Hundreds of Articles on Home Repairs and Do it Yourself Home projects


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:

Perth Zoo's elephants enjoy $5m home improvement
NEWS.com.au, Australia - 11 hours ago
PERTH Zoo's three elephants are now enjoying a $5m expansion to their South Perth residence. The newly completed $5million elephant exhibit redevelopment at ...


Newsday

9 home improvement projects for '09
Newsday, NY - 19 hours ago
Home improvement experts attribute it to the fact that these projects tend to be relatively small (on Long Island, $300 to $900 for a replacement window, ...


Home improvement Q&A: Proper care and bleeding of a radiator heat ...
News & Observer, NC - Jan 8, 2009
By ALAN J. HEAVENS - The Philadelphia Inquirer Question: Do know anything about radiators and boilers for the home? I'm not sure about proper bleeding and ...


9 home-improvement projects for 2009
Seattle Times, United States - Jan 3, 2009
A look at what home projects will allow folks to live better now and make the house more saleable later. By Karen Klages A bathroom remodel may make your ...


Saving energy & $$
Ukiah Daily Journal, CA - 5 hours ago
However, if you are concerned about your wallet, how do you save money on your energy bills without emptying your savings on home improvement projects? ...


Home design depression
Boston Globe, United States - Jan 7, 2009
The sad truth is, if I had an IV drip of Diet Pepsi I could spend all weekend watching HGTV, or any of the home improvement shows on the DIY Network, ...


Do thorough research before signing a home improvement contract
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 4, 2009
... the economy on shaky ground, it's more important than ever for homeowners to carefully screen the contractors they hire for home improvement projects. ...


BobVila.com

New Year's Home Improvement Resolutions
BobVila.com, MA - Jan 5, 2009
I dug headfirst into the home improvement projects I had left over from last year. Late fall was consumed with the downstairs bathroom renovation in which ...
How to save money on your home improvement project YourHub.com
all 2 news articles


Plan ahead to save money on energy, home improvement
Staunton News Leader, VA - Jan 3, 2009
And, thanks to a number of plastic storm window kits available at area hardware and home improvement stores, putting plastic over your windows is easier ...


Home Improvement Expert Don Zeman Dies
Los Angeles Chronicle,  USA - Jan 3, 2009
SAVANNAH, GA - Don Zeman, known to millions of radio listeners and television viewers across the country as "America´s Home Improvement Expert" died ...
News From The Homefront KEYC
all 3 news articles

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
©  2006 Home Fixer Home Repair Home make over