Troubleshooting Common Problems with Australian Shutters

Shutters are a popular window covering choice in Australian homes. Made from materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite, shutters add style, privacy, light control and security to windows.

While shutters are generally durable and low maintenance, problems can sometimes arise. Understanding common shutter issues allows homeowners to troubleshoot minor problems or know when to call a professional. This guide covers tips for troubleshooting some typical shutter problems in Australian homes.

Hanging Shutters Become Misaligned

It’s not unusual for hinged shutters to get out of alignment over time. Factors like wall movement, expansion and contraction of shutter materials, or stress from opening and closing can cause one or more shutters to hang crooked. Here are some troubleshooting tips for realigning shutters:

Inspect the shutter hardware. Look for loose screws, damaged hinges, or wear around screw holes. Tightening hardware or replacing loose parts may realign the shutters.
Check for obstructions. Built up paint, caulk, or other material around the window trim can sometimes throw shutters off. Carefully scraping or trimming obstructions can help.
Adjust individual shutters. Most shutters have adjustable hinge plates to tweak alignment. Make minor adjustments to bring a crooked shutter back into line.
Use shims if needed. Small plastic or wood shims placed behind hinges can help fine-tune shutter alignment.
Consider resetting the shutters. For extensive misalignment problems, completely removing the shutters and resetting them from scratch may be needed.

Following a methodical process of inspection, adjustment and realignment can often get shutters hanging straight again. Severe cases may require removing and reinstalling the shutters.

Shutters Won’t Stay Closed

There are few things more annoying than shutters that constantly pop open on their own. Several issues can cause this problem:

Examine the latch mechanism. If a shutter’s latch is damaged or doesn’t engage securely, the shutter can easily vibrate open. Try adjusting the latch plate or replace broken parts.
Check hinge tightness. Hinges that are loose can allow shutters to twist or move enough to pop open slightly. Tighten any loose hinge screws.
Add magnets. Small magnetic catches, often included with shutters originally, can help keep them closed. If missing, these can be purchased and added.
Adjust for alignment. Shutters that are significantly misaligned are more apt to drift open. Realigning per above tips may help.
Consider adding shutter pins. For very lightweight shutters, small pins that fit into pre-drilled holes can keep pairs closed.
Check for wind or vibration issues. Breezy or shaking conditions like nearby traffic may simply be overpowering the shutters. Heavier duty catches or closures may be needed.

Start by inspecting the shutters when closed to see exactly where movement occurs. Simple realignment or replacing broken parts is the first step. If the problem persists, extra measures like magnets, pins or other accessories can provide a solution.

Shutters Won’t Stay Open

Shutters that constantly fall closed on their own can also be a nuisance. Some areas to check include:

Inspect the arms. Many shutters have arms that are designed to hold the panels open. Make sure these aren’t missing, loose, or broken.
Check the hinge pins. Roll-formed hinge pins can become misshapen over time and may need to be replaced.
Examine panel weight. Heavy shutters, especially on a vertical surface, may simply be too heavy for the arms. Consider lighter panels.
Add hold-open accessories. Clip-on or slide-on hold open brackets can be purchased. These brace the panels open.
Adjust the arms. Arms may need slight bending or reshaping to increase tension. Take care not to bend too much.
Consider extra panels. Dividing a large shutter into two smaller ones reduces the panel weight.

For shutters that won’t stay open, carefully inspect all the moving parts and hardware. A minor adjustment or replacing a damaged part may provide a simple fix. If not, adding an accessory or reducing the panel size could help.

Shutters Develop Condensation Between Panels

Vinyl, aluminum and other non-wood shutters sometimes end up with condensation trapped between the shutter panels. This happens when humidity becomes trapped within the hollow shutter frames. To help avoid condensation problems:

Improve room ventilation. Running a dehumidifier or improving airflow can reduce indoor humidity levels.
Consider cored vinyl shutters. These have a foam core that prevents humidity buildup inside.
Install breathing strips. Adhesive foam strips allow airflow and ventilation within the shutter.
Use anti-condensation spray. Special coatings help prevent condensation from forming on the shutter surfaces.

For existing condensation, the only solution is to disassemble the shutters and thoroughly dry out the insides. Leaving shutters off over the summer can also allow trapped moisture to evaporate. Taking steps to address indoor humidity levels is key for prevention.

