DIY roller blinds mechanism repair

Roller blinds are a great decoration for any interior. Ease of use and reasonable cost make such a solution available to a wide range of users. Roller blinds do not take up much space, because they are attached to the frame, and when assembled, they significantly save room space. A variety of colors and patterns helps to decorate the interior of the room. The mechanism of roller blinds is characterized by simplicity of the device, and if used correctly, it will last for a long time.

For ease of use, several types of mechanisms for controlling the curtains have been developed.

1. Cassette mechanism. The aluminum cassette is inserted into the guide. This design allows you to close the entire window frame, because fully corresponds to the shape and size of the mechanism on which the blinds are mounted. Mounted most often on the wall. The advantage is that such curtains do not let a single ray of light into the room, and the system is very easy to use. If necessary, it is possible to repair it yourself. Can be installed both on plastic windows and on wooden ones. Such a device will not interfere with fabric curtains fixed on ordinary curtains.

see also: Examples of horizontal cassette blinds

Spring mechanism. Closing and opening of the roll is due to the action of the spring. Installation of such a system is possible only on a surface with a slope, and the service life is usually short. As a rule, manufacturers of such curtains give a guarantee for a certain amount of opening / closing of such curtains, this is due to the unreliability of the device. But they are perfect for installation in rooms where they will rarely be used. Advantages include semi-automatic closing - opening requiring only a slight push from the hand.

Where: 1 - mount, 2 - spring mechanism, 3 - mechanism lock in the pipe, 4 - plug.

Roller blinds are a very convenient solution for creating semi-darkness in a room in the morning or in the evening, as well as for scattering daytime bright sunlight and protecting from them. In the folded state, such curtains are practically invisible, and the lowered canvas does not take up much space.

Installation of the device is not particularly difficult - a structure is attached to the frame, it is fixed with a special durable adhesive base. The whole structure consists of several parts:

• dense fabric - a canvas that protects from the sun's rays;
• the shaft on which the fabric is wound;
• a chain located on the side of the canvas, with the help of which the fabric is folded and fixed;
• side profiles that ensure the desired location of the blinds;
• a plumb line that will help to avoid wrinkles in the canvas and provide it with a smooth surface.

The system is mounted on walls or ceiling, or on a window frame. The simplest option in this case - fastening to the window frame - does not require drilling additional holes for the system, because it has an adhesive base. For mounting on a wall or ceiling, you will need several dowels and self-tapping screws.

The mechanism and the entire system are designed in such a way that it is easy to care for it. Care in this case is required, because this will ensure the safety of your health and the life of the curtains. Timely washing, curtain washing and system lubrication will prolong the roller blind's life.

Basic tips for operating the system:

In decorating a window, perhaps the most important point is the correct selection of a reflective system. A lot of things affect the formation of the interior, this is the color of the curtain design, and their shape, and their direct purpose. Fortunately, today, with a huge selection of materials on the market, you can create any design of blinds that would create a comfortable atmosphere and at the same time please the owner of the room.

With the help of a beautifully designed window opening, the entire inner world of the owner is transmitted, because it is the curtains that are the finishing touch that gives the feeling of comfort and tranquility. With the help of curtains, you can create in a room not only a classic, but also a non-standard exotic interior.

As a rule, a window opening is the first thing that every household member undertakes in order to somehow update their interior. With the help of blinds and roller blinds, you can not only add novelty to the room, but also hide the conspicuous flaws in the architecture of the room, regulate the degree of illumination of the room, and also slightly insulate it.

Today, almost every area is undergoing modernization and changes. In order not to constantly change curtains and blinds, it is best to use roller blinds on your windows. With their help, you can quickly make changes to the overall style of the room.

In addition, curtain repair is relatively straightforward. The canvas, which is glued to the rotating shaft, can be easily removed and replaced, thus giving the room a new look. In principle, any design of blinds involves the use of a single installation system, which allows you to quickly replace them with new designs.

Usually, the repair of curtains affects their control mechanism. The use of curtain rods implies periodic maintenance of moving elements. If the malfunction is associated with a jammed mechanism, then the solution to this problem can sometimes be a simple cleaning and lubrication of the components.

If you find that the brackets have broken, which occurs due to the constant closing / opening of curtains, then such a problem is eliminated, as a rule, on the spot, without dismantling and transporting the entire structure to the workshop. Usually professional installers fix the problem in a fairly short time.

It should be remembered that proper care and careful operation will significantly extend the life of the curtains. To avoid major repairs, you should periodically vacuum the curtains using special nozzles. Fabric curtains can be washed, however the type of fabric used should be considered.

