General Wood Characteristics
Wood is a product of nature and includes individual distinctions that are part of the beauty of any wood product. There are a variety of species with various densities, colors and grain patterns. These naturally occurring variations create a sophisticated charm that makes your shutters one of a kind. Color variation within a wood species is influenced by a number of factors such as moisture and mineral content of the soil, exposure to sunlight and genetic makeup. Changes in climate, growth rate, soil conditions and damage are a few of the factors that contribute to grain pattern. The tree diameter and type of cut determines the growth ring size and orientation, which in turn affects the grain pattern and color. All of these factors combine to produce unique characteristics that provide the beauty and essence of natural wood.
All woods change color over time. The amount of change varies depending on the wood species, type of cut, exposure to natural light, and amount and color of stain pigment used. While color samples give a general idea of the appearance of a specific stain color and wood species combination, it is impossible to represent all of the grain patterns, wood and stain colors, and natural variations that will occur. Because of this, we recommend viewing the largest sample possible before making a final species and color selection.
Handling, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
Beauty, style, performance and uniqueness are some of the reasons to choose a WoodMax custom wood shutter. To preserve the fine qualities of these shutters and have a lifetime of superior service, proper storage, handling and installation is of vital importance. The following guidelines will help to maintain the high quality products supplied by WoodMax.
How to Store, Handle, Finish, Install and Maintain Wood Shutters
Storage and Handling
- Store shutters flat on a level surface in a dry, well-ventilated building. Shutters should not come in contact with water. Shutters should be kept at least 102 mm (4 inches) off the floor and should have protective coverings under the bottom shutter and over the top. Covering should protect shutters from dirt, water and abuse but allow for air circulation under and around the stack.
- Avoid exposure of interior shutters to direct sunlight. Certain species (e.g., cherry, mahogany, walnut, teak) in an unfinished state are more susceptible to discoloration if exposed to either sunlight or some forms of artificial light. To protect shutters from light damage after delivery, opaque wrapping of individual shutters may be specified.
- Do not subject interior shutters to extremes of heat and/or humidity. Do not allow shutters to come in contact with water. Prolonged exposure may cause damage. Locating where humidity and temperature are controlled provides the best storage situation (recommended conditions are 25%-55% RH and 10°C to 32°C (50°F-90°F).
- Do not install shutters in buildings that have wet plaster or cement. Do not store shutters in buildings with excessive moisture content – HVAC systems should be operating and balanced.
- Shutters should always be handled with clean dry hands or while wearing clean dry gloves.
- Shutters should be lifted and carried when being moved, not dragged across one another.
Finishing
- Wood is hygroscopic and dimensionally influenced by changes in moisture content caused by changes within its surrounding environment. To assure uniform moisture exposure and dimensional control, all surfaces must be finished equally.
- Shutters should not be considered ready for finishing when initially received. Before finishing, remove all handling marks, raised grain, scuffs, burnishes and other undesirable blemishes by block sanding all surfaces in a horizontal position with 150 or 180 grit sandpaper. Sanding of the overall surface will be required to open the grain to receive a field applied finish evenly. To avoid cross grain scratches, sand with the grain.
- Certain species of wood, particularly oak, may contain extractives which react unfavorably with foreign materials in the finishing system. Eliminate the use of steel wool on bare wood, rusty containers or any other contaminate in the finishing system.
- A thinned coat of sanding sealer should be applied prior to staining to promote a uniform appearance and avoid sharp contrasts in color or a blotchy appearance. Shutter Manufacturers are not responsible for the final appearance of field-finished shutters. It is expected that the painting contractor will make adjustments as needed to achieve desired results.
- All exposed, unfinished wood surfaces must be sealed including the top and bottom edges. Cutouts for hardware in exterior shutters, and shutters located adjacent to areas where high moisture is expected, should be sealed prior to installation of hardware and exposure to weather.
- Dark colored finishes should be avoided on all surfaces if the shutter is exposed to direct sunlight, in order to reduce the chance of warping or veneer checking.
- Water-based coatings on unfinished wood may cause veneer splits, highlight joints and raise wood grain. If used on exterior shutters, the coating should be an exterior grade product. When installed in exterior applications, shutters must be properly sealed and adequately protected from the elements. Please follow the finish manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the correct application and use of these products.
- Make sure the shutter surface being finished is satisfactory in both smoothness and color after each coat. Allow adequate drying time between coats. Desired results are best achieved by following the finish manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not finish shutter until a sample of the finish has been approved.
Installation
- The utility or structural strength of the shutters must not be impaired when fitting to the opening, in applying hardware or in preparing for louvers, appliqués or other detailing.
- Consult hinge hardware manufacturer with regard to weight and size of hinges or pivots required.
- All hardware locations, preparations and methods of attachment must be appropriate for the specific shutter construction. Templates for specific hardware preparation are available from hardware manufacturers or their distributors.
- When louver cutouts are made for exterior shutters, they must be protected in order to prevent water from entering the shutter core.
- Pilot holes must be drilled for all screws that act as hardware attachments. Self-tapping or combination wood/metal screws are not recommended for use on wood shutters.
