How to Properly Install a Shutter

Adding shutters to your home offers privacy and protection from weather, in addition to improving the exterior aesthetic. But if you want your shutters to look good, they must be installed correctly.

Start by measuring the window frame casing at the top, middle, and bottom, taking note of the smallest width. Divide this number in half to determine the width of each shutter. More by clicking here.

Pre-drilling

Before purchasing your shutters, make sure to use a tape measure and take accurate window measurements. This will help you avoid buying short or long shutters that won’t fit properly and can also prevent overlapping between windows. If you are installing shutters between two windows, be sure to buy shutters that are the same height to avoid a noticeable gap.

Many shutters will come with pilot holes already drilled in the siding, but if yours do not, it is important to pre-drill these holes. Without a pilot hole, you could accidentally drive in a screw too hard, which can split or crack your shutters or siding and cause costly repairs.

Position the shutter and align its pilot holes with the existing holes in your siding, leaving a half-inch of space between the shutter and the edge of the window. If you are using wood screws, be sure to hammer in masonry anchors first to ensure the screws grip tightly.

Fastening

Once you’ve positioned the shutters and marked the mounting locations, remove them from the window casing to screw in the hinges. This gives you the opportunity to attach any other exterior hardware you might want, like shutter dogs or a latch to keep them in a closed position during high winds.

When fastening, it’s important to use a masonry bit that matches your screws. This allows you to drive the screw in as easily as possible without damaging the casing or the shutters. It also prevents the screws from ripping out of the brick when tightened.

Once the screws are in, you can reposition the shutters and re-attach them to the casing. If you haven’t already, now would be a good time to apply the touch-up paint provided with your shutter hardware kit. This will help to conceal any holes in the brick and add a little more color to your home.

Adjusting

When you install shutters properly, they will not only look great, but they will also last a lifetime while enhancing your home’s curb appeal. If you choose a reputable dealer with factory-certified installers, your new shutters will also be backed by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Exterior shutters are attached to 2-3 hinges that sit atop “pintels” screwed into the window frame. Choosing the wrong pintel can result in shutters that don’t offset correctly from the house, causing them to lie flat or almost flush against the home.

The hinges allow you to open and close the slats of your shutters, but they also provide a space for airflow that helps prevent heat build-up that damages siding and other painted surfaces. Therefore, a slight gap is essential. You can create this gap by using rubber washers or another non-corrosive spacer between the shutter and casing. After ensuring the gaps are even, use a level to ensure that the hinges are plumb.

Opening

Unlike shutters on many modern houses, most historical shutters do not open and close. Architecturally, this is a good thing. Nonetheless, they must appear functional. This is why they are not forever nailed in place flush to the house; they are spaced out just a bit, which allows air and water to flow through. This prevents rot and preserves the wood, so it lasts as long as possible.

To make sure the gap between the shutter and casing is not too wide (which would allow rain to seep in and collect at the bottom of the shutter), use rubber washers or other non-corrosive spacers. Ideally, there will be about an inch of clearance.

Use a level to check that the frame sections are even. If they are not, this is an indication that the original measurements were incorrect. The problem could be solved by retaking the measurements or using a different type of hinge. This should be addressed before the final step in the process. Check out this interesting post!