Your New Shutters Need Special Care in Fort Worth’s Unique Climate – Here’s How to Keep Them Beautiful for Years

Congratulations on your recent shutter installation fort worth! Now that you’ve invested in beautiful, functional window treatments, proper post-installation care is essential to ensure they maintain their beauty and performance in Fort Worth’s challenging climate. Fort Worth experiences a humid subtropical climate without a dry season, which presents unique maintenance requirements for your new shutters.

Understanding Fort Worth’s Climate Challenges

Fort Worth’s weather can be demanding on window treatments. High temperatures range from a cool 55.4°F (13°C) in January to a scorching 95.7°F (35.4°C) in August, with average high temperatures staying above the 90 degrees mark from June to August. Throughout the year, there are 132.4 rainfall days, and 25.87″ (657mm) of precipitation is accumulated. Fort Worth has a humid subtropical climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters, with the average high temperature in the summer near 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C).

This combination of intense heat, high humidity, and significant rainfall creates conditions that can affect your shutters’ longevity if not properly maintained. Shutters in tropical climates face high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and consistent humidity throughout the year, with materials needing to resist warping, swelling, and mold growth caused by moisture-laden air.

Essential Cleaning Schedule for Fort Worth Shutters

Regular cleaning is your first line of defense against Fort Worth’s climate challenges. The recommended cleaning frequency for hurricane shutters largely depends on their type and the environment they are exposed to. Generally, it’s a good idea to clean your shutters at least twice a year. However, in coastal areas where salt and humidity can accelerate corrosion and wear, it may be necessary to clean them more frequently, such as quarterly.

For your Fort Worth shutters, aim for cleaning at least twice yearly – once in spring and once in fall. Regular cleaning is essential as dirt, debris, salt, and moisture can accumulate over time, potentially leading to corrosion, damage, or malfunction. Regular cleaning, especially after a storm or during the hurricane season, can keep your shutters in optimal condition and ready to protect your home when needed.

Material-Specific Care Instructions

The type of shutters you’ve installed determines your specific maintenance approach:

Composite and Faux Wood Shutters

To maintain window shutters in Texas’s variable weather, choose materials that resist moisture and heat, such as composite or vinyl. Aluminum is considered the best material for exterior shutters when it comes to hot and humid climates, but for interior applications, composite materials excel. Low Maintenance: Just a quick wash with soap and water keeps them looking new.

Wood Shutters

Natural wood requires more attention in Fort Worth’s humid climate. Wood doesn’t like moisture. Under severely moist conditions or high humidity, wood can warp over time. If necessary, dampen the cloth with a mixture of water and mild detergent, and gently clean the shutters. Take care not to saturate the wood, as excessive moisture can cause warping or damage. Allow the shutters to air dry completely.

Lubrication and Hardware Maintenance

Fort Worth’s humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect moving parts. Proper lubrication is vital to ensure smooth operation of your hurricane shutters. Lubricate your shutters’ hinges, tracks, and locking mechanisms at least twice a year or more frequently if you live in a coastal area with high humidity and salt exposure. Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it resists water and dirt buildup better than petroleum-based products.

Make it a habit to lubricate your shutters at least once a year, ideally before the start of hurricane season. If you operate your shutters frequently or live in an area with high humidity, you might need to lubricate more often. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to tracks, hinges, and locks every few months. Avoid oil-based products, which can attract dust and grime, especially in Florida’s humid climate.

Seasonal Inspection Routine

Regular inspections help catch problems early. One of the simplest yet crucial aspects of hurricane shutter maintenance is conducting regular visual inspections of your shutters, paying attention to any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Check for Damage: Identify any signs of rust, corrosion, cracks, or other visible damage that could compromise the structural integrity of your shutters.

Manually or electronically open and close your shutters or screens at least once a month. Pay attention to any unusual noises, resistance, or misalignment. Functional issues discovered during a calm season are easier to address than in the hours leading up to a hurricane.

Protecting Against Moisture and Heat Damage

Fort Worth’s intense summer heat requires special attention. Polywood® faux wood plantation shutters are proven to block up to 45% of the heat energy that normally passes through windows. In some cases, that can mean up to a 30-degree temperature difference! However, prolonged exposure to heat can still cause damage if shutters aren’t properly maintained.

To protect against moisture, consider applying a protective sealant or wax. This will help prevent damage caused by humidity and create a barrier against moisture. For UV protection, opt for shutters with UV-blocking properties or use window film to reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the shutters.

When to Call A Plus Shutters & Shades

While regular maintenance can be handled by homeowners, some situations require professional attention. Seek professional help if you notice structural damage, extensive rot in wooden shutters, severe warping that prevents proper operation, or significant hardware corrosion affecting functionality. Custom shutters made from high-end materials may require specialist refinishing to maintain warranty coverage. If water is penetrating behind the shutters and damaging your home’s exterior walls, immediate professional assessment is necessary.

As A Plus Shutters & Shades proudly serves Arlington, Fort Worth, Pantego, Dallas, Southlake, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, and Grand Prairie, bringing a decade of construction expertise and dedication to local craftsmanship and personal service. Their team understands the specific challenges of maintaining shutters in the North Texas climate.

Long-Term Benefits of Proper Maintenance

Investing time in proper post-installation care pays dividends. Regular maintenance drastically reduces your long-term expenses. New exterior shutters typically cost $200-$500 per pair, with premium custom options reaching $1,000+. A basic maintenance routine requires only about $30 in supplies annually and 2-3 hours of your time. This small investment prevents premature replacement, potentially saving thousands over your home’s lifetime.

By following these maintenance guidelines tailored to Fort Worth’s humid subtropical climate, your new shutters will continue to provide beauty, energy efficiency, and protection for years to come. Remember that the longevity and performance of your shutters depend on regular care and maintenance, making your investment in quality window treatments from A Plus Shutters & Shades a wise long-term decision for your Fort Worth home.