Modern curtains, as a rule, are all impregnated with special compounds that allow them to withstand any pollution and withstand direct sunlight into the room. Do not forget that timely cleaning of curtains and blinds will allow you to maintain a neat pristine appearance for a long time. In addition, modern curtains do not need to be ironed after washing; after drying, they can be immediately hung in place.

Breakage of brackets and control cords (chains) made of plastic are very common. These components cannot be repaired, they can only be replaced with new ones.

Roller blinds are made of fairly durable fabrics. However, they can also be damaged by mechanical damage. If it is minor damage, then they can be easily repaired on the spot. Large tears and cuts will result in the entire blade being replaced. To replace it, you just need to peel off the old fabric from the guide shaft. If you are using a string cornice, the string may sag. This is eliminated quite easily by pulling the string.

Wooden blinds and their curtain rods must be constantly treated with an anti-static liquid. Such preventive measures will help to avoid sticking in the control mechanism.The tensioning mechanism can eliminate any distortions in the fabric.

If you have an automatic control system, then the care of such curtains requires more attention. It is necessary to periodically lubricate all rubbing parts, as well as conduct a technical inspection of the mechanisms and the blade. If the electric drive fails, it is better to call a specialist who can quickly determine the cause of the malfunction and, if possible, make repairs.

Usually minor breakdowns are associated with jamming of moving parts. These problems are quickly rectified by cleaning and lubricating them. But blinds with an electrical mechanism will need to be repaired only in a workshop.

The usual stains on the curtains are removed with an ordinary brush and the use of cleaning agents. The selection of products should be carried out taking into account the selected curtain fabric, however, so that they do not contain chlorine. Severe contamination will have to be machine washed or hand washed.

Since curtains are an integral part of any room, their cleanliness and safety must be treated very carefully. If you periodically monitor their condition, then it will be possible to avoid possible breakdowns. The material from which the curtain is made and the attachment to it also lays its imprint on performance. If durable elements are used in their production, this will contribute to long-term operation.

There are times when the installation was performed correctly, and all the requirements were met, and preventive actions were taken, but still there was a rupture of the canvas. In this case, there is nothing else to do but to give the curtains to a specialized workshop.

Repair of curtains, first of all, depends on the decorative features of fabrics and fastening mechanisms. Conventional sliding curtains generally require minimal maintenance. Usually such curtains are impractical to take for repair. Only fasteners for conventional curtains can be subject to repair procedures.

Roller blinds are more durable, so it will be a shame to throw them away right away. Usually, the repair of roller blinds is associated with the care of the surface of fabrics, as well as with the mechanism for controlling the curtains.

Japanese and Austrian curtains, which imply the movement of the slats only up and to the side, imply repairs, which are associated only with the prevention of control mechanisms. But the use of expensive fabrics in these types of curtains, naturally, requires more maintenance. The service life of the curtains will depend on this.

Roller blinds have only recently begun to gain popularity. Thanks to them, you can decorate any apartment, cottage. But this requires you to understand how these curtains are arranged and how to choose them in accordance with your needs.

The variety of roller blinds allows you to use them everywhere, blending harmoniously into the interior. The comfort created with their help is incomparable with that which ordinary tulle can give. But for most consumers, the roller blind is still little familiar, and this gap must be filled.

Choosing the best option in the store, you need to think not only about how it will look on the window and how well it will protect from glare, but also about its fastening.

Almost always, you will have to hang the curtain on plastic windows, and this can be done in several main ways.

The decision on the method of fastening is made taking into account what the window opening itself is. Ignoring this point can ruin even the most excellent design. Roller blinds are relatively small and easy to use because they use elaborate mechanisms.

They are divided into the following types:

A mini-cassette made of aluminum is inserted inside the guide - there are no special differences from the blinds device.Roller blinds with a spring mechanism should not be confused with automatic ones: after all, they retract or unwind only due to the fact that they are mounted on inclined surfaces. No electric drives are needed, the mini cassette can be fixed on a special adhesive tape that does not leave marks. It is installed very quickly and there is no need to drill anything.

A full-size cassette differs from a miniature one in that the curtain goes completely inside, and in the unfolded state it covers the opening, and not just the glass. The suspended plastic chain provides relatively precise blade guidance.

The automated device is equipped with an electric motor, control automation and remote control facilities.

The spring mechanics, with all the external showiness, is not reliable enough. No wonder the manufacturers give a guarantee only for a certain amount of time. Springs in the house, where children can reach them, wear out and break down especially quickly. To bring the curtain to the required position, it is moved, holding on to the lower edge.

