Tools and Materials
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Finding the Right Size and Style for Your Shutters
Choosing the right window shutters for your home is important. First, make sure you choose the right size for your windows. Generally, shutters should match the height of the window or door you’re embellishing.
Shutter Styles
Shutters styles include louvered, raised panel, and board and batten. They can be either functional working shutters or decorative shutters, both of which add to a home’s curb appeal.
Louvered shutters have angled slats designed to control light and airflow. They’re the most common type of shutters for exterior use in the US, and you can choose either functional or decorative options. The versatility of louvered shutters means they’ll look good on almost any style of home.
Raised-panel shutters have a flat center surface surrounded by beveled edges. They work well on Georgian and colonial homes, and they’re easier to clean than louvered shutters.
Board-and-batten shutters have vertical slats (called boards) that are connected by horizontal slats (called battens), which hold the boards in place. You’ll also find them with an additional diagonal batten forming a Z pattern. These shutters embody a rustic style and look great on Mediterranean, Cape Cod and farmhouse-style homes.
Shutter Colors and Materials
Basic black shutters offer a simple, stylish look for most homes. White shutters are also popular. However, there are many other colors to choose from. Most have color-matched mounting hardware.
Materials include vinyl shutters, a popular choice that resists fading, rot, cracking and peeling. The woodgrain finish with routed edges provides a real-wood appearance. You’ll also find many homes with wooden shutters. Cedar shutters are a common wood choice because they’re insect-, warp- and weather-resistant.
Shutters aren’t just for curb appeal. Consider them for the back of your house, too, if you spend lots of time in the backyard or on the patio.
How to Install Exterior Window Shutters
Remove the Existing Shutters
If the old exterior window shutters are securely fastened to the house, don’t pry or pull them off, as this may damage the exterior wall. If possible, use shears or a saw to get behind the shutter and cut the fasteners.
Install the New Shutters
Hold the shutter next to the window in the spot that looks best and push a pencil through the holes to mark where to position your screws. Use the pencil marks on your house as a guide for drilling pilot holes for your screws. Then use a drill to secure the shutter to your house with screws. Don’t overtighten.
Installing Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding expands and contracts with the weather. To avoid warping, don’t attach the shutters tightly. Also, drill the hole in the siding 1/4 inch larger than the fastener.
Attaching to Masonry: You’ll need a masonry bit and masonry wall anchors or suitable spikes (if provided with shutters). Drill and attach to the mortar, not to the brick.
Paint the Shutters
Wooden shutters can be primed or painted any color, based on your preference. For plastic shutters, first prepare the surface by using a plastic primer product. Apply according to the instructions on the can. Wait the required amount of time and apply paint to the shutters. For best results, use an exterior oil-base paint or exterior latex paint.
Paint drying time varies due to weather conditions. Painting new shutters may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Some shutters can’t be painted or stained.
Don’t have time to do this project yourself? Check out our professional exterior shutters installation service.