Replacing a Louvre

A Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Louvre on a Shutter

Introduction: Shutters are timeless and offer great functionality to any window area. Shutters are made-up of adjustable louvres, allowing control of light and privacy superior to any other window treatment. Individual lovres may become damaged over time, which is normal due to wear and tear. Changing a louvre is a straightforward and simple task to carry out, should you wish to do this yourself. This step-by-step guide has been curated to be simple.

Taking your time to ensure you have the correct tools, makes this a task that can be accomplished by you at home. This step-by-step guide will help you restore your shutter to its best and give you the control of light and aesthetics you have become accustomed to. Remember to take accurate measurements, align the louvre properly, and test the shutter's movement when the new louvre has been installed.

Remember to take your time and read through the entire process, at least once, in order to familiarise yourself with the process and to ensure you are comfortable to carry out each step before beginning.

Take your time and be patient.

Step 1: Tools and materials;

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials handy:

• Replacement louvre

• Stanley knife (in case the plastic pin needs to be cut)

• Screwdriver

• Pliers

• Sandpaper (fine grit)

• Paint or finish (if necessary)

Step 2: Remove the damaged louvre;

Start by opening the plantation shutter and locating the damaged louvre. Depending on the style of your shutters, the louvres are usually held in place by tension pins or screws and possibly staples. Use a screwdriver, pliers and your knife, if necessary, to carefully remove these fasteners and release the damaged louvre from the shutter. Take note of the orientation and position of the louvre for easy replacement later.

Step 3: Prepare the replacement louvre;

If the replacement louvre is pre-cut and ready to install, proceed to Step 4. However, if it requires trimming to fit, measure the length and width of the existing louvre and mark the corresponding dimensions on the replacement. Use a chop-saw or appropriate cutting tool to carefully trim the louvre to the desired size. Smooth the edges with sandpaper for a clean finish.

Step 4: Attach the replacement louvre;

Hold the replacement louvre in the same orientation and position as the removed louvre. Align the louvre's pre-drilled holes or notches with the corresponding holes or slots on the shutter frame. If the removed louvre was fastened with a screw, line the louvre up to the holes in the shutter and carefully screw the screws into the new louvre, making sure any springs and washers are in the same position when removed previously. If the louvre was held my pins, insert one static pin into one end of the louvre and a spring-loaded spring into the other side of the louvre, insert the static pin into the shutter frame/stile, depress the spring-loaded pin and carefully slide this into the shutter frame/stile. Moving this around slightly until you hear a click to ensure the pin has found the hole. Ensure the louvre is securely fastened but still allows smooth movement and adjustment.

Step 5: Test and adjust;

Once the new louvre is securely attached, close and adjust the shutter to check for any issues. Ensure the louvre moves smoothly and aligns properly with the adjacent louvres when closed. Adjust the tension screw to gai the required tension in the louvres.

With your newly replaced louvre, your plantation shutters will continue to enhance the aesthetics and control the natural light of your living space.