Where Should The Hardware For External Shutters Be Placed?

The installation process of exterior shutters involves measuring the shutter’s position on the wall, ensuring it stays in place, and rotating the hold back to close it. Shutter mounting hardware is often included with new shutters and can be metal screws or plastic shutter fasteners. To ensure proper installation, shim the shutters by placing a small wedge between two surfaces to create an equal space.

The correct placement of exterior shutter hardware depends on the type of shutters and their use cases. For functional outdoor shutters, they should fit the window perfectly. To choose the best exterior shutter hardware, follow these four steps: 1) Choose the shutter type, 2) Select the shutters, 3) Choose the hardware, and 4) Determine the shutter hinge installation location.

Shutter dogs should be placed horizontally about 1/4 of the width of the shutter from the outside edge of the open panel, and installed roughly 1-1/2″ away from the window. When the shutters are open, the louvers should slope down toward the wall, so when closed, they would slope away from the window to shed. Edge-mounted hinges, or mortise hinges, look like door hinges because they are placed on the exterior shutter closest to the window.

Throw is measured with the hinge in the open position, as it allows shutters to swing clear of an exterior wall or trim that sticks out past it. Center the hinges on the top and bottom panels of the shutter with the edge of the hinges flush to the shutter’s edge.

In brick homes, hardware attachment to the brickmold is required to ensure the shutter can close into the window recess and lay outside the brick. A ½” – 1-1/2″ ventilation space is recommended between the façade and shutter.