Why Are My Blinds Bowing? [And How To Prevent It]

You have decided to use window blinds rather than traditional curtains as window coverings. However, you notice that your blinds are sagging and you don't know why and what to do. Don't panic because you're in the right place. We have researched this concern to bring you an answer.

A change in temperature and exposure to a high moisture level causes blinds to bow or sag. Here are some tips to prevent them from doing so:

• Use window tints.
• Have blind treatments.
• Install protective window films.
• Put external window shades.
• Schedule a regular cleaning.

In this post, we will discuss each tip in detail and more. Keep reading as we go through the types of blinds prone to bowing and how to fix them.

What Causes Blinds To Bow

Not only are sagging blinds unappealing, but they are also stressful. Some conditions such as temperature change can cause blinds to bow and lose their original shape.

Putting them in a highly humid place like the bathroom and kitchen is also a factor, so you should consider where to put them. Moreover, the material of the blinds also affects how they sag.

Here are some types of blinds that are prone to sagging:

Natural Wooden Blinds

Natural wooden blinds are hardwood strips with very little or no chemical alterations. Commonly used woods for this type of window blinds include oak wood, basswood, and cherry. They are used in some known durable window coverings because of their better heat retention.

However, how the wood was dried and turned into wooden blinds significantly impacts how well it performs. Natural wood blinds warp pretty noticeably in high-humidity environments. So, you better not use them in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry areas.

Composite Wood Blinds

These blinds use a mixture of synthetic and natural wood materials. They are like natural wooden blinds but cheaper. Composite wooden blinds are also susceptible to warping in specific situations.

Since they are made of synthetic materials, they get sensitive to direct exposure to sunlight and heat which causes them to sag. However, you can freely place them in places like the kitchen and bathroom because their plastic contents make them moisture resistant.

Faux-Wood Blinds

If you want something that looks like real wood but is a lot cheaper, faux-wood blinds are the way to go. They are made from vinyl and PVC materials.

Just like composite wood blinds, they are resistant to moisture but are prone to bowing in high temperatures.

How To Prevent Blinds From Bowing

There are proper methods and safety measures you can do to protect your blinds from bowing. Some of these are:

Use Window Tints

You can reduce the sun's heat if you use window tints. This will make your wooden blinds last longer while preventing UV rays from damaging your decors.

Have Blind Treatments

For your blinds to resist heat and humidity, you can chemically treat them. These treatments are not visible to the naked eye, but will significantly lengthen the lifespan of the blinds.

Install Protective Window Films

Installing protective films on windows will help reduce the damage to the blinds caused by the intense heat of the sun. If you consider doing this, choose a quality window film to retain the quality of your blinds for longer.

Check out this protective window film on Amazon.

Put External Window Shades

External window shades are the best option when talking about reducing the sun's heat. They can be in a form of shutters or awnings. They can also protect your windows and window blinds from getting soaked when it rains.

Check out this awning on Amazon.

Schedule A Regular Cleaning

Using the proper cleaning supplies will prevent liquids from penetrating the interior of your wooden window blinds. Always remove extra moisture from their surface and apply a coat of wood polish on top.

You can check out this post "Why Are My Blinds Turning Black?" to learn more about the proper way of cleaning your window slats.

Check out this wood polish on Amazon.

How Do You Flatten Bent Vertical Blinds?

Aside from its deformed look, bent blinds can also make it difficult for them to effectively block the sun. Do not try to straighten them by hand. Instead, follow these simple instructions on how to flatten bent vertical blinds.

1. The clips holding the blinds in place should be spread out as you extend the blinds. Take out any crooked blinds. You also need to remove four straight, damage-free vanes in addition to the bent ones.
2. Use the hottest water possible to fill your bathtub half- to three-quarters of the way. Use rubber gloves to protect your hand and arms while working.
3. Submerge the bent section in the hot water, holding it in place for about 2 minutes. By doing this, you can sufficiently soften the vinyl to restore the blind's original shape.
4. Remove the blinds from the water and place them quickly in the middle of the four undamaged slats, creating a sandwich.
5. Apply pressure to the blinds with spring-loaded clamps to hold them all together. For best results, make sure they are all precisely lined up.
6. Take out the clamps and slide the blind out of the middle after allowing it to cool for 10 minutes. To straighten all bent slats, repeat the heating, pressing, and cooling procedures on each slat.
7. Before putting the vinyl slats back in the window, dry them with a soft cloth. Test the blinds' functionality by opening and closing them a few times. Repeat the procedure if the slats are still not perfectly straight.

How Long Do Blinds Last?

If you chose to use blinds for your windows, you might wonder how long they would last. Window blinds typically last 7-8 years depending on the sunlight and the moisture penetrating them. However, you can choose to replace them even earlier.

If you fail to change them and they start sagging, they can make your home look unattractive. You can see several signs that it's time to replace your blinds.

One of these is when you notice that they are starting to warp. They also become hard to raise and lower which can be dangerous. Your blinds' cords can become damaged as they get older and start to wear out which makes them a candidate for replacement.

Another sign is the discoloration of slats. If your blinds' color starts to fade or become yellowish, then it may mean that they will not last long. Over-exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration.

Lastly, when the tilt mechanism on the blinds fails, the slats will no longer close firmly or move no matter how many times you turn the tilt wand. Since replacing the mechanism without having to re-cord the entire unit is challenging, it would be preferable to purchase a new set in this situation.

Although window blinds can be repaired, there are times when it's more practical to replace the entire set. Visit a reputable window blind manufacturer to purchase a new and improved unit as soon as you notice any of the abovementioned indicators.

Check out this window blind replacement slat on Amazon.

Conclusion

Window blinds are perfect styling partners for your room. However, they become stressful to you when they start to sag. They are prone to sagging when exposed to high temperatures and moisture. Consider where to place them to avoid overexposure to heat and moisture.

Before you go, be sure to check out these posts that may interest you:

Why Are My Blinds Beeping?

Blinds Are Too Short —What To Do?