Blind Solutions

  Believe it or not ... fall is here! The leaves are changing and cooler temperatures will soon have us turning on the heat and pulling out the blankets. It's time to check the heater, clean the gutters and read these Tips on Getting Your Windows Ready for Fall.  1) Check Window Seals Take a good look at the seals around your windows. The summer-time heat can cause drying and cracking of the seals. As the weather cools, these seals will now contract, causing small gaps that will allow the outside air to filter into your home. Make sure to inspect both inside and outside of the window. 2) Inspect Window Coverings Another tip on getting your windows ready for fall is -- inspect your window coverings. Do your blinds/shutters have missing, bent or cracked slats? Are your shades thinning, torn or have holes? All of these conditions compromise the insulation properties of your window coverings. Decreased insulation equates with higher energy costs when it comes to keeping yo

  Blinds have come a long way. In the past, when we thought of blinds, we pictured white, horizontal, metal slats with a pull cord. Today, there are many different styles of blinds using many different fabrics, materials and colors. So, the question remains: With all these choices, what are the most popular blinds and shades?    Vertical Blinds One nice thing about vertical blinds is that they allow for excellent directional light control about the room. They are also great for large windows and doors and are readily available in large sizes. They may come in metal, plastic, and fabric-covered styles. However, on a problematic cleaning scale of 1-10, they hover around an 8. Every slat requires individual cleaning, using the manufacturer's recommended protocols.   Roman Shades Roman Shades are probably the most opulent-looking window treatment. These shades are highly versatile and can enhance any room's decor. They can be more expensive than blinds, depending on the style an

  It was a long winter, but spring has finally arrived! It's time to get out the 'ol mop, bucket and rags and get cleaning. One of the most dreaded items to clean is those dusty blinds. Here are a few tips to help make that task of spring cleaning your blinds a bit easier. Aluminum and Vinyl Blinds Aluminum blinds are the most common type of blinds found in homes today. The good thing is, they are relatively easy to clean. Lower blinds and slightly tilt them downwards. Use mild detergent soap and wipe each blind clean. Take care not to bend them because you will end up with a permanent chink in the blind. Always start from the top and work your way down. Gently wipe them dry. You may consider vacuuming your blinds first to remove the extra dust so the dirt will not smear when you clean them with a wet cloth. Wood Blinds Spring cleaning rule number one is never use water. Water on wood blinds can cause warping over time. A clean, dry, microfiber cloth is best. Tilt the blinds un