Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Shutters*

Shutters were once a practical means of shutting window openings. These days, however, most shutters are decorative accessories used to beautify a home's exterior.

Installation of decorative shutters is a relatively simple project. There are two methods of attachment commonly used: direct attachment and the use of hidden clips. Direct attachment involves using vinyl plugs through the face of the shutter and into the side of the house. The use of clips allows shutters to be attached with no visible screws or attachment hardware. The clips are mounted to the home's exterior, and the shutters snap into place on the clips.

The shutters you buy will generally dictate the method of attachment that the manufacture recommends. Attachment accessories are usually included in the package of shutters along with installation instructions.

Attaching shutters with plugs

From my experience, using plugs to hang shutters is the easiest method. Depending on the height of the shutter, I will drill either 4 or 6 holes in the corners of each shutter. The hole will be slightly smaller in diameter than the plug.

Holding the shutter in position, I use the hole in the shutter as a guide to drill a hole in the house for each plug. Each plug is then pushed into the hole to hold the shutter snug to the siding. With the proper drill bits you can use these plugs on wood, vinyl, and masonry siding.

Hidden clips

Every time we get a set of shutters with hidden clips, the clips are different than ones we've seen before. Hidden clips are somewhat more difficult to install. They require more precise measurements to be transferred to the house often times at heights that are difficult to work. The clips are attached to the house and the shutters are attached to the clips

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