ODL Add-On Blinds offer a method for adding blinds to existing doors without requiring full door replacement. These blinds are designed for quick installation over the doorglass in exterior doors, providing a solution for privacy and light control. Installation procedures vary depending on the door frame type—raised or flush—and require minimal tools. The system utilizes spacers and brackets to secure the blind unit, and potential hardware interference can be addressed with minor adjustments.
Understanding Add-On Blind Systems
ODL Add-On Blinds are presented as an alternative to replacing entire doors to gain the benefit of integrated blinds. The product consists of a blind unit designed to attach to the existing doorglass. A key benefit highlighted is the prevention of the blinds from slamming against the door or becoming tangled during use. The system is intended to be a low-maintenance solution for privacy and light control.
Determining Door Frame Compatibility
Prior to installation, it is essential to determine whether the door frame is raised or flush. The installation process differs significantly based on this distinction. The documentation specifically notes that the Add-On Blinds require a raised glass frame for proper attachment. If a door does not have a raised frame, the Add-On Blind system will not be compatible.
Installation Procedure: Raised Frame Doors
For doors with raised frames, the installation process involves the following steps:
- Loosen the corner screws on the existing door frame.
- Install the provided spacers and top brackets, then tighten the screws.
- Hang the blind unit on the top brackets.
- Lock the unit’s two side clips to secure it in place.
It is important to remove red tabs or screws used to secure the blinds during shipping and initial installation before attempting to operate the blinds. These must be removed to allow the blinds to function correctly.
Installation Procedure: Flush Frame Doors
Installation on flush frame doors requires a slightly different approach:
- Level a bracket above the witness line of the frame.
- Drill pilot holes and screw the top bracket into the door.
- Hang the unit on the top bracket.
- Secure the lower corners to the door using the unit’s peel-off adhesive pads.
Addressing Potential Installation Issues
Several potential issues may arise during installation. One common concern is interference between the door hardware and the Add-On Blind unit. If this occurs, the documentation recommends removing the filler strip located on the side of the Add-On Blind frame. This allows the escutcheon plate of the door hardware to slip underneath the frame. If tabs holding the filler strip interfere, they can be clipped off with pliers.
Another potential issue involves lever door handles. If the handle extends over the doorglass frame, it may interfere with the Add-On Blind unit. In such cases, the handle may need to be replaced with one that does not interfere, or a lever door handle extender may be required.
Rarely, the blinds themselves may slip out of the channel. To rectify this, the Add-On Blind unit should be removed from the door. While keeping the unit vertical, the tilt operator should be used to adjust the pitch of the blinds until they slip back into the privacy channels. The unit can then be reinstalled. If the issue persists, contacting customer service is advised.
Controller Operation and Maintenance
The controller for the blinds should slide up and down smoothly. However, raising the blinds may require some additional force. If the controller feels stuck or becomes difficult to adjust, it may indicate that the internal glide pads have fallen off. In this case, contacting customer service is recommended.
Warranty Information
ODL Add-On Blinds for Doors are covered by a 5-year warranty. Warranty claims should be submitted in writing via email or mailed to the address provided:
ODL, Inc. Attn: Warranty Claims 215 East Roosevelt Zeeland, MI 49464
Frequently Asked Questions
The documentation references a frequently asked questions section, though the specific questions and answers are not provided in the source material. It is noted that customers can contact ODL customer service at 1.866.ODL.4YOU (635-4968) for assistance.
Conclusion
ODL Add-On Blinds provide a relatively simple and cost-effective method for adding blinds to existing doors. Successful installation depends on correctly identifying the door frame type (raised or flush) and following the corresponding instructions. Addressing potential hardware interference and understanding the controller operation are also important aspects of the installation process. The 5-year warranty offers additional peace of mind.