Installation and Mounting Problems

I lost my brackets or my brackets are damaged.

Brackets for woven wood shades come in a wide variety. It’s best to compare your brackets with those on our website, if possible.

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 shade inside or outside the window?

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

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 cut 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:

Standard Lift:

I can’t raise my shade.

This indicates a problem with the lifting strings. If the string is broken or fraying, it’s time to replace it. We recommend replacing ALL of the lifting cords at the same time for the best results and function of your shade. Determine what thickness of string you need. We have instructions here. You may also need help to find out how much string you will need. If your cord continues to break or fray, it is probably being pulled over a sharp or jagged surface inside the shade. Follow the path of each string and see if it is getting cut by something.

The shade won’t stay up when locked in place.

Usually, this is caused by a failed cord lock or crushed lift cord. To determine if the problem lies with the lock or the cord, do this: Try to raise your shade just a few inches and lock it in place. If it locks, the problem lies with the cord. If it doesn’t lock, the problem lies with the locking mechanism.
Over time, the cord can get crushed where the shade is continuously locked in the same position day after day. You can either replace all of the lifting cords or start locking the shade in a different location.
If the shade won’t stay up at any position, the lock needs to be replaced. Take the shade down and compare your lock to those on our website.

My shade is difficult to raise and/or raises unevenly.

This can be caused by frayed lift cord getting stuck in the sew-on-rings on the back of the shade. Unevenness can be caused by frayed or broken strings. Replacing each of the lifting strings should correct these problems.

I can’t lower my shade all the way.

If the strings are too short for the shade to lower fully and cover the window completely, the only solution is to replace the cord. Unfortunately, there is no way to tie, sew or melt new string to the old string to make them longer. That may work for a short time but isn’t a permanent solution. The string could also be twisted up inside the shade preventing it from lowering all the way. Again, the solution is to replace all of the lifting cords.

My string is broken and/or pulled out of my shades.

If the string is broken, it’s time to replace it. Please following these measuring instructions to select the correct thickness of the string. If the string has pulled out the shade, check to see if it is broken or frayed. If so, replace it. If it is not broken, you may be able to reinsert it. It may have just come untied from the shade.

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 loop.

Even though you use a continuous loop to lift the shade, there are still strings behind or inside the fabric that draws the shade up. Inspect the lifting strings to see if any are tangled or broken. Those strings may need to be replaced.

If all of the strings, cords, and loops are in good condition, it may be the clutch mechanism itself that needs replacement.

My shade is difficult to raise or goes up unevenly.

Difficulty raising the shade can indicate a problem with the continuous 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.

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

If the 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.

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.

Cordless Lift:

My shade won’t lift, 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.

Shade Material Problems.

Several things can go wrong with the shade’s material. 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 window covering. We do not carry shade material at Fix My Blinds or have a referral for replacement material.

Need Replacement Shades?

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If your woven wood 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 roller shades.

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