In different models, this function can be implemented in one of three ways:

The handle, mounted in the bar, at the moment of turning, sets in motion the stops of the guides, and the web is wound on the shafts;

A braking ball is provided inside the shaft (to start spinning, the curtain is slowly pulled down half a turn, and to fix it, it is pushed up until a click is heard);

In the course of the curtain, hooks are placed - this option is easy to perform and very reliable.

Spring-operated roller blinds can even be installed on a ceiling, swing-out or dormer window. The angle of its location relative to the floor does not matter. An important nuance: the presence of a ball in the drum requires you to push and lift the canvas very carefully. Excessive effort can disable the sensitive apparatus ahead of time.

A roller blind with a chain mechanism is more practical than others. The fabric is wound onto a reel connected to the drum; a chain made of plastic and a retainer pass through its grooves. One has only to move the chains in the right direction, as the rotation of the drum lowers the matter or raises it. It's simple, and anyone can use such a device.

The negative side of this option is the low reliability of plastic parts: the retainer breaks rather quickly, the material dries up, especially if the sun warms it up. Sooner or later, there comes a point when the chain breaks. But buying spare parts is not difficult. The length of the chain cannot be less than 2/3 of the entire length of the curtains.

In terms of the ratio of reliability and simplicity, the cassette type of mechanism has no analogues. It is possible to block the entire opening, and it does not matter if plastic, wooden or aluminum windows are installed in the house, since they fix the device above them. It is possible to put the cassette on the frame itself, covering it completely from prying eyes.

Compatibility with conventional curtains is also an advantage.

Any type of such mechanism winds or unwinds the web, fixing it in a given position. The axes of rotation are attached both above and below the window, sometimes they move altogether simultaneously with the roll, the outer edge of which is fixed. The fabric can be wound on the shaft either directly (the roll cannot be seen) or in the opposite way (in which the roller blinds go tightly against the glass).

When you need a smooth ride and a secure fit to the attic window (or when airing the usual one), use guides. Flat guides prevent the bottom plank from deviating from the desired path. The disadvantage of this solution is the ability to use them only on flat areas. Where the surface is not ideal, place U-shaped guides with a profile of increased rigidity. Thanks to them, the ends of the matter will close hermetically and allow a minimum of light to pass through.

Fully unfolded magnetic fixation of the bottom slats is a feature of the innovative roller blinds. When partially unfolded, the web is held in place by vertical lines (open or behind the fabric).

The electric motor is only needed under special conditions - in large halls, with a very high ceiling, on a stained-glass window. Then mechanized drives on ropes, controlled remotely, and can reveal all their "talents". In ordinary houses, using them is a waste of money.

The design of the mechanism, as we have already seen, can be very different. And the principle of its operation insignificantly affects the dimensions, much more important is the size of the suspended roll. Since the winding shaft is just a hollow aluminum tube, it is unacceptable for it to bend under the weight of the fabric. The cassette placed at the bottom will help to pull the fabric onto the glass from the bottom up.

Using roller blinds, divided into two rolls, you can leave a gap between them if necessary. Closed control systems (with a box hiding the control elements) are more expensive, but also more reliable. The base material does not deform and the risk of sagging is reduced. We emphasize that no matter what mechanism for lifting the roller blind you choose, it should work without a single sound. Having found the slightest noise, you need to prepare for their repair.

The roller blind fits perfectly into the modern trends of minimalism and simplicity, it will appeal to everyone who loves convenient and comfortable interior details.

Knowing how the mechanisms controlling its work are arranged, you will not make mistakes when choosing them in a store or in a catalog and you will know exactly what is right for you and what types of roller blinds are compatible with a particular window.

You can learn how to install roller blinds yourself from the video below.

Roller blinds are an effective means of regulating natural light in a room. When decorating a room in various types of designs, roller blinds are often used for decoration. Such decor elements are perfect for decorating a room in the style of "modern", "industrial", etc.

It is worth remembering that a decorated window is an important design element that, along with others (finishing the ceiling, walls, floors), makes it possible to significantly increase the comfort in the room, which will help people feel more comfortable in it. Competent design of the window opening allows you to focus on the overall design of the room, emphasizing its uniqueness, and if the window is improperly finished, all other design work on finishing the room can be nullified.

Roller blinds (which can be made with different types of mechanisms) are a minimalist solution, which allows you to emphasize the modesty or manufacturability of the room.

Due to the variety of colors, roller blinds will be a wonderful decoration for your home interior.

And the possibility of attaching them to the frame allows you to significantly save the free space of the room, especially if it is small (for example, in the "Khrushchev"). More details about these types of curtains will be discussed below.

The compactness and convenience of roller blinds becomes possible due to the use of mechanisms of several types.

