Whether you choose shutters, blinds or shades for your home, quality window treatments should last for a long time. But, like most other things in your home, they’ll eventually need to be replaced, especially if they no longer match your style.

For years, Louver Shop has specialized in creating durable, long-lasting custom window treatments here in the United States. With the help of our professional design consultants, we make homes like yours beautiful every day, starting with a free consultation.

When your window treatments are wearing out, some signs are more obvious than others. Here are a few clues that yours are needing to be replaced.

Plantation Shutters

While they might seem like a bargain at the time, imported plantation shutters are susceptible to wearing out more quickly. This is due to the fact they’re typically made from lower-quality materials.

At Louver Shop, we use furniture-grade woods and advanced polymer in our custom shutters, which are designed to give you many years of trouble-free performance. They’re guaranteed against some of the most common issues and have a lifetime warranty on moving parts, workmanship and the painted finish.

Here are some of the most common problems that pop up when your plantation shutters are wearing out.

1. Cracking, Peeling or Chipping

Because of their energy efficiency, interior shutters are popular in climates with high heat and humidity. Unfortunately these weather conditions make them more susceptible to issues with their finish, like cracking, peeling or chipping. You want your home to look its best, so once your shutters start doing this, it’s time to replace them.

2. Yellowing

You probably know the ultraviolet rays in sunlight are what’s responsible for giving you a sunburn. They can also cause other damage to your shutters, like yellowing, over time. While it’s possible to refinish your plantation shutters, it’s a long process, especially for wood ones. You’ll have to take them down, strip the paint, carefully repaint them and then reinstall them. Because there’s so many steps, you run the risk of ruining your shutters altogether with streaky paint or poor reinstallation. This compromises your shutters’ aesthetics, not to mention their energy efficiency.

3. Warping or Bending

Good quality plantation shutters should hold their shape over time, even on large windows. When louvers start to warp or bend, it’s time to replace them.

4. Frequent Tightening Due to Sagging

When your shutters’ louvers are loose or sagging, they’ll need frequent tightening or adjusting. This is a time-consuming chore that isn’t necessary when you have premium plantation shutters.

Blinds

Mini blinds are among the most popular styles for window blinds, due to their affordability, versatility and durability. Unfortunately, they don’t last forever, so here are a few signs that yours need to be replaced.

5. Long, Dangling Cords

Older styles of blinds are often controlled by a cord system, which isn’t safe for kids or pets. If these cords are frayed, it’s a sign that the mechanism may be wearing out. Newer custom blinds feature cordless operating systems and can even be controlled by your smartphone.

6. Broken or Bent Louvers

Mini blinds can take on a lot, but sometimes the louvers will break or permanently bend. In this instance, it’s time to replace your blinds. For an updated look that’s just as durable, consider faux wood blinds, which look like wood but can stand up to heat and moisture.

7. Gaps When Closed

Regardless of what style of horizontal blinds you have, the louvers should fit tightly together when closed. If not, it’s time to replace them.

Shades

Shades are a homeowner favorite because they’re easy to use and clean. They’re often made from fabric, which can be susceptible to several issues as it ages. Here’s a few signs that you need to replace your shades.

8. Fading or Discoloration

Like plantation shutters, shades are also susceptible to fading or discoloration from the sun’s UV rays. When the color gets washed out, it’s time to get new shades.

9. Frayed Edges

This is often caused by improper installation. If your shades aren’t sized right or installed wrong, the edges can rub when you pull them up and down. Eventually, these edges will fray, making your shades look unsightly. At Louver Shop, we offer free measurements and professional installation to make sure your custom shades fit just right.

10. Struggles to Raise or Lower

When your shades aren’t raising or lowering like they used to, it’s likely because the operating system is wearing out. When you work with Louver Shop, you’ll get full access to a wide range of operating systems, including cordless and smart automation that moves your shades with a touch of your smartphone.

Start Designing Your New Window Treatments Today

When it’s time to replace your window treatments , trust the design professionals at Louver Shop. We live where you do, so we’re just a call or text away. Our simple process begins with design advice, an estimate and measurements, all at no cost or obligation. Then, we’ll finish the job in just a few weeks with professional installation. To start designing your new window treatments, call us at 888-249-5655 to request your free consultation today!