Photo by All Weather Blinds
There are many benefits to installing blinds in your outdoor entertainment area or patio. A few of the more significant positives include enhanced energy efficiency, protection from the elements, and it’s also a cost-effective way to maximise space.
With this in mind, it’s easy to see why installing the outdoor blinds Melbourne residents enjoy has remained trendy. If you’ve recently had your dream blinds installed, you may already be enjoying the space. If this is the case, you may also have found that lighter blinds can bang against the window and door frames. This creates unnecessary noise and is annoying.
Understanding Why Your Roller Blinds Bang in the Wind
Whether or not you live in a windy region, you may have discovered that your blinds are banging even in the lightest breezes. Or this aspect may be one of the factors keeping you from installing blinds in the first place.
Typically, blinds can bang in the wind for any of the following reasons:
- Blinds were improperly secured.
- There are small gaps between the blinds and the window, door, or wall frame.
- The material used is too light for the space’s environmental factors.
- Unsecured blinds are affected by the vacuum effect caused by wind behind the blinds.
Simple Ways to Prevent Banging
Fortunately, several easy tips can help you reduce and even prevent your outdoor blinds from banging in the wind. Our installers have a few expert suggestions.
- Start With Professional Installation
Many of the issues that cause blinds to bang in the wind can be traced back to the original installation process. This includes everything from incorrect measurements (resulting in gaps) to using the incorrect material for the types of blinds needed in a specific space.
In many instances, this could happen when homeowners buy ready-cut blinds rather than having them custom-made to fit the space as snugly as possible. All of these issues can be avoided by opting for professional installation. Experts will assess your space and help you choose a design that not only fits the space but also offers smooth and quiet operation.
- Speak to Your Installer About Hold-Down Clips or Straps
If you live in a particularly windy region, it’s a good idea to speak to your installer about hold-down clips or straps. These are typically fasteners that can be attached to the bottom rail of the blinds and clip onto a window, door frame, or wall.
This will ensure that the blinds are kept in place and significantly reduce potential fabric movement, eliminating banging from the base rods. Many outdoor blinds already have built-in hold-down clips, which emphasises why it’s essential to opt for quality, professionally installed blinds.
- Opt for a Heavier Material
One of the top reasons why outdoor blinds are a popular option is that they can be made from lightweight materials that minimise clutter and add space. However, very lightweight materials can also increase the likelihood of flapping in the wind.
If you’re still in the planning phase of installing your blinds, then it’s a good idea to consider thick and heavy PVC. This is because heavier materials will work better against resisting air currents, eliminating a significant amount of banging. Speak to your installer about the best material options for your space.
- Keep Your Blinds Partially Retracted on Windy Days
If you’re using your outdoor space on a windy day, it’s always a good idea to keep your blinds partially retracted. This will reduce the overall surface area exposed to wind, instantly reducing the potential for moving and subsequent banging. Combining this with hold-down clips will keep your blinds still, even on the windiest of days.
- Choose Options with Weighted Bottoms
Another significant way to reduce any banging or flapping is to have weights added to the bottom of your blinds. This can be in the form of bars or chains that have been sewn into the bottom of the blind’s fabric.
Doing this will provide additional stability and minimise any unwanted flapping. Many professionally installed blinds are already weighted, but you can purchase these separately if you have already installed blinds without them.
- Speak to Your Installer About Guide Wires
You’ll also want to consider adding guide wires. Sometimes referred to as tension cables, they function by holding the blinds stationary. The cables are placed along the blinds’ sides, which keeps them taut.
These additions are remarkably effective with clear, PVC blinds because they enable you to keep the blinds stationary without obstructing the view. Your installer will more than likely recommend using stainless steel, as this is a robust and durable option. It also goes a long way toward countering corrosion and can withstand severe weather.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor blinds have been designed to add convenience and flexibility to any space. Whether you’re installing blinds in your commercial or residential area, be sure to use our tips to keep them noise-free. You can also speak to your installer for the best additions to your blinds to keep them safe and quiet.