The following options are worth highlighting here:

1. Mini cassette device. In this case, the fabric is wound on an aluminum cassette that is inserted into the guide. This mechanism is convenient for plastic windows and completely repeats the mechanism on which the blinds are mounted.
2. The second option is to install roller blinds with a spring mechanism. We can say that in this case the curtains can open / close automatically - the spring itself tightens them. However, the installation of such curtains is possible only on an inclined surface.
3. Another, cassette mechanism for roller blinds, allows you to completely hide the curtains when rolled up and, unlike the mini-version, completely closes the window opening, and not just the glass.
4. Another type of mechanism is chain. In this case, the adjustment is carried out using a suspended plastic chain, which allows you to more accurately adjust the lowering / raising of the curtain.
5. The last type of device, which should be discussed separately, is a fully automatic unit. In its design, it has a drive with an electric motor and a programmable relay (or controller), which can be controlled remotely.

Diagram of the mechanism of the roller blind

Below we will briefly describe the advantages and disadvantages of some types of mechanisms.

Spring mechanisms began to be actively used in technology and everyday life in the second half of the 18th century, and even then their main drawback was revealed - low reliability. It is because of the low reliability that there was a partial rejection of the use of springs in technology. So roller blinds with a spring mechanism, although they look more effective when opening / closing, have a relatively short period of active operation (the manufacturer usually gives a guarantee for the number of openings / closings).

It is not recommended to use them in apartments and houses where there are children - they will play mechanisms and quickly render it unusable.

One of the most common and relatively practical mechanisms is the chain mechanism. In fact, in this case, there is a reel on which the curtain itself is wound, connected to the drum. The drum has grooves in which a plastic chain and a retainer fit. The plastic chain itself is thrown over the drum and works on the principle of a chain clock - when the chain is shifted to one side or the other, the drum starts to rotate accordingly, winding or unwinding the curtain.

The chain mechanism is the simplest option for controlling the roller blind.

The disadvantages of this type include the unreliability of plastic parts, especially the retainer, which quickly fails. The chain itself is also unreliable - the plastic dries up very quickly (especially in the sun) and over time the chains break. However, unlike the previous version, in this case it will not be problematic to purchase and independently replace the failed parts.

The most practical is the cassette type of mechanism. It is quite reliable, and also easy to operate, repair and do it yourself. In this case, you can close the entire window opening, regardless of what type of windows is (plastic, wood) - the curtain mechanism is attached to the wall above the window. However, if desired and experienced, it is possible to install them directly on the frame. In this case, it is completely impossible to look outside the window and "spy" what is happening there. In addition, it is possible to completely tighten the window opening, which will prevent sunlight from entering. At the same time, this type of curtain will not interfere with the use of conventional curtains.

You should start making your own roller blinds with a cassette mechanism by taking measurements. For a beginner, you should start making curtains on the window opening, and not on the glass - in this case, it is very difficult to attach the mechanism to the frame.

After the dimensions have been taken, 4-6 cm should be added to the width (for allowances), and about 10-20 cm to the length (excluding allowances). This is necessary to install the mechanism and to select the material of the required width, which will completely close the window opening.

Before starting the installation of roller blinds, it is necessary to measure the window opening

The next stage is the preparation of material and preparation of tools. For manufacturing, you will need fabric (usually 2 types are taken - for the front side and the wrong side), ribbons or ropes for the garter (the length of the garters should be equal to the length of the curtain + 0.5 m).The basis is a wooden block on which the mechanism and the curtains themselves are suspended. In this case, you can purchase a cassette system yourself in specialized stores, where they can be made for a specific size (if the window opening is of a non-standard length). The curtain weight also plays an important role. It can be either a regular piece of reinforcement or a wooden plank. To fasten parts, stock up on small nails and a hammer or furniture stapler. To fasten the base bar to the wall, use a screwdriver / drill and self-tapping screws.

Since the process of making curtains from fabric is quite simple, it will not be considered.

1. To do this, first, you should mark the base bar according to the required dimensions of the mechanism, after which it is immediately attached to the wall.
2. Next, a ready-made cassette mechanism or a self-made one is mounted on it.
3. For DIY, find a pair of bearings, a stainless steel pipe and a round wooden strip.
4. A cut is made in the pipe along the entire length of the pipe to release the curtains (you can use a welding machine or autogenous machine).
5. After that, a curtain is attached to a wooden block of circular cross-section using glue or a stapler.
6. Bearings are put on and fixed on the prepared bar-rod (the bearings must sit tightly inside the pipe).

The final stage - the tape-holders are thrown through the mechanism and the curtain is wound.