Shutters are a great addition to any home because not only do they add unique character, they also have practical applications. If you live somewhere hot, it’s great to be able to leave your windows open but your shutters closed, because that way you allow a breeze into the room while keeping your shade, and also not allowing any insects to come inside.
When a shutter breaks, however, it can be a whole lot less fun!
Here’s what to do if you have a broken shutter.
Louvre pins
If the issue with your shutter is that the louvre pins holding the shutter in place within the frame have become damaged or loose, you’ll be able to tell because the louvre will be looser than it once was and may have come out of place. You may find it easier to carry out shutter repair if you take the shutter off and lay it on a flat surface.
Using a pair of needle-nosed pliers, pull out the damaged pin. Then, insert the wider end of your new pin into the hole to replace it. Depending on the size of your replacement pin, you may need to drill the hole to make it bigger.
As you’re setting the louvre back in place, you’ll need to keep the spring-loaded ends depressed on both pins. You can release them once the louvre is in position.
Rotted wood
If you have rotted wood on either the louvre or the frame, don’t panic! You can usually salvage it. To repair rotted wood you’ll first need to clear out the rotted wood. You can do this using a screwdriver to gently chip away at it. Be careful not to chip too hard and damage the healthy wood underneath.
Once the rotted wood has been removed, paint wood hardener onto the wood. This will help to protect it. Once you’ve done this, you can apply wood filler to fill in the gap. Leave the wood filler to dry properly, and then use sandpaper to smooth it out and make it level with the surrounding wood. Finally, use a primer and then paint.
You should be able to get everything you need to repair rotted wood at your local DIY shop.
Frame repair
If the problem with your shutter is the frame itself, it’s a good idea to contact Tunbridge Wells shutters specialists, Shutters Up. If you aren’t confident repairing shutters yourself, or you would rather leave it to an expert who knows how to work with historic shutters, this can also be a good option.
Over time shutter frames can begin to become loose as a result of being exposed to the weather, particularly if they weren’t painted and sealed well in the first place.
If they have come loose then the frame will need to be repaired, ensuring that any gaps between it and the surrounding wall are well sealed. Then the louvre and shutters themselves will need to be repaired and re-installed as needed.
Image: Unsplash
