The majority of blinds are basically just slats of attaching fabric or wood with special fittings to open and close them.

If you have hung the blinds on your wall or window frame, and they are causing an annoyance, either by banging in a draught or blinds banging in the cool breeze, there is something that can be done without having to cut the window blinds. Simply, if the pull cord is threaded through a hole in the pulley, it will stop as much noise from rattling. The weight of the high-quality window blinds should still allow them to operate them perfectly. If this doesn't stop the banging in the wind, replace or cover the cord with some insulation or screw small hooks or rubber tubing. For those that have no pull cords at all, you can usually fit one yourself by threading it through a little hole under one of the sides and then re-attaching it to a batten inside the headrail using a screw or nail. This will take around 5 minutes and can make a huge difference to your lifestyle, especially as they are now cheap.

How can I weigh my blinds down?

This is a very common problem as some people have blinds on their bedroom window furnishings and doors but can't afford anything too heavy to go over them. The weight of the slats being open will be supported by the top rail that runs along the top of all types of blinds. You need to ensure that this is strong enough to hold the weight though otherwise, it could become a safety hazard, especially if you have children. The simplest way around this issue is to attach more battens.

Will weighing my roller blinds down damage them?

There are different types of slats if you have chosen them for your blinds. The most common are PVC, Aluminium, and faux wood. All of them will have slightly different properties, but they are all lightweight, so adding weight should help your house or business on a windy day. The down weight of your slat is very unlikely to damage them. If you are worried about any weight on the blind rails, just try one or two adhesive strips for a few weeks and see how the blinds react.

How do roller blinds work?

The majority of blinds are basically just slats of attaching fabric or wood with special fittings to open and close them. However, roller blinds work in a completely different method making them ideal for room darkening in your home.

The roller blind, as opposed to curtains, is made up of a number of side channels, usually made from plastic, with the slats fitted into the base rail as it slides into this side channel. To open or close the blind, the bottom rail is guided along to roll up or down using a cord. This is a specially designed mechanism that helps stop banging blinds and ensures that the slats remain firmly in place and that there are no exposed metal blinds blowing or rope parts.

Is installing roller blinds difficult?

It really depends on what type of blind you have, such as venetian blinds, as this will change how you need to fit them.

Standard vertical roller blinds

Indoor blinds are operated by a pull cord at both ends. So easy to install these take just a few minutes and can be fitted without needing any tools or other equipment as you free measure your large windows.

Vertical outdoor blinds

Vertical blinds use the same fitting method as their indoor counterparts, apart from the new blinds needing extra protection against the elements. If fitted over the window, open door or ventilation, you will need to provide protection and make sure that the adhesive strip can still be used as normal even on strong wind gusts.

Outdoor roller blinds

These are the most difficult to install and should only be carried out by someone who knows what they are doing and has some experience fitting blinds. The best option is always to hire a professional installer in Australia if at all possible.

What do I need for roller blinds?

You will only really need two things; the first is obvious and that is your blind itself. The second thing you might not think about until it's too late is something called tension spokes. These are just simple plastic pieces that go into each side channel bottom rail and apply pressure to the slats so that they do not fall out of place. They are vital bits of kit which you really don't want to have to drive around looking for, so it's best to order them with your blinds or ask your supplier if they come as part of your order.

How do I maintain roller blinds?

First of all, you might not need to do anything at all. The down weight should keep the blinds in good condition for up to 3 years which is why we recommend only weighing them down during spring and summer when insects are more of a problem. You can prolong the life of your roller blinds by doing the following.

Keeping them clean

Regular dusting and vacuuming will ensure that there is fresh air circulating free from dirt and pollen. If you have pets, then this will become even more important as hairs can quickly get trapped into the material.

Removing cobwebs

These can cause damage to your blind, so it's best to remove them straight away before they start causing problems. Cobwebs accumulate over time, so regular checks are vital.

Checking for tears

This is more important on vertical blinds as they are constantly being opened and closed, but it's worth checking along the edges every now and then to make sure that nothing has snagged or ripped. Tears can also cause damage to your blind so you will need to act fast if you find one.

How do I measure up for roller blinds?

This depends on whether you will fit them indoors or outdoors and what style of blind you want.

Measure the drop

This is how far down you want your blind to go to measure up from the top of your window or door frame to where you would like it to finish.

Measure the width

Now, decide how wide you want your blind to be. You can either just take an inside measurement, or if there is likely to be something in the way, I would recommend measuring this, giving you a bit more room for error.

Measure the height

Decide on the height of your window frames and add another 8cm to this measurement. This is because you need to allow for enough headroom at the bottom of your blind, so there isn't a gap when it is closed. If you want to make sure there is no gap, add 30cm on top and measure down from where you want the blind to finish. The cord itself for roller blinds can pose a serious safety risk. Take a look at this guide to household safety from the Queensland Government.