Vinyl Shutters Become Brittle or Deform

With time and exposure to sun, heat and cold, vinyl shutters can become brittle, crack or warp. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Keep shutters clean. Dirt on the surface can act like a magnifying glass and accelerate sun damage.
Consider shutter treatments. UV-resistant vinyl coatings help protect from sun exposure and prevent deformation.
Replace with composite shutters. Molded composite shutters resist cracking or deforming better than vinyl over time.
Improve ventilation. Allow space between shutters and wall so air can flow to cool the panels.
Limit sun exposure. On hot walls, install wide trim or awnings above the shutters to provide shade.
Replace deformed shutters. Badly deformed or cracked vinyl shutters will likely need complete replacement.

While vinyl shutters are prone to sun damage, taking steps to keep them clean and cool can help avoid premature cracking or warping. Using composite or treated vinyl shutters also improves durability.

Wood Shutters Warp or Crack Over Time

Wood shutters are susceptible to cracking and warping with age due to moisture, sun exposure and temperature swings. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Keep wood shutters painted. Unpainted cedar and redwood are especially prone to cracking. Paint helps seal and protect the wood.
Improve ventilation. Allow space between shutters and wall so air can circulate behind.
Control humidity indoors. Dampness from high humidity can damage wood shutters over time.
Add weatherstripping. Felt or vinyl strips will help seal out moisture where panels join.
Replace damaged sections. Individual warped or cracked louvers or panels can sometimes be replaced without replacing entire shutters.
Consider composite shutters. Molded composite shutters match the look of wood but resist cracking and warping better.

With proper installation that allows airflow and regular repainting, wood can provide durable shutters lasting 30 years or longer. Keeping the indoor environment humidity-controlled also helps maintain wood shutters.

Shutters Develop a Chalky Appearance Over Time

Some shutter materials like vinyl, aluminum and painted wood can develop a chalky, faded surface after extended exposure to sun and the elements. Some ways to improve this include:

Clean thoroughly. Use house cleaner and a soft brush to remove chalky residue.
Apply shutter sealer. Clear vinyl coatings help protect and renew the surface.
Replace faded panels. For vinyl or aluminum, replacing only the most faded sections may be possible.
Prep and repaint. For wood or painted composites, proper prep and repainting can refresh the finish.
Consider new panel material. Switching to a more fade-resistant material like composite may be warranted.

Chalking or fading is largely an aesthetic issue rather than a functional problem. Keeping shutters clean and maintaining or renewing the surface finish will keep shutters looking their best long-term.

Holes Develop in Paneling from Shutter Hardware

The constant opening and closing of shutters can eventually cause screw holes or hardware to loosen up and damage the surrounding material. Here are some tips to help avoid this:

Check for loose hardware. Any loose screws or hinge plates should be tightened or reinforced to prevent movement.
Realign to reduce stress. If shutters are significantly misaligned, the extra stress of opening them can enlarge screw holes.
Use threaded inserts. For vinyl or composite shutters, install threaded inserts in the screw holes to reinforce attachment.
Refasten with longer screws. Attach loose hardware using longer screws that engage fresh material.
Patch holes. Holes that enlarge can be filled with vinyl patch compound or wooden dowels.
Replace damaged panels. Badly cracked or splintered areas around hardware may need a full panel replacement.

With periodic inspection and tightening of the hardware, enlargement of screw holes can be minimized. Additional fastening methods like inserts or longer screws can also slow down hole enlargement over time.

Shutters Develop Mold, Mildew or Algae Growth

In humid climates or shaded exposure, shutters can sometimes accumulate mold, mildew or green algae growth over time. To discourage this:

Improve airflow. Allow space between shutters and wall for ventilation to keep them drier.
Use treated lumber. Choose cedar, redwood or treated wood that resists fungal growth. Avoid pine.
Apply biocidal coatings. Clear coatings containing zinc oxide or copper compounds inhibit fungal growth.
Keep drainage gaps. Weep holes at the panel bottom allow moisture to escape. Don’t caulk these fully.
Use light colors. Light colored paints and stains make mold less visible if it does form.
Clean regularly. Gently scrub off any accumulated growth using diluted bleach or other fungicidal cleaners.

Good moisture control and cleaning are key to preventing extensive fungal growth on exterior shutters. Proper materials selection and coatings can also inhibit the formation of mold, mildew and algae.

