e Fabric Blinds

Archive for the ‘Installing’ Category

Before you begin installing your blinds, you’ll need to have the correct tools.

Before you begin installing your blinds, you’ll need the following tools: Drill and Drill Bits, Level, Steel Tape Measure, 1/4″ wrench or nut driver, flat head screwdriver, Philips head screwdriver, scissors, and pencil.

If you have several blinds to install, to save time, consider using two drills. By fitting one drill with a drill bit and the other with a screwdriver bit, you will not constantly be switching drill bits.

After gathering the tools listed above, we suggest that you remove any window treatments so that they won’t be in your way and remove any blinds that you will be replacing.

Your next step is to hold your new blinds up to the window, making sure that you have the correct blind for the window, and to ensure that they fit correctly for either inside or outside mounting. You also want to verify the manufacturer’s instructions
to ensure that all of the mounting hardware has been included. You should have mounting brackets, screws, and faceplates. Several companies will include valances or hold-down brackets. If you have special order extra long blinds, ensure that the center support bracket has been included. If you are missing any hardware, contact the vender or manufacture.

The screws that will be included with your hardware are wood screws. If you are mounting your blinds on another type of surface, such as metal, you will need to purchase special screws, fasteners, or anchors. For metal surfaces, pre drill your
holes and use special metal screws. For brick, concrete, stone, and tile, we suggest that you use a carbide drill and you’ll also need to purchase the appropriate plugs, anchors, and/or screws. If you are installing your blinds in wallboard, or plasterboard, you will need to pre drill your holes large enough for the suitable anchors, or plugs. Then follow the installation guidelines for the fasteners.

Tips for mounting blinds inside the Window Frame:

1. Mount the brackets in their correct place on the jambs. Ensure that they are placed to accommodate the headrail.
2. Use a level to ensure that the headrail is level; you may have to use shims if necessary.

Tips for mounting blinds on the outside of the Window Frame:

1. You want to hold the blind at the desired height and centered on the window opening. Lightly pencil-mark the window frame or wall at each end of the blind horizontally
across the bottom of the headrail and vertically at each end of the headrail.
2. Using a level, correctly position the installation brackets. Refer to the instructions included with your blinds.

Tips for installing Optional Extension Brackets:

Optional extension brackets are used when there is a need for the blinds to clear an obstruction, like a window crank. Extension brackets should be installed first, by using your same positioning marks.

1. You want to mount the extension brackets sideways to prevent them from bending. Use two diagonally placed screws to secure them in place.
2. Using nuts and bolts, attach the hinged-cover brackets to the extension brackets.

All manufactures and brands of blinds have slightly different brackets. For proper installation, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions.

Support Brackets:
Blinds that are wider than 60 inches, should have support brackets included. For proper installation, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to install them.

Inserting the Headrail correctly:
Once you have all the necessary brackets properly installed, you can now install the blind headrail.

1. If you have hinged-cover end brackets, open this.
2. Verify that all cords and tape ladders operate freely, if any are tangled, untangle these.
3. If you will be using a valance, snap the clips onto the headrail.
4. Insert the headrail into the support brackets and end brackets, using a rolling motion, then push the headrail in place.
5. If you are using end brackets, make sure that the headrail is centered, and fitted snuggly into the brackets. If the headrail does not fit snuggly, then remove the headrail and using a screwdriver expand the end taps.
6. If using hinged covers, close them, making sure that the locking tabs securely snap in place.

The next steps are for blinds that use an attached tilter, or a cord tilter:

Blinds usually are supplied with one of two types of wand tilters, a metal hook inside a plastic sleeve or two plastic prongs.

If your tilters are the plastic prongs, snap them into the small hole at the end of the protruding metal shaft located on the headrail. If the tilter you have is the metal hook, then remove the plastic sleeve from the wand, and slip it over the protruding metal shaft. Next, you want to insert the hook through the hole in the metal shaft until the wand sets in the bend of the hook, and finally, slide the plastic sleeve down on the edge of the wand. You want to test your tilter by rotating the wand, opening, and closing your slats in both directions approximately 6-8 rotations.

