11 Jun DIY Repairs for Indoor Shutters

DIY Repairs for Indoor Shutters

So you have a damaged plantation shutter? Don’t fret, thinking the shutter has to be thrown out and completely replaced. Often, plantation shutters can be easily repaired. Depending on where and when you bought the shutters, they may be under warranty. It’s a good idea check with the retailer or manufacturer before you undertake any repairs. If you do not have any warranty, or you would like to attempt the repair yourself, some repairs are quite simple. Others may require advanced skill, or specialized tools, making the repairs more suited to a professional.

Here are a few of the simpler types of repairs that you may be able to undertake as a homeowner:

Loose or broken hinges or latches

Occasionally, hinges become loose because the screws are loose or stripped out. Try to tighten the screw. If it doesn’t get tight, you likely have a stripped out hole. This is generally fixed by removing the screw, inserting a toothpick or wooden matchstick (without the head) into the hole, and then re-inserting the screw. Sometimes the latches or magnets that hold the shutters closed also become loose or get damaged. Make sure the screws are all tight, or if needed, replace the latches.

Loose louvers

When you move your louvers, you expect them to stay in the position you select. Due to the weight of the tilt rod that is attached to your louvers and the forces of gravity, the natural tendency is for the louvers to rotate downward and to close. To keep this from happening, manufacturers employ various methods of tensioning louvers when they are manufactured. If your louvers will not stay open, first check for the presence of tension screws. If your panel contains tension screws, you will find them recessed on the outside of each stile. By turning these screws clockwise, you pull the louvers closer to the stile. This will causes friction between the louvers and stile, and helps keep the louvers where you want them. If your shutters don’t have a tensioning screw, you can purchase and install a shutter tensioning pin.

Damaged louvers

Louvers that have been damaged can be removed and replaced using simple tools you already have at home. Insert the blade of a utility knife between the louver and stile and the knife sharply with a hammer. This should snap the pin between the louver and the stile. To reinstall a louver, either new or repaired, install a spring loaded shutter repair pin. These pins are inserted into a hole in the end of the louver. They compress enough to allow the louver to be slid back into the frame. Once the pin reaches the hole in the frame, it pops back out and into the hole, locking the louver into place.

Damaged or missing staples

Damaged staples can be pulled out using a pair of needle nose pliers. The staples are replaced by holding them with the same pliers and inserting them in the original holes. If the hole is too loose, put a small dab of gel super glue on each end of the staple before inserting it into the hole.

When the repairs are more extensive than we’ve discussed above, the shutters are difficult to access, or you aren’t comfortable performing the repairs on your own, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional.

We proudly offer a lifetime warranty on all our custom plantation shutters. If you have any questions feel free to reach out or simply fill out the contact form.