Among the different types of plantation shutters in the market, one of the most popular types is the wooden plantation shutter. Wooden shutters provide a feeling of warmth and coziness to a home. However, wooden plantation shutters are considered to be the more expensive option because their prices are significantly higher than other types of plantation shutters. As a result, people often look at alternatives to wooden plantation shutters. There are alternatives, like vinyl plantation shutters do not only provide people with cheaper alternatives but also provide additional benefits as well.

Apart from being the more affordable plantation shutter option, there are a number of other reasons why vinyl plantation shutters can be considered as a better alternative to wooden plantation shutters. Vinyl shutters are not too vulnerable to wear and tear, because unlike wooden shutters, vinyl shutters do not fade and crack easily. Also, vinyl shutters do not shrink or expand when they are exposed to humidity or fluctuating temperatures. As a result, vinyl shutters have become the preferred option in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor pools. Another reason why vinyl shutters are considered a good alternative is that they are easy to clean and maintain.

However, apart from these benefits, homeowners find that vinyl shutters also provide them access to the same feelings of warmth and coziness that wooden shutters provide. This is because there are some types of vinyl shutters that have been designed to look like wood. Given this, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of wooden shutters without having to deal with the downsides of those types of shutters.

Plantation Shutters provides detailed information on Plantation Shutters, Discount Plantation Shutters, Wood Plantation Shutters, Vinyl Plantation Shutters and more. Plantation Shutters is affiliated with Interior Shutters.

Maintenance on your home in inevitable, and upkeep can sometimes be a challenge. You often need to paint the exterior, paint the interior, fix the occasional broken faucet, replace the flowers that died on you, and reseed and fertilize the lawn just to name a few.

A common question people have is about decorative vinyl exterior shutters: “How do I remove exterior vinyl shutters that are installed with Shutter-Loks without breaking the exterior vinyl shutter?”.

Shutter-Loks (sometimes spelled “shutter locks” and often referred to as easy-loks, shutter plugs, or plastic nails) are designed for a permanent shutter installation. However, it is still possible to remove decorative exterior vinyl shutters when doing routine maintenance (such as exterior painting or installing new siding) on your home. The bottom line is, you can remove the window shutters, but installing them again will require you to purchase new Shutter-Loks. Keep this in mind before you take them down, because Shutter-Loks generally cannot be found in local stores. Shuter-Loks can be purchased online though (see the link at the bottom of this article).

Do not attempt to pull the Shutter-Lok out of the wall, as you will most likely damage the surface of your exterior vinyl shutters. To remove the exterior decorative shutters, you will need the following:

1. A small chisel with a sharpened edge
2. A hammer
3. Silicone
4. A diagonal cutter
5. An electric drill with a 1/4″ drill bit

Turn the chisel so the sharp edge is facing away from the surface of the house and slide it behind the shutter until it rests against the Shutter-Lok. Use a hammer to give the handle of the chisel a sharp tap and the chisel will cut through the Shutter-Lok.

After you have cut through all of the Shutter-Loks, take the shuttter down and set it carefully on the ground. Use a diagonal cutter to shear the remaining piece of the Shutter-Lok so it is flush with the surface. Next, drill out the Shutter-Lok using a 1/4″ drill bit. Do not leave the Shutter-Lok inside of the wall because moisture can leak in and it will start to rot.

Now, if you plan to leave the window shutters off of your home, you should fill the hole in with caulking compound and smooth it off so it is level with the surface and you can then repaint to make the hole invisible.

If you plan to reinstall the vinyl exterior shutters after you paint your home, fill the hole partially with silicone to weatherproof it temporarily. After painting the exterior of the house, you can redrill the hole with a 1/4″ drill bit to remove the silicone.

To reinstall, rest the exterior window shutter against the surface and align it with the holes, then press the Shutter-Loks into the holes part way to hold the vinyl shutter in place. Then use a hammer to very gently tap the Shutter-Lok until it is flush with the surface of the exterior window shutter. Do not keep tapping, as this will make the shutter start to dimple and you will need to purchase new Shutter-Loks and start over because there is no way to pull them back out. You should leave the Shutter-Loks just slightly loose to allow for expansion and contraction.

