Shedding Some Light On Windows!

Four Care Tips For Hardwood Shutters

24 August 2017

Arthur Menard

Hardwood shutters are a feature that is commonly found on homes. These shutters can be an important aesthetic feature of your home, and they can provide you with some practical benefits. When your home has these shutters, you may want to use several basic tips to ensure your shutters are kept in the best possible condition so that they will look great on your home.

Regularly Clean The Shutters

Among the more common tasks that you will have to do for your shutters will be cleaning them. Washing the shutters will remove mold, mildew, algae, and moss that may be growing in the shadows of the shutters. These materials can degrade the hardwood, which can lead to shutter fail or unsightly staining. When washing the shutters, it is important to avoid harsh or acidic cleaning agents due to the damaging effects they can have on the wood. Dish soap can be an excellent alternative to these substances, but you must thoroughly rinse the shutters to avoid leaving a sticky residue that could trap dust and dirt to the wood more quickly.

Ensure They Are Securely Attached To The House

As time passes, the screws that hold the shutters to your home could start to loosen. This loosening can occur from any number of factors such as the vibrations from the wind, opening and closing the shutters or many other causes. Regardless of the reason for the screws loosening, it is important to regularly tighten them to prevent strong storms or other winds from ripping the shutters from the house.

Treat The Shutters For Termites

Termites can be a major problem for any wooden structure. While many homeowners will treat the structurally important parts of the home to prevent termite problems, they may overlook their shutters. However, if termites start to target your hardwood shutters, they can quickly spread to the rest of the house.

Seal Them Against Water Damage

Water damage can be another major problem for hardwood shutters. After many years, theses shutters will likely start to rot if they have not been sealed. Sealing the shutters stops water from soaking into the wood, and this will greatly reduce the risk of rot developing. Prior to sealing your shutters, you should remove the previous layer of paint and thoroughly clean the wood. This will help to ensure that a firm bond forms between the sealant and the wood of the shutter. Depending on the particular sealant you choose, it will be necessary to reapply within a few years.

Check with companies like Snyders Shades & Shutters for more information.

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