An exterior shutter is the best kind of windows and doors treatment that adds value to your interiors and may increase the resale price of your property. They are quite easy to install if you have enough knowledge about using different tools.
When you add decorative exterior shutters in your home, they automatically create a visual illusion that your windows are functional and working properly.
People who want to enhance the façade of their houses can simply follow this conventional guide about exterior shutter installation for an enhanced look.
Step 1: Measure the dimensions of your window
According to the expert professionals, the width and length of the exterior shutters would totally depend on the dimensions of your windows. You need to get a tape, determine and then measure the overall width and height of your windows. Their height will simply follow the same height as the window. And their width will probably half of the width of your window. There are some specific shutter dimensions which are recommended by the window contractors as they are expert enough to provide a proper estimate of everything.
Step 2: Choose your desired material
Exterior shutters are made up of several kinds of durable materials which include wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass etc. Plastic and matter simply provide an ideal shutter design, but they can also get damaged and break easily. Wood is also the best material, but it also starts to rot due to the constant exposure to heat and cold. The recommended type is Vinyl. These shutters can simply withstand all kinds of temperature like moisture, heat, and cold. And last longer than wood, available in different styles and materials.
Step 3: Get the shutters ready for installation
We need to install two shutters for every window, one shutter for each side. While installing, you can test the shutter on both sides and find if they adjust properly. If your shutter has some 2-inch allowance, then this shutter should be also an inch lower than the bottom area of your window and 1 inch higher than the upper portion.
Step 4: Pre-drill the holes on the corners
Before installing the shutters at the window sides, its recommended to pre-drill all the small holes on the corners. It’s better to determine how many screws are given by the manufacturer, and then analyze where to efficiently place them on the shutter. Generally, the window corners should be provided with the screw. You can use other sections for the middle sections of all the window sides. You can also find if there are any marks on the shutter for screw installations. Just place the screwdriver on the drill and then screw on the bit. It's best to drive the screws halfway on every corner of the window shutter.
Step 5: Position the shutter
After following the above-mentioned steps, the last step is to carefully position the shutter on every edge of the window sides. It’s important to ensure that the shutter is carefully positioned before you drive the screws on your wooden wall. If your wall is made up of concrete, then provide the efficient mounting structure. After positioning the first shutter in place, carefully mount the second shutter on the other side. These shutters are also purposed to give additional support.
Exterior shutter installation is not a complicated process, it just takes time, efforts and concentration. But if you are considering professional help, then you can easily get it installed in a couple of minutes as they have enough knowledge and expertise to follow the steps. However, if you are planning a DIY procedure, then the above-mentioned steps would prove helpful, especially for a new homeowner.