How To Fix Common Problems with Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a widespread style of blind which can be frequently found in homes and offices across the country. The practicality, lighting flexibility and privacy that vertical blinds offer are just a few of the reasons why they are a favourable choice. However, as with anything which is used daily, your blinds can be subject to wear and develop problems. To help you handle these effectively, we’ve put together some common problems with vertical blinds and how to fix them.

How to Fix Vertical Blinds

Problem: One of my slats has gotten damaged

If one or two of your vertical slats become damaged, this is easily sorted out. Contact the supplier for your blind to get your replacement slats and then you can easily switch out the damaged ones. Simply slide a card into the stem – the clip which holds the slats and is attached to the headrail – and slide out the slat. To attach a new slat simply push it into the stem, making sure the hole is aligned with the stem clip.

Problem: The slat connecting chain has broken

Many vertical blinds have a connecting chain running along the bottom of the slats to help keep them in sync. If this chain becomes worn or snagged, it can break. Sorting this out is as simple as getting a new chain and replacing the old one.

To keep the chain attached to each slat, it will have clips on it which can be simply removed and attached when replacing. Lengths of chain are generally sold according to their number of clips – a good marker of what number of chain clips you will need is to multiply the number of slats you have by two.

Problem: One of my blind slats is rotated out of sync with the others

If one of your slats becomes misaligned, this is usually something you can correct yourself. With many blind brands, you can simply grab the stem and slowly twist it until it clicks back into place. If it feels like the stem is very resistant, you shouldn’t force it as not all brands allow this manual alteration. Contact a blinds professional for advice regarding your blinds if this is the case.

To help ensure your blinds don’t get out of sync, always orient the slats to their fully open position before drawing the blind open or closed across your window.

Problem: My slats won’t rotate

Slats which won’t rotate are a sign that something is wrong with your tilter mechanism. Take your blind off the window and lie it on a flat surface so you can look inside the headrail.

If you have a chain pulley system, examine the chain control mechanism and make sure the chain hasn’t come off the sprocket wheel. If it has, simply loop it back round and this should solve your problem. If parts are worn, bent or rusted, you will need to replace the tilter mechanism.

If you are a confident DIYer, you may be able to change this yourself – you will need to locate the correct kind of tilter mechanism, remove the old one from the headrail and install the new one in its place. Alternatively, a blinds professional will easily be able to carry out this work for you.

Problem: My blinds are hard to open

Vertical blinds which are difficult to draw open and closed can have a couple of causes. First things first, dismount your blinds from the window and look inside the headrail. Then:

• If it is dusty and dirty in there, this build up could be why your blinds aren’t operating smoothly and so you should clean this out and see if it helps
• Use a silicone-based lubricant spray to smooth the working of the internal mechanisms
• If neither of these help, your operating cord is likely worn or frayed and you will need to restring the blind – for vertical blinds, this is often best left to a blinds professional

If you’re having problems with other types of blinds check out this post for more tips, tricks and fixes for all types of blinds and window furnishings.

Denton Blinds have a team of highly trained professionals who are on hand to offer swift and reliable fixes and advice. As blinds experts, we can help with all styles of blinds, including Venetian blinds. Get in touch today with enquiries, blinds repairs or for more information about our large selection of high quality, new blinds. We serve customers throughout Burton-on-Trent, Kettering and the surrounding areas.