Window blind problems, solutions and ideas.

Question:

Why wont my louvres, (slats, fabric, vanes) on my vertical blind won't rotate. Have I done something wrong?

Answer:
This sometimes will happen if the louvres were originally hung onto the headrail whilst the hooks were in the closed position. Or you may have been operating your vertical blinds and the louvres have snagged on too one of the other blinds or perhaps an obstruction (ie a curtain or window handle). The best option is this:
You dont really need to take the louvres off the headrail, though sometimes this can help (ensure that when you reattach the louvres/slats make sure that they are all facing in the same direction!) Then turn the chain round until the hooks are in the open position, sometimes you may have to turn the chain until you hear a clicking nose, dont worry as this is perfectly ok for your blinds, keep on gently pulling until all the hooks are aligned the correct way. You may have to rotate the chain until it stops clicking, then rotate the opposite way. (You will notice that all of the hooks face the same direction. This means that when you rehang the louvres, you'll be able to see through them and out of your window. Your louvres should now rotate without any problems. But just remember that this may happen often due to any obstruction against your vertical blinds. You may have to ensure that you move any obstructions, or that you may have to operate one blind before the other. This commonly happens in square bay windows.

Question:

The louvres of my Vertical blind are not in line with each other. What should I do?

Answer:
This is easily rectified. Pull the control chain until the slats are in the closed position, then gently force the chain by pulling on it, it should click as the carriages should be on a ratchet system, please also see above, once this has been completed they will realign. You may need to try doing this both ways. Don't worry if you hear a noise, that's perfectly normal. Please also see above.

Question:

The slats of my venetian blind are dirty. What should I do?

Answer:
Well here we have the question that gets asked the most, if i could have 1pence for every time this has been asked i would be rich!!
If your slats on your venetian are dirty then they need to be cleaned, yes i hear you cry! What about these miracle cleaning things with fingers......Dont bother! The only easy way is by your hands with some soapy water, you may be able to take the blind down and put in the bath, if not then you will have to do it in situ...Yes it is a pain!!!!! Make sure that you only use a very mild detergent.
If you have wood venetian blinds, the only way you can clean them is with a slightly damp sponge, as the water may soak into the wood and over time may or will stain them.

Question:

The cords of my venetian blind are frayed or broken. What should I do?

Answer:
The main problem with the cords being broken or frayed, is that it is getting a good colour match, so that it matches any other blinds or the matterials of your blind. What we normally ask for is a small sample of the cord, with the measurement, both width and drop, along with how many cords go into the headrail, this we then can calculate on how much cord is required.
Though if it is the ladder braid that has broken or frayed, this will mean stripping the whole blind down to replace the ladder braid (bits of cord that hold the slats at intervals, shaped like a ladder!) This is a bit more of problem, as it will take time to strip and rebuild, also the cord will have to be threaded through the slats, alternating from one side to the other on each section of the ladder braid, again though, we would need to see a sample of the ladder braid to colour match.
Colour matching is a real big problem, as over time, the colour of the cord, braid, ladder will fade.
Though all of this can be carried out by a compitent DIYer, it could possibly be recommended to ask a local blind company to carry out the repairs for you. As it can be hard if you dont know what your doing.

Question:

My pleated blind seems to be sagging. What should I do?

Answer:
Normally this can be rectified by simply adjusting the tension of the blinds, as all it is, is that the guide wire is or should be in tension, all that has happend is that the blind requires retenstioning. This sometimes will be to be completed by some one who is fairly good at DIY.
You need to locate the lock nut or screw that holds the tensioning cords or even the cor, (word of warning, DONT LET THE CORD GO INTO THE HEADRAIL!) this is normally only one screw or nut, once you have located this, simply undo the fixing, you should note that your pleated blind may sag even more, dont worry as this is perfectly normal, then you will need to apply pressure on the cord by pulling it and you should note that the blind will be pulled up, once you have the desired tension, just tighten up the screw or nut. Though sometimes dependant on the type of blind you have, you may have to replace some of the springs that hold the tension, this problem may require a local blind company to rectify, though sometimes it is getting hold off the parts, it may even mean replacing all of the blind or blinds!!!

Question:

The VELUX blind has broken. What should I do?

