Shutters that won’t make you Shudder
Correctly Installed
Incorrectly Installed
Installation Overview
Shutters aren’t always top of mind—upstaged in the selection process by siding, windows, decking. And yet, it’s hard to imagine many homes without them; the right shutter in the right design and color is crucial to creating a complete, polished look and boosting curb appeal.
Shutter installation is fairly straightforward, but a few missteps can lead to both design issues and durability problems. Here are a few common installation mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Fastening too tightly: Mid-America shutters install with Shutter-Loks (one-way fasteners with teeth that prevent pull-out) or screws. Like any vinyl product, the material may expand or contract over time. If fasteners are installed too tightly, the movement will have nowhere to go, potentially leading to popped screw heads or shutter distortion. Drive fasteners until there is a gap about the thickness of a dime to allow room for expansion.
Neglecting to clean: For paintable shutters, a clean surface is essential to ensure proper primer and paint adhesion, and, consequently, beautiful aesthetics and a long life. Use a TSP-based cleaner prior to priming and prior to painting.
Neglecting to prime: One of the most common errors with paintable shutters is failing to prime before painting, which also can cause paint to adhere poorly.
Using the wrong paint: For best adhesion results, use a 100% acrylic latex paint,or a paint that is formulated to bond to plastic and vinyl. We recommend Sherwin Williams A100 or equivalent. Always follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions for surface preparation and priming.
Letting in moisture. With most stucco, shutter penetrations go straight through the wall finish. and the fastener has very little chance of self-sealing around the cladding so there’s potential for water to work its way in. To help avoid this, pre-drill the hole, then as the Shutter-Lok is about to go into the wall, add a small amount of silicone to help seal the hole.
Failing to use adequate support: When installing on manufactured stone, include shutter blocks every 10 inches.
Choosing the wrong shutter size: When selecting shutters, even fixed units, consider what they would look like closed; if they’re too narrow, the eye will know something is off. For example, a 36-inch window should have a pair of 18-inch wide shutters.
Neglecting the back: The front yard is typically the focal point for curb appeal, yet the side and back yards are the favored play and gathering spaces. Shutters are often the detail that, once added, are the perfect finishing touch to create a pleasing space.
Trapping shutters: Some designers will create a faux window with two “closed” shutters with a picture frame of trim. t Make sure to leave space between the shutters and the frame—at least 1/4 inch along both sides and 3/8 inch at the top and bottom—to allow for expansion.
Misalignment with the window: Another subtle yet important design trick is to ensure the center rail of the shutter aligns with the window sash.
Avoiding these errors can ensure your homes’ shutters complement the exterior rather than detract from it.
