{"id":3946,"date":"2025-08-22T09:49:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T09:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/?p=3946"},"modified":"2025-08-22T10:01:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T10:01:31","slug":"roller-blind-gap-fixes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/roller-blind-gap-fixes\/","title":{"rendered":"10 DIY RV Roller Blind Gap Fixes: Block Light, Improve Blackout &#038; More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do your roller blinds not align well with the RV windows, causing \u2018light gaps\u2019 between the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/materials\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fabric<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the frame? These gaps can compromise your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/sheer-rv-shades-privacy-benefits\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">privacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, sun protection, and comfort, by letting in light, heat, dirt and even road noise? We have an easier, quicker gap fixing solution! Read our 10 DIY RV roller blind gap fixes to block light, <a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/features\/blackout\">improve blackout<\/a>, and a lot more!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3401\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3401\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/ELEGANCE_ZEBRA_ROOM_DARKENING_ROLLER_SHADES.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3401 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/ELEGANCE_ZEBRA_ROOM_DARKENING_ROLLER_SHADES.jpg\" alt=\"Elegance Zebra Room Darkening Roller Shades\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/ELEGANCE_ZEBRA_ROOM_DARKENING_ROLLER_SHADES.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/ELEGANCE_ZEBRA_ROOM_DARKENING_ROLLER_SHADES-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3401\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Elegance Zebra Room Darkening Roller Shades<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Causes Gaps in RV Roller Blinds?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mismeasuring the width and height of your mobile home\u2019s window when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ordering new blinds<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making excessive deductions in fabric in inside mounts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not adding 3 to 4 inches of fabric to both width and height when doing an outside mount<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the slats are not properly back-stringed, creating gaps between slats even when closed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blind is unevenly or crookedly cut at the sides.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Misalignment of brackets, above or below 180-degree, prevents one end of the bottom rail from perfectly lying on the RV window sill<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 Quick DIY Gap Fixes for RV Roller Blinds<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3403\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3403\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PLATINUM_RV_ROLLER_SHADES_BLACKOUT.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3403 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PLATINUM_RV_ROLLER_SHADES_BLACKOUT.jpg\" alt=\"Platinum RV Roller Shades Blackout\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PLATINUM_RV_ROLLER_SHADES_BLACKOUT.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PLATINUM_RV_ROLLER_SHADES_BLACKOUT-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3403\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Platinum RV Roller Shades Blackout<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Ensure High-Precision Measurements of the RV Window Dimensions<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow manufacturer\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/measure-rv-windows\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">instructions to measure the RV windows<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for roller blinds to ensure high-precision, gap-free fit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Record values in w x h (width x height) format.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take each measurement thrice and get the average.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Make the Right Deductions \u2013 A Preemptive Measure to Prevent Light Gaps<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When mounting roller blinds or shades inside the RV window recess, you\u2019ll need to make necessary deductions (shortening of the fabric width-wise by 1\/4th or \u00bd of an inch) to allow for operating space on either side. Blinds without proper deductions will cause friction and jamming of the fabric when rolling up or down. On the other hand, extra-deductions will cause light to seep in, around the edges of the blinds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expert Advice<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When buying new <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/shades\/roller-shades\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RV roller shades<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for windows, always ask the seller\u2019s customer care staff to make the right deductions. Only provide them with the accurate width and height measurements, preferably in inches, rounded off to the exact 1\/8th of an inch. Leave the rest on their professional expertise to ensure the perfect fit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Consider Blinds with Oversized Fabric to Prevent Gaps<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outside mounted roller blinds with oversized fabric, adding 3 to 4 inches to each width and height, will allow maximum overlap and better coverage on your RV windows.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Design Tip<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider roller blinds with a space-saving design, i.e., those made from sleek, wrinkle-free, foldless fabrics and a smart, compact hardware. This will help you utilize minimum space in your recreational vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Choose Blackout Fabrics with 99% or More Opacity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fabrics with 99% opacity (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/diamond-rv-solar-shades-1-percent-openness\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">only 1% openness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) will <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/diamond-rv-roller-shades-blackout\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">block nearly all light<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from entering your RV travel trailer. If you go for 100% opacity, the results will be even better. Total darkness. No light penetration, to help create a night-like environment during the day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Make Sure Fabric Touches the Frame or RV Wall When Rolling Up\/Down<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When installing the roller shades for blocking out all light and other benefits, make sure the roller mechanism sits on the brackets closer to the rv wall (outside mount) or window frame (inside mount). This will make the fabric slide closely against the wall when rolling up or down, preventing gaps of even a fraction of a centimeter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Add a Blackout Liner<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light blocking liners are an inexpensive add-on to eliminate light gaps and enhance the \u2018blackout effect\u2019 of an RV roller blind. They are easy to install on an existing window covering.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical Tip<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Re-measure the RV windows when ordering a liner, and make sure it\u2019s larger than the original blind, with additional fabric \u2013 big enough to effectively fill the gaps. A liner can also be a perfect filler for gaps created due to damaged or blocken slats or too loosely woven fabric.