1. Warped or Bent Slats
Misshapen or warped slats can be a sign of heat damage of you have faux wood blinds or a sign of humidity damage if you’re using wood blinds. These will prevent you from raising the blinds correctly and will stick out like a sore thumb. If there are a lot of bent slats, it’s best to replace the whole set. If you live in a dry, desert areas like Nevada or Arizona, avoid faux wood blinds that can warp under extreme heat. Instead, opt for UV blocking solar shades or fabric window treatments.
2. Your Blinds are Difficult or Impossible To Raise
If raising your blinds require a lot of effort to raise or can’t be lifted at all, it’s probably time to have them replaced. Finding it difficult to raise your blinds can mean that the lifting mechanisms on the blinds are damaged or broken, and may not be able to support the load it carries. Blinds that are hard to lift can become dangerous and may fall out of the window given enough force, so it is essential to replace them right away to keep everyone in your home safe.
3. Frayed Cords
A sure sign that you need to replace your blinds is if it has frayed cords. Spotting them means that your blinds have old internal mechanisms that are causing damage to the cord or that your blinds have gotten so old that the wear and tear have pushed the blinds to its limit. Either way, the blinds are now in danger of being unstable or falling, so it is time for a new set.
4. Slats are Yellowed or Discolored
All blinds can be exposed to fading from the sun — luckily, newer materials now offer more UV protection. However, if you experience a dramatic change in the coloration of your blinds, such as turning yellow or becoming discolored, it is most likely a sign of material deterioration. This means that your blind slats are losing their structural integrity and will need to be replaced soon. When buying new blinds, be sure to choose a fabric window treatment or look for UV inhibitors.
5. Blinds Slats Don’t Close Tightly
If your blind slats aren’t closing tightly like how they used to, or if your tilt wand barely moves the slats no matter how hard you twist it, then the tile mechanism is probably old and worn out. If this is the case, then it is going to be challenging to replace this piece without the need to re-cord your whole blind — it’s much easier to have the entire unit replaced.
6. Your Blinds Aren’t Safe for Pets and Children
Blinds with long, exposed cords can become a strangulation hazard for pets and small children. To protect the smaller members of your family, you can upgrade to safer options such as curtains or draperies, cordless roller shades, plantation shutters or cordless cellular shades.
7. They Don’t Meet Your Window Needs
Re-evaluating your window needs can be a good indicator of whether you need new blinds or not. Ask yourself the following: Do they keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Do they give you the privacy you need? Do you still get a glare on your TV even when your blinds are closed? Also if your blinds aren’t giving you problems, they might not serve the purpose you intended them to. The wrong blinds can mean that you aren’t making the most of your living space.
8. They’re Out of Style
Are your blinds the same ones from when your home was first built? Maybe it’s time to ditch the psychedelic roller shades or the Venetian blinds. Window treatments that are too old not only look dated but are most likely worn out and can be dangerous to use. Aside from plantation shutters, every other window treatment only has a life expectancy of around 7 to 8 years. After such time, it’s best to upgrade or trade them out for something that looks great in your home and will keep your family safe.
9. You Just Got New Windows
If you have just gotten new windows — whether you’re making an energy efficiency upgrade or you’re just adding on to your home — new windows can mean that your blinds won’t fit anymore or that it no longer looks right on the new window. This might be the opportunity to replace your blinds with beautiful fabric roman shades or a contemporary top-down and bottom-up shading option.