Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb or accordion shades, are a popular choice for window coverings due to their energy-efficient design and sleek appearance. While these shades are generally durable and long-lasting, they may occasionally require repair. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common issues with cellular shades and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.
Common Issues with Cellular Shades
Cellular shades can experience a variety of problems, ranging from uneven bottom rails to noisy operation. Here are some of the most common issues and their causes:
Uneven bottom rail: This issue is often caused by uneven lift cords or “c” clips in the case of continuous cord loop shades.
Frayed cord loop: Continuous cord loop shades may develop frayed cords over time due to regular use.
Noisy operation: Larger shades may experience noise due to the metal strips rubbing against the headrail, which can be fixed by adjusting the plastic component that keeps the strips in place.
Inoperable cord lock: A malfunctioning cord lock may require repair or replacement by the manufacturer.
Creeping or sagging cordless shades: Cordless cellular shades may sag or creep downward due to a loose tension device.
Uneven hang in cordless shades: Similar to standard lift shades, cordless cellular shades can hang unevenly due to uneven tension in the lift cords.
Difficulty lifting cordless shades: Cordless shades may become difficult to lift if the spring tension is lost, which can be reactivated by gently pulling down on the bottom rail.
Rough operation in cordless shades: Friction clips inside the headrail can cause rough operation in cordless cellular shades, which can be resolved by removing the clips.
Repairing Standard Lift Cellular Shades
If your cellular shades are operated by a standard lift cord, the most common issues are uneven bottom rails and frayed cord loops. Here’s how to fix these problems:
Uneven Bottom Rail
Ensure that all lift cords have the same tension and are at the same level.
For continuous cord loop shades, make sure the “c” clips are even to each other and attached to the long rod running from one end of the headrail to the other.
Frayed Cord Loop
Remove the control end cap by lifting the tab on the top of the headrail that locks the cap into place.
Remove the frayed cord loop by gently lifting the cord and turning the mechanism. A screwdriver inserted into the center of the mechanism can help with rotation.
Start the new cord loop into the pulley by placing the cord into one of the teeth of the gear and rotating the cord loop into place.
Replace the control cap.
Repairing Cordless Cellular Shades
Cordless cellular shades are designed to be easy to operate and maintain, but they can still experience issues like creeping, uneven hang, and difficulty lifting. Here’s how to address these problems:
Creeping or Sagging Bottom Rail
Pull the bottom rail of the shade all the way down.
Give the bottom rail a few firm tugs to reset the tension device and stop the sagging or creeping.
Uneven Hang
Pull the blind all the way down until it will not lower any further.
Give the shade a few firm tugs to level the bottom rail and reset the tension device.
Always lift your shade from the middle rather than the sides and avoid lifting too quickly, as this can create slack in the cords.
Difficulty Lifting
Gently pull down on the bottom rail to reactivate the spring.
If the shade has been left in the closed position for an extended period, the spring may need to be reset to function properly.
Rough Operation
Look inside the headrail at the spring motor and check for friction clips.
Remove one or all of the friction clips and check for improved operation.
Remember, always refer to your specific product guide for additional assistance and contact the manufacturer for any issues with the cord lock or other components that require professional repair.
By following these simple steps, you can easily fix most common problems with cellular shades and keep your windows looking their best. Regular maintenance, such as dusting and cleaning, can also help extend the life of your cellular shades and prevent future issues.