Window shutters have become so popular that the global market is projected to hit a staggering $69 billion by 2025. This is such a huge market that comes with numerous types of window shutters designs, all of which come in different materials. Now, if you’ve been thinking about replacing old shutters with new ones in Flagler Beach, FL, then choosing vinyl shutters is a great idea.
Installing vinyl shutters is a short and straightforward process, especially if you’re a DIYer. However, even if you’re not, it’s not that hard, and this step-by-step guide will help you through the process.
Benefits of Vinyl Shutters
There are many types of window shutters, all of which come in different materials to consider, including real wood, faux wood, PVC, aluminum, and alycore. While all these options have their pros and cons, vinyl happens to be one of the best materials out there.
Here are some of the real benefits of vinyl shutters.
Maintenance Free
One of the most significant benefits of vinyl shutters is that they are very easy to maintain. Unlike wood, for instance, that rots and warps in time, vinyl does neither. It doesn’t fade in the sun, will not chip, and can go maintenance-free, so you have very little to worry about.
One of the major benefits of vinyl is that it works great for areas that receive plenty of moisture, such as your kitchen bathroom or rainy areas. It’s extremely durable, and as long as you power wash them once in a while to get rid of dust, you’ll be good for years to come.
Incredible Price Tag
If you’ve already been in the shutter market, you know that some materials such as wood and composite can be extremely expensive. Vinyl, on the other hand, comes with a good price tag, and if you’re renovating your Flagler Beach, FL home on a budget, they are an excellent choice.
What makes them even more affordable is that you won’t have to repaint them after a few years, and with minimal upkeep, you’ll be grateful for years.
Wide Range of Colors
Vinyl shutters come in a wide range of colors, and the best part is that they can easily mimic any material. If you want a wooden look that comes with excellent durability, then vinyl is the perfect material for you. Some vinyl shutters can also be repainted, so if you want to change your look after a few years from now, you can totally go for it.
Durability
Vinyl is hands down one of the most durable shutter materials in the market. Even though it’s relatively cheap compared to other materials, it will last for many years looking as good as new. The synthetic plastic materials they are made of don’t fade due to UV rays hence will do wonders for your curb appeal.
Installing Vinyl Shutters: Must-Know Tips
The first thing you need to understand is that if you’re not up for the task or worried about making a mistake, you can still hire a professional vinyl installation service in Flagler Beach, FL. If you are up for it, start by clearing the area where you’ll be working and find a partner to help with the heavy lifting.
1. Tools Required
Some of the tools and equipment you’ll need for this project include a drill with a screwdriver head, caulk, hammer, spirit level, screws, and a metal tape measure. You might also require packers and hinge spacers.
2. Assembling Your Shutters
Your vinyl shutters came in a box, so you should start by removing them and placing all your panels in the correct order somewhere on the floor. Ensure you arrange them the right way up before you start your vinyl shutter installation.
You should start with the framing pieces, and you can check for the top, bottom left, and right labels to install them correctly.
Join the miters with the Hoffman keys provided in the box, and push half of the miter onto the key until they join neatly and flush. Position your panels within the window frame and insert the hinge pins.
Make sure that all the clearance gaps and hinges are even, then adjust the position of the T-post to even out the panel gaps as well. Attach both the bottom and top frames to the T-post and screw them in with the screws provided.
3. Recess Fitting
Depending on the frame of your vinyl shutters, a recess fitting will be quite different. Here, you can use a Z-frame or an L-frame.
Start by placing the frame into your window opening and pre-drilling a hole in the frame behind the top left and bottom right hinges. Line up the face of your frames with the reveal and drive the screws halfway into the hole to hold them in place.
Go ahead to place the left-hand panel in the window opening and line up the hinge sections in your left L-frame. Continue by inserting the hinge pins, then repeat the process for all other panels. Work your way from left to right and square up the frames in different directions until you get it right.
When all the frames are in the right position, you can insert all the screws wherever there are plates. You can go ahead to add more screws where you deem fit, but you should consider the aesthetic appeal and space the screws accordingly.
If you notice there are gaps between the reveal and the frames, you can always go ahead and insert a packer to ensure that the screws don’t pull the frames out.
Once all the panels are inserted into the window frames, ensure that the vinyl panels open freely. Once you’re done, apply caulk around the frames and ensure that the caulking color is the same as your reveal or vinyl panels.
Installation Vinyl Shutters: The Ultimate Guide
Installing vinyl shutters is an easy and straightforward process that you can do on your own. However, feel free to contact a professional shutter installation service if it sounds like too much work. Get in touch with us, and our professional shutter installers will come over and do all the work for you.
