Lifespan of Blinds & Required Maintenance:

Window blinds are an item that may need to be updated every few years, especially if you bought the less expensive ones that can warp and break over time. After 5 years, your blinds will start to deteriorate orfade. They may turn yellow with time, especially if they are white. Blinds can be used for a variety of purposes, including maintaining privacy and blocking sunlight. It’s recommended that blinds must be replaced every 6-8 years.

Typical Life Cycles of Window Treatments:

• Mini Blinds                                        : 2-6 years
• Faux window blinds                           : 3-6 years
• Cellular & Honeycomb Shades    : 5-7 years
• Roman Shades                                : 5-7 years
• Draperies                                          : 8-12 years
• Wood Shutters                                 : 10-15 years
• Poly wood Shutters                          : 30+ years

Let’s take a closer look at the average life expectancy of some of the blinds.

• Faux wood blinds and mini-blinds tend to last around 5 years on average. They can be destroyed by warped slats from sitting in the sun, a pet peering through and ruining the blinds, or a frayed cord.
• Corded shades have a tendency to fray or split, ruining the complete set. Heat-blocking cellular and honeycomb shades, as well as attractive and trendy Roman shades, are examples of modern blinds and shades.
• Draperies are among the most durable window treatments available, but they can also be the most costly. High-end, insulated curtains can last a decade or more without requiring much maintenance. One disadvantage of drapery’s life cycle is that it may be excessively long-lasting but not adaptable enough.
• When it comes to longevity, shutters outperform every other window treatment on the market. Their sturdy construction and protective finish provide an extra layer of protection, allowing them to endure longer. Furthermore, each louvre is linked to the frame separately, so if one is damaged or dislodges, the others will not be affected.

We already learned about the life expectancy of blinds. Now we’ll talk about how to determine if your window blinds are worn out.

Window Treatments: Signs to Replace Them

If you’ve had your blinds for a while, check them for signs of wear and tear, as most only last 7-8 years. If the window coverings are still under warranty, you may be able to get them replaced by your manufacturer.

The look and feel of a space can be greatly influenced by the curtains, shades, or blinds on the windows. There are eight crucial signals that it’s time to update your window treatments.

• Slats are warped or bent

Misshapen or warped slats in faux wood blinds usually indicates heat damage, while misshapen or warped slats in wood blinds can indicate humidity damage. These will make it impossible to properly raise the blinds  When    there are a lot of bent slats, it’s best to replace the complete set.

• Frayed cords

            Frayed cords are a solid sign that window blinds need to be replaced. Finding     them indicates that the blinds have outdated internal systems that are causing        cord damage, or that the blinds have become so old that wear and tear has     pushed them to their limits. In any case, the blinds are now in jeopardy of    becoming unstable or dropping, therefore it’s time to replace them.

• Risk for Children or Pets

            Pets and small children can become strangled by blinds with lengthy, exposed    cords. Upgrade to safer child proof blinds like curtains or draperies, cordless roller shades, plantation shutters, or cordless cellular shades

• Operationally difficult

It’s probably time to have your blinds replaced if raising them takes a lot of work or if they can’t be lifted at all. If it’s tough to raise blinds, it’s possible that the blinds’ lifting mechanisms are damaged or broken, and they won’t be able to handle the load they’re carrying. Hard-to-lift blinds can be harmful if they fall out of the window, so it’s best to replace them.

• Slats that are discolored or yellowed

            All blinds are susceptible to sun fading, but newer materials now provide better UV protection. However, if the color of the blinds changes dramatically,        such as turning yellow or discoloring, this is most likely a symptom of material             deterioration. This indicates that the structural integrity of the blind slats is deteriorating and that they will need to be replaced soon.

• Blind slats aren’t closing firmly

            The tilt mechanism is undoubtedly old and worn out if the blind slats aren’t           shutting as tightly as they used to, or if the tilt wand barely moves the slats         no matter how hard you twist it. If this is the case, replacing this element           without having to re-cord the entire blind will be difficult — it’s far easier to   get       the complete unit replaced.

• Out of Fashion

            It’s probably time for an upgrade if blinds have never been replaced. If not             updated, venetian blinds and roller shades can become worn and unsafe.    Window treatments that are too old not only seem archaic, but they are also             likely worn out and perhaps unsafe. It’s preferable to call it quits when that     period of time has passed.

• Newly installed windows

            If you’ve recently installed new windows-whether as part of an energy       efficiency update or just to expand your house – the blinds may no longer fit     or appear to be incompatible with the new window. This could be an excellent             time to replace old blinds with lovely fabric roman shades or a modern top-     down and bottom-up shading option.