Installing Window Coverings

Shutters originally were for protection from enemy attack. Later it was discovered that they could be used to prevent damage to windows during high winter snow levels and from abrasive fall sand storms.

Shutters originally were for protection from enemy attack. Later it was discovered that they could be used to prevent damage to windows during high winter snow levels and from abrasive fall sand storms. Ultimately someone decided to decorate with shutters, and today we see them enhancing windows inside and out.

There are three basic styles of louvered shutters false, fixed, and operable. False louvers are solid panels that at a glance look like louvers, but in fact are panels of wood milled to look like operable louvers in the closed position. These are best for outdoor use because they are durable and can take abuse from nature. Fixed louvers are slightly more expensive than false ones, and although they are real louvers they cannot be moved to the closed position. Fixed louvers are used outside and inside as well. Fixed louvered doors are also very popular, especially for closets where fresh air circulation is important. Operable louvers can be opened and closed, are the most expensive type and are most popular for use as interior window coverings. They can be closed to darken a room, and opening them by degrees can provide varying degrees of light and privacy.

Among the most popular styles of interior window shutters are the plantation type (large louvers). They are the easiest to clean. At close inspection you'll see that the very finest louvers are shaped like a comma rather than the more recognizable exclamation point. The comma shape provides for a tighter interlock and a complete black-out when the louvers are closed all the way.

Shutters are available in wood or plastic. A good plastic one is easy to clean, and is maintenance free. Whether wood or vinyl, be sure to select good quality.

Shutters are installed in two ways: 1) recessed into the window opening, and 2) outside the opening on the face of the wall. In our opinion, the recessed installation is better looking, and provides a window opening that looks as if it was designed with the shutters built-in. Unfortunately, this installation is more difficult and expensive to install.

We once built a home that had circle top windows. We installed shutters at the lower (rectangular) portion of the window and the results were stunning. The shutters were attached to the window frames which were trimmed with sculptured moldings. In another home that we built, casement windows were used. Because of the window hardware, we were forced to install the shutters on the wall outside the window opening. To give the configuration a built-in look, we surrounded the square shutter frame with sculptured molding. Little touches of this sort make a big difference. When the existing window opening is out of square by a half inch or more, or when prefabricated shutters are a size that won't exactly fit the opening, it is advisable to mount shutters outside the opening.

Make opposing diagonal measurements to determine if an opening is square. First, make a diagonal measurement from the lower left to upper right corner of an opening. Next, make a second diagonal measurement across the two remaining corners. Even if the sides are parallel to each other and even if the top and bottom of the opening also are parallel to each other, an opening can still be out of square. A perfectly square opening on a wavy wall can result in shutters that are "scissored." A pair of shutters is considered scissored when the face of one of the shutters does not align with the face of the other where they meet at the center of the opening. This can be corrected by making minor adjustments to the hanging frame. If the top of the left door sticks out beyond the top of the right door, simply shim out the upper left corner of the hanging frame. Loosen the frame with a pry bar until the correction is made. Insert a shim, and caulk the joint to hide the adjustment that you made.

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