Answer:
Unfortuneatly this type of blind is unable to be repaired at present, as there are no spare parts available. Though you can contact Blindology Blinds, and we can sort out supplying you with a New VELUX blind, Velux blinds are guaranteed for 3 years. It is very very rare for a VELUX blind to be faulty within this period, if you do have a fault within this period, please contact the company that supplied your VELUX blind.

Question:

The chains or weights has broken on my vertical blind. What should I do?

Answer:
This is a simple problem to overcome, all that you need is new stabilising chain or new weights, in both instances you would need to know the exact size of your louvres; 3.5" (89mm) or 5" (127mm). Then the amount of chain or weights required. The easiest way for the chain is to count how many slats or louvres you have also, this then would need to be multiplied by 2 to give you the amount of chain required.
The chain is simple to replace, it will just snap or pull of the weights. To replace the weights, just slide them out from one side, though remove the chain first!
To order the chains or weights is very simple, you can contact a local blind company or you can email Blindology blinds of Plymouth at info@blindology.co.uk, and we will endeavour to help you.

You can also view Blindology blinds of Plymouth's website, or view our FAQ section.

What you can achieve with Pleated blinds by Blindology Blinds of Plymouth.

Here at Blindology we have some great pleated blinds - Blindology Blinds have over 300 fabrics to choose from, ranging from plain and simple going all the way through very funky, black-out and retro designs.
Pleated blinds are available in various types, this is due to the type of area that you would like or need to cover. For example:

• Conservatory pleated roof blinds.
• Shaped pleated blinds.
• Electric pleated blinds.
• Crank operated pleated blinds.

These are the main types of pleated blinds that are available, though with-in each type some can be split down into further types of pleated blinds! The main thing to consider is what type of pleated blind is suitable for your requirements and also consider buget, as a normal manual pleated blind will be considerably cheaper than a shaped motorised (electric) pleated blind!

Blindology Blinds of Plymouth pleated blinds

Pleated Blinds

Blindology Pleated Blinds - The ideal window dressing solution.

Pleated blinds can be a brilliant way to dress your windows, providing you with an attractive, stylish finish that will be suitable for both traditional and contemporary décors. Blindology's pleated blinds are simple, practical and sleek, and are suitable for any area throughout your home..
Our new designer pleated range 2011 is now available, the fabrics are ideal for adding some life, texture and pattern to your windows. Pleated blinds fabrics by Blindology, now offers a large and varied choice which will suit all of your requirements, it even includes a wide range of fabrics that have a solar performance backing, this means that it will help to keep the temperature down in the summer, and retain some of the heat during the winter months. Pleated blinds are sleek, simple and practical, which will neatly fold away, giving you ultimate control of light in your home.
The differing types of pleated blinds Blindology can offer you, can be used in any room of the house, as they can be transparent, semi-opaque or opaque, according to your preference and needs, helping you create interesting light effects in the room.
Pleated blinds are also the perfect blind for conservatories as they can be made to fit the shaped windows in the roof. We have many special performance fabrics designed to keep excess heat out of your conservatory in the summer, and to help to prevent warmth escaping in the winter. Making it much more a room! Rather than a greenhouse or fridge!
Conservatories were made for blinds in mind!
As with any area that has a sheer volume of glass, Pleated blinds will help in giving you the option to compliment these glazed areas, making them the perfect backdrop for a choice, from the huge amount of blind types and styles available. Ranging from a minimal neutral and relaxing retreat, too a retro/funky/modern/bright and vibrant space, that will really make a great and stylish statement, you will be able to create any look you wish for, in your conservatory using Blindology's made-to-measure pleated blinds in the roof and or at the sides.
But just remember:
Blinds don’t only offer good looks. They’re practical too, providing privacy plus they help to regulate the temperature – because when the sun is shining, the heat and glare it creates can really become unbearable.

Where can pleated blinds be used?

Pleated blinds can be installed into any window/glazed area. Normally the main use is in conservatories, however realy speaking there is no limit to where they can be installed.

Conservatory comfort.

Your conservatory is an investment and as such you want to maximise the use of it. In most situations the use of purpose-designed and correctly installed pleated blinds will significantly improve the comfort of your conservatory by:

• Providing shade and reducing glare
• Reducing the temperature in the Summer and helping to maintain the temperature in the Winter.
• Minimising the effects of harmful UV rays on plant, furnishings and people.
• Reducing heat loss in the winter and cool evenings.
• Reducing ancillary heating and cooling costs.
• Improving the décor and making a style statement.
• Making your conservatory more cosy and private in the evenings.
• Providing privacy.
• Dressing of the window glazed areas, getting rid of the plain dead look.

