How to Remove Wood Shutters
Wooden shutters may be found both on the inside and outside of a house. Interior shutters are most likely installed in a different manner from exterior ones. You probably will have to unscrew the hinges on the interior shutters. You can just slide the outside closures up until they come free. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Interior Shutters
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1
Take a screwdriver and loosen the wood screws that hold the hinge plate to the trim, window jamb or door that holds the shutter. Start with the bottom hinge and remove all screws except those in the top hinge.
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2
Hold the shutter firmly in place with your free hand as you remove the wood screws that attach the top hinge plate to the jamb or trim. If you are removing a louvre door, you can place a small pry bar under the bottom of the shutter and apply slight pressure to it with your foot while you remove the screws.
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3
Pull the shutter free and take it to your workspace or storage area. Save the screws for later use.
Outdoor Shutters
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4
Mark the location and position of each shutter on your house. Develop a code to identify each window and its left- and right-side shutters. For example, you might number the windows, then add an L or R to identify the right and left shutter.
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5
Pull each shutter away from the outside of the house until it is perpendicular to the outside wall.
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6
Lift each shutter straight up until it comes free from the metal support device. Take the shutter to your work place to paint or repair.
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Tips & Warnings
Exterior shutters are rarely hinged directly to the window frame. Instead, a ring and post device enables you to pull the window straight up until it pops free.
When numbering shutters, it is best to leave a corresponding number at the bottom of the window.
Make sure all latches and catches that hold shutters open or closed are disengaged before you try to remove the shutter.
When painting your house or even just the shutters, it is better to remove shutters before painting.
Some exterior shutters can be quite large and may need two people to remove them.
Taking down shutters from taller homes and buildings is often a job best left to a contractor.
