Plantation shutters are a great window covering for homes, as they look beautiful and let in more light than other types of windows. But over time, they may need repairs. If so, you can try to do the work yourself or hire a professional repairperson to handle it for you.
If a shutter is damaged, it’s a good idea to get it repaired before the damage gets worse. This can save you money in the long run, as you’ll be able to keep your home looking its best without having to replace your entire window treatment.
Aside from the obvious issues like broken louvers or a loose frame, there are many other shutter problems that might need repairs. For instance, if the hinges are not adjusting properly, they can become unusable.
Occasionally, the screws in the hinges can become stripped out, causing them to come loose. This is generally fixed by inserting a toothpick or matchstick into the hole and then re-inserting the screw.
Another issue with Shutter Repairs Manchester is if the wood inside the shutter begins to rot. This can happen because of exposure to the elements or if it becomes cracked or chipped from impact damage.
The first step in fixing an exterior wood shutter is to remove the rotten parts and replace them with new pieces. This can be done using a chisel or a putty knife. You can also mix a small amount of two-part auto body filler, available at auto supply stores, and fill the damaged shutter with it. Then sand the surface to smooth it out and allow the filler to set.
If the joints in the shutter frames are damaged, you can fix this by dampening the joint and applying a polyurethane glue to it. Be sure to only glue the joint, not the slots for the louvers. Once the glue is dry, clamp the frame together and check that the louvers are properly positioned.
You can also fix a shutter by replacing the shutter pintles that hold the louvers in place. These are the horizontal pieces of wood that form the major part of your shutter panel and provide it with its structural support.
Installing new shutter pintles requires drilling a pilot hole through the stile and into the shutter rail, then inserting a corrosion-resistant screw through the hole into the frame to secure it. Then cover the screw head with wood putty or a wooden plug to protect it from water.
Once the pintles are in place, you can reattach the shutters by slipping the hinges onto the top and bottom pintles. This is a more complex process than simply replacing the louvers, but you can take your time and do it yourself or hire a repairperson to do it for you.
Shutters are a great way to add value and style to your home, so it’s important to maintain them well. The most common maintenance tasks include keeping them free of dirt and dust, cleaning the slats regularly, and repairing any dings or scratches they get.