What Type Of Shutters Do You Use?

AtlRemodeling

I have a client that we have done quite a bit of work for. Earlier this year she asked me to replace a number of raised panel shutters on her 9 yr. old home. The panels looked to made from MDF, as they were swollen like only MDF can swell.

I had a local millwork shop that I have used for years make up so solid wood shutters. Everything looked great until a couple of weeks ago. The client asked us to install a new flagstone patio and while onsite she pointed out that the raised portion of the shutters were splitting.

I closely examined all of the shutters and approximately 1/2 of the shutters installed in 03/2008 where showing very pronounced splits in the raised panels. Of course, the millwork shop is ducking any responsibility and I will certainly make good on the situation but not sure where to go from here.


Keeping in mind that this is $1mil price range subdivision, what other solutions are there for raised panel shutters?

bert0168

On a $1 Mil house wood is the only way to go.

I would suggest taking one of the shutters and dissecting it to see if the millwork shop actually fastened the panels to the stiles and rails. Those panels need to float to allow for expansion and contraction.

Are all the cracked shutters on the same side of the house?
Are they painted a real dark color like black?

My guess is they fastened the panels in and someone at the shop didn't build them right

AtlRemodeling

Bert,

The shutters are all on the extreme sunny side of the house and they are painted dark brown. All of the shutters are on shutter hinges so I was able to remove one that is behind some bushes. I have not seen any connection between the raised panels and the stiles but I will re-examine in the AM.

bert0168

Could be that being on the sunny side and a dark color they heat up too quickly and if the panels are in the groove too tight they might have cracked.

Are the cracks in the grain or are the panels made from laid up boards and cracked on a glue joint?

AtlRemodeling

Bert,

ALL of the splits are on the glue joints. The client and I are both aware that the dark colors along with the full sun will effect the longevity of the shutters but 8 months is TOO short.


Thanks!
Allen

bert0168

If the splits are on the glue joints then it's definitely on the millwork shop and if it's a Co. I did a lot of business with, I would argue that with them until something was resolved (either lose my business or replace the shutters).
I was not implying that you didn't know about the paint, I just was asking to get more info. As far as shutter material types, I know of only wood and vinyl. I suppose you could have some made out of PVC (Azek) since it mills kind of like wood.

neolitic

Gee, sounds like bad glue up
and not enough float
in the joints.
The Azek sounds like an idea,
but those would rally need some
play or they might blow the
frames apart?

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(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Patrick

http://www.atlanticpremiumshutters.com/

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Originally Posted by Celtic
Like I said...I'm sure you are very good at what you do ~ whatever that is and where ever it happens.

DIYshutters

I would also check with how the shutters were finished. If the paint was applied in direct sunlight when it was too hot that can cause issues which lead to splitting. Speak with the finisher and then the paint company to see if they have any comments.

resipsa

I don't like the vinyl plastic looking shutters. The last couple of homes I did, I made shutters from 1 x 4 pine vertical boards (3-4) sandwiched together (or with 1/2" space between) with a cross buck on face (2 or 3). Have also seen them made from 2 x 6s. Primed and painted (or could be stained) and secured to brick with tapcons, or can use shutter dogs. Puttied holes and touched up paint. Not necessarily a traditional style shutter, but a lot of similar types being used in this area. No worries about splitting and no significant warping or cupping problems.