Enlightened Style offers the strongest construction used in shutters. Flared-edge dovetail construction is a master woodworking technique which uses the most structurally sound method for holding panels together, by interlocking the components.

Competitors use alternative construction methods, such as mortise and tenon and standard dowel construction, which rely on glue to hold the components together. Stiles and rails are constructed with robust laminated lumber core for longer lasting performance and straightness.

Proper louver operation for both front and Gear Tilt is achieved by grasping an individual louver with the hand, and tilting the louvers to the desired angle.

Care should be taken when operating louvers attached with a front tilt bar. The tilt bar is designed to connect all louvers together, not as a handle for opening panels.

To open the shutter panel, tilt the louvers open, grasp the stile close to where the magnet is located, and pull outwards. Do not pull on the tilt bar to open the shutter panel, as this will loosen the connecting staples.

Because Composite Shutters are a hybrid material which includes wood they are not recommended for high humidity or wet environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Caution should be used when leaving windows open to the elements, as exposure to rain or high humidity may damage shutters.

To achieve a tight louver closure with minimal light bleed, it is recommended that you use a hand sweep up or down the louvers, depending on the direction the louvers are closed. Louver tension pins disperse tension throughout the panel and keep the louvers in position.

The French Door Cut-Out Template and Worksheet are recommended tools for accurate measuring. The template can be found in the pocket of the sample kit; the worksheet is located in the Reference Guide.

To measure the cut-out:
- Mark the location of the bottom frame.
- Measure up from the bottom frame location to the center of the desired cut-out location.

There are limitations to where a divider rail can be located within a French door cut-out. Consult the Shutters Product Reference Guide for acceptable locations.

When there is limited mounting space between the door hardware and the glass, the offset option should be selected. This provides a 1-1/8 inch cutaway of the back plate from the edge of the frame.

3-1/2 Inch curved cut-out:

5 Inch curved cut-out with offset:

Shutters are not intended to be a light blackout product when closed. Shutters minimize the amount of light transfer from outside to inside, however, some gaps are necessary to allow louvers to rotate, and panels to open and close properly. Frames include built-in Light Stop to help block direct light.

Light Stop may be ordered and installed to minimize light gaps on unframed shutters. It is not automatically included, and must be ordered in the Frame Detail for the unframed sides.

On inside mount applications, uneven light gaps caused by out of square window openings must be filled with caulk, or Light Stop ordered as lineal material.

Stiles are rabbeted to control the light. An astragal can also be requested for additional light control where left and right panels come together.

Rabbeted Stile:

Astragal Stile:

Our gentle-close mechanism slows the panels as they approach the frame and gently glides the panel up against the frame, preventing the panels from slamming against the frame and eliminating the potential for crushing fingers between the panel and frame.

To open the panels on a Bi-Fold track system, first close the louvers on all panels, then pull the panel closest to the stationary or pivot side outwards, followed by each successive panel, until the panel set is fully stacked.

All Bi-Fold track systems require a top and bottom track to secure the panels so they fold neatly along the track. Use of a bottom track will improve panel functionality and performance.

A clearance tester helps ensure that the louvers are able to operate without hitting window glass, trim, or hardware. Clearance testers are provided in all Shutters sample kits.

The clearance tester is formed by combining a frame sample with the stile and louver samples.

Place the chosen frame sample in/on the window opening, place the stile in position on the frame, insert the pin of the chosen louver into the hole in the stile, and operate the louver to ensure it rotates freely.

On Standard Bypass and Bypass Triple Track systems, louvers must be closed in order to traverse the panels. Open Bypass will allow louvers to remain open when traversing panels.

A bottom track or floor guide is strongly recommended to prevent panels from swinging into each other.

In certain track installations, the panels may drift due to out of square window openings or settling of the home. If this happens, a friction brake may be installed on one or more track system carriers to provide slight resistance and prevent panel drift.

Friction brake kits are included with the installation hardware on all Bypass track system orders. Unused friction brakes may be saved to use as needed.

Whenever possible, make the ordered height, divider rail height, and/or split tilt height identical for each opening, so that the divider rail location, split tilt location, louver count/spacing, and rail heights will be consistent across all of the windows.

Yes, we offer small shutter panels.

When ordering smaller panels, be aware that the rails can be as tall as 5-7/8 inch, limiting the number of louvers within the panel. For best results, consult Customer Service for the exact louver count and rail size.

Clean using a dry, soft feather duster, clean cloth, dust cloth or dusting mitt. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment may also be used.

Ultrasonic cleaning or use of chemical solvents and scrubbing cleansers are not recommended, as they will damage the shutters.

Protect shutters from exposure to steam, high moisture areas, rain or sprinkler systems to ensure their long life.

When cleaning any window, spray glass cleaner on a cloth rather than spraying directly on the window. This will prevent damage to the finish from cleaner overspray.

No. Shutters are custom made to your window measurements, so they're not meant to move with you.