Manufacturers are Becoming Safer With Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, all newly manufactured stock window coverings should not use cords or have short, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst welcomes these regulations, as it comes after discussions between the Window Covering Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute, and covers any pre-manufactured window treatments. Please note that that these standards don’t recall already purchased window treatments, but, some people in St. George have used the statement as a chance to replace their unsafe window treatments.

 

Why The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

Since the 1960s, corded window treatments have been included in the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children and infants can get entangled in the cords, leading to injury or strangulation, with a study finding that there were almost 17,000 window cord injuries over a fifteen-year period. Extra cord safety products, like cord wraps and wind-ups, tried to solve the problem, but consumers did not install them as universally as expected.

What Do The New Regulations Cover?

Every stock (ready-made) window treatment available in stores or online needs to now be cord-free or have inaccessible cords. This involves over 80% of all window covering products sold in America and Canada. Made-to-order coverings do not have the same restrictions; however, cords can only be 40% the length of the covering and must default to a tilt rod instead of a tilt cord. These requirements only affect window treatments made after December 19, 2018, and current treatments have not been recalled.

What Are Your Choices Regarding Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new regulations, families are now seeking different cordless options when purchasing or replacing their blinds and shades. Luckily, there are a lot of products that are cordless, such as:

• Plantation Shutters: These family-friendly window treatments cover the window with large louvers and usually open by a center tilt-rod. Plantation Shutters are the most durable window treatment and are manufactured with either solid wood or a faux wood composite that doesn’t warp, crack, splinter, or chip. There has never been a corded plantation shutter, so shutters have always been considered child-safe.

• Barn Door Window Coverings: Instead of opening up and down using a cord or tilt rod, barn door window treatments attach to a track above the window and slide horizontally. You can slide the panels a little to let light through, or slide them to the edge of the track for a different look.

• Cord-free Shades and Blinds: Some shades and blinds have modified their mechanics to employ hidden cords that shouldn’t pose a hazard. Others operate by motors, which open and close treatments via remote control. Different shades open and close to their desired height by operating the bottom bar. These coverings are available in a multitude of colors, textures, and patterns, and has several semi-translucent models that give you the feel of sheer draperies.
  

Let Sunburst Help You Cut The Cord On Your Shades and Blinds

If you want to change out those corded hazards with a more child-friendly treatment, your St. George Sunburst representative is here to help. We can bring you many cord-free choices, and we can help you find one that works best for your rooms. Set up your free in-home consultation by calling 435-485-9332 now.