Motorised Blinds

Motorised blinds are more than just ‘suitable’ for Melbourne homes – they’re perfect. They are remarkably convenient to operate, safe for children and pets, and convince wannabe intruders there is someone at home even when there’s not! To top it off, they even help keep your energy bills down! 

Melbourne’s weather is variable, and adjusting your motorised blinds quickly is perfect for maintaining preferred natural lighting and dealing with any unexpected swings in temperature.

With reasonable DIY skills and a few essential tools, installing motorised roller blinds yourself should be relatively easy. However, it does require attention to detail, reading the manual, and paying strict attention to safety when using ladders and power tools. The steps to install motorised blinds for windows are as follows: 

Collect the required materials and tools

• Motorised roller blinds 
• Drill and correctly sized bits
• Screws and suitable wall plugs for your structure
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Spirit level
• Appropriate screwdriver

Measure precisely

• Take precise measurements of the window’s height and width and ensure it matches your motorised blinds. It would be best if you did this before purchasing them, as nothing is more frustrating than finding you have chosen the wrong size for your windows. 
• Use the spirit level and pencil to mark the wall or window frame where the brackets will be mounted. Check your marks and repeat to be sure you have positioned them correctly.
• Install the brackets
• Double-check your marks on the wall and drill holes using the correct bit. 
• Insert wall plugs if required, then attach the brackets and screw them in place.

It is good practice to check your work constantly and step back to assess the alignment by eye in situations where uneven ceilings and other elements can give a false impression. 

Mount the blinds

• Depending on the make and model of your motorised blinds, either snap or screw them into the bracket (as per the manufacturer’s instructions).

Hook up the motor

• You must pay close attention to the manual for this step. Follow the instructions carefully and connect the motor to the blinds.

Set up the smartphone app and remote control

• Modern smartphones are excellent at pairing with external devices and may suggest available ones when you open the app. Follow the instructions, which may direct you to press a button on the motor to confirm the connection. Remote controls vary but should be ready to go when you remove any wrapping from the batteries and have them in range. 

Test the system

• If you are confident everything has been done correctly, test by pressing the appropriate buttons. Ensure the blinds raise and lower smoothly without unpleasant sounds or jerky movements. If in doubt, stop immediately and adjust the settings or alignment.

Although relatively straightforward, this procedure can potentially damage your blinds and motor if you do not have the necessary experience or skills. The team at Meta Blinds are past masters at installing these units, and taking advantage of our excellent installation service is always your best option. 

The beauty of our motorised skylight blinds is that any of the colours, styles, patterns, and textures available in the regular chain blinds are also available as motorised versions. At Meta Blinds, our goal is to provide our clients with maximum choice in all aspects of their indoor and outdoor window dressings, and we never compromise on their quality or variety. 

To ensure your motorised roller blinds in Melbourne run smoothly, remain issue-free, and last as long as possible, clean and maintain them in the following ways:

Cleaning

• Gently remove dust and debris from the motorised blinds with a microfibre cloth, soft-bristled brush, or feather duster.
• Fabric blinds can be vacuumed using a brush attachment to agitate and remove dust.
• If stains appear, use a non-toxic stain-remover/mild detergent on a damp cloth to dab the stain and break down its structure. Avoid saturating the area, as this may cause uneven fabric.

Mechanism and motor maintenance

• Visually inspect and listen to the motor as it operates. Identify any irregularities or symptoms of wear and tear.
• Lightly lubricate moving parts with a manufacturer-approved product.

Regular inspections 

• Periodically check the mounting brackets and associated hardware to ensure they are secure and all screws are tight.
• Misaligned motorised blinds for windows can operate inefficiently and even self-damage if not corrected. Observe and make adjustments as required. 

Professional servicing

• Consider a professional annual inspection and service to ensure all components are in good order and functioning as intended.

Repairs 

• If regular inspections reveal issues you feel incapable of handling, contact a professional for repairs to avoid exacerbating the problem.