Repair Or Replace: How To Determine What's Best For Your Old Window Blinds

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Nothing ruins a beautiful window view quite like a set of Venetian blinds that refuses to hang straight or has turned dingy over time. Window shades have to handle a lot of daily wear, like blocking out harsh sunlight and providing privacy. However, they eventually hit a point where they become more of an eyesore than an attractive window treatment. Figuring out if you should give them a wipe down, grab a screwdriver, or just toss the whole fixture in the trash depends on a few factors. Broken slats and dislodged rods or cords can typically be repaired. Warped slats and stuck or broken cords often cannot. Simply put, if your blinds have reached the end of their usefulness, spending time or money on a temporary fix probably isn't worth the effort. In that case, replacement is needed.

What the blinds are made from matters quite a bit. Vinyl or aluminum blinds typically only last about three to five years before they become brittle or warp from sun exposure. Expect fabric blinds to survive five to seven years, while high-quality wood blinds can last seven to 15 years. If the color has faded or the slats break easily, the material structure of the window treatment is likely failing. Unconventional environmental factors, like high humidity or extreme temperature swings, accelerate the aging process. When the cost of replacement parts starts to climb or you're spending a lot of time on repairs, buying new stylish window treatment ideas for your space is usually the best plan.

Minor mechanical hiccups often look worse than they actually are. Blinds with simple problems are excellent candidates for a DIY weekend project rather than a full replacement. Some common issues include blinds refusing to stay level at the bottom or slats that no longer stack neatly. These particular problems are usually caused by a dislodged tilt rod or a lift cord that's tangled inside the headrail. The easiest way to fix broken blinds like these is to open the top casing with a screwdriver and manually realign the internal components. If you already have the tools, you don't need to spend a dime. Spraying the internal tracks with a silicone-based lubricant can also extend the life of a struggling pulley mechanism by preventing the friction that leads to snapped strings.

Likewise, a single broken slat doesn't have to mean the end for your set of Venetian blinds. Many manufacturers sell individual replacement slats that you can easily slide into place yourself for low cost. For example, a 3.5 inch slat costs between $1.79 and $2.49, depending on length. If you're not interested in attempting repairs, you can call a professional repair service. They usually charge between $77 and $179 for simple jobs. Overall, if the price of the fix is less than 50% of the cost of a brand-new set of blinds, repairing and keeping your current blinds makes more financial sense.

There are times when trying to repair window blinds is throwing money away, especially when safety or privacy is compromised. Visibly warped slats from heat or humidity are a major red flag that the material has reached the end of its life. For example, while solid wood slats may be considered more beautiful than vinyl Venetian blinds, timber can bow when they're exposed to environmental extremes — though they're still the longest-lasting material. Frayed lift cords are another sign that a blind needs to be replaced. They indicate that the internal gears have worn the fibers in the cord. The blind could fall unexpectedly, while sagging and broken lift cords pose a significant strangulation hazard for children and pets.

If you find that you need to apply a lot of force to raise the blinds, the internal lifting spring has likely failed beyond repair. In these instances, the decision to swap outdated flimsy blinds with new window treatment trends — like a modern cordless system — is sound. Your windows will look freshly updated and the smallest members of your family will be safer. Look for Venetian blinds made of durable materials, like solid wood. They should have good consumer ratings and, ideally, a lengthy warranty. Then they're more likely to handle the wear and tear of daily life for years to come. For example, Evozen Cordless 2-Inch Slat Wood Blinds are highly rated and come in a wide range of colors and sizes.