For information about selecting, measuring, purchasing exterior vinyl window shutters, and buying replacement Shutter-Loks for your home, please visit http://www.shuttercontractor.com/

Replacing the exterior windows in your home can be a tough decision. First, you must decide how much you are willing to spend, and then you must decide what type and style you are looking for. More of today’s consumers are choosing a replacement vinyl exterior window.
Because of the ease in maintenance, a replacement vinyl exterior window may well suit your needs perfectly. No more painting. Unlike wood, a replacement vinyl exterior window doesn’t swell making it hard to raise and lower your windows.
Replacing old windows, that let cold air in and heat escape in the winter or vice versa in the summer, is a very good way of reducing your electricity costs.
Replacement Vinyl Exterior Window
The wonderful feature to a replacement vinyl exterior window is the many different looks you can find as well as the levels of quality. This enables you to purchase the replacement vinyl exterior window that best fits the style of your home while at the same time allows you to stay within your budget.
A replacement vinyl exterior window can cost anywhere from seventy-five dollars to four hundred fifty dollars with installation included. As you can see prices vary greatly, so it is a good idea to evaluate more than one option.
On another note, one of the biggest complaints with vinyl windows is a problem with seals going bad. Most vinyl windows come with at least two panes with a vapor lock between the two panes of glass. The panels of glass are sealed and held into place with an industrial strength silicone that can fail. When this happens the space between the two panes becomes stained, even to the point of not being able to see through them, so be sure to look for a replacement vinyl exterior window that comes with a warranty against defects.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

A common mistake people make is to assume that their house is “ready for sale” just because it is a livable, functional place that is not in need of repair. This mistake can not only make your home take longer to sell, but can also mean you will be accepting thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars less for the home than the amount you can get with a few smartly done improvements.

As the old saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. When dealing with selling your home, this translates into creating a better “curb appeal” to draw in potential buyers. Many things can be done to improve “curb appeal”, such as a fresh coat of paint, installing new siding, doing some simple yardcare and landscaping, and adding “finishing touches” to the house. While the cost of such improvements can sometimes be prohibitive, when doing them smartly yourself you can literally improve the value of your home with little more than some elbow grease and a few hundred dollars.

One of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck is by installing vinyl exterior shutters. Measuring for and installing exterior window shutters can usually be done in a few hours depending on how many windows face the street and will give prospective buyers the “wow” effect you are hoping for.

There are 2 basic types of exterior vinyl shutters:

1. Custom-made vinyl shutters
2. Prebuilt or stock shutters (often called standard-sized shutters)

If measured correctly, custom-made shutters will always go from the top to the bottom of the window frame within 1/4″ of the actual height of the opening. Custom exterior shutters come in several widths, usually starting around 6 inches wide and are available up to around 30 inches wide. Standard sized shutters usually only come in height increments of 2 or 3 inches and are only available in 12 inch and 15 inch widths.

While custom-made shutters will certainly look the best, it can cost 150%-250% more to buy custom shutters than stock sizes. Another thing to consider is that custom made shutters can take 2 weeks or longer to be built, while stock sizes are prebuilt and ready to ship. This can be a major factor if you are in a hurry to sell and are on a budget. Of course, custom made shutters can be made quicker and ship faster if you are willing to pay an additional shipping charge, so be sure to ask the vendor if this is an option.

A good balance between cost and good looks is to order standard sized shutters for windows that are within an inch of one of the available heights, and order custom made shutters for the windows that need a more exact fit - especially the windows on the front of the house on each side of the front door.

The color of the vinyl shutters is also an important factor, since painting can only be done if you order the paintable type of plastic. Black and white are the most popular colors and therefore they are usually shipped the soonest because they are typically stocked very well. Ordering the paintable type of plastic shutters is also a way to receive them quickly, but of course will require you to put in some more work to paint them before installing them.

If you have more time, it is possible to order a vinyl shutter color sample kit before ordering the shutters. This is a good way to get an exact match with your trim, or to get the right color of paint if you have also decided to paint the house for the sale. Color samples can be ordered for as little as $5 and most places give you the cost of the sample back when you order the shutters. This is also a good way to get some idea of what the shutters will look like because the samples are moulded from the same vinyl material as the actual shutters.

Once the window shutters arrive, installing them is just a matter of drilling a few holes and either screwing them to the outside surface of your home or using shutter-loks, which can be tapped in with a few strokes of a hammer. Of course, it is important to download the instructions from the web site that you buy them from as different shutter manufacturers recommend slightly different installation and not doing the installation correctly can result in a voided warranty. Some exterior shutter warranties are even transferable if you sell your home, which can be another way to improve your home’s value for sale.

