As the weather gets colder in Boston, homeowners in West Roxbury and surrounding communities are preparing for winter. While it is important to check your heating and insulation, there is one thing many people forget: window blinds.
Double-hung windows are very common in Boston. They look great and work well, but the blinds covering them wear out over time. Often, homeowners do not notice the damage until the winter cold arrives.
Are your double-hung windows ready for the season? Here are five clear signs that you need to replace your blinds before the freezing weather hits.
Sign #1: Warping, Cracking, or Color Fading
Boston weather changes drastically from hot summers to freezing winters. This is hard on your blinds. Lower-quality materials often cannot handle the stress.
Look closely at your blinds on a sunny day. Do you see bent or warped slats? Are there cracks? Has the white color turned yellow? These issues are not just ugly; they are structural problems. Warped blinds create gaps that let cold air in and let warm air out.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, good window treatments help reduce heat loss, but they must be in good condition to work. If your blinds are damaged, they cannot keep your home warm.
Sign #2: Broken or Missing Slats
Even one broken slat can ruin how a blind works. A gap in your blinds is an eyesore, a privacy risk, and a tunnel for cold drafts.
Missing slats are a problem for double-hung windows because these windows are designed to let air flow. If the blind is broken, it cannot block the drafts effectively.
Quick Tip: On a windy day, stand near your window. If you can feel the wind coming through the gaps in your blinds, you have a comfort problem that will get worse as it gets colder.
King Shade & Window Co. is a family-owned business that has served Greater Boston since 1948. We know that replacing blinds before winter helps keep your home temperature consistent.
Sign #3: The Tilt Mechanism Is Broken
Blinds should be easy to use. If the wand won’t turn smoothly or the slats won’t tilt properly, the internal mechanism is likely broken.
If you have invested in high-quality replacement windows, using broken blinds minimizes that investment. If blinds are hard to use, you stop using them. This means you lose the privacy and light control you need.
Common problems include loose brackets and worn tilter mechanisms. While you can sometimes repair them, it is usually better to replace blinds that have multiple mechanical issues. In winter, you need to be able to easily open blinds to let sunlight in and close them tight at night.
Sign #4: The Style Is Outdated
Trends change over time. The blinds that looked good years ago might now look old or clash with your new furniture or paint. Old aluminum blinds can make a newly decorated room look dated.
Modern custom window treatments look better and work better. They offer better privacy, light control, and durability than older models.
Did You Know? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Quality blinds help support your windows in keeping the temperature comfortable.
You look at your windows every day. With 77 years of experience and a satisfaction guarantee, King Shade & Window Co. can help you upgrade your look before your holiday guests arrive.
Sign #5: Moisture Damage and Mold
Condensation is common in Boston winters. When warm air inside hits cold glass, water forms. If this water touches your blinds, it causes damage.
Look for mold spots on fabric blinds, rust on metal blinds, or peeling on wood blinds. This happens often in older Boston homes. If your blinds have water damage, you should replace them with materials that handle moisture better, like faux wood.
It is important to fix the humidity in your home, but you must also remove the damaged blinds to prevent mold from spreading.
Get Your Home Ready for Winter
If you see any of these warning signs, it is time to act. Replacing your blinds before the deep cold arrives will make your winter much more comfortable.
The process is simple: we consult with you, give you a quote, and measure your windows. Accurate measuring is critical because all our window treatments are custom-built to fit your home perfectly.
Ready to upgrade your blinds before winter? Call (617) 323-0600 to speak with King Shade & Window Co., your local experts serving Greater Boston since 1948.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do window blinds usually last?
Quality blinds usually last 7 to 10 years. However, Boston’s humidity and temperature changes can wear them out faster. If your blinds are this old, winter is a good time to replace them.
What is the best material for Boston’s weather?
Faux wood is a great choice because it resists moisture and warping better than real wood. Aluminum is also good for humid areas. The best choice depends on your specific room and style.
Do I have to replace all my blinds at once?
No. You can replace them room by room. Many people start with the coldest rooms or the rooms they use the most.
How long does it take to get custom blinds?
It usually takes two to four weeks to make custom blinds. We recommend ordering in early fall if possible so they are installed before the coldest weather hits.
Are cordless blinds worth the money?
Yes. Cordless blinds are safer for children and pets. They also look cleaner and often last longer because they have fewer moving parts that can break.