As a form of window shades, roller shades can add a large dose of style and taste to just about any window that is in need of a blind. Knowing how to install roller shades, then, can come in handy when the time has come to treat a window — no matter the room in the house — by installing one of several different types of roller shade into the window to not only block light but add style.
Generally speaking, there are three specific kinds of roller shade currently being made; the laminated roller shade, the suntone and the suntier. Of the three, the laminated roller shade is the most expensive. It is also a custom-made shade that features vinyl and cotton joined together through a laminating process. A mid-range model that isn’t extremely expensive is the suntier shade.
Regardless, installing any one of the three is pretty much the same. There are a few tools that are needed, but all are readily available from any hardware store or home improvement store. Assemble them before beginning the project. The first tool needed is a tape measure. Along with a tape measure, grab a pencil and a flat head and Philips head screwdriver, carpenter’s level and a quarter inch hex head.
After the tools have been assembled and made ready, the time will have come to take a look at the hardware that has been provided with each shade and then tried to get an idea of how it will all be fitted together to hang the shade. Common parts for most shades include a clutch, brackets, some sort of cord and the fabric for the shade. Not all shades will have all of the same parts, though.
Keep in mind that the screws that have been provided for the mounting brackets may not be appropriate for the material that the frame is composed of. For instance, if it’s a metal frame you’re going to need sheet metal screws and if it’s made of some sort of stone or concrete you’ll need to use a carbide drill in order to make the mounting holes. Additionally, you’ll need an anchor kit.
The next decision to make will be to decide whether or not the shade will be mounted inside the frame or outside. If it is going to be an inside Mount, make sure that the roller mechanism doesn’t come into contact with the top of the frame. Take care to mount all brackets inside and measure and level them carefully so that they are properly aligned and directly across from one another.
For an outside mount, make sure that the roller shade doesn’t make contact with the top of the window frame when raised or lowered. Make sure that you position the mounting brackets outside of the frame and that the brackets themselves are aligned and level with each other. The shade should move freely between the brackets and allow an additional 1/8 of an inch so that the roller mechanism can freely rotate.
Once the mounting hardware has been installed the only thing that will be left to do is to install the shades themselves. Make sure to go over the instructions for the shades and follow them closely, taking care to avoid over-tightening the rollers when attaching the clutch mechanisms and then mounting everything into the brackets. The window shades can quickly bring some style to just about any window.
Learn how to choose and save on window shades. Stop by Jesita Jerik’s site where you can find out all about roller shades and what they can do for you when saving money is also an issue.
