How To Maintain Open Exterior Shutters?

Shutter dogs are simple mechanical devices used to hold, grip, or fasten exterior shutters in place. They are commonly referred to as shutter catch and shutter holdback. ShutterLand offers two functional outdoor materials: shutter dogs and hinges.

Maintaining your shutters is crucial for their longevity. Regularly inspect and clean them, repaint or refinish them as needed, and ensure they are operable. Shutters should be sized and shaped to cover the window opening when closed, folding tightly between the exterior window casings. The Exterior Shutters Authority Articles can help you understand operable shutters better.

High-quality shutter hinges and hardware are essential for maintaining and working properly. Shutter dogs are small pieces of hardware that rotate to hold the shutter in an open position or to keep it closed. Before fully securing the shutters, close them to ensure they sit at an even height. Two hinges per shutter is often sufficient, but a third may be necessary to support extremely large wood or PVC shutters. Strap hinges can also be used to secure decorative plastic window shutters.

Shutter dogs are designed to keep the shutters tight to the wall when open, mounted directly below the open shutter panel. Hold backs keep the shutters open and can be twisted to allow them to close. Slide bolts allow you to lock your shutters.

In summary, shutter dogs, hold backs, and slide bolts are essential components for maintaining and protecting your home’s windows from heavy wind and rain.