- Shutters should be installed plumb, square and level.
Cleaning and Touch-up
- Inspect all wood shutters prior to installing them on the job. Repair noticeable marks or defects that may have occurred from improper storage and handling.
- Field repairs and touchups are the responsibility of the installing contractor upon completion of initial installation. Field touchup shall include the filling of exposed nail or screw holes, re-finishing of raw surfaces resulting from job fitting, repair of job inflicted scratches and mars and final cleaning of finished surfaces.
- When cleaning shutter surfaces, use a non-abrasive commercial cleaner designed for cleaning wood shutter or paneling surfaces, that does not leave a film residue that would build-up or affect the surface gloss of the shutter finish.
Adjustment and Maintenance
- Insure that all shutters swing freely and do not bind. Adjust the finish hardware for proper alignment, smooth operation and proper latching without unnecessary force or excessive clearance.
- Review with the owner/owner’s representative how to periodically inspect all shutters for wear, damage and natural deterioration.
- Review with the owner/owner’s representative how to periodically inspect and adjust all hardware to insure that it continues to function as it was originally intended.
- Finishes on exterior shutters may deteriorate due to exposure to the environment. In order to protect the shutter it is recommended that the condition of the exterior finish be inspected at least once a year and re-finished as needed. Both exterior and interior finishes will change color over time.
WoodMax Handling, Care and Maintenance Instructions PDF
Download Handling, Care and Maintenance Instructions PDF
Information in this document courtesy of WDMA – Window and Shutter Manufacturers Association.
WoodMax Custom Shutter Limited Warranty
All shutters manufactured by WoodMax are warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship that would render those shutters unserviceable or unfit for the recommended use, subject to specific terms, to the original purchaser. If a warranted shutter is defective, WoodMax will, at its sole discretion, 1) repair the shutter, or 2) provide an equivalent replacement, or 3) refund the purchase price.
Length of Warranty
Exterior residential shutters and commercial shutters are warranted for a period of 1 year from the date of manufacture, subject to specific terms.
Interior residential shutters are warranted for a period of 3 years from the date of manufacture, subject to specific terms.
Warranty Exclusions
The following are specifically excluded as defects from coverage of the warranty:
- Damage caused by a failure to maintain the shutter, or any condition caused by a failure to follow WoodMax’s written Handling, Care and Maintenance Instructions.
- Warp which does not exceed ¼” in the plane of the shutter for any area up to 24” X 72”. WoodMax may defer repairing or replacing any shutter due to warp for a period of up to 12 months from the date of the claim to allow proper equalizing and conditioning to local humidity and temperature conditions.
- Damage caused by improper glazing, hardware installation or finishing that is not done by, or under the control of, WoodMax.
- Damage caused by others or by factors beyond the control of WoodMax including, but not limited to, misuse, abuse, accident, mishandling, or by fire, flood, storm, extremes of high or low humidity or other acts of nature.
- WoodMax shutters are produced with natural wood. As such, due to the nature of wood, small surface checks, cracks, grain separation, color variations and swelling or shrinking of the shutter parts caused by fluctuations in ambient temperatures and humidity may occur. These are normal occurrences and part of the natural aging process of wood and not considered a manufacturing defect. Providing stable temperature and humidity conditions as well as proper finishing of the shutter are the best ways to minimize these natural effects.
Warranty Limitations
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties. WoodMax expressly excludes and disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall WoodMax be liable for any incidental, consequential, indirect or any other special damages for breach of any warranty or negligence. Further, WoodMax shall not be RESPONSIBLE OR liable for cost of labor, installation, removal, SHIPPING or re-finishing of ANY replacement shutter or component. The aggregate liability of WoodMax upon any claims howsoever arising out of or relating to any shutter or its warranty will in any event be limited to the amount paid by the original purchaser to WoodMax for such shutter.
Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so parts of the above paragraph may not apply to some purchasers. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights, and the purchaser may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Warranty Claims Procedure
The purchaser must thoroughly inspect all shutters when received to determine if any damage has occurred during shipment. Written notice of any claim must be delivered by the purchaser within 5 days of discovery to WoodMax. All notices must be delivered by using registered mail, return receipt requested, or overnight delivery service addressed to WoodMax, 111 Pomeroy Avenue, Paynesville, MN 56362. Delivery shall be deemed effective upon receipt by WoodMax.
WoodMax can respond most effectively and quickly if the following information is provided: date and location of purchase, how to contact the purchaser, nature of the problem (photos are helpful), and address where the product is located. We will investigate any claim and take appropriate action within 30 days of delivery of notice of such claim.
General Provisions
This warranty shall govern the liability of WoodMax and supercedes all prior representations and warranties, written or oral, including any contained in the purchaser’s purchase order or invoice. This warranty extends only to the original purchaser and is not transferable or assignable by the original purchaser. This warranty is not extended to any third party. No dealer, employee or representative of Woodmax has the authority to change or expand this warranty.
WoodMax Warranty PDF
Download WoodMax Custom Product Limited Warranty PDF