How to install Hold down Brackets:

1. Some horizontal blinds come with hold down brackets to hold the bottom rail in place. However, when using hold down brackets, the blind must remain lowered in the stationary position.
2. After the blinds have been installed properly, lower your blinds to the desired position. Next, pushed the pin of each hold down bracket into the center of the bottom rail.
3. Mark where the brackets are to be mounted, through the holes on the hold down brackets.
4. You want to drill pilot holes, then secure the brackets with screws.

How to Operate your Blind

1. When the cords hang vertically downward, an automatic locking device will engage.
2. Make sure that your slats are in the horizontal position, before rising and lowering your blinds.
3. When raising and lowering your blinds, pull the cords toward the middle and down slightly to release the locking mechanism.
4. Once you have your blinds at the desired height, reengage the locking device by returning the cord to the vertical position.

When measuring for blinds, you want to be sure to measure every window that you are planning to purchase a blind.

IMPORTANT: Don’t assume that all the windows in your home are the exact same size. When measuring for blinds, you want to be sure to measure every window that you are planning to purchase a blind. Windows may look to be the same size when in fact they are different sizes.

Choosing Outside or Inside Mount:

Before you start measuring, you must decide whether if you are going to hang your blinds inside or outside your window frame. For a flush, clean look that will show off your window molding, you’ll want to mount your blinds on the inside of your window frame.

Blinds that are mounted outside the window opening will hang either on the wood frame itself or above the wood frame. If your window fames are narrow, then mounting your blinds on the outside may be the best option. Outside mounting, makes smaller windows appear wider and longer. It is also good if your window frames are unattractive.

IMPORTANT: Always us a metal tape measure and measure to the nearest eighth of an inch (1/8?). NEVER use a cloth measuring tape for this will not give you accurate measurements.

Inside Mount:

For inside mounting of your blinds, your window must be deep enough to support the mounting brackets. Below is the suggested depth:

PRODUCT NEEDED DEPTH
Mini Blinds 1″ to 2 ½”
Wood Blinds 1″ to 2 ½”
Pleated Shades 1″ to 2 ½”
Vertical Blinds 2 ¾” to 3 ½”

When you measure your windows, measure the width of each window at the top, middle, and bottom. Record each measurement, but use the smallest width measurement to
determine the necessary allowances for the brackets. For the height of your window, measure the height of the window vertically on both sides and in the center. For vertical blinds you want to use the shortest measurement, all other blinds you want
to take the longest measurement.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that you record the proper measurements per each window.

Outside Mount:

If you are going to mount your blinds on the outside of the window frame, then you must measure the exact width and height of the area you want to cover. Verify your measurements against the size of your windows to ensure you’ve added enough for sufficient overlap. For horizontal blinds and shades such as pleated, cellular, mini, micro, macro, and wood blinds you want at least 3″ (1 ½” per side), 2″top, 1 ½”bottom. For roll up window shades, it is suggested that you have 6″ (3″ per side), 3″ top, 1 ½” bottom. If you are hanging Vertical blinds and want them below the windowsill, we suggest 6″ (3-4″ per side),
2″ top, and 2″bottom. However to hang vertical blinds above the floor, then you want 8″ (4″ per side), 2 1/2″ top, and subtract ½”
from bottom.

Simple tips for caring for your blinds.

In order for your new blinds to stay looking fresh, they require only an occasional light dusting. Several aluminum blinds even come with an anti-static finish, which helps to repels dust, making cleaning even easier. However, if by chance it becomes necessary to thoroughly clean them, they can be easily cleaned using a mild soap and water solution.

If your home is bustling with children and/or pets, then you probably have areas in your home, which require constant cleaning. Your PVC vertical blinds are remarkably durable and easily cleaned with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution. Eight gauge aluminum blinds are just as durable, but require a little more attention when cleaning than PVC blinds.

Blinds that are going to be placed in rooms with high humidity or placed near sinks, hot tubs, and or tubs, should be water-resistant blind. PVC vertical blinds, vinyl blinds, and aluminum mini-blinds do very well in these areas.