Broken Window Coverings: Repair or Replace? A Guide for Boulder Homeowners

When your window coverings break, the decision to repair or replace can be challenging. In Boulder, Colorado, where sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and high-altitude conditions impact home interiors, choosing the right solution is essential. Here’s how to assess your options.

Assessing the Damage

Start by evaluating the extent of the issue:

• Minor Issues: Tangled cords, loose hardware, or slight discoloration can often be fixed with simple repairs.
• Major Damage: If slats are broken, mechanisms fail, or warping is extensive, replacement may be the best long-term solution.

Age and Quality Matter

The lifespan of window coverings varies depending on material and daily wear:

• High-Quality Materials: Durable options like real wood or composite shutters can last decades. If damage occurs early, repairs are usually cost-effective.
• Older Coverings: If blinds, shades, or shutters are nearing the end of their lifespan, replacement ensures better functionality and aesthetics.

If your window coverings are 15-20 years old, it might be time to replace them. That’s a pretty good return on investment, particularly considering that window treatments manufactured today are of a better, higher quality.

Energy Efficiency and Modern Features

Older window treatments may lack modern energy-saving features. Upgrading can improve insulation, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures during Boulder’s cold winters and sunny summers—potentially reducing energy bills.

When to Replace Window Coverings

Consider replacement if:

✔️ Repairs are nearly as expensive as new coverings

✔️ The style or color is outdated

✔️ Newer technology, such as motorized blinds or energy-efficient materials, would improve your home’s comfort and improve the energy efficiency in your Boulder home

✔️ Damage is extensive and affects functionality

New Cordless Window Coverings Rules

In the summer of 2024, new cordless window covering rules came into effect in the US. All US manufacturers agreed to no longer sell window coverings with free hanging cords. This includes traditional faux wood blinds and honeycomb shades with free hanging cords.

If your window coverings are in need of a repair to their free hanging cords, some installers may be hesitant to repair the cords because this is a grey area of the law. This is when your broken window coverings may need to be replaced.

Professional Guidance in Boulder: Whether to Repair or Replace Window Treatments

If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your window coverings, consulting a local expert can help. At Bumble Bee Blinds of Boulder, we offer custom window treatments tailored to your needs. From stylish, energy-efficient shades to premium shutters and motorized options, we provide expert advice and professional installation, we are your Boulder window treatment experts.