How To Install Shutters On Vinyl Siding (Step-by-Step Guide)

Exterior shutters can do a lot for your home. If you choose functional shutters, they can protect your windows and add shade to your house’s interior. Stationary shutters are an easy way to boost curb appeal.

To install shutters on vinyl siding, you will need to measure your windows and buy the desired shutters. Mark and drill holes on the shutter, and mark the position on your siding. You should then be able to screw your shutter into your siding with no problem.

If you’re considering adding shutters to your home, doing so is a relatively easy DIY project. You could tackle shutter installation in one afternoon!

Before buying your shutters, you must measure your windows. Measure the height of each window you plan to add shutters.

If two windows are close together, measure the space between them. This way, you can ensure that the shutters don’t overlap.

If you don’t measure your windows, you run the risk of purchasing shutters that are too small. If you’re installing shutters to boost curb appeal, the wrong size will do the opposite.

You can purchase shutters at your local hardware store. Shutters are available in both wood and vinyl in a variety of colors and shapes. Typically, homeowners find a contrasting color or a lighter or darker shade than the house most appealing.

Wood shutters have a rustic, more authentic look than vinyl shutters. However, depending on the climate, they may deteriorate over time.

Vinyl shutters come in a variety of colors, and some styles even resemble wood. However, these will not provide storm protection for your windows like wood shutters.

Make sure to purchase the correct number and size of the shutters. Shutters can range in cost anywhere from $80 to $350 or more per window. The price you pay all depends on the style and size of the shutters you select.

To ensure your shutters remain attached to your home, you’ll need to determine the proper screw length. If you use too short of a screw, you’ll barely pierce the siding. Then, your shutter will fall off at the slightest gust of wind.

Measure the thickness of your shutters and the thickness of the lap of the siding. A lap is the part of your siding that overlaps slightly with the siding below it. You can measure this by simply measuring at the bottom of the panel where it overlaps the one below.

Add the two thicknesses and add ½ inch. The resulting figure is how long your screw should be to ensure you can attach the shutter properly.

Some shutters come with pre-drilled pilot holes. If the ones you purchased do not, it’s essential to add pilot holes to your shutter. Pilot holes will prevent the material from breaking.

It helps to place your pilot holes on the laps near the middle and corners of your shutter. Putting a screw through your shutter and laps will help increase stability since it’s going through more material.

You can determine where to best place your pilot holes by holding your shutter next to the window. Mark the laps closest to the corners and in the middle of your shutter with a pencil.

Place the shutter on a flat surface, and drill pilot holes where you’ve marked. Make sure you’re using a drill bit slightly larger than your screws. This larger bit will prevent the shutter materials from breaking when being attached to the siding.

Place the shutter against the edge of your window. You will most likely need another set of hands to do this. It can be difficult to both hold the window up and mark where screws need to go.

Leave a small gap between the shutter and the edge of the window. This gap will give the shutter space to expand and contract with changes in the weather. Use the level to make sure you’re hanging the shutters evenly.

Place the pencil inside your pilot holes to mark on the siding. This mark provides you with a guide for where to drill pilot holes in the siding.

Related Questions

What is the cost of a professional shutter installation?

The cost of a professional shutter installation will vary depending on how many shutters you are installing, what type, and the cost of labor. However, the average shutter installation costs about $2,200, including panel costs. Labor tends to be between $60 to $100 per hour, and some windows can take two hours to finish up.

Can you paint vinyl shutters?

You can paint on vinyl shutters if they’re still in good shape. If they are broken or fragile, you should simply replace them. Scrub the vinyl shutters with soap and water before painting to remove dirt and grime. Allow them to dry completely before painting. Make sure to use high-quality paint made explicitly for plastic on your shutters.