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Roller shades have been popular forms of window treatments for many years. People seem to enjoy the style and the elegance that the shades have to offer.

Even if you chose the most beautiful window shades several years ago, you may find that as time passes, the shades begin to show signs of wear. Their fabric may fade in the sun. The control mechanism may stop performing correctly. The fabric can be torn. Each of these can affect your shade’s appearance. Then you find yourself faced with the choice of repair or replacement of the old shade.

One of the main problems that owners of roller shades face is the control mechanism malfunctioning. Shades may not open or may be stuck part way up. Sometimes tightening the springs will make the window shades work better; however, if a shade is stuck trying to correct the problem may end up tearing the fabric forcing you to replace all the shades. Since many of the mechanisms from the older shades are no longer in production, it can be difficult to find parts for repair. Most owners simply choose to replace the old shades with new ones.

Sometimes you may be able to replace the entire mechanical portion of the older shade; however remember that you are still going to have the old material for the shade its self. Sometimes you will pay more for the replacement mechanism than you would pay for the complete new shade. In addition, you may buy the new mechanism and in the process of attaching the old shade material to it find that the material has deteriorated farther than you had thought.

When it is the fabric that is torn or ripped and the mechanism is in good working order, you may want to consider replacing the fabric. Repair of the thin vinyl coated fabrics used in older shades is often not an option. Newer shades use heavier fabric that may give the option of repair if needed. They are a far better choice than the older shades were.

If the wooden hem bar on older window shades was not trimmed correctly, then it may have damaged the paint, window frame or wall from constant friction. The bar can be easily trimmed in order to prevent any further damage. You can use a saw to cut the bar shorter so that the damage does not continue to occur.

While you may be tempted to attempt repairs of roller window shades, you will save time, money and frustration if you simply replace the older shades with newer ones. Shades that are now available will provide far more functionality than older shades that have had attempted repairs.

Remember that it is more economical to replace roller shades than it is to try to repair them. This will save owners money, frustration and time.

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.