Installation and Mounting Problems

I lost my brackets or my brackets are damaged.

We currently sell brackets for Hunter Douglas brand Silhouette shades. This is a new updated style of the bracket and does fit all Silhouette shades Hunter Douglas have ever produced.

My shade is hitting the trim, window handle, or some other obstacle.

You may need to remount your shade further away from the surface that is being hit or rubbed. In some cases, you will need to install plastic bracket spacers or extension brackets to provide additional clearance. If your blind is hitting a window crank, you may need to replace the window crank with a smaller T-handle window crank.

Can I mount my blind inside or outside the window?

Most brackets can be mounted either inside or outside the window. Box brackets can typically be mounted inside, outside, or ceiling mounted. We specify the mounting type each bracket accommodates on its product page under “Additional Information.”

My shade sags in the middle.

Most shades four feet wide and over require one or more center support brackets. They will stabilize the blind and keep it from sagging.

My shade mounted on my door bangs against the door when the door is opened or closed.

Installing hold down brackets will secure the bottom of the blind to the door. You may also need to replace broken or missing bottom rail end caps that have been damaged or lost from the blind hitting the door.

I had new windows installed and now my shades are too wide for my window frame.

You will need to have your shades cut to the proper width. Most local blind repair shops can cuts shades, but we recommend checking with them before taking your shades to them. If you are the original owner, you can try contacting the company you purchased the shades from. Also, you can consider mounting your shades outside the window.

Lifting and Lowering Problems

General Lifting Problems:

When shade rolls up, it is drifting to one side and is fraying the edge of my shade material.

This problem is called “telescoping.” First, check to make sure brackets haven’t come loose from the mounting surface. Check that the brackets are level and even. Sheer shades must be mounted absolutely level to operate correctly. If the brackets are level and tight, adjust the weights in the bottom rail to correct this.

Cord/Chain Loop Lift:

I can’t raise my shade and/or lower my shade all of the way.

There can be multiple problems with this. The first thing to check is the cord or chain loop. Check for signs of wear, fraying, or breakage. If needed, replace the cord loop or bead chain.

If the cord loop is in good condition, it may be the clutch mechanism itself that needs replacement.
This can also be caused by an issue called “telescoping.” First, check to make sure the brackets haven’t come loose from the mounting surface. Check that the brackets are level and even. Sheer shades must be mounted absolutely level to operate correctly. If the brackets are level and tight, adjust the weights in the bottom rail to correct this.

My shade is difficult to raise or goes up unevenly.

Difficulty raising the shade can indicate a problem with the cord or chain loop, clutch, mounting situation, or tension device. First, check the control cord or chain loop. Look for signs of wear, breakage, or tangling. If the loop is in good order, the clutch mechanism may need to be replaced.

Difficulty raising the shade can also be an issue if the shade is slightly larger than the window opening for inside mounted shades. Shades cannot be forced into tight inside mount window openings. If it’s an inside mount, make sure there is clearance between the sides of the shade and the window casement.
When some tension devices are not installed properly, they can make it hard to raise the shade. Be sure that the tensioner is installed according to manufacturer recommendations. For uneven shades, make sure that the brackets are installed evenly.

The cord or chain tension device has climbed up to the headrail.

Tensioners are designed to hold the cord or chain loop down to the wall, trim or window frame. If the tension device comes loose from its mounting location, it may interfere with the proper operation of the shade. Reinstall the tension device according to manufacturer specifications.

My shade is stuck; nothing happens when I pull the cord or chain loop.

Often, this indicates that the clutch mechanism has failed and needs to be replaced. When the clutch is replaced, be sure that it fits into the tube tightly and the splines on the clutch match up with the folds and bends inside the roller tube.

In rare circumstances, the shade could be mounted too tightly. The brackets can be so tight that they do not allow the shade to turn.

My cord or chain loop is broken and/or pulled out of my shade.

If the cord or bead chain loop is broken, it’s time to replace it. If the loop has pulled out the shade, check to see if it is broken or frayed. If so, replace it. If it is not broken, you can reinstall it. If it’s a bead chain loop, you may be able to use a connector to join the ends together.

Cordless Lift:

My shade won’t lift up, stay up, and/or is uneven.

Most problems with operating cordless shades can be resolved by reactivating the cordless tension device. To do this extend the shade until it is fully lowered then raise the blind by pushing up on the middle of the bottom rail. It may take several attempts to reactivate the tension. If this does not resolve your issue, you may need to contact a professional repair service for this issue.

Fabric Problems

Several things can go wrong with the shade fabric. It can tear or become soiled and cleaning won’t work. The edges of the material can fray. Whenever there is an issue with the material, it is time to replace the entire shade. We do not carry shade material at Fix My Blinds or have a referral for replacement material.

Need Replacement Blinds

This page includes affiliate links. If you visit click the below link and make a purchase, we may received a small commision at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we would sell.

If your sheer shade is beyond repair, we recommend Blinds.com for replacements.

Child Safety Concerns

I’m afraid my child or pet will become tangled in the cords on my blinds.

Please visit the Window Covering Safety Council to see the latest recommendations for corded window coverings.