Shutters Clatter, Bang or Vibrate in Windy Conditions

Noisy shutter operation during windy weather is a common problem. Options to quiet wind-blown shutters include:

Adjust hardware tightness. Loose hinges and shutter dogs can allow the panels to twist or whistle.
Add spacers or buffers. Plastic tabs, corner beads or adhesive weatherstripping will dampen vibration.
Use dual latches. Having a latch at both the top and bottom helps secure panels.
Check for wind catch points. Overhanging panels or incomplete closure can catch wind. Trim or realign.
Consider magnetic closures. Magnets along the edges help seal panels.
Increase panel weight. Heavier shutters using thicker wood, deeper frames or glass inserts reduce vibration.
Add shutter pins. Pins inserted in pre-drilled holes keep shutters tightly closed in wind.

Careful adjustment and securing of shutters will reduce annoying wind noise. Heavy-duty or weighted shutters also resist vibration and clatter in breezy conditions. Using sound-dampening materials as buffers is another good option.

Shutters Loose Their Adjustability Over Time

Many shutters feature adjustable hinges or panels so light gaps can be minimized as conditions change. But over many years hinges and hardware can seize up and lose this adjustability. Here are some maintenance tips:

Keep hinges lubricated. A light oil or spray lube on hinges maintains movement.
Loosen seized adjustment screws. Penetrating oil around frozen screws allows access.
Replace damaged hardware. Hinge pins and adjustment plates do wear out eventually.
Upgrade old fixed-pin hinges. Many can be retrofitted with adjustable screw plates.
Add shim spacers. If keeping gaps even is difficult, small shims can help fill gaps.
Consider new adjustable shutters. Today’s hardware offers smoother and easier adjustability.

With periodic cleaning and lubrication, shutter adjustability can be maintained for many years. But upgrading to newer adjustable hardware is recommended if keeping gaps even becomes a constant struggle.

Shutters or Hardware Show Signs of Rust

Coastal conditions or moisture getting behind shutters can lead to rusting of iron shutter hardware and fasteners. Here are some ways to deal with shutter rust:

Improve airflow. Allow space between shutters and wall so air circulates to keep hardware dry.
Use stainless steel hardware. Unlike iron, stainless steel resists coastal salt corrosion and rust.
Paint iron parts. Rust inhibitor primer topped with glossy paint will protect iron components.
Lubricate moving parts. Wipe a corrosion inhibitor penetrating oil on hinges pins and adjustment screws.
Replace badly rusted items. Heavily corroded shutter dogs, hinges or fasteners may need replacing.
Choose composite or vinyl shutters. These contain no metal parts that can rust.

Rusting shutter hardware is largely a cosmetic issue, but can accelerate wear. Keeping air circulating behind shutters and using protective coatings limits rust formation. In coastal areas, stainless steel hardware is recommended.

Shutters Show Signs of Insect Damage or Infestation

Being made of wood, shutters can sometimes attract carpenter bees, termites, powderpost beetles or other wood boring insects. Signs of infestation include:

Small round or oblong holes in wood panels. These are typical signs of boring insects.
Sawdust or wood ejected from tiny holes from insect activity.
Tiny ‘kick-out’ holes where larvae have emerged as mature insects.
Sections of wood that sound hollow when tapped.
Mud deposits from carpenter bees around holes.

If infestation is suspected:

Inspect all shutters thoroughly, including tops and bottoms of panels where damage may not be visible.
Determine if pests are still present before beginning treatment.
Use insecticidal foams or sprays in holes and on infested wood to kill larvae and insects.
Inject wood preservatives into holes to penetrate damaged wood.
Plug holes thoroughly after treatment using cork, sponge rubber or wood dowels coated with wood glue.
Badly damaged shutters with extensive holes may need sections replaced or shutter replacement.

Preventing wood insect damage starts with proper materials selection and construction. Periodic inspection along with prompt treatment at first signs can also limit damage from shutter pests.

Shutters Develop White Powdery Deposits and Discoloration

A white chalky powder that forms on the surface of shutters is usually efflorescence, a mineral salt deposit. Efflorescence on shutters comes from two main sources:

From masonry – Salts from new or old masonry can move through moisture to deposit on shutters. Improving masonry waterproofing and directing water away with gutters can help.

From wood extractives – Cedar, redwood and some treated woods contain tannins and resins that get drawn through paint by moisture and leave deposits. A good quality primer helps prevent this.

To remove efflorescence:

Let deposits fully form and dry first, since removing too soon can allow more to wick through.
Scrub deposits off with a woodwash solution or other efflorescence remover.
Use a pressure washer for heavy buildup, taking care not to damage the shutters.
Prime bare areas thoroughly before repainting to seal surface.
Improve drainage or moisture barriers to prevent recurrence.