Additional shutter measuring and shutter installation instructions can be found at ShutterContractor.com, as well as other helpful resources such as an exterior shutter glossary of terms. Good luck with your home makeover and sale!

For information about selecting, measuring, and purchasing exterior vinyl window shutters, please visit http://www.shuttercontractor.com/

If you have ever lived through a hurricane, you know the incredible damage that can be caused by severe storm winds. It doesn’t matter if your home is new or old, it may not be able to withstand high waves and fierce winds. There are three areas that are vulnerable to damage from a hurricane, windows, doors and the roof. Wood shutters are a great way to protect your windows from falling debris that can shatter the glass. Even if your windows don’t shatter, fierce winds against the window could cause them to leak air in the future. Exterior vinyl shutters are another solution protecting your windows.

Even a house made from concrete can have points that are weak. Wood frame homes are especially vulnerable to strong winds. The first way to hurricane proof your home is to determine what type of roof you have. If you have a gabled roof, they are more inclined to be damaged from high winds. By simply, climbing up into the attic and installing additional braces in the gable ends is a great first step. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, have a qualified contractor install galvanized metal hurricane straps as these will help secure your roof to the walls. The next vulnerable area is your windows. They can be protected by installing protective storm coverings such as wooden shutters or exterior vinyl shutters. Your local building supply store should be able to supply you with the shutters you need, or you can actually make your own out of plywood.

And finally, the third vulnerable area during a hurricane is your doors. Installing bolts or pins strong enough to withstand storm force winds are great way to reinforce your doors. Door-bolt material will range in price from $10-$50. If you have a large garage door, start strengthening it by installing a horizontal brace in each panel. Many garage door manufacturers have bracing kits available for purchase. Also, consider heavier hinges and stronger supports for your garage door. If a hurricane is pending, take the necessary steps now to ensure and maintain the integrity of your home. Installing good exterior vinyl shutters or wood shutters are good first step.

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.best-window-blinds-shutters.com/wooden-blinds.html - Do you have an arch in the window that needs a very special blind? http://www.best-window-blinds-shutters.com/113-arch-blind-window-wood.html

Installing exterior vinyl shutters is usually a simple, straightforward task when installing on wood or siding. However, if you are installing plastic shutters on a brick surface, some things need to be taken into consideration.

First of all, some bricks are reinforced with metal. This makes it an extremely difficult task to drill through the brick. I tried this once and it took me all day just to mount 3 pairs of shutters because I had to continually switch back and fourth between a masonry drill bit and a steel drill bit.

Another thing to consider is that the life of the house will probably be longer than the life of the vinyl shutters. It is quite possible that the person who buys the house from you (whenever that day may be) won’t like the shutters and will want to take them down. Alternatively they may wish to install operable exterior shutters in their place. So we must be sure to make removing them in the future an easy process.

Both of these problems can be solved by drilling into the mortar between the bricks instead of into the bricks themselves. The main reason for this is because it is much easier to patch the mortar than it is to fill and match the color and texture of the bricks.

The next thing to consider is whether you want a permanent installation or if you would like the option to take your window shutters down. The primary reason why you would want to take down your vinyl shutters would be to paint the house. Since brick typically is not painted a permanent installation will suffice in most situations. However, if part or your entire mounting surface is painted you may wish to make them removable for future maintenance. To mount the shutters permanently, you can order vinyl exterior shutters with shutter-loks (sometimes called shutter locks or shutter plugs). To make a removable installation, you can get painted metal screws to mount your window shutters and use some masonry anchors to hold them in place.

Finally, you will also need to take into consideration the construction of the house. If the window has a slope sill you will need to leave a 1/4 inch gap between the sill and the bottom of the shutter to allow rain, snow, and ice to drain from the window. If you have a brick mold you will need to order the correct size of exterior shutters to stretch from the top to the bottom of the window opening.

You will need the following items to complete the installation:

1. Tape measure

2. Power drill, steel and masonry drill bits

3. Sawhorses

4. Square

5. Pencil

6. Vinyl shutters

7. Either shutter-loks and or painted steel screws with masonry anchors

8. Hammer

9. Phillips screwdriver (for painted screws only)

For vinyl shutters that are 55 inches or larger, you will need to use 6 shutter-loks or painted steel screws. If the shutter panel is less than 55 inches, 4 mounting fasteners will suffice.

