• Question:
  Where do we begin?
  • Answer:
    There are several things to keep in mind regarding window blinds. All window treatments are different and have their good points and bad points. There is not a blind that is perfect for every situation. Consider sun exposure, decorative effect, versatility of operation and what your personal tastes are, then call The Blindman and we will help you with these important decisions.
• Question:
  Why Hardwood Shutters instead of Plastic or Particle Board Shutters? Aren't they cheaper? Don't they look just as good? Does Hardwood last as long as Plastic or Particle Board Shutters?
  • Answer:
    Hardwood has been used as a window treatment for hundreds of years, in fact, there are historical Colonial Homes that still have the original Wood Shutters in them.
       Fact: Plastic will never stop curing and will yellow and crack with age and exposure to the suns heat and UV rays. Some plastics will yellow and crack in as little as 3-5 years! We have examples of cracked and yellow shutters that were replaced after just 5 years!
       Fact: Particle Board Shutters are very heavy and don't have the lateral strength of Hardwood Shutters to prevent them from sagging. Particle Board Shutters must be limited to smaller sizes to prevent sagging. Particle Board Shutters are especially vulnerable to moisture! Most windows have moisture around them in the form of condensation that will damage and even destroy Particle Board Shutters.
    When buying shutters Ask about the construction, make up and finish. Quality shutters cost only a little more than Plastic and Particle Board! There is a lifetime of difference.
• Question:
  When considering 2" Horizontal Blinds, should I stick with the proven Hardwood Slats or consider the less expensive Vinyl?
  • Answer:
    Quality 2' Hardwood slats are the proven quality standard. They will last longer and retain their finish and luster longer. They are lighter and are available in natural wood grain finishes. Vinyl 2" slats have come a long way, however, they are still plastic and they will become brittle and yellow with age and exposure to the suns UV rays. Vinyl slats are extremely heavy and will require extra ladder supports for the louvers and will be more difficult to raise and lower because of the weight. The vinyl is much more durable where a blind might be exposed to moisture. They have the same appearance as their wood counterparts and they are less expensive. Many customers install the higher quality 2" wood blinds into their living areas where the larger windows are and utilize the vinyl blinds in bedrooms, utility rooms and garages. We suggest that when you call for an in-home estimate that you compare both products and their prices before making your decisions.
• Question:
  I want to completely blackout a room, which products will do me the best job?
  • Answer:
    Most blinds will not completely black out a room. There will be light seeping around any blind! However, some blinds do a better job than others. Roll up window shades made with vinyl black out material will probably do the best job when used on an outside mount where the materials are mounted on the face of the wall and the materials are an inch or so wider than the window opening. Cellular blinds mounted on the inside of a window frame can be made to fit very closely to the inside frame of the window and will do an excellent job of blacking out a room. A well made Hardwood Shutter will also do an excellent job of closing out the light. Generally, while Horizontal and Vertical blinds will block out the majority of sun light, there are going to be light seeping between each slat and around the perimeter of each blind. If you are a day sleeper, we generally suggest the rollup window shade or cellular blind for room darkening.
• Question:
  Where is the best place to compare textures, colors and various products available?
  • Answer:
    Unquestionably, the best place to compare colors, textures and products is in your home where the blinds are going to be installed. Different lighting angles will change the way colors and textures stand out and your walls and furnishings will also have their effect. To check out the quality of a product, it is a good idea to stop by our factory and see how the products are actually manufactured and what kind of components are used.
• Question:
  Why should I select The Blindman over your competitors?
  • Answer:
    The Blindman operated its own in-house factory with all of the equipment and expertise necessary to manufacture and repair any of the blinds that we manufacture. In addition, we can repair many types and styles of blinds that we don't manufacture as long as those component parts are available. Some blinds are simply not available. Even The Blindman cannot repair a blind when it's broken parts are unavailable.
• Question:
  Some 1" and 2" Horizontal blinds are made with plastic top rails. Why is this and is this a good thing?
  • Answer:
    Blinds that are made with top rails of plastic are made because it is much cheaper and easier to cut the blind down in width in the store. If price is your only consideration then those blinds are probably a thing to consider, however, 1" and 2" blinds with plastic top rails cannot be repaired if damaged or worn out, the top rails will sag and when the top rail sags, the slats will sag also. When they sag that sagging appearance is also seen from the outside. If you are genuinely interested in the appearance of your home and the long term beauty of the products, we strongly suggest ordering custom blinds that are made to fit your windows and made of products that will give you years of long lasting service and beauty and there is nobody ore interested in helping you with that than The Blindman, Inc. Call us at (951) 654-5938 for your FREE In-Home Appointment.