Plantation shutters put right
Shutter repairs in East Kent
Shutter repair usually starts with one of a few faults: louvres that will not hold their angle, a panel that drags or no longer closes square, or a tilt rod that has come away. We repair blinds and shutters across Kent, including shutters bought elsewhere where suitable parts are available. We look at the shutter first and quote before starting work.
If you are not sure whether a repair is worthwhile, describe the fault when you call 01303 268820. For blinds rather than shutters, our [blind repairs page](/blind-repairs-kent) covers rollers, Venetians, verticals and motors.
Common plantation shutter faults
Drooping louvres are the most frequent complaint. Each blade is held by a tension mechanism at its ends, and over years of use that grip can loosen until the louvres slide shut on their own. Our [guide to drooping shutter louvres](/guides/shutter-louvres-drooping) explains why it happens. In many cases the tension can be restored without replacing the panel.
Hinge problems show up as a panel that catches on the frame, sags at the far edge or leaves an uneven gap when closed. Screws can work loose in the frame, or the frame itself may have moved slightly. A detached or stiff tilt rod, a split louvre and a magnetic catch that no longer meets are other faults we inspect.
How to repair plantation shutters yourself, and when not to
Some checks are safe to try at home. Gently tighten any visible hinge screws with the correct screwdriver, without over-driving them into timber. Wipe dust from the louvre ends and hinge knuckles with a dry cloth. If a magnetic catch has slipped, see whether its screw has loosened. Stop if anything needs force, because cracking a frame turns a small repair into a larger one.
Leave tension adjustment, louvre replacement and re-hanging panels to someone with the right parts. Shutter systems differ between manufacturers, and a part that looks similar may not fit the pivot or hinge. Lifting a heavy panel off its hinges also risks damage to the frame or the window reveal.
What happens at a repair visit
We look at how the shutter is built, identify the fault and check whether compatible parts are available. Where the work can be done in place we explain it; where a panel needs to go back to the workroom we tell you before taking it. You get a quote for the repair before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
If a shutter is beyond sensible repair, we say so and talk through options, from replacing a single panel to a new set of [plantation shutters](/shutters). Shutters we supply carry our existing 5-year fitting warranty, and a lifetime guarantee on selected shutter ranges.
Booking a shutter repair
Have a photo or two of the fault ready, ideally showing the whole panel and a close view of the problem area. Note where the shutters came from if you know, as that helps us find matching parts. We cover East Kent excluding Thanet from our Hythe High Street showroom.
Repair visits are arranged by phone at a time that suits you. A shutter that will not close is rarely urgent in safety terms; if a panel has come loose, lift it clear of children and pets and leave it until we inspect it. Shutter repair cost depends on the fault and parts, which is why the inspection comes first.
Plantation shutters put right: quick answers
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