OLD HOUSE DIYer
Louvers, joints, and rot: how to repair exterior wood shutters.
To save the shutters, tackle loose louvers, detached stiles and failing joints, and rot damage.
Whether functional
or merely decorative, exterior shutters may suffer from peeling paint, joint problems, and decay because they are exposed to the elements. Movable parts such as louvers may break. Do inspect exterior shutters every year and address problems before they progress to the point where the shutters need to be replaced.
Before you begin repairs, prep a work area large enough to lay the shutter down—for example, use two saw horses covered with a plywood tabletop. Then remove the shutter from the window. Have available two clamps at least 12" wider than the width of the shutter.
excess glue off with a damp rag; let dry. Drill a pilot hole through the stile into the rail. Secure the frame with a new screw. Cover with wood putty or a wood plug. Prime; let dry. Paint the entire shutter.
FIX A MOVABLE LOUVER
For damaged pins on louvered shutters, buy a replacement pin kit. The kit will contain a stationary pin, a spring-loaded pin, and staples. With a utility knife, cut the old pin by sliding the knife between the slat and the frame. Pry out the remains of the pins from the slat and the frame. Tap the stationary pin into one end of the slat. Insert the springloaded pin into the stile (not the louver) on the other side. Tilt the end with the stationary pin into the open slot on the frame. The pin will insert into the slot. Then press the spring-loaded pin down with your finger so that the slat can slide along frame and into the slot. The spring will release into the opening on the slat, securing it. In the center of the slat, tap a 3 /8" x ½ " staple along the edge. Connect the staple to the vertical rod via the small hook on the rod.