Blinds are one of the best options for replacing curtains. The design copes well with the penetration of excessively intrusive sunlight, has many other positive qualities and, with proper care, can last for many years. But sometimes even such a strong and durable thing breaks. What causes structural breakdowns most often? Is it possible to repair blinds yourself and can they be repaired?
The most common causes of vertical blinds failure
Vertical structures are found in houses much less frequently than horizontal ones, but they are also popular because they have all the positive properties of blinds. These are the most common breakdowns.
- Broken connecting chain.
- The chain used to adjust the blinds is broken.
- Breakage of the connection between the lamella and the cornice.
- Broken runners.
- Control cord deformed.
You can deal with all these shortcomings on your own, without turning to specialists for help. Below we will tell you exactly how.
Installation of vertical blinds
Blinds are becoming increasingly popular now. If you decide to install blinds on your windows, read our article “Which blinds are best to choose?” Do you want something special in the interior? Find out where to buy multi-texture blinds and at what price.
Wooden blinds are also comfortable and suitable for any style. Read our material on the website “Wooden blinds in the interior“.
Installation
Before installing horizontal blinds on plastic windows, let's prepare the necessary tools. We will need:
The diagram of horizontal blinds indicates: 1 - control chain, 2 - control chain holder, 3 - lining tile, 4 - box, 5 - line fastener, 6 - plug, 7 - fastening plate, 8 - side covers of the box, 9 - blinds.
- a drill with a drill with a diameter smaller than that of self-tapping screws; a screwdriver; pliers; a pencil.
The delivery set usually includes self-tapping screws, metal L-shaped mounting brackets in the form of corners with holes and latches, and plastic corner clamps for fixing the bottom strip. If the above accessories are not available, they can be purchased separately. Now you can begin installation by following a few simple steps.
The installation location is determined by applying it to the top sash of the window. The mounting locations are marked. To do this, attach the brackets to the installation site and make marks for the holes with a pencil. We drill holes for the screws. You don’t have to drill the holes, but make them using the same self-tapping screws, but the PVC material from which plastic windows are made is quite dense and viscous. The brackets are screwed to the top sash of the window. The side plugs are removed from the top cornice and the blinds are installed on the brackets, falling into the latches.
We put the side caps in place. If your window opens for ventilation, then you need to install clamps on the bottom sash of the window so that the blinds do not sag when tilted. To determine the exact location of their installation, lower the blinds completely, attach the clamps to the plane of the bottom sash, and make marks for the holes. After this, drill holes and secure the fasteners with self-tapping screws.
There are different types, so their designs and mountings may be different, but the installation principle remains the same for different designs. The installation of vertical blinds differs from the installation of horizontal ones primarily in that the brackets are not attached to the window sashes, but to the wall above the window, and this process is similar to the installation of ordinary curtain rods.
Repairing vertical blinds with your own hands
So, if you are planning to repair your blinds yourself, then you need to know how to fix the breakdowns described above.
- If the chain holding the slats together breaks, then simply buy a new one in the store, having first measured the width of the structure. Then insert the new chain in place of the old one.
- If the breakdown is that the control chain is worn out, then you need to open the side cover of the cornice and remove the plastic gear. Remove the broken chain and place a new one on the gear. Return it to its place, close the lid.
- A broken shoulder connecting the slats and the cornice can be repaired in the following way. Measure the size of the lamella and buy a new element in the store. Remove the broken shoulder and sew a new one onto a thread, or glue it if the design provides for it.
- Broken runners are perhaps the most annoying problem that can happen. First, remove the control cord to get to the mechanism without interference. Unscrew the control mechanism and remove the broken slider, moving the distances away. Set the distance in the new slider, then insert it into the cornice, threading it onto the shaft. Close the mechanism and put the cord back on.
Repair of curtains in vertical blinds
- When it comes to the control cord, it is worth finding out if it is really broken? It may be that the tension has simply weakened and needs to be tightened. But if the cord was torn, then measure its size and go to the store for a new one. Pass the cord through the side cover of the curtain rod, and then through the runners, securing it.