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Quick 3-Minute Paper-Taping Method for 1\u201d Gap Fixes<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Cut paper into 3-inch wide stripes, measured to the entire height of the fabric for each side.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Tape the paper strips to the back of the blind, with 2 inches coverable the fabric and remaining 1 inch extending beyond the edges, to fill the light gaps.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: As the paper might be very thin and fragile, use soft cardboard or back of a notebook instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decor Tip<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to retain the decor of your RV roller blinds, use the same-colored paper as blinds. If the same colored paper isn\u2019t available, consider creating a contrast and giving it a hem-like look. You can also make drawings on the paper for a heightened decorative effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8. Apply Sealant Strips \u2013 a More Practical Tight Seal Method<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Made of rubber or foam, sealant strips are a quick and durable way to block light from coming through the sides of your RV\u2019s roller blinds. They can instantly &amp; effectively fill gaps and create a tight seal between the blinds and the window frame.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Apply one side of the adhesive strip to the edge of the roller blind.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Attach the corresponding strip to the outer side of the recess of the RV\u2019s window frame.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Press both the strips together to create a snug, light-blocking seal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: For better results, get specialized vinyl light blocker strips and thoroughly clean both the blind and the window frame before applying them. After application, press the strips firmly to adhere properly and create an effective light blocker.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9. Secure Blinds to Windowsill \u2013 Fill Gaps Due to Flapping of Fabric<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do your RV roller blinds flap in the wind, their bottom letting in light, dirt, and road noise in? Here are two solutions:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solution 1: Select heavier, wind-resistant fabrics when buying new blinds and choose a weighty headrail that sits stable on the window sill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Solution 2: This is a DIY option. Secure the blinds to the RV wall or window sill using anchors, tie-downs, or weights.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10. Install Side Tracks \u2013 a Permanent Solution to Totally Eliminate Gaps in Roller Blinds<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side tracks (slim aluminum channels) are a highly effective and durable option to permanently eliminate light gaps on the edges of blackout RV roller shades. With the fabric edges locked into the tracks, the blinds won\u2019t let any trace of light, wind, dirt, or heat into your mobile home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Design Tip<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure the side tracks are perfectly aligned at 90-degree, so they won\u2019t interfere with the up and down movement of the fabric.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Accurately Install Roller Blinds on RV Windows to Prevent Gaps<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Measure the width &amp; height of your RV window at three different points and use the smallest values for inside mounts and the largest value for outside mounts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Align and install brackets at 180-degree.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Secure brackets with screws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 5: Snap the headrail into place.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 6: Test the window coverings for smooth operation and make adjustments, if needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For detailed instructions, read our easy step-by-step <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/installation-instructions\/rv-cordless-cellular-shades\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">installation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for DIYers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to fill a gap between two blinds?<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Option 1: Install adhesive light blocking strips between two adjoining RV blinds. Strips are narrow fabric or plastic bands that can be attached to the window frame or the blinds themselves.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Option 2: Install center rails between two blinds that are separated 3 to 4 inches from each other. Center rails can be styled to match both the blinds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Option 3: To create a tight, heat- &amp; light-blocking seal between two blinds, use side channels or pelmets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Option 4: If you are looking for a more permanent solution, switch to outside-mounted blinds and overlap the fabrics at least 3 to 4 inches.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you block gaps between blinds?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are your mobile home\u2019s windows so wide that you need to hang two or more blinds to cover each opening? The edges of independently rolling blinds may allow light seepage. We recommend overlapping consecutive blinds by at least 3.5 inches. To prevent the roller tubes of the two blinds from intersecting, you\u2019ll need to use oversized brackets for one of the blinds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to re-tension RV roller shades?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your RV roller shade does not roll up properly, the spring tension might be too loose. Nothing to worry about! You can re-tension your roller shades for speed and stop position in a minute, without taking them down. Follow this simple 3-step process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 1: Locate stop and speed adjustment wheels on either end of the roller mechanism.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 2: Turn the stop wheel to the left or right to adjust the tension to the position where the shade will stop when it is rolled up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step 3: Turn the speed-knob clockwise to make the shade roll up quicker for you. Or go counterclockwise to slow it down.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need More Help?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are ready to further assist with fixing gaps in your RV roller blinds. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/get-help\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> our experts using 24\/7 Live Chat or call (800) 490-5720 or email <\/span><a href=\"mailto:support@rvblinds.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">support@rvblinds.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do your roller blinds not align well with the RV windows, causing \u2018light gaps\u2019 between the fabric and the frame? These gaps can compromise your privacy, sun protection, and comfort, by letting in light, heat, dirt and even road noise? We have an easier, quicker gap fixing solution! Read our 10 DIY RV roller blind &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/roller-blind-gap-fixes\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">10 DIY RV Roller Blind Gap Fixes: Block Light, Improve Blackout &#038; More<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3452,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3946","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3946"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3946\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3949,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3946\/revisions\/3949"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rvblinds.com\/r\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}