What is a pleated blind?

Pleated blinds use a fabric, which has been heat-treated in the manufacturing process to form a concertina effect. The fabric is then mounted onto a rail, which allows the blind to be fixed securely, and also contains the mechanism for operating the blind. When fully retracted the blinds take up a minimal amount of space.

Blindology Blinds of Plymouth pleated roof blinds

How do pleated blinds work?

Pleated roof blinds:
Rectangular pleated roof blinds: A pleated roof blind consists of three rails. One rail is fixed at either end of the glazing panel. The third rail, which is attached to the pleated fabric, is used to either deploy or retract the blind. To support the fabric when the blind is in the open position tension wires are used.
The blind operated under constant tension. This means that the blind can be opened as far or as little as you wish. The operating cords in the blinds are joined to a spring, which ensures that the right amount of tension is applied at all times.
Shaped pleated roof blinds: Most conservatories involve shaped glazing, which should pose no problem for a qualified pleated blind installer. Pleated fabric is ideal for shaped roof blinds as the “V” profile gives the fabric a unique strength and allows it to be cut to shape without losing its structural integrity. However, over time gravity and heat can affect the pleat retention of the blind. We would recommend on certain blinds that you choose to have the blind “equalised”, this ensures that the blind will hold the pleats at their optimum position and will be evenly spaced, making your roof blinds retain their shape, look more attractive and will last longer. Also it gives your roof blind the advantage of a neater stack of fabric when the blind is retracted, a better fit to the shaped glazing and a smoother blind operation.
Operating pleated roof blinds:
Due to the way pleated blinds are manufactured, using small springs to hold the tension in the operating cords, they are very easy to operate, either manual by the use of an operating pole or by means of motorised pleated roof blinds.
Note: Pleated blinds need to be operated at least once a week to ensure the pleats work effectively.
Pleated window blinds:
Most conservatories have opening windows and doors and pleated window blinds are again the ideal solution because they:

• Can be fitted within the beading of the window.
• Take up a minimal amount of space.
• Are simple to operate.
• Are hardly visible when retracted.
• Can fit to opening windows and doors so the blind moves with the door or window allowing you to have shade but still permitting ventilation.
• Can be fitted to individual windows offering the ultimate control over shading and ventilation.
• Do not take up room on the sill like other blind systems.

How do pleated window blinds work?

Pleated window blinds work on the same principal as a pleated roof blind but as the blind is fitted in the vertical plane, support wires are not required. The clever, constant tension principle means that the blind can be simply raised or lowered to any position. Blindology can install a pleated blind, which can open or stack in any position as neither rail of the blind is fixed. This offers ultimate flexibility.

Electric operation:

Electric operation is usually available for most blind styles and shapes and is especially useful for roof blinds which, due to their position, are more difficult to operate than window blinds, there is a minimum size required for this type of blind

Pleated blinds by Blindology Blinds of Plymouth - childs bedroom

Most systems use a low voltage tubular motor which is fully contained in the head rail of the blind and it is common that these are operated by radio (wireless) controls. Wireless controls are ideal in conservatories as it reduces the amount of wiring required, as although the blinds still need power from a transformer, the actual operation of the blinds is by radio command. The switches and handsets have an operating range of 200m in open space and unlike infra red controls are unaffected by strong light – essential in conservatory applications.
With electrical operation it is possible to operate an individual blind, group of blinds or all blinds together and the controls can vary from a simple switch to a handset or automatic operation by a timer or light sensor.

Fabrics:

Blindology pleated blinds are manufactured using polyester yarn and are resistant to the extremes of temperature experienced in conservatories as well as having a high resistance to fading. For most of our pleated blind fabrics have a reflective backing or coating, this helps with heat and glare reduction and also protects the back of the fabric from moisture, mildew and debris.

Care of pleated blinds

Maintenance:
Blindology pleated blinds should not require any ongoing maintenance or adjustment.
Cleaning:
Blindology pleated blinds are made with aluminium rails and these may be wiped with a non-abrasive cleaning solution.
The cleaning of the fabric varies depending on the type of material installed. Most fabrics may be wiped with a damp sponge.
Does it affect my warranty or guarantee of the conservatory?
This we would always ask that you do check with your conservatory installer or company.