Fall is the best time of year to give your exterior shutters some attention. The summer sun has done its damage, winter weather hasn't arrived yet, and it's still warm enough for paint to cure properly. An hour or two of work now keeps small problems like loose screws, peeling paint, and nesting insects from becoming expensive ones by spring.

Here is the checklist we recommend to homeowners every October and November, whether your shutters are vinyl, wood, composite, or aluminum.

1. Walk the House and Inspect Every Shutter

Start with a slow lap around the house. Look at each shutter from the ground, then up close where you can reach safely. You're looking for:

  • Damage to vinyl panels, especially on south- and west-facing windows that take the most sun.
  • Peeling, blistering, or chalky paint on wood and painted composite.
  • Soft spots or dark staining on wood, which can signal rot starting at the bottom edge or the louvers.
  • Shutters that have shifted, sagged, or pulled away from the wall.

Take a photo of anything that needs work. It makes it much easier to plan repairs or measure for replacements later.

2. Clean Off the Summer Grime

Pollen, dust, and mildew build up through the warm months, and if they sit through a wet winter they can stain and break down the finish. A soft brush and a bucket of water with mild dish soap handles most shutters. Rinse with a garden hose.

Skip the high-pressure washer, especially on vinyl and older wood. A strong spray can force water behind the shutter, lift paint, and crack louvers. If your vinyl shutters already look washed out, our guide on how to restore faded vinyl shutters walks through bringing the color back.

3. Check for Wasps and Old Nests

The gap behind a fixed

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