Shutter service & repair
Shutter louvers won't stay open? Start here.
If your louvers drift shut on their own or won't hold the angle you set, it's almost always tension - and it's usually a thirty-second fix with a screwdriver. Here's exactly how.
The honest scope first: we service the shutters we installed. This adjustment is safe on any shutter, though - so try it whatever brand you have.
Free | No obligation | No pressure. You decide on your own timeline.
The 30-second tension fix.
- Find the tension screw. On a standard-tilt shutter it's on the edge (side stile) of the panel, roughly level with the louvers. You'll see the screw head in the frame.
- Turn it a fraction clockwise. Righty-tighty increases the friction that holds the louvers. Go a little at a time - an eighth of a turn, then test.
- Test the hold. Set the louvers and let go. They should stay put without being stiff to move. Repeat in small increments until they hold.
- Don't overdo it. If they get hard to tilt, back off slightly. And if the screw is already tight but they still sag, stop - that's a worn part, not a tension problem.
We service only the shutters we installed. This adjustment is yours to try on any shutter; if it doesn't hold, the section below covers what's next.
When tension isn't the whole story.
If you've maxed the tension and the louvers still won't behave, the culprit is usually a worn louver pin or bushing - a real repair, not an adjustment. On shutters we installed, our technician replaces the worn part quickly (covered on your Sanctuary guarantee, or quoted first on other lines).
On budget vinyl, chronic sagging that no tension screw fixes is often the material fatiguing - the early sign of a set that's wearing out. That's worth an honest look at the whole window rather than a losing battle with one panel.
From our Google reviews.
“Very happy with the customer service department and how quick they were able to schedule service - Todd was very professional and on time! He is very knowledgeable and was able to fix our issue in less than 10 minutes. Thank you and we are very happy with our purchase and would recommend Southwest Blinds and Shutters!”
Tension questions, answered straight.
The 'my louvers won't stay open' fix, in detail.
Where is the tension screw on a plantation shutter?
On most standard-tilt shutters it's in the side stile - the vertical frame member of the panel - roughly level with the louvers. You'll see the screw head on the edge of the panel. A gentle turn increases the friction that holds the louvers in place.
Which way do I turn it?
Clockwise (righty-tighty) to increase tension so the louvers hold; a small fraction of a turn at a time. Test after each nudge - you want them to stay where you set them without being stiff to move. If it's already tight and they still drift, the issue may be a worn pin rather than tension.
My louvers still won't stay open after adjusting - now what?
If tension is maxed and they still sag, something's worn - a louver pin, a bushing, or on cheap product, the material itself. On shutters we installed, that's a quick service visit (covered on Sanctuary). On another company's failing product, it can be a sign the set is aging out.
When it's time to replace →Fix didn't hold? We can help.
If we installed your shutters, call and we'll take care of the worn part. If not, we'll give you an honest read on whether it's worth repairing - free, no obligation, no pressure.
Broken louver or tilt rod instead? See the louver repair guide →