When is it Time to Replace Your Window Shades?

Homeowners know that everything will eventually need to be fixed or replaced when they buy a home, whether it’s the roof, a kitchen appliance, or a lighting fixture. What about your window shades, though? They have a long lifespan — sometimes over 10 years — but they will need to be replaced eventually, especially if they are starting to show some of these signs of wear and tear. 

Average Lifespan of Window Shades

On average, you can expect your window shades to last 7-8 years. However, you can prolong their life with proper maintenance and care. Weekly cleanings, keeping them dry, and operating them gently will all help prolong their lifespans. On top of that, keep them out of reach of pets and children. 

Listed below are three signs that you should look for that signify that it’s time to replace your window shades.

Discoloration

Your window shades are your home’s second line of defense from the sun’s harsh UV rays — the first being your roof and walls. Because they will be constantly bombarded with those rays, they will become discolored over time. This change doesn’t happen immediately and you may never notice it unless you compare your shades to something that was once the same color. 

White shades will slowly turn yellow, brown woven wood shades will lose their richness, and dark colors will slowly fade. Even bamboo shades, which will either fade or darken depending on the type, will get discolored over time. 

Cigarette smoke can also cause heavy discoloration over time. 

On top of that, accidents happen. Your window shades may fall prey to water stains, pet stains, or food stains that just don’t want to come out. One or two inconspicuous stains may not be a problem, but larger stains or a large number of them can’t be ignored for long. 

So if you notice discoloration of any kind on your shades, it may be time to replace them. 

Cracks or Tears

Not all window shades will crack. Woven wood shades, bamboo shades, and pleated shades can all crack and lose their shape, while every other type of shade has the chance to tear. If your shade looks fine, inspect the raising and lowering mechanism, as well as the cord. All of these can crack in time as well. 

The good thing is, if you have a small tear in your shade, a crack, or a small amount of damage to the raising and lowering mechanism, you’ll likely be able to repair it or replace the damaged part. However, if the tear or crack is too large, then you will likely have to replace the damaged section. 

To avoid damage, we recommend going with cordless options, as well as properly maintaining your shades. Keep them clean, use them gently, and never try to force movement if they seem stuck. 

Additionally, if they begin cracking in multiple areas, it not only looks unappealing, but it’s a sign that they are too old. Also, check for frayed edges! This likely means your window shades aren’t the proper size for your windows, or they were played with or tugged on too many times. 

Difficulty Raising or Lowering

Finally, if it’s tough to operate your window shades, then you may want to replace the whole shade or just the raising and lowering mechanism. Over time, this pulley system will start to deteriorate. After all, you’re likely using it daily, which means it is dealing with years of pressure and strain. 

On top of that, the drawcord can also become frayed which can bind in the pulley system or break as you pull on it. The plastic end of the drawcord can break off as well. If you have pets, then you know how hard it is to keep them from playing with the drawcord too — especially if you have cats. That’s why we always recommend going cordless. 

On top of that, while the pulley system can be repaired, you should still consider how old the window shades are before you repair them. It may be a better choice to replace the entire system so you’re not spending more money than you have to in the long run. 

If you need to replace your shades, visit us online! At Budget Blinds of Scottsdale, all of our window shades are fully customized to fit your windows, your style, and your budget. Schedule your free design consultation today!