To get started, hold one panel of the vinyl shutters in position next to the window in the position you would like it mounted. The shutter should be as close to the window opening as possible. Now, you will need to use a pencil to mark the center of the mortar in each of the 4 (or 6) mounting locations. Keep in mind that you will need to leave a 2 to 5 inch gap on the top and the bottom of the shutter above and below the mounting fastener. So for example if the first mortar line is less than 2 inches down from the top of the shutter, you should use mark the second mortar line as the point on the shutter where you will need to drill. Just mark the side of the plastic shutter in the 4 (or 6) locations where the center of the mortar lines are.

Now, set the vinyl shutter face up on the sawhorses. Using the mark on the side as a guide, lay the square across the top of the shutter with one end of it hanging over the side pointing downward toward the ground. You are only using this as a guide to mark the drilling location on the front side of the exterior shutter based on the markings you placed on the side that indicate where the mortar lines are. The stiles (or rails) for vinyl shutters are typically 2 to 4 inches in width. Using the square as a guide, draw a small line across the face of the stile and then use the tape measure to mark the precise location of the mounting hole (exactly in the center of the stile). Repeat this until all of the holes are marked.

If you decided to use shutter-loks to install your vinyl shutters, you need to drill a 1/4 inch hole at each of the locations using a steel drill bit. For the removable installation, use an 11/64 inch steel drill bit to drill the holes in the vinyl exterior shutter at the locations you marked.

Place the shutter against the surface of the house and use the pencil to mark the center of the hole (which should also be in the center of the mortar). Be sure the vinyl shutter doesn’t slip while you mark all of the locations.

Now remove the exterior shutter. If you are using shutter locks you will need a 1/4 inch masonry bit. For painted screws you will need to use the correct size masonry bit for the anchors you purchased. Drill at each of the 4 (or 6) locations you marked.

For shutter-loks, make sure that the hole is at least 1 3/4 inches deep. For painted screws you should drill 2 inches deep. It is better to drill a little bit over to ensure they don’t bottom out because starting over is not particularly easy and requires new shutter-loks.

To finish the shutter-lok installation, place the shutter against the wall in the final location and push the shutter-loks through the vinyl shutter and into the hole in the wall. If you can’t push it all the way in, use a hammer to gently tap it until it just touches the surface of the vinyl shutter. Be sure to leave a little bit of play to allow for expansion and contraction.

When mounting with painted screws and anchors you should drill 2 inches deep into the mortar. Using a hammer, tap the anchors into the holes in the mortar. Finally, place the shutter against the surface and put the screws through the vinyl exterior shutters into the masonry anchors and tighten the screws with the screwdriver. Do not over tighten them - the vinyl shutters should not dimple.

Repeat each of the steps for the other panels of your exterior vinyl shutters.

Shad Storhaug is the founder of ShutterContractor.com and is an expert in providing advice about selection, measuring, installation, and maintenance of exterior vinyl shutters.

For more information or to order new vinyl shutters, visit ShutterContractor.com’s Window Shutters Store.

Exterior Shutters Create Curb Appeal

Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home’s curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home’s exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home’s exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.

Personalize Your Home’s Exterior

At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home’s exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What’s your favorite color?

And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.

Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain

In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.

Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option

Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.

About the Author

Lawrence DePippa is the Internet Marketing Manager of Accent Building Products, a leading direct distributor of Builders Edge vinyl exterior shutters, gable vents, door surrounds, and kitchen cabinets. Accent Building Products can be found online at: http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com

Learning how to install exterior shutters is straight forward. There are two popular but different ways to install exterior shutters, however. The first method is called “direct set” and is when you install the shutters directly to the house pinning it with 6 to 8 screws to the home. This method is popular for installing vinyl shutters. The second method is on hinges and is how to install exterior shutters when they need to be functional and open and close. This method is popular for installing wood shutters.

Before we begin, it’s also a good idea to point out that depending on the surface you’re installing on, siding, stucco, rock or brick, there are a few differences in the details.

