Pella windows and doors are known for their quality and innovative features, including their popular between-the-glass blinds. These blinds offer a sleek aesthetic, easy operation, and protection from dust and damage.
However, like any mechanical system, they can occasionally develop quirks that need fixing. Before calling in a professional, consider tackling some of these common issues yourself, potentially saving you time and money.
Common Problems and Solutions
Let’s explore some frequently encountered Pella blind problems along with step-by-step troubleshooting instructions:
Problem 1: Blinds Won’t Raise or Lower
- Culprit: Broken Lift Cord. The internal lift cord is what raises and lowers the blinds. Over time, these cords can wear out or break.
- Solution: Unfortunately, Pella blinds with broken cords cannot be repaired at home. You’ll need to have the entire glass unit replaced by an authorized Pella service provider.
Problem 2: Tilting Mechanism Is Stuck
- Culprit: The internal tilting mechanism might become jammed or misaligned.
- Solutions: Here are two things to try:
- Re-engage the Wand: Open the tilt lock on the side of the window and try re-inserting your tilt wand. If the mechanism is simply misaligned, this might get things working again.
- Gentle Reset: If the tilt wand won’t re-engage, try applying very slight pressure to the bottom of the blind slats themselves as if you were trying to tilt them. You may be able to re-engage the internal tilting mechanism with just a slight nudge. Be careful not to bend or damage the slats with excessive force.
Problem 3: Magnetic Operator is Misaligned or Broken
- Culprit: The magnetic slider on the outside of the window controls the blinds. Misalignment or damage can prevent it from working properly.
- Solutions:
- Check for Obstructions: Ensure there is nothing between the magnet on the outside of the glass and the window frame itself. Even a thin layer of dirt or a misplaced insect screen can create enough space to interfere with the system.
- Inspect for Damage: Check if the magnetic slider or the frame it sits on shows any signs of cracking, warping, or other visible damage. If so, you’ll likely need a part replacement through a Pella service provider.
Problem 4: Slats Won’t Stay Closed
- Culprit: The blind slats might be misaligned or the internal mechanism is malfunctioning.
- Solutions:
- Check for Evenness: Ensure all slats are perfectly horizontal. Sometimes, if a single slat is out of alignment, it can prevent the whole set from closing properly.
- Tilt and Reset: Tilt the slats all the way open, then all the way closed. Sometimes, this resets the internal mechanism, allowing them to close properly again.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any bent, broken, or misaligned slats. If you see visible damage, the entire glass unit will need to be replaced.
Problem 5: Dusty or Foggy Blinds
- Culprit: Broken Seal. Unfortunately, this is a scenario where DIY fixes aren’t an option. The glass unit has lost its airtight seal, allowing moisture or dust to get inside.
- Solution: The entire glass unit will need to be replaced, which is typically covered under Pella’s warranty if the seal failure is due to a manufacturing defect. Contact Pella customer service to initiate the process.
DIY Fix vs. Professional Help
While some issues can potentially be resolved at home, there are times when calling a Pella authorized technician is necessary:
- Warranty Repairs: If your windows are still under warranty, contact Pella to have the issue fixed professionally to maintain the coverage.
- Cord Breakage: Requires full glass unit replacement, which is best handled by a trained professional.
- Internal Damage: If any of the DIY fixes fail to solve the problem, there’s likely damage to the internal blind mechanism that involves replacing the entire glass unit.
Resources for a Smooth Fix
- Pella Website: Offers helpful troubleshooting tips and instructions for common issues on their support pages.
- Owner’s Manual: Refer to your Pella owner’s manual for specific instructions and diagrams relevant to your window model.
- Customer Service: Pella’s customer service team can guide you through troubleshooting steps or assist with scheduling a technician visit.
Final Tips:
- Handle with Care: Always be gentle when handling the magnetic slider or tilt controls. Excessive force can cause damage.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep the magnetic slider and its track clean for smooth operation. A soft cloth will do the job.
Conclusion
By following these troubleshooting tips and knowing when to seek professional help, you can resolve many common Pella between-the-glass blind problems yourself.
This will help you maintain the functionality and pristine appearance of your windows and avoid unnecessary repair costs. Now go forth and master the art of Pella blind repair!