How to Fix Window Shades

While many people use blinds as one element of dressing windows, there are a significant number of persons who prefer the use of window shades. Providing quick and easy privacy from the outside world, as well as being very effective in blocking too much sunlight from entering the space, window shades are a cost effective and visually appealing option. However, they can malfunction from time to time. When your window shades begin to cause problems, here are a few steps to help return the shades to proper working order.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Staple Gun
• Vacuum cleaner
• Silicon Lubricant

Repair Window Shades

1. Determine the nature of the problem. Is the shade loose and will not roll up properly? Does the shade snap to a fully rolled position too quickly? Perhaps the shade and roller will not remain in the mounting brackets properly. Understanding the exact nature of the problem will help determine what tools and procedures are needed to fix the window shade.

2. Use the flat end of the screwdriver to ease the flat end pin out of the mounting bracket. This will allow you to make sure the body of the shade is wound properly around the roller. Unroll the shade completely, and then re-roll the shade by hand. Make sure the body of the shade is rolled evenly. Place the roller and shade back into the bracket and lower the shade to a halfway point. Next, roll the shade up. Repeat this process until the shade seems to lower and rise properly.

3. Cleaning the inner workings of the hollow rotor may be necessary if the shade will not remain in a down position. Remove the shade and roller from the mounting brackets, and use the screwdriver to remove the cap located at the flat pin end of the roller. Use the drapery attachment of the vacuum cleaner (or a hand held vacuum) to gently remove any dust or residue that may be clogging the pawl and ratchet mechanism. Wipe gently with a clean soft cloth and spray a small amount of silicon lubricant onto the mechanism. Reattach the cap, using the hammer to gently tap the cap back into place if necessary.

4. Check the position of the mounting brackets if the shade and roller keep falling out of place. The brackets may be spaced too widely to properly hold the roller in place. If this is the case, unscrew the mounting brackets from the window frame. Measure the length of the roller, minus the pins. Reposition the brackets accordingly and rehang the roller. The idea is to create a snug, but not overly tight fit, for the roller that allows the shade to move up and down freely while still keeping the roller in place

5. Reattach a shade that has separated from the roller with a staple gun. Some shades are attached to the roller with glue, and may release over time. Unroll the shade, then line up the top of the shade in a straight line on the roller. Staple the shade into place with a series of staples that move across the line of the shade with roughly one inch in between each staple. Carefully roll the shade onto the roller and place the window shade into the mounting brackets. Pull the shade up and down a few times to make sure everything is working properly.

Tips & Warnings

• While simple window shades are inexpensive, it often takes no more than a few moments to fix a broken one. Compared to the time and expense of shopping for a new shade, the time spend fixing the shade is well spent.
• If the shade has a broken spring, it may not be worth the time to attempt a repair. The exception would be if the window shade is a custom size or has a designer shade attached to the roller. Windows shades that are standard sizes can be purchased in many discount retail stores and will often be less cost and trouble than purchasing a new spring.