Manufacturers are Becoming Safer With Their Window Treatments

As of December 2018, newly manufactured stock window treatments should not use cords or have compact, inaccessible pull cords. Sunburst embraces this decision, 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 these requirements don’t recall used treatments, but, many in Tampa have viewed the regulations as an opportunity to go with a safer option.

 

Why The New Window Treatment Safety Standards?

For over 70 years, cords on window treatments have been determined as one of the Top 5 Hidden Hazards In The Home by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children and infants can get tangled up in the cords, resulting in injury or strangulation, with a report finding that there were almost 17,000 window cord injuries during a fifteen-year period. Independent cord safety products, like cord cleats and locks, tried to solve the problem, but consumers did not use them as manufacturers expected.

What Do The New Requirements Cover?

Every stock (ready-made) window treatment available in stores or online should now be cordless or have inaccessible cords. This includes over 80% of all window treatment products sold in the U.S. and Canada. Custom-made window treatments do not have the same requirements; however, cords can only be 40% the length of the covering and will default to a tilt rod instead of a tilt cord. These standards are only on window treatments made after December 19, 2018, and previously made shades and blinds have not been recalled.

What Are Your Choices Regarding Cordless Window Treatments?

With the new standards, consumers are now pursuing the entire range of safer choices when purchasing or replacing their corded coverings. Luckily, there are many products that are cordless, such as:

• Plantation Shutters: These popular treatments cover the window with thick louvers and usually open by a center tilt-rod. Plantation Shutters can be seen as the sturdiest window treatment and are constructed with either real 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 known for safety.

• Barn Door Window Coverings: Instead of opening up and down with a cord or tilt rod, barn door coverings attach to a track above the window frame and slide horizontally. You can part the panels a tad to have some light peek in, or open them completely apart for a different look.

• Cordless Shades and Blinds: Some window treatments have altered their designs so they can use inaccessible cords that won’t hang loose. Others employ motors, which open and close treatments by remotes or voice commands. Different shades simply raise or lower to their needed position by operating the bottom bar. These treatments are available in different colors, textures, and patterns, and are even available in many semi-translucent options that give you the feel of sheer draperies.
  

Sunburst Can Help You Cut The Cord On Your Window Coverings

If you need to upgrade from corded hazards with a better treatment, your Tampa Sunburst representative is here to help. We can bring you an array of cord-free window treatments, and we can help you find one that looks great in your windows. Schedule your free in-home consultation by calling 813-580-7288 now.