Top Tips for Caring for Your Exterior Shutters in Buffalo

Exterior shutters in Buffalo are perfect for looking after your windows in the bad weather. They also offer more heating, better lighting control, and more security. However, you need to care for them.

 It can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry too much about that. Here are the top tips for caring for your exterior shutters.

 Make Sure Your Plants Are Trimmed

 Something that is often forgotten about is the greenery around the shutters. Branches and vines can wrap themselves around the woodwork and damage the louvers or the integrity of the material. Climbing plants will stick to the shutters, making them much harder to remove if you leave them for too long.

 The plants will also hold onto some moisture. This will pass through the paint and into the wood, rotting the material quickly.

 It’s important to keep an eye on the plants around the shutters. Make sure they don’t get the chance to damage the paint finish or weaken the wood. This is especially the case if you have shutters in the shade, where the sun won’t dry out the wood throughout the day.

 Regularly Clean Your Exterior Shutters in Buffalo

 Another important step to caring for your exterior shutters is cleaning regularly. They will need more frequent cleaning than the interior shutters due to the weather that affects them. They’ll become dirty and if left on the wood, it can lead to weakening the material.

 Once a week, make sure you clean the wood thoroughly. Avoid any harsh materials or scratchy products. Some warm soapy water will do the job in the majority of cases. To get into the louvers, opt for a soft-bristled brush but don’t scrub too harshly.

 Then once a month, you’ll want to take the exterior shutters in Buffalo down. You’ll need to give the hinges a thorough clean. This helps to prevent mold from developing around the hinges and rotting the wood where the shutters are already at their weakest.

 Repaint Your Shutters Now and Then

 Finally, you’ll need to think about repainting. Exterior shutters are supposed to last for at least 10 years. When they’re cared well for then they can last as long as 20 or even 30 years. It’s all about the attention to detail you pay.

 Look out for blemishes within the paintwork when you’re cleaning. Paint over these blemishes. It’s the paint that can offer a waterproofing element to the shutters, protecting the wood.

 Once a year, you’ll also want to look at repainting and even re-varnishing the wood. You can choose the exact same color, or you can decide to change the color of the outside of your home. It’s completely up to you.

 With the right care and attention, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth out of your exterior shutters in Buffalo. The best thing you can do is look after them. They look good, offer the best protection, and will continue adding value to your property. Why wouldn’t you care for something that you’ve invested heavily in?