Whether you go with shutters, blinds or shades for your home, quality window treatments should be enjoyed for a long time. But, like most other things in your home, they’ll eventually need replacing, even more so if they no longer complement your décor.
For years, Louver Shop of Columbia has specialized in making long-lasting custom window treatments here in the USA. With the support of our professional design consultants, we make Columbia houses like yours more beautiful daily, starting with a free consultation.
When your window treatments are needing replacement, some clues are more clear than others. Here are a couple of clues that yours are needing to be replaced.
Plantation Shutters
While they may seem like a bargain at the time, imported plantation shutters are liable to wearing out more quickly. This is due to the fact they’re usually manufactured from low-cost materials.
At Louver Shop of Columbia, we incorporate furniture-grade woods and solid polymer in our custom shutters, which are made to provide many years of trouble-free operation. They’re protected against some of the most typical problems and have a lifetime warranty on moving parts, workmanship and the painted finish.
Here are some of the most frequent issues that happen when your plantation shutters are wearing out.
1. Cracking, Peeling or Chipping
Because of their energy efficiency, interior shutters are often installed in areas with intense heat and humidity. Unfortunately these weather conditions make them more susceptible to troubles with their finish, like cracking, peeling or chipping. You want your residence to look its best, so if your shutters start doing this, it’s time to install new ones.
2. Yellowing
You likely are aware the ultraviolet rays in sunlight are what’s responsible for turning your skin red. They can also cause other discoloration to your shutters, such as yellowing, as the years pass. While you can refinish your plantation shutters, it’s a long process, especially for wood shutters. You’ll be required to remove them, strip the paint, carefully repaint them and then reinstall them. Since there’s so many things to do, you run the risk of ruining your shutters altogether with uneven paint or bad reinstallation. This jeopardizes your shutters’ appearance, not to mention their energy efficiency.
3. Warping or Bending
Premium plantation shutters should keep their shape as time passes, even on tall windows. When louvers begin to warp or bend, it’s time to replace them.
4. Often Tightening Since They’re Sagging
When your shutters’ louvers aren’t tight enough, they’ll need regular tightening or adjusting. This is a time-consuming task that isn’t required when you have premium plantation shutters.
Blinds
Mini blinds are among the most loved styles for window blinds, due to their affordability, versatility and durability. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever, so here are several signs that yours need to be replaced.
5. Dangling Cords
Older styles of blinds are usually controlled by a set of cords, which isn’t the best idea for kids or pets. If these cords are fraying, it’s a clue that the mechanism may be giving out. Modern custom blinds feature cordless operating systems and can even be opened and closed with your smartphone.
6. Broken or Bent Louvers
Mini blinds can withstand a lot, but in some instances the louvers will break or permanently bend. When this happens, you should update your blinds. For a modern look that’s just as long-lasting, consider faux wood blinds, which look like wood but can resist heat and moisture.
7. Gaps When Drawn
It doesn’t matter what type of horizontal blinds you use, the louvers should fit snugly together when closed. If this isn’t the case, it’s time to get new ones.
Shades
Shades are popular with homeowners as they’re easy to use and clean. They’re usually made from fabric, which can have a number of issues as time goes on. Here are a couple signs that you’re due to install new shades.
8. Yellowing
Like plantation shutters, shades are also likely to fade or discolor due to the sun’s UV rays. When the color gets washed out, it’s time to get new shades.
9. Frayed Sides
This is typically due to bad installation. If your shades aren’t sized properly or installed wrong, the edges can scuff when you move them up and down. Eventually, these edges will unravel, making your shades look bad. At Louver Shop of Columbia, we provide free measurements and skilled installation to make sure your custom shades fit just right.
10. Struggles to Raise or Lower
When your shades aren’t raising or lowering like when they were newer, it’s often due to the fact the operating system is wearing out. When you partner with Louver Shop of Columbia, you’ll enjoy complete access to a large range of operating systems, such as cordless and smart automation that moves your shades with a tap of your smartphone.
Get Started Creating Your New Window Treatments Right Away
When you’re due to replace your window treatments in Columbia, turn to the design specialists at Louver Shop of Columbia. We are part of your community, so we’re merely a call or text away. Our simple process starts with design recommendations, a quote and measurements, all at no cost or obligation. Then, we’ll complete the job in just a few weeks with pro installation.
To get started making your new window treatments, get in touch with us at 888-428-1415 to schedule your free consultation right away!