How to Repair Exterior Shutters

Over time, your exterior shutters take a beating. Frames will rot or crack, paint will peel, and hardware will break. Luckily, fixing issues like these is a feasible DIY project you can complete over a weekend.

In this video guide, we’ll walk you through exterior shutter repair with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.

In many cases, repairing shutters is more cost-effective than replacing them, particularly for more expensive shutters, like estate shutters, which can cost around $220 each. However, if the damage is extensive or the shutters are beyond repair, replacement is necessary.

When making this decision, consider the age, material, and overall condition of the shutters. A shutter that’s in relatively good shape save for a broken piece should likely be mended, while a rotted-out old shutter is not likely worth saving. Different types of shutters may have different needs as well. So you should do some research on what sort of shutters you have.

How To Prep Exterior Shutters for Repair

Safety should be your top priority when working with ladders and removing shutters. Only place ladders on flat surfaces, and have another person spot you if possible. Wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters or sharp edges.

Remove the Shutters

1. Locate the screws or nails securing the shutter to the house
2. Carefully remove the fasteners with a screwdriver
3. Gently pull the shutter away from the house, being mindful of any remaining hardware.
4. Place the shutter on a flat, clean surface for inspection and repair.

Clean the Shutters

Clean the shutters thoroughly before making repairs. This helps identify hidden damage and ensures that finishes adhere. Here’s how:

1. Use a wire brush to remove loose paint, dirt, and debris.
2. Sand rough areas to create a smooth surface for repairs and finishing.
3. Wipe down the shutters with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Fixing Common Exterior Shutter Issues

Damaged frames are a common issue with exterior shutters. In the video, Silva demonstrates how to repair a shutter with a failed mortise and tenon joint, which is often the cause of a shutter falling apart. Here’s the procedure:

1. Clean the mortise and tenon joint thoroughly.
2. Apply waterproof polyurethane glue to the joint.
3. Use a bar clamp to hold the frame together while the glue dries.

Replacing Damaged Frame Sections

If parts of the frame are rotted or severely damaged:

1. Cut out the damaged section.
2. Create a replacement piece from matching material.
3. Glue and clamp the new piece in place.
4. Sand the repaired area to blend with the rest of the frame.

Repairing or Replace Louvers

Loose or damaged louvers (slats) can affect both the appearance and functionality of shutters. Here’s how to reattach a loose louver:

1. Remove any remaining glue or debris from the louver slots.
2. Apply a small amount of waterproof glue to the ends of the louvers.
3. Carefully insert the louvers back into their slots.
4. Use a bar clamp to hold everything in place while the glue dries.

Replacing Broken Louvers

If louvers are beyond repair:

1. Remove the damaged louver completely.
2. Measure and cut a new louver to fit.
3. Sand and finish the new louver to match the others.
4. Glue the new louver into place using the method described above.

How To Refinish Shutters

Once repairs are complete, refinishing your shutters can give them a fresh, updated look. Depending on the material and style of your shutters, you can choose whether to paint or stain.

Painting Shutters

1. Sand the entire shutter to create a smooth surface
2. Apply a primer suitable for the shutter material
3. Once dry, apply two coats of exterior-grade paint, allowing proper drying time between coats.

Staining Wood Shutters

1. Sand the shutter to remove any old finish and smooth the surface
2. Apply a wood preservative if desired
3. Use an exterior-grade stain, following the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times

How To Rehang Repaired Shutters

With the repairs made, Here’s how to hang the shutter back on the house.

1. If necessary, install new hinges on the shutters.
2. Drill pilot holes for shutter pintles in the window casing.
3. Hammer the pintles into place.
4. Carefully align the shutter with the window opening.
5. Slip the hinge over the pintles to hang the shutter.
6. Test the shutter to ensure it opens and closes smoothly.

To protect your shutters and ensure they stay in place, install a shutter dog (also known as a New England spring latch) beneath the shutter. This hardware holds the shutter against the house when open and allows for easy closing.

Tips and Considerations When Repairing Exterior Shutters

When working on your shutters, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Work in a ventilated area: Always ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling dust or fumes when sanding or painting.
• Match materials: When replacing parts, use matching materials to ensure a uniform look and functional integrity.
• Weather conditions: Choose a dry, temperate day for painting or staining to ensure optimal drying and adhesion.

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need many specialty tools for this job.