Now you know how to repair vertical blinds if one of the troubles described above occurs and you can deal with the breakdown yourself. What to do if elements of horizontal blinds become unusable?
Required Tools
To implement your plan, you may need a screwdriver and a knife to carefully disassemble the structure. A needle for convenience in threading the cord through the slats.
To put everything back together and fix it, one screwdriver will be enough.
Based on the information provided, it follows that the most common problems can be resolved without the involvement of third-party specialists.
To do this, you just need to get a tool, replaceable parts and show a little patience.
Options for breaking horizontal blinds
Horizontal blinds are the most popular type of design, but, unfortunately, they sometimes break. Here's what the most common blinds breakdowns look like.
- Broken swivel hooks.
- The need to replace the lower clamps.
- Replacing the control cord.
- Repair of the blinds lifting mechanism.
- Replacing planks.
The reasons why these elements fail are not so important - maybe the service life is expired, or the structure was damaged by careless movements. This doesn’t matter, the only important thing is to know how to repair blinds efficiently and quickly replace the damaged element.
Installation of horizontal blinds
Do-it-yourself methods for repairing horizontal blinds
If you are the owner of a horizontal type of structure, then you need to know how you can repair horizontal blinds with your own hands if one of the breakdowns described above is detected.
- If small elements such as hooks or fasteners fail, then you need to buy new missing elements, remove the old ones and fix the new ones.
- If the cord breaks, then go to the store for a new one, having first measured your blinds. Remove the old cord, thread the new one in its place, through the cylinder and rollers. Pass the rope through the ladder attachment.
Installing a new cord
- When the mechanism that moves the blinds breaks down, be prepared to have to tinker. Most often you have to turn to specialists for help, since it is difficult to solve the problem on your own. You may have to replace a part that has slipped off or lubricate a jamming mechanism.
Replacing the lift-and-swing mechanism
- If one of the strips is broken, it can be replaced. But be careful, sometimes different slats form a sharp contrast with each other. Buy a bar that fits in the store. Sequentially remove all the parts, install a new strip, then return all the components in place, checking that the parts function normally.
Now the question of how to repair blinds does not cause you any difficulties and, if necessary, you can make the repairs yourself.
Roller blinds look very stylish in the interior; even a girl can install them. Read our article about different ways to install roller blinds on plastic windows. How to install horizontal blinds, read the instructions for installing horizontal blinds on a window on our website.
From what materials are horizontal blinds made, read our article “Horizontal blinds from different materials: which are better?”
How to repair it yourself using a cord
Loose and loose blinds can be repaired by tightening the cord or replacing it. The bottom bar needs to be bent where the plastic plugs are attached to make it easier to get them out. Then you should cut the cord above them and remove it, holding the elements motionless.
The new twine must be threaded first through the PPM, then through the cornice. Then insert it into the slats. It is important to ensure that the cord is taut and not tangled.
Having passed the rope through the final lamella and the bottom bar, it is inserted into the plugs. You need to tie a strong knot to securely fix the cord.
Breakdowns and repairs of roller blinds
Roller blinds stand a little apart on this list. Repairing roller blinds with your own hands is possible, but if the canvas itself is damaged, then there is nothing left to do but change it completely or, more preferably, buy a new design.
If the curtain fabric does not fit tightly to the window, then it is necessary to check the installation of the guides and the presence of weight in the lower part of the structure. When the curtain does not fit well on the frame, it is best to replace the fastening, choosing the most suitable one for you. If the control cord is broken, it must be removed and replaced with a new one. Do not tie a broken cord!
Repair of roller blinds: replacement of silicone
In general, repairing blinds with your own hands does not cause any particular difficulties, and if you have minimal skills, you can deal with the breakdowns yourself. You can always find many videos on the Internet that demonstrate basic malfunctions and how to fix them.
