Have bought affordable solar roller shades and want to save more by installing them yourself in your home or office? You can do it! With some simple tools and a few easy DIY steps, you can fix the sun shades on your windows like a professional. However, you need to take special care when measuring your window frame and buying the right type of heat-blocking blinds. A perfect fit will not only ensure a sleek appearance but also enhance the functionalities of your window coverings, such as UV protection, thermal properties, light control, privacy, and automatic operation.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Install Solar Roller Blinds

Installing solar roller shades on your windows yourself can be a cost-effective and entertaining home or office improvement project. With a little preparation and the right materials and tools, you can successfully install your solar blinds and transform the decorative appeal and functionality of your windows. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the step-by-step DIY installation procedure for glare-reducing window treatments.

Step 1: Gather the Required Tools & Materials

Before you start fixing your sun blinds to the windows, gather the necessary tools and materials:

  • A steel measuring tape (to measure window size)
  • Pencil (to record measurements)
  • Drill (to make holes)
  • Screws (to fix brackets)
  • Level tool (to balance the blinds)
  • Mounting brackets (usually included with the package)
  • Headrail (included in the package)
  • The right type of solar roller shades
  • Motorized or smart lift system, if needed (usually included in the package of motorized shades)
  • Cord cleats (optional, for cord lift management)

Step 2: Decide Mounting Type

There are two mounting choices available for solar window coverings, i.e., inside mount and outside mount. An inside mount window treatment is fixed inside the window frame. For this type of mount, you’ll need to make sure that there is enough depth of window frame to accommodate your shades. An outside-mount solar roller shade is installed on the wall around the window frame.

Step 3: Measure Your Window Frame at 3 Points: Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure the perfect fit of your solar roller shades. Start by measuring the width and height (w x h) of each window frame at three different points, i.e., top, middle, and bottom. Depending on your mounting option, you will need to measure the inside of the window frame or the outside of the window trim. 

Note: For an inside mount, record the narrowest measurement as your actual width, and for an outside mount take the largest value as the actual width. For an outside mount, add three inches to each width and height.

Step 4: Select the Right Type of Solar Roller Shades: Consider factors such as UV protection, privacy, light control, insulation, energy efficiency, blackout effect, cordless lift, and visual interest when choosing the right solar blinds for your home. For example, you can go for elite solar shades with a 5% openness factor, which will provide you with a soft, diffused glow of light along with enough UV protection.

Step 3: Prepare for Installation: Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions provided with your solar roller blinds package. Clear the workspace around the windowsill, removing any obstructions. Ensure you have collected your required materials and tools before you begging the process of installation. If you want to create a room-darkening effect, also arrange for a blackout liner and attach it to your solar blinds.

Step 4: Mount the Brackets: Start by marking the placement of mounting brackets on the window frame (for an inside mount) or wall around it (for an outside mount). Use a level tool to ensure the brackets are horizontally well aligned. Use a pencil to mark the holes for screws. Pre-drill the holes to make the installation easier and avoid any ill-fit. Securely fix the mounting brackets using screws and a drill.

Step 5: Attach the Headrail: Take the headrail and slide it into the brackets until it clicks into place. Ensure that the headrail is firmly attached to the mounting brackets.

Step 6: Hang Your Shades: Position the window shades on a flat surface. Unroll them and ensure they are facing the right direction. Attach the shades to the headrail according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Most blinds come with clips or hooks that allow you to secure them to the headrail. Ensure your shades are centered and well-balanced.

Step 7: Install & Adjust Motorized Lift System: Once the solar roller shades are properly installed, mount your motorized or smart lift for automatic operation. A motorized lift is a safe option for homes with young children and pets.

Step 8: Cord Management (Optional): If you choose to install a corded lift mechanism (which is not recommended), install cord cleats to manage the cords. Cord cleats are usually fixed on the side of the window frame.

Step 9: Test Operation: Test the operation of your sunshades by raising, lowering, and adjusting the slats. If there is any issue, you can make re-adjustments.

Step 10: Clean your Shades: After the installation is complete, you should remove any dust, dirt, or debris on the slats of your shades.

Summing up, you can easily install your solar shades yourself by following the above DIY installation tips. With some extra care, you can give your installation a professional look and feel.

Further Assistance

For further assistance with the installation of your solar roller shades, you can contact us using our 24/7 live chat option. Our installation experts will guide you in every possible way.