Installing Window Treatments Safely
When you’re installing your beautiful new window coverings, we want to make sure that you’re careful and staying safe. Did you know that falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury in the U.S.? They cause about 8 million visits to the emergency room every year. June is National Safety Month, and we don’t want you to be in that number!
When you’re installing your window treatments, please start by thoroughly reading the directions. Most of the window treatments at Hirshfield’s are professionally installed, but at times homeowners do the installation themselves. Motorized window treatments should definitely be installed by a professional and that discussion takes place in the beginning stages of a remodel or new build; or during the selection process.
“Warning labels on the lifting mechanisms are an unsightly orange for a reason,” says Shannon Scarrella, manager of Hirshfield’s Shop at Home. “They inform you of the risks of a certain cord or about the dangers that an improper mount can pose.”
Manufacturers provide a recommended bracket amount depending on a particular draperies’ width. For custom rods, Hirshfield’s works with manufacturers to determine the number of brackets that are required per the width of the rod and the weight of the material. Homeowners installing into sheetrock should use anchors before installing the brackets or mount into studs if possible.
Window treatment safety is also a concern after they’re installed. More and more companies offer cordless lifting options for their blinds, but some do still have standard cords. Other cords now have a “breakaway” tassel, which is designed to break when a certain amount of pressure is applied. Cord-loop lifting systems now have safety features as well.
“These systems are in place for child safety,” explains Scarrella. “Even if there aren’t children living in your home now, you may someday sell your house to a family with small children, have children visit or become a family with children. Children are curious and they will try to find out how the window treatments operate—trust me, I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old. I know that I don’t want to have to worry about their safety and window treatments.”
This June, make sure that your window treatments are being installed securely and are safe for children, too. Let’s all avoid the emergency room and stay safe and sound.
Since Frank and Elizabeth Hirshfield opened their first store in 1894, it has been our mission to do the best job possible meeting customer needs and solving customer problems. Hirshfield’s. People and products you can trust.
