How to Install Vinyl Shutters on Brick

Vinyl shutters are an affordable and attractive way to enhance the appearance of a brick home. They can provide an otherwise plain exterior with a more traditional and upscale image, and are virtually maintenance-free. Installing shutters on brick is a simple operation, requiring only a few tools and a modest investment of time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Ladder or step stool
• Power drill and masonry drill bit (1/4 inch)
• Tape measure
• Builder's Square (90 degree metal square)
• Pencil
• Vinyl shutters
• Shutterloks and or painted steel screws with masonry anchors

1. Set one shutter next to window to determine the most appropriate appearance. Homeowners most often install shutters so that the intermediate stile or horizontal bar, aligns with the horizontal meeting rail of double-hung windows. Use an assistant to achieve the ideal location. Once the vertical location is set, use a builder's square to make sure that the shutter is square to the window.

2. Draw a line with a pencil across the front of the shutter, using the builder's square as a straightedge. Ensure the line across the shutter is in line with mortar joints in the brick, not the brick itself. Installing in the mortar joints will make removal and patching easier if the shutters are ever removed. Choose a fixed dimension from the edge of the shutter to drill the holes. Use this dimension on all shutters for visual conformity. Drill holes through the shutter and in the brick mortar, using a 1/4 inch masonry bit. Hold the drill horizontal while drilling to avoid missing the mortar joint. Drill four holes per shutter for shutters under 55 inches in height; Drill six holes per shutter for larger units.

3. 
    
   Shutterlok screw

   Find the shutter-lok screws provided by the shutter manufacturer. These screws can be installed into brick mortar without shields or anchors. If the vinyl shutters did not come with shutter-lok screws, purchase painted steel screws and masonry anchors at a builders supply store. Install the shutters by hand-feeding the shutter-lok screw through the hole in the shutter, and into the brick mortar joint hole beyond. Gently tap the screw with a hammer to seat it in the hole, then use the drill with screw head attachment to tighten the shutter-lok against the vinyl shutter.

4. Install all 4-6 screws for each shutter loosely, then check for alignment. If the shutter is positioned properly, gently tighten the screws against the vinyl, being careful not to over tighten. Ensure that each shutter is positioned identical to the first shutter in relation to the window.

5. Clean the pencil marks off the face of each shutter, wipe down the face of the vinyl to remove any dust or debris, and admire the new appearance of your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Drill into mortar joints for easier removal and patching later Check for squareness often Use a pencil to mark drill locations on the front of the shutter Drill through the shutter into the mortar joint to ensure alignment Use an assistant to make the work go faster and more smoothly
• Check to make sure you are not drilling into brick--only the mortar joint Do not over tighten shutter-lok screws Hold the drill horizontal while drilling. Use a square as a guide if necessary

Resources

• Decorative Shutters.com