Home Improvement Information

How To Identify A Quality Interior Shutter


1. Shutters have proper louver tension

The shutters louvers should be smooth and stay in the desired position throughout the lifetime of the shutter. Some manufacturers feature "tension screws" on the side of each shutter panel, with one tension screw required for each louver section. The problem with tension screws occurs over time, when tightening the screws becomes necessary on a regular basis. Eventually, the louvers within a single shutter unit will not have uniform tension because the louver sections adapt to the tension screw differently. Polywood, vinyl, fauxwood, and synthetic shutters usually have an extremely tight louver tension. It is then difficult to put the louvers exactly in the desired location, and the rotation of the louvers is difficult. The best technique for providing uniform tension that will remain constant is a split nylon pin tension system that requires no maintenance.

2. Shutters are built from a quality material

Wood is the most preferable material for building shutters, and not all woods are made alike. Basswood is a superior wood because it is among the straightest of hardwoods with a fine uniform texture and indistinct grain. It can be sanded and stained to a smooth finish, and it is lightweight yet very strong.

3. Shutters are purchased from reliable company

You should research the company from which you plan to purchase your shutters. They need to be a reputable, knowledgeable, support oriented, and accessible. We recommend you test their knowledge by asking questions. Check out their credibility with an organization such as the Better Business Bureau, and check to see if they have a list of customer comments or references. The company needs to be prepared to communicate all of the necessary information to you about purchasing interior shutters. They need to have a staff that is experienced and available for technical questions. It is frustrating when the only knowledgeable person is always "in the field."

4. Shutters are mortised for hinges

Mortised hinges are important to achieve a tight fit within your window opening. Without a mortised panel, a gap appears on the hanging side that allows light to break between the shutter panel and the window jamb. It should not be necessary to mortise the window jamb.

5. Shutters are rabbeted stiles between panels

Rabbeted stiles between shutter panels reduces light breaks between panels. A significant gap is created in between panels that are simply butted up against one another.

6. View a shutter sample

The shutter company should be able to supply you with a finished sample shutter. This way you can view the quality of construction and finish first-hand. It is beneficial for you also to hold the shutter in the window to visualize how the shutters will attach and look in your house.

7. Shutters should have quality finish

A quality paint or stain finish is essential to the overall satisfaction with your shutter purchase. A paint finish should be smooth, thick, and complete. You should be unable to feel the wood grain and it should show through the paint. A stain finish should be even with a proper top protective coat.

8. Custom built for each individual window

There are no standard windows. A proper custom shutter unit needs to be built for each individual window opening to the 1/16 inch. Any more will result in possible unnecessary gaps in the shutter unit. Do not assume that because two or more windows look the same, that they are the same. Many times proper measuring will show that each window is unique.

All About Shutters serves as an online buyer's guide for interior and exterior shutters, discussing a variety of topics with informative articles.


MORE RESOURCES:

Your home-improvement project can improve national parks
NorthJersey.com
America's national parks protect and preserve the country's most treasured spaces and historical sites. Now there are two new ways homeowners can help ...

and more »


On the Level: Replacing siding provides opportunity for more home improvement
Annapolis Capital
By JIM ROONEY, For The Capital Q: I have an old house that I bought that has aluminum siding on it which may need to be ...



Do-It-Yourself Home Improvement Made Simple
CBS News
... the projects will also be featured in their new show called "This New House," which will showcase the latest and greatest products in home improvement. ...
'This New House' duo teams for Hub-centric DIY showBoston Herald

all 5 news articles »


SILive.com

Go 'Green from the Inside Out' with earth games, home improvement
SILive.com
But those guys are not the only home improvement pros in town. While kids play earth games and make “green art,” adults can learn to lower their utility ...



Home Improvement Solutions
FPRD (press release) (blog)
One of the most important aspects to be considered in any form of infrastructural development and construction is its fire safety. ...
Long and Short-Term Benefits of InsulationFPRD (press release) (blog)

all 3 news articles »


Home improvement 'could make rooms look more spacious'
Wickes
Those seeking a way of making their rooms look less cluttered may be interested to know that one expert has advised home improvement projects to make the ...

and more »


MyFox Philadelphia

'Questionable' Home Improvement Contractors Pursued In Pennsylvania
Consumer Affairs
"Home improvement rip-offs impact every community across our state, taking money out of the pockets of homeowners and also victimizing the honest, ...
Consumer protection lawsuit filed against Kutztown roofing companyBoyertown Berk Montgomery Newspapers
Berks contractor among those sued by state AGPottstown Mercury
Corbett dips a toe in old controversyPhiladelphia Inquirer
Allentown Morning Call -MyFox Philadelphia -Delaware County Daily Times
all 16 news articles »


Cops: Irish nationals peddled bogus home improvement business in South Brunswick
myCentralJersy.com
But police soon discovered he allegedly was distributing fliers for a home-improvement company called Top Soil, which purportedly was based in New Brunswick ...

and more »


Autumn 'will be home improvement season'
Rated People
The autumn is likely to see a sharp increase in home improvement work across the country, it has been claimed. Andrew Leech, director of the National Home ...
People's attitude to DIY 'set to improve after summer'Wickes
Demand for plumbing courses could increase after the summerAble Skills Construction Training
Summer 'may be perfect time for boiler servicing'Northern Gas Heating The UK's Local Central Heating Company
Safestore.co.uk -Northern Gas Heating The UK's Local Central Heating Company
all 7 news articles »


Home Improvement Market to boost despite economic slowdown
I-Newswire.com (press release)
(I-Newswire) July 29, 2010 - Home improvement is one of the most required things in everybody's life. It is important for every person to repair his home. ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2006