Seitz pleated blinds and flyscreens are a popular window covering choice for many homes and offices. Over time, the folding pleated fabric can develop rips and holes from regular wear and tear or accidents. Additionally, flyscreen mesh is prone to rips and tears from pets, kids, weather damage, etc. Thankfully, many of these common issues can be repaired at home without needing to purchase expensive replacement blinds.
This blog by Design Furniture outlines the necessary steps and materials to repair small holes, tears, or broken support wires in your Seitz pleated blinds or flyscreens. With some basic DIY skills and inexpensive repair kits, you know how to repair Seitz pleated blinds and flyscreens prolong the life of your window blinds to avoid costly professional replacement.
Easy Way to Repair Seitz Pleated Blinds and Flyscreens
Assessing the Damage
Start by carefully examining the extent of damage to your Seitz pleated blinds. Gently unfold the pleated fabric to locate any small holes, tears, or broken support wires. For flyscreen mesh, hold the screen up to the light to identify the hole or tear location.
Measure how large the hole or tear is with a metric ruler so you know what strength repair mesh to purchase. Also, assess if any plastic or metal support rods are broken – these will need replacing. Order the necessary Seitz pleated blind repair kits and flyscreen mesh before attempting any repairs.
Cleaning the Blind/Screen
Before commencing repairs, ensure the blind or screen is clean to achieve the best bond with repair adhesives. Use a handheld vacuum to remove dust. Then gently wipe down each pleat using a microfiber cloth, warm water, and a small amount of liquid soap. Rinse off detergent residue. Allow the Seitz blind to fully air dry. Now it’s clean and ready for repair.
Repairing Pleated Blind Tears
For small tears under 2 inches, iron-on adhesive repair tape provides an easy DIY fix. Cut a patch of repair tape slightly larger than the hole. Following the tape instructions, place it over the rear side of the hole and apply heat from a medium-heat clothing iron for 20 seconds. Allow to fully cool and bond. The adhesive will fuse the patch over the hole.
Larger Seitz pleated blind tears may require stitching for a secure hold. You’ll need a sewing awl, upholstery thread, sewing needles, and small fabric scraps to color-match. Carefully hand-stitch a patch over the tear using a ladder stitch or whip stitch technique, tying off neatly on the backside. Take care not to snag or damage neighboring pleat folds when stitching.
How to Replace Broken Support Wires?
Over time, the horizontal support wires in Seitz pleated blinds can snap from continual folding and unfolding. Purchase appropriate diameter replacement wires. Unclip the top plastic support pin from the window frame and slide out the broken wire.
Insert and securely fasten either end of the new wire with wire cutters. Reattach the plastic support and test that the wire holds the pleated folds firmly when extended. Replace any other broken support wires using the same method.
Repairing Fly Screen Panel Tears
Ripped flyscreen mesh lets in annoying insects and reduces privacy. Use fiberglass mesh to permanently patch small tears up to 4 inches. Measure and cut a rectangular mesh patch at least 2 inches wider than the hole on all sides.
Lay the screen panel flat and secure it with painter’s tape. Spread contact adhesive evenly on the mesh hole rear and the patch, allowing it to become touch-dry. Align the patch and press firmly for 1 minute to fuse the surfaces. Seal edges with matching fly screen tape and the repair is complete. Larger holes will require a professional replacement mesh section.
Tips to Preventing Further Blind & Screen Damage
- Handle pleated shades and flyscreens carefully when opening, closing, or cleaning to avoid rips and tears
- Keep Seitz blinds fully raised or lowered when not in use to minimize wear and tear over time
- Discourage pets or children from pawing, pulling, or playing roughly with screens to prevent mesh tears
- Take care when vacuum dusting Seitz blinds and screens to avoid catching and damaging the soft fabric or mesh material
- Check blinds/screens weekly for any developing holes or frays in the material and repair them immediately before getting larger
- Consider adding protective lining along the bottom edge or corners of flyscreens if they will be handled frequently
- Ensure plastic blind control wands are securely fastened and properly aligned to avoid straining the support wires
- Do not attempt to remove stuck blinds forcefully as this can snap internal wires and ruin the pleat folds
- When cleaning, use only mild detergents and low-pressure water streams to prevent damaging the screen mesh
Following these basic precautions for daily use and cleaning can extend the usable life of your pleated blinds and fly screen installations. Carrying out DIY or professional repairs as soon as the damage occurs also avoids more costly replacement.
Conclusion
Repairing small tears, holes, and broken wires on pleated blinds is often cheaper than a full replacement. Follow the instructions carefully if you don’t know how to repair Seitz pleated blinds and flyscreens. With specialty repair kits and a bit of technical skill, you can prolong the usable lifespan of damaged blinds for a budget-friendly solution.
Attempt repairs as soon as you notice an issue to prevent further deterioration over time. And be sure to handle your window screens more carefully going forward to avoid repeat issues. With some simple maintenance, your customized Seitz blinds Dubai can continue enhancing your room’s ambiance for years to come!