How to Remove Shutters

Maybe you need to remove shutters from your home's exterior in order to paint them, or maybe it's time to get rid of the buildup of old wasp nests and crud that can accumulate there. Taking shutters down isn't rocket science, but here are a few tips to make it easier.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Garden Hose
• Soft Scrub Brush
• Bucket
• Detergent
• Wasp Spray
• Ladders

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Instructions

How to Remove Shutters

1. Check for wasp nests before removing the shutters. Tap on them with a broom handle vigorously and see if any wasps appear from behind the shutter. Use wasp spray to kill any live nests. Follow the directions on the can and be cautious.

2. Working from the bottom screws to the top ones, loosen all the screws and remove the shutter. Large wood shutters can be heavy. If this is the case, you might need someone to hold the shutter while you remove the screws.

3. Label each shutter on the back with magic marker or a piece of tape. Be precise and don't assume you will remember where they go. If the shutters were attached to brick with plastic anchors, this is particularly important because you want to be able to match up the screw holes with the anchors later.

4. Use a strong jet of water from a hose to clean off the worst of the debris from behind the shutter and on the wall itself. Then clean with detergent and a soft scrub brush before rinsing again.

5. Vinyl shutters attached to your house with Shutter-Locks cannot be removed without breaking the locks and replacing them later. To remove shutters with Shutter-Locks, slide a chisel or stiff putty knife between the wall and the shutter and with a hammer break them off. If you are not replacing the shutters, drill out the locks and fill the holes with paintable silicone putty, exterior spackle or mortar, depending on the type of wall. Touch up the paint if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• During daytime, sometimes bats cling to the back side of your shutters. Be very careful with bats because they can carry rabies and will bite to defend themselves. If possible, take them still attached to the shutter to a safe, woody area and shake them off.