How to Maintain Your Shutters
DO NOT PRESSURE WASH ANY SHUTTER
Frequent Use
Manufacturer suggests using all shutters monthly. If you are not oceanfront, you can probably get away with less, but we still recommend using them as much as possible and aiming to hit monthly if possible.
Cleaning
To Clean: All hurricane products should be cleaned regularly using a dilute solution of dishwashing detergent (such as Palmolive) and a soft-horsehair bristle brush, microfiber towel, or sponge. We recommending using a garden hose to wash the shutters rather than a pressure washer to preserve the longevity of the paint. We recommend cleaning the shutters 1-2x per year.
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Lubricant: Super Lube with Syncolon
- Anti-Seize: Loctite LB 8023
- Cleaning Implements: Horsehair Counter Brush, Microfiber Cloths
- Thread Cleaner: 8mm Bore Brush for Drill
• Do not leave hardware in tracks when not in use.
• Do not leave hardware in tracks when not in use.
• Store clear panels out of direct sunlight.
• Use Monthly
• When the accordion shutter is in the closed position, the inside fold’s “hinge” opens so that you can clean and wash it using the hose- or if heavily soiled- wipe it out with a sponge and dish soap. Wipe down all of the exposed inner joints while the shutter is in this closed position.
• Let the wiped joints dry and then apply dry lubricant spray from top to bottom on the inside “hinge” of each fold. Once each of the inner fold joints are sprayed, open and close the shutter to work the lubricant in.
• The weight of the shutter hangs down from the top wheels so those wheels in the top track need to be kept cleaned and lubricated with your dry lubricant spray also. Spray the lubricant in the cleaned top track where the wheels are then open and close the shutter a few times to work it in.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the spray is safe for plastic if you plan to lubricate those top wheels. We have seen issues with the accelerant in some sprays cracking the wheel over time because the spray was not safe to use with plastic.
• We recommend storing the push locks inside when not in use, however if you leave them on the shutter, we recommend leaving them in the locked position with the dust cap firmly secured. When performing this maintenance, spray the silicone lubricant liberally into the lock from the side and from the face, push the lock in a few times to work in the lubricant, then lock again.
• We also provide salt water locks. The salt water locks can either leave the handle in (provided that you reapply the anti seize every other year to the bolts) or you can store them inside. If stored inside, there may be buildup on the threads inside the plate. To clean we would suggest using an 8mm nylon bore brush (either with a drill or by hand).
• The most common point of failure is these locks, so if you live on the ocean, we implore you leave them uninstalled and only install when deploying the shutters. The locks only need a Phillips screwdriver to install, and can be done from inside.
• Use Monthly
• Keep the tracks clean by brushing them out and cleaning regularly. Clean the tracks using a soft bristle brush/cloth/sponge and soapy water. Make sure the felt strips (if present) in the tracks are clean and free of debris. Using the shutter frequently will help keep the tracks clean.
• Clean slats using a vertical motion. Avoid a horizontal motion that could misalign the slats and jam the shutter.
• Keep shutter travel area clear of all articles, furniture, etc. If the shutter hits an object, misalignment or damage can occur which may result in costly repairs.
• Use Monthly
• In order to keep your Bahama shutters in top condition, we recommend removing the thumbscrews and coating them yearly with an Anti-Seize product compatible with aluminum and stainless steel. This ensures that the thumbscrews will not seize against the collars, preventing you from changing the angle of your shutters.
• Wash the telescoping arms with soap and water, allow to dry and then lubricate with a dry lubricant. Then operate the shutter a few times to work the product in. Repeat for the ends of the movable louvers if you have an articulating product.
• We also recommend storing your locking pins inside when the shutter is not in use. This will prevent them from getting stuck in the channels, which would leave you unable to lock down the shutter when needed.
• Use Shutters Monthly
• Inspect and wash the hinges with soap and water, allow to dry and then lubricate with a dry lubricant. Then operate the shutter a few times to work the product in.
• Make sure the collars on Bahamas work, so you can close the shutters in the event of a hurricane. This would entail applying anti-seize to the thumbscrew on the collars every year.
• If you actually operate the decorative colonials, follow the directions for the rated colonials.
• Use Monthly
• Keep the tracks clean by brushing them out and cleaning regularly. Clean the tracks using a soft bristle brush/cloth/sponge and soapy water. Make sure the felt strips (if present) in the tracks are clean and free of debris. Using the shutter frequently will help keep the tracks clean.
• Keep shutter travel area clear of all articles, furniture, etc. If the shutter hits an object, misalignment or damage can occur which may result in costly repairs.
• If you have an electric motor on your shutters, use the motor a minimum of twice a month. This action will create heat in the tube and eliminate moisture.
• While no true maintenance is need, cleaning is suggested to maintain the clarity of the product as well as prolong its life.
• Pre rinse the polycarbonate with warm water, use a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wash with a diluted mixture of soap or detergent, then rinse thoroughly. To prevent water spots, dry with a soft cloth.
• Suggested cleaners include: Top Job, Joy, Palmolive, and Ammonia-Free Windex.
• In the event of a serious event such as tar, heavy oil, graffiti, paint, ink, or adhesive, we recommend using a cloth with isopropyl alcohol to remove it. Try to limit the amount of solvent used, as this can damage the polycarbonate if overapplied.