Is It Time to Get New Window Coverings?

Sometimes, it’s easy to know when you need to replace things in your home. A TV stops responding, your fridge isn’t cold enough, or your blankets have holes in them. What about your window coverings though? 

Most of the time, we don’t pay attention to them to know what state they’re in, and they won’t exactly tell us if something isn’t working — save for the raising/lowering mechanism not working anymore. So, that’s what we’re going to discuss in today’s Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix blog. When is it time to get new window coverings? 

The Coverings are Warped, Bent, Broken, or Frayed

Blinds and shutters are only as good as their slats and their internal mechanisms – so long as they stay unbent, unwarped, and unbroken they should operate easily. However, blinds aren’t immune to damage, especially when they’re kept in the sun, water, or around pets. 

For example wood blinds can warp when exposed to too much humidity and water, or get brittle with too much sun! Even metal blinds, such as aluminum blinds, 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 too! The material can be susceptible to tears, cuts, pokes, and fraying. As this happens the structural integrity of the covering is damaged and its ability to block out the sun and UV rays lessens. If you have pets, or clean it with a vacuum, holes and frays can happen quickly. 

Discoloration

All window coverings are susceptible to discoloration and sun bleaching. It’s not very obvious and happens slowly over time, so you may not even notice it until you compare it to a new window covering or something that’s the same color. 

If you have white window coverings, then it’s easier to tell. White takes on a yellow hue after spending a long time in the sun. It won’t be as vibrant and begins to look like it’s stained by coffee. Overall, sun damage to white is pretty easy to spot. 

If you notice discoloration, then it's time to get new window coverings. They’ll brighten up your home — literally — and make it feel fresh, clean, and new. 

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. A lot of things can cause this. Some fixes are as easy as getting a new curtain rod, while others require a full replacement. 

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 motor may be dead, the carriers could be off the track, the tracks themselves might be bent or broken, or the cord control may be frayed. 

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

It happens — sometimes what’s in style 10 years ago isn’t going to come back in style. When that happens, or when you get sick of looking at a pattern you used to like, it’s time for a change. 

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! Give us a call or visit us online at Budget Blinds of Tempe and Central Phoenix and our style experts will set you up with a free consultation. We’ll find exactly what you need for a price you’ll love.