Replacing an Old Roof Window Blind: What to Check First

Roof window blinds do wear out. Springs lose tension, fabric fades or marks, side channels get damaged, or you simply want a different colour or a blackout fabric where you had translucent. In most cases replacing the blind is a straightforward job you can do yourself. Here is the order we suggest.

1. Read the code from the window, not the blind

The most reliable source is the identification plate on the window sash. Open the window and look along the top of the sash for the plate showing the window type and size code. Our window code guide shows where each brand puts it, and our VELUX code article goes into detail.

Your old blind may have a label too, often on its top bar. That label can be a helpful clue, but it describes the blind, not necessarily the window. It may have been bought for a different window, or for a window that has since been replaced. Use the window plate as the deciding source.

2. Check the window brand

We supply blinds for VELUX, Fakro, Keylite, Roto and Rooflite roof windows. Make sure you choose the right brand in the shop: VELUX, Fakro, Keylite, Roto or Rooflite. The plate usually shows the brand name or logo.

3. Decide whether to change anything

A replacement is a good moment to reconsider your choices:

• Fabric: if the room was too bright, switch to blackout; if it felt dark, consider translucent. Our fabric guide can help.
• Operation: if the old blind was hard to reach, a solar motorised blind with a remote, or a telescopic pole for a manual blind, may suit better. See manual vs solar.
• Frame: choose brushed aluminium (silver) or white painted aluminium. White is manual only. See silver vs white frames.

4. Remove the old blind carefully

Old blinds are usually held by brackets or clips at the top of the window and by side channels. Exact steps vary by window and blind model, but in general:

• Raise the blind fully so the fabric is rolled up.
• Release the bottom bar from the side channels, if it is held there.
• Unclip or unscrew the side channels.
• Support the roller while you release the top brackets, so the spring does not unwind suddenly.

Keep any brackets that are part of the window itself; some windows have pre-fitted mounting points for blinds. If you are not sure whether a part belongs to the window or the old blind, leave it in place until the new blind arrives and you can compare.

Work from a stable step or platform, and get a second person to help with larger or higher windows.

5. Order and fit the new blind

Choose your fabric, window type and size, operation and frame, and check the estimated delivery date on the product page. Blinds are made to order, so plain blackout manual blinds are usually the quickest, other fabrics take a little longer and solar blinds take longest. Our delivery page has the details.

When the blind arrives, our installation videos walk through fitting manual and solar blinds. Most people find the job takes far less time than they expected.

If something does not look right

If the code on the window does not match any option in the shop, or the window plate is missing, do not order the nearest match. Contact us with photos of the plate and the window. Because blinds are made to order for a specific window, our terms explain that an incorrect code or configuration is not normally a reason for a change-of-mind return, so it is worth confirming first. Your statutory rights for faulty goods are not affected.