better homes and gardens faux wood blinds installation

Inside & Outside Mount Blinds & Window Frames

Blinds can be outside mount or inside mount. The outside mount blinds are mounted on the wall above the window outside the window frame. This type of window mount is preferred if your window casings lack depth. Inside mount blinds are installed inside the casing and cover the length and breadth of the window. They look neat and crisp and are mostly preferred by the people. Inside mount shades or blinds bring the focus on window frames. A window frame may be defined as a window's structural support. There is the head side or the top of the frame, the sill side or bottom and jambs or sides. Window frames are the structures that hold the window glasses together and are fitted into the wall.

Window Frame Material

Window frames can be made of five different materials:
• Metal frames
• Composite frames
• Fiberglass frames
• Vinyl frames
• Wood frames

Metal Window Frames

Metal frames are very common and popular in modern homes. They are lightweight yet strong and extremely low on maintenance. Their biggest advantage is their affordability. They are cheap and a durable window framing solution. The constitution of the frame becomes important when you are trying to install a blind onto it. For different materials, the process of installation of blinds will be different because every material is different with varying levels of hardiness. Trying to follow a similar method for each of them could ruin the frames.

While most of the blinds in the market are manufactured for installation on wooden window frames, they can be fixed on frames made of metal. The main difference is the type of screws used. You need screws that are specifically designed for metals instead of the wood screws that are delivered along with the blinds. Metals are a harder surface as compared to softer materials like wood. Using the right tools paying attention to the little details will help you install your blinds successfully on metal window frames.

How to Install Blinds on Metal Frames

Step 1
Once you receive the blinds package, open and read the installation manual well. This is important to avoid making any mistakes or missing out steps during the installation process.

Step 2
Ensure that you have all tools handy before you start of the installation process. Not getting them in one place could interfere with your work and could distract you. To install the blinds you need a pencil for making markings, and a drill or a screwdriver. But since you are mounting these blinds on a metal frame you must use a drill instead of a screwdriver.

Step 3
The brackets have to be placed over both ends of the blinds. Bring out your shades or blinds and hold them inside the window frame at the exact location where you want to get them installed. While doing this ensure that the blinds don't rub or bump against the windows and see that the brackets do not interfere with the internal mechanisms of the blinds. Mark the edges of the brackets using a pencil. Put away the blind for now.

Step 4
Next, you will measure the top of the pencil markings which you made inside the frame. Double-check to ensure that markings are evenly spaced out from the back and top of the metal window frames. Make another marking here at the point where top and back of the brackets must be from the top and back of the frames.

Step 5
Inside the window frame, hold the bracket and then line the position of the brackets with pencil markings. Mark the position of the screw holes of the brackets as well.

Step 6
Start screwing the bracket into the metal window frame. Make sure that you hold the bracket steadily against the frame along the linings you made with the pencil. Once you have screwed it in three-quarters of the way, start inserting the other screw. All the time make sure that the brackets remain in line with the pencil markings.

Step 7
Repeat the previous step for all the screws in the bracket. Once you are down to the final screw tighten all the screws completely. Repeat these steps for the bracket on the other end. It is preferable to use a drilling machine instead of a screwdriver if you are trying to install the brackets on a metal frame because these are hard materials and it may be difficult to screw it in with a manual screwdriver.

Step 8
Once the brackets are in place get your blinds and place the top rail into the brackets. Snap the blinds all the way into the brackets and while doing this make sure that they make a snug fit.

Step 9
Once your blinds are up it is time to test them. Check that they go up and down the way they should without any hitch. Hook the tilt wand on to the blind and check that they can tilt the slats up and down properly. Once you are assured about their functionality, your task is complete.

Installing blinds on your metal frame windows isn't a tough task. There are a few tips you must follow to make the installation a success. A poorly mounted blind will not work effectively and may also ruin them.