Do you know when to replace shutters? Everyone who knows us here at The Scottish Shutter Company knows how much we love our shutters. We rave about them, and for good reason – they are sturdy, strong and exceptionally durable. Shutters are built to last, BUT unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. There will come a time when shutter maintenance isn’t enough, and you’ll need to consider new shutters, whether you like it or not!
Even high-quality shutters eventually show signs of age or wear. While we hope that you won’t need a window shutter upgrade too soon, replacing them at the right time will improve the appearance of your home and shutter functionality. In this blog, we will tell you six signs you might need to upgrade your shutters…
When to Replace Shutters Sign No. 1: They’re Hard to Operate
If your shutters are starting to stick, it might be a sign that they need to be upgraded. Operational problems can occur for many reasons, such as dirt buildup, the onset of warping, or mechanical issues.
Debris, such as dirt, dust and grime, can affect the tracks, preventing smooth opening and closing. Whilst it is recommended that you clean them regularly, over time this can cause big problems, such as louvres that stick and won’t tilt properly. Following the recommended shutter maintenance advice should help fight this, so make sure you clean them frequently.
Loose or worn hinges can make them hard to operate, too, and if they are not fixed early, the strain they put on them can cause serious long-term damage. As well as dodgy mechanics, you might be unfortunate enough to have damaged or bent the louvres on your shutters. While this doesn’t happen often, if it does, it might be a sign it’s time to consider replacing shutters!
When To Replace Shutters Sign No.2: They’re Faded, Yellowing Or Peeling
Shutters are designed to protect your home against the elements. They prevent harsh sunlight from streaming in through the window and keep out the cold and excess moisture. However, all that protection can take its toll on the shutters themselves, and exposure to sunlight and humidity can cause discolouration and damage over time.
Your shutters might start to look faded and yellow, and they might even peel. When these signs of ageing appear, they don’t just look shabby; they’re also becoming increasingly ineffective. New shutters provide modern finishes that resist UV damage and moisture.
When To Replace Shutters Sign No.3: They No Longer Match Your Décor
Home interiors evolve; your taste may change, and your needs do too. What worked a few years ago might not be right for now. Old shutters may look dated or mismatched when you go to spruce up and redecorate, and replacing them can revitalise a room with a more contemporary style or colour.
When To Replace Shutters Sign No.4: Visible Damage Or Warping
Visible damage and warping in your shutters may indicate underlying issues, such as moisture or heat damage, poor material quality or general wear and tear. Cracks, warped slats, or flaking paint can’t always be repaired, and these issues are especially common in humid spaces like bathrooms and kitchens.
If shutter maintenance isn’t going to work and you’re shopping for new shutters, we would recommend waterproof PVC shutters. This style is a modern alternative that is incredibly long-lasting – even in kitchens and bathrooms.
When To Replace Shutters Sign No.5: Energy Efficiency Has Dropped
Have you noticed that your energy bills are creeping up? These rising costs might not just be due to inflation; your shutters might be letting you down. We absolutely love shutters for their superb energy efficiency, but sometimes, if they become worn out or if you’ve chosen the wrong people to fit them, they can let in a heck of a lot of draughts.
A quality window shutter upgrade will provide better insulation, improve comfort and move those energy bills in a better direction.
When To Replace Shutters Sign No.6: You Want An Upgrade
Never overlook this final sign – it’s super important. If you want it, just get it!!
Whether you want to revitalise your home, treat yourself to something special, or think it’s simply time to modernise, installing new shutters can do all of this. There are so many upgrades now that you can build the perfect shutters for your home by adding motorised operation, hidden tilt rods or choosing from a vast choice of new colours.
At The Scottish Shutter Company, all shutters are designed and made with the highest level of craftsmanship and innovation. You can have them fitted to almost any window and include whatever features you want. We have over 37 years of experience and can ensure that replacing shutters is completely stress-free.
Still Unsure When To Replace Shutters?
How do you know when to replace shutters? It’s really whenever you want to!! You don’t have to wait until they are broken, damaged or worn out; it can simply be that you need to revamp your home!
And you shouldn’t feel guilty about replacing shutters either, because replacing them earlier might just prevent a whole heap of trouble and actually save you money in the long run. New shutters mean smoother operation, improved efficiency and a refreshed style.
If you think it’s time for a window shutter upgrade, then book a free design consultation with The Scottish Shutter Company and discover the perfect replacement shutters for your home.
