How to Easily Fix and Adjust Roller Window Shades

If the shade is too tight or too loose, or if it doesn’t stay in place when you release it, there is usually a problem with the spring or with the pawl-and-ratchet mechanism. Unless the spring is broken, this is easy to fix.

How Roller Shades Work

Roller shades are designed around a hollow tube, which the fabric rolls around. Pull down on the shade and a ratchet in the tube locks them in place. Inside this tube is a spring you can adjust to create proper tension.

Common Problems and Solutions

Shade Won’t Stay Up
If the shade won’t stay up, the spring is too loose. Pull the shade down enough to turn the roller a few times; if it’s extremely loose, pull it down about halfway. Lift the flat-pin end of the roller out of its bracket. Then roll the shade up by hand, keeping it tightly rolled. Set the roller back on the bracket and try the shade again. If it still doesn’t stay up, repeat the procedure.
Shade Snaps Up and is Hard to Pull Down
If the shade snaps up and is hard to pull down, the spring is too tight. With the shade rolled up, lift the flat-pin end of the roller out of its bracket and unroll the shade two or three turns by hand. Replace the roller on the bracket, and test its operation. Adjust it further if necessary.
Shade Won’t Stay Down
If the shade won’t stay down, the pawl-and-ratchet mechanism may need cleaning. Take the shade down and remove the cap at the flat-pin end of the roller. Vacuum out any obvious dust, and clean the mechanism with a soft cloth. Spray silicone lubricant into the mechanism. Replace the metal cap and rehang the shade.
Shade Rolls Up Too Slowly or Too Quickly
When shades roll up faster than normal, sometimes ending with a bang, or the opposite occurs and the shade rolls up too slowly, the tension of the spring in the roller may need adjusting. An over-tightened spring will cause the shade to roll too quickly. If the spring is too loose, the shade will roll slowly.
To loosen the spring, roll the shade up and remove the roller from the brackets that hold it in place. Manually unroll the shade halfway and then place it back into the brackets. Check the tension and repeat the procedure if necessary until the shade is operating normally.
To tighten the spring, pull the shade halfway down and then remove the roller from the brackets. Manually roll up the shade and replace it in the brackets. Repeat until the shade rolls and unrolls normally.
Shade Fabric is Brittle and Cracked
If the tension roller is still working, it’s simply time to replace the shade fabric. Remove the shade from the window brackets. Unroll the shade until you can access the top of the fabric, as it is either adhered or stapled to the roller itself. Remove the old shade fabric by simply pulling it off and then discarding. Replace with new shade fabric of any firm material that is of equal width and length. Upholstery glue will work, but you will need to ensure the fabric is securely attached and the glue is dry before returning to the window. Stapling is also an effective way of replacing the shade, but be certain your staples are flush with the roller. Strong tape is another method.

When to Replace Rather Than Repair

While rollers are usually easy to fix, sometimes they’ve just reached their lifespan. If the tips above don’t solve the problem, it may be time to shop for new ones. Roller window coverings fit any budget and interior design style, coming in clean, classic, solid colors, or fabulous patterns and textures to fill your space with pizzazz.