Ok, let’s begin with direct set installation. Direct set installation of shutters is used for installing vinyl shutters and sometimes also for installing wood shutters. There are no hinges or other hardware to mount the exterior shutters. The only hardware needed are 2 - 3 inches long screws and drywall anchors for the brick and rock installation. Drywall screws should also be used for stucco if there is not a rigid plywood backing for the screws to grab onto. For vinyl shutters there will normally be six holes and six accompanying plugs which will cover the screw heads. Step one is to hold the vinyl shutter up to the window in the desired location and to trace through the holes with a pencil transferring the mark to the house itself. Next, you want to predrill each hole to receive the screws. If you are on siding, a 1/8″ pilot hole should do. Simply drill into the siding with this bit at each location. If you are installing shutters on brick or rock, you will want to predrill pilot holes with a 1/4″ bit and slip a plastic drywall anchor into the brick. This will give the screw something to grab onto.

Next, hold the exterior shutters back up to the window to install the shutters with 2 - 3 inch screws. It’s a good idea to place a plug over the screws to conceal them. For wooden shutters, sometimes you have to make your own install holes. The holes should be made with a countersink bit with one hole in each corner and a hole along each rail near the middle. You can also make your own plugs with a plug cutting bit that matches the countersink bit. The nice thing about wood plugs is that they can be made to flush out with the shutter and are concealed much better than the standard vinyl plugs.

If instead you need to install functional shutters atop hinges then the process differs slightly. Exterior shutters are installed on two hinges which sit atop “pintles” screwed into the window frame. A shutter pintle is the male part of the hinge that connects the hinge to the house, offsets the shutter from the trim, and provides a pivot point for the hinge to rotate. Pintles come in three sizes: siding, brick, and rock. Siding generally sticks out 1 1/8″ from the home. Brick sticks out 2 1/4″ from the home and rock sticks out 4 1/16 inches from the home. The wrong pintle will not allow the shutters to offset the right distance and may keep the shutters from laying flush on the house.

Usually two hinges are installed on a shutter, however, for longer shutters or PVC shutters 3 - 4 hinges are sometimes used to distribute the weight or to keep the shutter more thermally rigid. Hinges should be installed so that they are roughly 4 - 6 inches from the top and bottom.

The location of the pintles will determine where the shutter sits. If installed too low or too high, the shutter will not mirror the windows and look like a custom fit. Measure the distance from the bottom of the shutter to the bottom of where the hinge sits atop the pintle. This distance will determine the placement of the pintle. It’s a good idea to make a jig for this distance. You can cut a scrap piece of wood to this length to easily repeat this measurement without using a tape measure on site. Let’s call this a pintle jig, or “pin jig” for short.

Place the pin jig on the window sill over the window trim and mark the top of the jig. Next, place the pintle over the trim so that the bottom of the pintle where the hinge rests is aligned with your mark. This is where the pintle needs to be screwed into the trim so that the shutter mirrors the window. Only install the bottom pintle at this time. Afterwards, lift the shutter up and place it on the pintle. Have another pintle and a drill on hand so that you’re ready for the next step. After you slip the bottom hinge over the pintle, you will install the second pintle by sliding it into place in the second hinge and on the window trim. Screw the second pintle in and you now know how to install functional exterior shutters on hinges. They will be able to open and close. An S-Shaped piece of hardware called a shutter dog is used to keep the shutter closed in the wind. It can be installed in the bottom opposite corner directly to the home as well. Use lag anchors instead of dry wall anchors to hold them for brick or rock. For siding, simply predrill a 1/4″ hole and tighten the shutter dog in place. The shutter dog can be rotated to allow the shutter to open and close.

After you learn how to install shutters, the next step is to learn how to install window boxes. Add some decorative no rot window flower boxes under the window to add some extra curb appeal to your home.

Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a window box company that specializes in affordable no rot window boxes. His window boxes have been featured on The Today Show and in many cottage and cape cod style homes showing off an array of beautiful flowers. These no rot window boxes can be made custom and ship fast anywhere in the country.

Exterior Shutters Create Curb Appeal

Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home’s curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home’s exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home’s exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.

Personalize Your Home’s Exterior

At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home’s exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What’s your favorite color?

And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.

Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain

In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.

Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option

Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.

About the Author

Lawrence DePippa is the Internet Marketing Manager of Accent Building Products, a leading direct distributor of Builders Edge vinyl exterior shutters, gable vents, door surrounds, and kitchen cabinets. Accent Building Products can be found online at: http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com

Learning how to install exterior shutters is straight forward. There are two popular but different ways to install exterior shutters, however. The first method is called “direct set” and is when you install the shutters directly to the house pinning it with 6 to 8 screws to the home. This method is popular for installing vinyl shutters. The second method is on hinges and is how to install exterior shutters when they need to be functional and open and close. This method is popular for installing wood shutters.

