3 Common Problems of Patio Doors With Built-in Blinds—And Their Simple Solutions
Don’t enter blindly
Patio doors with built-in blinds are sometimes referred to as integrated blinds.
These blinds, installed between the patio door glass panes, are lowered up and down with an operator.
Integrated blinds can suffer from small, easy-to-repair issues.
Structural issues with the patio doors, broken glass, or something more serious should be addressed by a professional.
There are several good reasons to choose integrated blinds for your home. Since the blinds are enclosed within the patio door’s glass panels, there are no dangling cords—reducing hazards for kids and pets. In addition, the protective glass keeps the blinds free from dust. However, like anything else in your home, integrated blinds can experience issues over time. Learn about the most common problems with built-in patio door blinds and how to address them quickly and effectively.
1. The Operator Isn’t Working
If the built-in blinds on your patio door won’t lower or raise, there is likely an issue with the operator. Usually, this is caused by the magnets on the operator becoming loose.
The Solution
If the operator attached to the blinds moves but isn’t lifting or lowering the blinds, it has likely become disengaged from the magnets. Move the operator along the track until you hear a click, then continue lifting it until you hear a second click. The second click indicates that the operator is not re-engaged.
2. The Blinds Are Stuck
If the blinds are “sticky” on the track, completely stuck, or otherwise difficult to operate, they might need a bit of a warm-up—blinds left in one position can get stuck and need to loosen up to begin working again.
The Solution
Make sure the blinds are fully open, then lower them as quickly as possible. Repeat this until the blinds are operating without issue.
3. The Blinds Are Lopsided
Blinds installed between glass can become uneven at the bottom, just as exterior blinds do.
The Solution
Lift the blinds all the way to the top, then lower them down all the way to the bottom. This often resets their position so they are level again.
When to Call a Pro
Most patio door or blinds issues are minor repairs and easy to manage with DIY fixes as described above, but you might run into something more complex that requires the help of a professional. If your patio door has a malfunctioning tilt mechanism, the glass panes are broken, or the blinds are bent or damaged in some other way, you should call a patio door repair company near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because the built-in blinds are encased in glass, they should not get dusty. You might, however, find that your door’s window panes get dirty. If that is the case and you wish to clean your patio door’s glass, first remove any loose debris with a small vacuum or brush. Next, fill a bucket with warm water and some mild dish soap. Dip a clean rag into the bucket and wet the glass on your patio door. Dry the glass with a clean microfiber cloth.
While tidy and streamlined in appearance, integrated blinds have some drawbacks. For one, they aren’t the most energy-efficient option, so if keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter is a concern, there might be better options. Integrated blinds also have very limited style and design options.
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