With proper prep and painting, and addressing any moisture sources, white powdery deposits can be prevented from recurring on exterior shutters.

Shutters Become Stained from Environmental Factors

Shutters exposed to the elements can sometimes develop dark streaks, spots or stains over time. Typical causes include:

Mold or mildew – Seen as black spots. Thrives in shaded, damp areas. Treat with diluted bleach solution.
Tannin staining – Leached wood extractives create dark streaks on paint. Prime bare wood thoroughly before repainting.
Water or moisture – Shutters darker at the bottom indicate rain exposure. Improve drainage and overhangs.
Pollutants – Industrial fallout or vehicle exhaust can create dark oily stains. Repainting is usually the the only cure.
Organic stains – Leaching from nearby plants or mulch creates dark streaky stains. Remove source and power wash.
UV exposure – Sunlight can discolor some vinyl and wood composites to a grey, weathered hue. Repaint or replace panels.

By identifying the stain source, appropriate steps can be taken to remove or cover up discoloration on exterior shutters. Heavily stained shutters may need power washing or complete refinishing.

Shutters Squeak and Make Noise When Operating

Squeaky shutter operation can be annoying. Some solutions for quieting noisy shutters include:

Lubricate hinges. Apply a light oil like sewing machine lubricant to all hinge pins and joints.
Adjust hardware. Tighten loose hinge screws. Make sure louvers pivot smoothly in their tracks.
Check for obstruction. Built up dirt, paint or warping can create friction points. Clean and realign.
Add sound dampeners. Felt pads, rubber bumpers or vinyl weatherstripping can be strategically placed to eliminate squeaks.
Modify rub points. Sanding, trimming or planing high spots and protrusions removes sources of friction.
Replace corroded hardware. Rusty hinges and worn out pins will contribute to noise.

Locating the exact sources of rubbing, binding and friction is key to troubleshooting noisy shutters. A fine tuning of the hardware combined with lubrication and soundproofing devices can restore quiet shutter operation.

Shutters Become Difficult to Open and Close

Shutters that stick, jam, or become tough to latch closed usually indicate some type of operation problem:

Lubricate moving parts. A light oil on hinges and pivot points will help maintain smooth motion.
Check for obstructions. Binding or scraping could be due to sagging panels, out of alignment tracks or built-up dirt and debris.
Examine latches and pulls. Broken or inoperative latches will make proper closure difficult.
Watch for swelled or warped wood. Exposure to moisture can make wood panels stick within their opening.
Test for frame shifting. If the surrounding window frame has settled, it can throw shutters out of alignment.
Replace worn hardware. Extensively worn hinge pins, arms and latch parts will bind and stick.
Consider panel weight. Heavy shutters may simply be too bulky for the existing hardware components.

Gently operating the shutters helps pinpoint where excessive friction is occurring. Minor realignment and lubrication fixes many issues. But worn out shutter hardware will eventually need replacing to maintain smooth function.

Shutters Become Faded and Discolored Over Time

Extended exposure to sun, pollution and the elements can cause shutters to become faded, streaked or unevenly discolored. Some ways to improve appearance include:

Clean thoroughly. Scrubbing with detergent helps remove some surface grime that contributes to discoloration.
Apply a protective sealant. Clear vinyl coatings help protect the surface from further fading.
Spot paint discolored areas. Matching paint just to the most faded sections may help blend.
Completely repaint. Thorough surface prep and a fresh coat of quality exterior paint provides the best result.
Consider replacing with new panels. Severely faded and unmatched shutters may look best with complete replacement.
Switch panel material. Fiberglass composite shutters resist fading better than wood or vinyl long term.

While some minor fading over time is normal, keeping shutters properly cleaned and painted will help maintain their original color and appearance. Severely faded panels may need complete replacement.

Conclusion

Shutters are a classic window treatment that can provide privacy, light control, weather protection and architectural appeal to a home. But like any building material, shutters are subject to wear and tear issues over their lifetime.

By understanding the most common shutter problems homeowners encounter, minor repairs and adjustments can often be made to restore proper working order. In severe cases where hardware or panels are badly damaged, replacement of affected sections or entire shutters may be warranted.

Routine inspection and maintenance helps prevent many shutter headaches and extends their usable lifespan. Seeking advice from shutter installation professionals is also recommended in diagnosing and resolving more stubborn repair issues.

With some periodic TLC, quality shutters should continue gracing your windows reliably for many years to come. Contact our team of experts if you need help or advice on shutter repairs, maintenance or replacement.