If your blinds are difficult to raise and require a lot of force, or it simply doesn’t raise at all, there are a few issues that may be the cause. Firstly, the mechanisms of your blinds could have damage or be close to breaking. Your blinds are too wide and heavy so the cords and mechanisms can’t properly support the load. Sometimes they will become stuck in an uneven position.
Blinds that are hard to lift can be dangerous as they can become loose and come away from the window. It is best to replace them to keep your family and pets safe. If a blind is too large/heavy, you can consider splitting into 2 separate blinds with the option of linking them. When they are linked, depending on the blind choice, they can operate independently of each other or both at the same time.
5. Blinds slats don’t close tightly
If your venetian blinds’ slats are no longer opening and closing as tightly as they used to, or your slats barely move – your tilt mechanism has probably given out. Although with some blinds, this piece is repairable, it can be difficult without needing to re-cord your whole blind, and often it is more cost effective to replace with a new blind.
6. Frayed edges on fabric blinds
When roller blinds are manufactured, they are cut in a way that creates an ultrasonic seal on the edges, keeping the fabric secure. Over time, with wear and tear, being too rough, or even ill fitting blinds, this can disrupt the seal causing the fabric to fray.
If your fabric blinds are fraying along the edges, your blind could be too wide for your window opening. It means they are scraping along the side of the frame when opening and closing. It also occurs when the fabric becomes loose from the tube, causing the fabric to roll back and forth unevenly.
If you have roller blinds on a sliding door, and the blind is pulled back by holding onto the fabric, instead of being raised high enough to move through, this will also damage and stretch the fabric, which can cause fraying over time. It can also happen on a window, and the same pull back holding onto the fabric method is used when accessing the window.
7. Blinds not compliant with child safety standards
Some blinds can’t operate properly without cords; however, it is important to be aware that with exposed cords it can pose a safety risk for small children and pets as they can quickly tangle or loop around a child’s neck causing accidental strangulation. In Australia corded blinds must comply with Consumer Product Safety Standards adhering to guidelines on the installation of corded blinds.
If the blinds in your property aren’t compliant, with cords secured in an approved child safety cleat or other suitable tie-back, and at the correct height or tension where children or pets can’t reach them, it is imperative you rectify this.
If your blinds are showing signs of age or deterioration you should consider replacing corded varieties with cordless alternatives. There are safer designs of window coverings available for most applications.
8. They don’t meet your needs
Are your blinds serving their purpose for your needs? Do they provide the privacy you need, especially rooms that face a road or are visible from neighbouring properties? Do they keep the heat out in the summer or keep it from escaping when it’s cold in the Winter? Is there still glare on the TV from light peeking through gaps, even if they’re closed?
Your blinds may be in good working order, but not serving your needs. If they don’t fulfil their purpose, it can be frustrating to say the least. Whether your energy costs have increased due to loss of heating/cooling. Or you are a shift worker that requires complete darkness to get sufficient rest. Regardless of your circumstances, your window furnishings can make all the difference.
9. They’re out of style
If your blinds were installed when the house was built and are more than 8 years old; it may be time to upgrade. You may not mind the retro look or outdated colours, however older styles can not only date the look of your home, but it is likely they have become worn and potentially dangerous.
Besides interior shutters and quality curtains, most window coverings only have a usable life of 7-8 years, so it’s probably time to upgrade yours.
10. You replaced your windows
If you have renovated your home, and in the process changed the type of windows in the property you may need to replace your window coverings. The new windows may have less window frame depth and blinds that no longer fit.
Windows with winders will also need a different blind or installation method to allow for correct operation. Take this opportunity to replace them with a more contemporary option, that looks amazing and adheres to child safety standards.
If you recognise any of the signs listed above, and would like to explore your options on replacing or even repairing the blinds in your home, you are in the right place.
We can help!
Here at UNiQ Services Brisbane, we have over 18 years experience with not only the cleaning and repair of blinds and curtains, but we also Supply and Install new blinds and shutters. We offer FREE no obligation Quotes, and can offer expert advice on the best fit and type of blind for your windows and lifestyle.
We only install quality products, that are made-to-measure specifically for your home. Feel free to call us on 07 3881-2666, or contact us by using the form below.
