Three Considerations To Be Aware Of When You're Installing Shutters Made Of Recycled Wood
Posted on: 1 June 2015
When you want to install shutters in one of your window frames, the low cost and environmental friendliness of recycled wood makes it an attractive material. Despite all the things you'll need to worry about that don't apply to normal wood shutters, there's no reason to get discouraged. As long as you pay attention to these three considerations when you're installing recycled wood shutters, you should be fine.
There May Be Residual Paint Stains On The Shutters That Need Removing
The pair of shutters you end up purchasing will probably be made of recycled wood from a variety of sources. Some of the old wood will be in nearly mint condition and some of it will be very rough.
There's a good chance that some of the wood will have scattered paint stains from old walls. To eradicate these stains, use a chemical paint remover instead of a metal scraper so you don't create any dust or cracks in the relatively fragile wood.
To Protect Brittle Recycled Wood From Rain, Wood Sealer Is Necessary
On average, recycled wood is more brittle than wood that was cut down only recently. This is especially true if the majority of your wood used to be on the exterior of a building, exposing it directly to the elements. However, this doesn't mean that recycled wood can't form a functional and very durable pair of shutters.
To deal with brittleness on shutters, all you need to do is apply a thick layer of wood sealer to the exterior. This will prevent the recycled wood from absorbing water, warping, and coming apart if you ever leave your shutters exposed to rain.
Trying To Fit Shutters That Are Slightly Too Large Into Your Window Frame Is Asking For Trouble
If you make a mistake in your window frame measurements and receive shutters that are slightly too large, don't try to push them into the frame with force. There's a good chance that one or both of the shutters will snap in half due to their brittleness. Instead, simply measure your window frame more carefully, return the shutters, and wait for a pair that will fit properly.
Generally, if there's a pair of shutters in a residential window frame, they'll be the most conspicuous components on the entire wall. Especially if the shutters you choose are made out of recycled wood, this means it's important to make sure no preventable damage befalls them. Contact a company like Aero Shade Co. Inc. for more information.
Share