Using Shutter Dogs and Shutter Hinges – A Guide
Cast iron shutter hardware is a great way to introduce a colonial architectural style to your home. Using shutter dogs on your windows is especially important as these pieces are designed specifically to hold your shutters in the open position. Shutter hardware, in its earliest form, was made from wood and leather (as iron was far too expensive for the common homeowner) and usually home made. Unfortunately the need to create more durable hardware became a necessity over time as the shutters of a home were vital in providing security for the inhabitants and protection against the weather. The use of iron for shutter dogs is a great example of Colonial architecture.
Cast iron shutter dogs are a wonderful and extremely durable way to update your older or worn shutter hardware. A Shutter dog can be very simple in design or extremely ornate, depending on a homeowner’s personal preference. Shutter dogs are mounted directly to the exterior of the house (please note not all shutter dogs can mount on every surface and the type of mount is usually specified) and turn to hold the shutters open.
Shutter dogs are produced today – allowing you to incorporate their patterns onto your windows. It is a simple way to create a common theme on the exterior of your home but remember to follow a few simple steps when replacing older shutter hardware. First, be sure to check if the shutter dog you are buying is designed to be installed on wood, brick, stucco or frame construction. Second, replace the older hinges, latches and bolts with iron hardware as well to help tie the look together for you. You can also find cast iron door and gate hardware to further create a common theme.
Cast iron shutter dog are readily available online as well as in many home decorating magazines. Search for cast iron construction to ensure high durability and be sure to ask questions.