Before we begin, it’s also a good idea to point out that depending on the surface you’re installing on, siding, stucco, rock or brick, there are a few differences in the details.

Ok, let’s begin with direct set installation. Direct set installation of shutters is used for installing vinyl shutters and sometimes also for installing wood shutters. There are no hinges or other hardware to mount the exterior shutters. The only hardware needed are 2 - 3 inches long screws and drywall anchors for the brick and rock installation. Drywall screws should also be used for stucco if there is not a rigid plywood backing for the screws to grab onto. For vinyl shutters there will normally be six holes and six accompanying plugs which will cover the screw heads. Step one is to hold the vinyl shutter up to the window in the desired location and to trace through the holes with a pencil transferring the mark to the house itself. Next, you want to predrill each hole to receive the screws. If you are on siding, a 1/8″ pilot hole should do. Simply drill into the siding with this bit at each location. If you are installing shutters on brick or rock, you will want to predrill pilot holes with a 1/4″ bit and slip a plastic drywall anchor into the brick. This will give the screw something to grab onto.

Next, hold the exterior shutters back up to the window to install the shutters with 2 - 3 inch screws. It’s a good idea to place a plug over the screws to conceal them. For wooden shutters, sometimes you have to make your own install holes. The holes should be made with a countersink bit with one hole in each corner and a hole along each rail near the middle. You can also make your own plugs with a plug cutting bit that matches the countersink bit. The nice thing about wood plugs is that they can be made to flush out with the shutter and are concealed much better than the standard vinyl plugs.

If instead you need to install functional shutters atop hinges then the process differs slightly. Exterior shutters are installed on two hinges which sit atop “pintles” screwed into the window frame. A shutter pintle is the male part of the hinge that connects the hinge to the house, offsets the shutter from the trim, and provides a pivot point for the hinge to rotate. Pintles come in three sizes: siding, brick, and rock. Siding generally sticks out 1 1/8″ from the home. Brick sticks out 2 1/4″ from the home and rock sticks out 4 1/16 inches from the home. The wrong pintle will not allow the shutters to offset the right distance and may keep the shutters from laying flush on the house.

Usually two hinges are installed on a shutter, however, for longer shutters or PVC shutters 3 - 4 hinges are sometimes used to distribute the weight or to keep the shutter more thermally rigid. Hinges should be installed so that they are roughly 4 - 6 inches from the top and bottom.

The location of the pintles will determine where the shutter sits. If installed too low or too high, the shutter will not mirror the windows and look like a custom fit. Measure the distance from the bottom of the shutter to the bottom of where the hinge sits atop the pintle. This distance will determine the placement of the pintle. It’s a good idea to make a jig for this distance. You can cut a scrap piece of wood to this length to easily repeat this measurement without using a tape measure on site. Let’s call this a pintle jig, or “pin jig” for short.

Place the pin jig on the window sill over the window trim and mark the top of the jig. Next, place the pintle over the trim so that the bottom of the pintle where the hinge rests is aligned with your mark. This is where the pintle needs to be screwed into the trim so that the shutter mirrors the window. Only install the bottom pintle at this time. Afterwards, lift the shutter up and place it on the pintle. Have another pintle and a drill on hand so that you’re ready for the next step. After you slip the bottom hinge over the pintle, you will install the second pintle by sliding it into place in the second hinge and on the window trim. Screw the second pintle in and you now know how to install functional exterior shutters on hinges. They will be able to open and close. An S-Shaped piece of hardware called a shutter dog is used to keep the shutter closed in the wind. It can be installed in the bottom opposite corner directly to the home as well. Use lag anchors instead of dry wall anchors to hold them for brick or rock. For siding, simply predrill a 1/4″ hole and tighten the shutter dog in place. The shutter dog can be rotated to allow the shutter to open and close.

After you learn how to install shutters, the next step is to learn how to install window boxes. Add some decorative no rot window flower boxes under the window to add some extra curb appeal to your home.

Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a window box company that specializes in affordable no rot window boxes. His window boxes have been featured on The Today Show and in many cottage and cape cod style homes showing off an array of beautiful flowers. These no rot window boxes can be made custom and ship fast anywhere in the country.