Is aluminum blinds easy to install by oneself?

A lot of people who have windows covered with aluminum blinds ask, “Are aluminum blinds easy to install myself?” To this type of setup, the answer is most certainly “yes!' Like all blinds, they have features that allow the user to self install and this is why they make the “perfect” home project. Upgrading the windows for light control or the appearance of the home as a whole are very easy goals to achieve for windows covered with aluminum blinds. In this post, we will show you, step by step, the lessons to learn to install aluminum blinds with ease while providing some of the most common “myths” we hear on this type product.   

Why Aluminum Blinds Are Easy to Self Install

Aluminum blinds are some of the lightest, most durable, easy to install window covers you can find. This is important because, unlike other window covers made of wood, for instance, you will not need assistance to lift and mount the blinds and this will help avoid injury during the install. Most of the time, these covers come with instructions and will have all the necessary holes pre drilled. This will help avoid the need for measurements and thus ease the passage of time and work associated with custom needs. Many of the “modern” styles have been designed to include ways to mount covered by drilling without the need of screws. This is very helpful for people who rent.

The adaptability of aluminum blinds also contributes to their ease of installation. Most window sizes works with the blinds which can also be adjusted to various kinds of windows because of their design. These include single-hung, double-hung, and sliding windows. Whichever room, be it a bedroom, kitchen, or office, the blinds can be installed with the same ease. 

Tools You Will Need 

Tools make any install easier and it is no different for blind installation. Most times, blinds come with their own instructions. Aside from the blinds, make sure to have a drill (or screwdriver if doing it manually) for the blinds, measuring tape, a level, and a pencil. You may also need installed brackets, brackets and screws, or additional screws. In the case of adhesive actually check to make sure the window frame is clean and dry. 

Adhesive no drills blinds can be tricky so check the blind weight limit. Furthermore, having a step stool or ladder is a good idea, especially for taller windows. Be sure the ladder is stable to climb and placed on a flat surface. Stay safe, if you have any step that is confusing, check blind instructions or for a video online.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Measure Your Windows: Start by grabbing a tape measure and carefully noting the width and height of the window frame. When measuring for an inside mount (where the blinds fit within the window frame), measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom, and take the smallest width. For an outside mount (where the blinds extend over the frame), add a few inches (2-3) to the width to ensure full coverage.

Mark the Bracket Positions: With a pencil and level, note where to install the brackets. For inside mounting, the brackets go at the top corners of the window frame. For outside mounting, ensure the brackets are level and evenly spaced on the trim or wall, and wall extension, or window trim.

Install the Brackets: When brackets are secured by screws, Drill at the marked locations to create pilot holes. Attaching these brackets can be done by a screwdriver or drill. For brackets with adhesive strips, peel off the backing and press the brackets against the surface for about thirty seconds.

Attach the Headrail: Slide the headrail of the blinds into the brackets and it should click into the headrail. Once it is secured, and with a gentle pull, ensure it is level by staying sideways and watching for it to level.

Adding a valance is optional: Many aluminum blind sets include a valance meant to obscure the blind headrail. Use the clips or adhesive strips to attach it to the front of the headrail.

To test the blinds: Lower and raise the blinds several times to ensure the mechanism works. Adjust the slats to check if they tilt and lock in the desired position to control the light. If there are any operational issues, check the position of the brackets. If the problem is not resolved, refer the instructions, then the troubleshooting section.

Mistakes to Avoid: The process of putting up aluminum blinds is fairly straightforward, however, there are a few mistakes which are easy to make. The most common involves incorrect measurements which can lead to the blinds being too small or too large for the window. Repeat the measurements to ensure they are accurate. The other common issue is rushing the install work, due to the brackets. Take the time and make sure they are level and secure to the frame, otherwise, the blinds will sag or become misaligned, resulting in uneven brackets.

Problems can also arise from using inadequate tools. An example would be using drill bits that are much bigger than the screws that are used. This could strip the holes and causes more difficulty in bracket securing. If you cannot tell what drill bit size to use, it is best to try a scrap piece of wood just to be safe. Also, be sure not to over-tighten screws. This can cause the brackets to damage or the window frame to break.

Maintenance for Longevity

To ensure that your aluminum blinds look and perform their best, you need to maintain the blinds properly. Dust the blinds frequently using a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment. This will stop dirt and debris from building up on the slats. For deeper cleaning, you can wipe the slats using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. After wiping it, ensure that you dry it to avoid water spots.

The blinds need to be handled gently to avoid bending or damaging the slats. Do not pull the cords too hard. If the cords get tangled, gently untangle them. Do not yank them or the slats could break. Lastly, check the brackets and hardware to make sure they are secure. If they are not, tighten them. This will help in keeping the frame intact.

To wrap things up, putting up aluminum blinds on your windows is a do-it-yourself project that you can do on a budget. They are lightweight, have easy mounting instructions, and multiple ways to mount them so every DIY expert, no matter how advanced, will be able to tackle the project. Just be sure to follow the directions provided and keep the common mistakes to a minimum so you will be able to appreciate your blinds soon. If you have been thinking, “How hard is it to install aluminum blinds by myself?” the answer is, it is not hard at all! Take your tools, read the instructions, and start your project.