Shutters are exterior covers for windows. They are made of wood and are either paneled or louvered. Depending on their construction, they are also called blinds. 

Maintenance and Repair 

1. Remove shutters from the house to be able to paint them in their entirety. Shutters are exposed to the elements from all directions and unless this special attention is given them, they will quickly deteriorate. 

2. Install metal caps on the top of shutters to further protect them from moisture damage. 

3. If shutters must be replaced, ensure the new shutters are of a design and material to match the original shutters and that they are operable or appear to be operable (of the correct size and installation, with the correct hardware). 

4. Avoid decorating a building or trying to give it a historical appearance by nailing plastic or metal inoperable shutters to the wall. 

5. Avoid installing shutters on a historic building that never had shutters. 

Construction Guidelines

1. Ensure that shutters on new buildings are operable or appear to be operable (of the correct size and installation, with the correct hardware).