Mistakes To Avoid When Installing New Plantation Shutters

When it comes to window shutters, plantation shutters are a top choice for many homeowners. They’re stylish and go well with different types of interiors. You can get your plantation shutter in Stuart customized depending on your requirements, making them versatile.

It’s not difficult to install them yourself if you have the right tools and know-how for it. You can get the panels custom-made and install them yourself if you prefer. But you need to keep a few things in mind to get the installation right.

Getting Insufficient Support

Window shutters need support to withstand strong winds, especially in storm-prone areas. You can provide that support by striking a balance between the blocks or supports and the depth of the screws. This is especially important when installing panels on hard surfaces. Consult your shutter provider to know the right way to support your panels.

Ordering Wrong Size Shutters

Measurement is an important detail you need to consider when buying any type of window covering in Vero Beach. It becomes even more important when those coverings happen to be something as permanent as shutters.

Even if you’re buying them as decoratives, you still want to get the measurements right. The shutters should seem like they’d cover the windows properly if they could shut. If they’re too big or too small, they give the windows an uneven look.

An accurate measurement matters, even more, when the shutters are functional. They need to fit the window snugly to open and shut smoothly.

To get accurate measurements, measure each side of the window as not all windows are perfect rectangles. Measure all sides twice before sending your measurements to the contractors.

Ordering Wrong Shutter Type

Not all plantation shutters are the same. Some are designed to be installed outside and some inside. Some are operable and some are fixed. They could open with hinges or with slides. Know what type of shutter you’re ordering.

Not Cleaning Them

Wood shutters need a clean surface so that they take the paint well. It helps you prime the surface well for painting. Use a TSP-based cleaner to clean the surface.

Not Priming Them

Paintable shutters need priming so that the paint will adhere to them well. Don’t forget to apply primer before painting the panels.

Using Poor Quality Paint

Poor quality paint may be more affordable but they crack and peel sooner than later. You need paint that can withstand the local weather conditions. If you’re installing exterior shutters, ensure that your paint can resist fading due to sunlight exposure. It should not cause the wood to warp but act as a sealant to protect panels from damage.

Using Wrong Paint

Applying the wrong type of paint may cause the layer to peel off sooner than later. The type of paint you need depends on the material you’re using. Select the paint depending on the type of material your shutters are made out of.

Fastening Shutters Too Tightly

Fastening shutters as tightly as possible seems like a good idea at first. But keep in mind that they need room to expand and contract depending on weather conditions. Both wood and vinyl expand and contract depending on how hot or cold it is. Wood also expands when the air is humid and contracts when it’s dry.

If not given enough space, wood might crack or warp. The fasteners or the walls may also develop cracks.

So whether you choose wood or vinyl, you need to keep some room for expansion/contraction. You can screw in the fasteners until there’s about a coin-width space between the walls and the shutters. This should be enough space to accommodate expanding and contracting.

Letting Fasteners Go All The Way Through

Stucco walls allow shutter fasteners to go all the way through it. This creates small holes that allow moisture to enter your home easily. It’s better to pre-drill the hole before installing the fasteners. Once you’re done drilling, apply silicone to seal the holes.