Time to Get New Window Coverings?
Last time on the blog we talked about spring cleaning your window coverings to give them a new lease on life and give your home a breath of fresh air. But what if your windows need a little more TLC than a Spring Cleaning? How do you know when it’s time to retire the old slats, fold up the fabric, and retire the roller shades? This time on the Budget Blinds Scottsdale blog, we’re going to go over just that. Here are the 5 factors that will tell you it’s time to get some new window coverings!
The Coverings are Warped, Bent, Broken, or Frayed
Blinds and shutters are only as effective and good as their slats – so long as they stay unbent, unwarped, and unbroken they should operate easily. But time can make fools of us all, including our window coverings! Wood blinds may warp when exposed to moisture, aluminum miniblinds can bend and break under pressure. When this happens the slats won’t be able to close completely or easily making for a window covering solution that doesn’t quite cover it all.
Similarly, fabric coverings like drapes, curtains, and shades are susceptible to damage of their own! The material can be susceptible to tears, cuts, pokes, and, yes, fraying. As this happens the structural integrity of the covering is damaged and it’s ability to block out the sun and UV rays lessens. When the fabrics are frayed it’s time to look at a new covering.
Discoloration
While not quite as obvious a problem as windows that aren’t functioning, discolored window coverings are just as clear a sign that it may be time to update or upgrade. Years of use and exposure to sun and weather can have the slats of your shutters yellowing, fabrics fading, and your whole style thrown off.
The Coverings Won’t Open, Close, or are Difficult to Operate
There are a lot of different ways that this problem can manifest, depending on the type of window covering you are working with. Do your blinds and shades refuse to open? Do the curtains refuse to part? The mechanisms in the window coverings may be damaged, or worn down and need to be replaced. The curtain tracks may be jammed, the carriers could be off the track, the tracks themselves might be bent or broken, the cord control may be frayed.
While they might seem the most straightforward of window coverings, curtains and drapes rely on the rods and rails they move on to stay in top condition. But they are susceptible to heavy pressure bending or mangling the rod, making it impossible to open or close the curtains like you’d like.
When it comes to blinds, they are constructed in the exact right fashion to manage glare and light. If a slat should bend or break, you’ll have to deal with gaps letting light in, ruining what you’re going for or even making gaping holes in your privacy. The slats don’t have to be broken to struggle closing either. Worn-out tilt mechanisms may be to blame.
If your window coverings aren’t opening like they should, it’s time to replace them – maybe even upgrade them! Looking at motorized shades and blinds will remove any concerns for cord fraying going forward. There are a huge variety of automated, motorized options for window treatments so drop the cord and pick up your phone to open or close your blinds!
New Windows
This is probably one of the least frequent reasons for needing to upgrade or get new window coverings but there’s always the possibility! If you’re getting new windows put in installing perfect, custom window coverings can really seal the deal! New window panes, shapes, or styles, may have new needs when it comes to window coverings.
Out of Style
That’s right! Whether your window coverings are out of style or you just don’t like them anymore, both of those are totally valid reasons for looking into getting new ones! There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to upgrade the visual appeal of your home’s window treatments. So if your shutters are still providing you shade, but you hate the way they look – well, no shade here!
