The best way to maintain your aluminum accordion hurricane shutters is to use a marine grade lubricate found in any home improvement center. Spray the lubricant directly on the ‘wheel carriage’ located in the top track and attached to each hinged blade. If this does not solve your problem then you may need to ‘back off’ your bolt that holds the ‘problem’ blade and hinge by a nylon bushing.

The process is fairly simple by removing the side angle that attaches to the starting blade and sliding the ‘stack’ off the end of the track(s). Once you have the stack on ground level you can evaluate the sticky culprit and adjust this bolt to release pressure from holding the assembly from traveling freely in a hinged movement. Reverse the process to attach the stack and sides.

Keep the tracks free and clear from debris like leaves and dirt by sweeping them clean or blowing them clear. Accordions generally require little maintenance other then lubricating the locks located on the centermates.

Hurricane Preparedness Expert