Cleaning and Maintaining Raised Panel Exterior Shutters

Quality shutters are an incredible investment for your home. They add incredible value when you are living there and when you need to sell the home. Raised Panel Exterior Shutters will offer protection against burglary, prevent interior spaces from being damaged by strong sun rays and ensure that your privacy is maintained, among other functions.

While buying quality shutters is important, the quality of installation will determine how much value you get from the shutters. This is why experts insist on involving an experienced professional in design and building of shutters for your house. The technician will also help you choose the best material for the purpose you purchase shutters for as well as a material that compliments your house. The shutters are usually customized for your taste and budget.

The long term value from Raised Panel Exterior Shutters depends on how well you maintain them. Even the highest quality shutters will be damaged and rendered useless when not properly maintained. To keep the shutters in great working condition, here are maintenance measures to take.

• Keep the shutters clean- dirt is one of the reasons why shutters jam and refuse to close. This is one of the concerns when home owners call technicians. The problem arises when dirt accumulates on the surface causing the moving parts to jam or other areas to get out of order. The frequency of cleaning your shutters depends on how exposed you are to dirt and especially dust. In a normal situation, you should clean the shutters once in four months. The procedure used is similar to what you would use on your car. Place the shutter in a vented position and spray with water using a hose. Use a sponge to wipe all the areas using soapy water. Rises and allow it to dry.

Wooden shutters require special attention when cleaning. Do not use a substance or material that is abrasive on the surface. Removing the paint coating exposes the under surface to damage by either heat or water. During cleaning, the surface must be completely dried. Failure to dry the surface leaves it at the risk of warping. This will damage the entire shutter and reduce its lifespan. It will increase your repair and maintenance bill.

• Do not use sticky lubricants- avoid using silicon based or sticky substances on the track of your shutter because it attracts and captures dust. Use ordinary lubricants especially those with anti-static substances and qualities. They will deliver excellent results. Spraying small amounts at least once a year will keep the surface running smoothly and freely. However, most shutters will function without lubricants up to ten years.
• Do not hang or leave items on shutters- this causes shutters to sag under the weight and either twist or break. The items may will also limit movement and hinder either the window or shutters from making ordinary movement. Check before closing the shutter since some materials may have been blown by strong wind. Closing them with a lot of force will cause damage even when the debris is the size of a pebble.
• Use your shutters- shutters are like engines, they will get stuck if not used. Open them on regular bases to check their functionality. Failure to use them on regular bases causes the hinges to get stuck as other areas become grumpy. In case something falls on the joints, it will be difficult to remove it if it lies there for too long.
• Regular maintenance- in case any part of your shutter breaks down, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Allowing it to hang while still damaged exposes it to deterioration. If a section of the shutter can be repaired, it will be cost friendly compared to installing a new one. However, if a shutter is too old, a total replacement will save you money and give you an opportunity to improve the aesthetic value of your property.
• Follow instructions on care and maintenance as indicated on the user manual. Shutters bought from reputable manufacturers and distributors will serve you for decades without the need for repair or replacement. Engage a professional cleaner to avoid compromising on the integrity of shutters.

In case you detect something wrong with your Raised Panel Exterior Shutters it is advisable that you contact a professional technician immediately. This will prevent the situation from worsening by extending the damage. Use only the materials and substances recommended for cleaning, based on the material used to construct your shutters. 

Source:https://decorativeshutters.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/cleaning-and-maintaining-raised-panel-exterior-shutters/