Installing House Shutters
If you have basic carpentry skills and know how to use an electric drill, you can install your own house shutters. If you would rather have someone else do the job, you can pay a carpenter to install the shutters for you. However, installing shutters is very simple and can be performed by anyone with basic knowledge.
Do not be intimidated about installing your own house shutters. If others can do this simple job, so can you. You just need to understand the basics. There are two different ways to install your shutters. You can choose an inside mount or an outside mount. It it preferred to use an inside mount which can be done right from your open window.
Inside mount installation
With an inside mount installation, the shutter mounts directly to the inside of the window opening on the window jamb. This is usually a better method of installation and is much preferred in the industry as it is cleaner and does not require any framing strips.
The window jamb should be solid. You will want to attach the shutter hardware with screws. You will have to drill a hole into the jamb at the appropriate areas so that the unit can be screwed into the window jamb. The jamb should be solid so that the screws will be secure.
Once you have mounted the hardware, you have to make sure that the shutters align properly with the window. You can use a level to insure that they are straight. Follow the instructions of the supplier as each type of inside mounted shutter is different. If you know how to use an electric drill with an electric screwdriver head, you will be easily able to perform an inside mount for your shutters.
Outside mount installation
Obviously, an outside mount attaches to the outside of the window, usually into the trim or even the wall. If you are using an outside mount for interior shutters, make sure that you do not screw the unit into drywall unless it is anchored as the unit will just fall out of the wall. Some people prefer an outside mount because you can be a little "off" when it comes to the measurements, unlike with an inside mount. However, the outside mount does not look as professional as the inside mount.
Make sure you use a level when installing shutters to make sure that they are straight. Your eyes can play tricks on you, but a level will not. You will need an electric drill, preferably one that has an electric screwdriver mount as well as toggles if you are installing into drywall without a stud.
Do not be afraid to install your house shutters yourself. This is not a difficult job and once you have installed one unit, the rest will come very easily. As long as you have the proper tools, which are a screwdriver, drill, toggle mounts (if installing into drywall) and a level, you will be able to do this job easily and within a short period of time.
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