Change shutter slats

Changing the slat of a roller shutter is no big deal, and it can also save you a lot of money, as you don't have to buy shutters completely new. You just need to know how to do it at home.

Signs of a broken slat

Before changing a shutter slat, you should first find out whether you need to do so. A sign of this may be that the roller blinds get stuck at a certain heightand can no longer be lowered. This is usually due to a broken slat.

It may also be that there are problems with the roller shutter belt or with the pulley of the winding shaft. In this case, don't worry, because in our blog we have already told you about it. how to fix a blind cord easy and quick.

Replace broken shutter slats

Depending on their material, the folds of the blinds may tend to break more, especially if they are made of plastic (which responds to the why PVC slats are worse than aluminium slats). However, you don't need to be a handyman to fix them. To change the slat of your defective roller shutter, just follow these steps:

Dismantle the blind

To purchase the spare parts and accessories for roller shuttersYou should check what problems yours is giving you. After that:

• Remove the cover of your roller shutter drawer.
• Remove old ropes or fastening straps.These run from the last slat of the blind to the metal shaft.
• Cleans the dirt from each slat to make sure they work properly afterwards. If you see any damaged ones, you will have to replace them.
• Dismantle the roller shutter track. A tip: put the screws in a safe place so they don't get lost.
• Release the old strap from the anchor point.Is it anchored? Then pull it out with a pair of tweezers.
• Check the level and position of the axleThe roller shutter must be straight. If it is uneven, the roller shutter will not roll up correctly.
• Pull the shaft out of the roller shutter drawer.. Wipe it with a soft cloth and remove the band attached to the anchor. Sometimes you will simply find a knot in the band. But, if you want to put a new one on, cut it off.

In this way, you will have dismantled your roller shutter.

Replaces a broken slat

Check where the defective slat is located. to exchange it for a new one. Pull it on one side Do this very carefully!

Once it is completely out, insert a slat of the same size and colour. Make sure it fits in the place of its predecessor.

Wait... Is the broken slat the last one? I mean, is it the one that holds the anchors to the axle? No problem, you just have to remove the support mechanism (suitable parts for the strips or tapes). Mark the position of these new anchors on the new plank, so that they are centred. Use the previous plank as a reference.

Reassemble the blind

Now it is time to put everything in place:

• Replace the blind on the inside of the window.after it has been cleaned and tidied. Spread it out and insert it into the window opening from the drawer in the right position for rolling up.
• Attach the clamping mechanism to the shaft on the last slat.Was it a ribbon? Then put new ones, in the same place on both sides.
• Re-install the new axle in place. and see that it works well.
• Screw the straps to the point on the shaft you marked.. Use two screws, preferably sheet metal screws, to secure the fastening.
• If the anchorage is strapping, reposition them in the correct place on the axle. and the upper slat of the roller shutter.
• If necessary, replace the tape pin at the top.
• Insert the ribbon through the upper grommet.

Check that the shutter goes up and down several times. If not, repeat the process to see where the fault lies.

Appropriate material

If you don't want to changing a slat of your roller shutter If you are a regular user, consider the materials of your product. The most common are aluminium and PVC. Each has its advantages, but if you are on a tight budget, we always recommend the thermal aluminium roller shutters.