How to Replace Exterior Vinyl Shutters
The vinyl shutters on the outside of your home were probably installed in one of two ways. The method for removing old vinyl shutters and replacing them with new ones differs based on the original attachment. Older installations on brick surfaces were probably done with masonry anchors and screws driven through the shutters and into the exterior masonry of your home. Newer installations may have been done with Shutter Loks, a permanent mounting system designed to hold tight onto all surfaces including wood, stucco, vinyl and brick. Shutter Loks must be broken off and drilled out to be properly removed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Extension or platform ladder
- Chisel or screwdriver
- Hammer
- Diagonal cutter
- Silicone or caulking compound
- Caulking gun
- Electric drill
- 1/4-inch drill bit: carbide for masonry or regular steel for other surfaces
- Silicone
- New Shutter Loks
Instructions
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1
Position your ladder so that the vinyl shutters on your home are within easy reach. Determine how the shutters were originally attached. If a screw head is visible, you need a corresponding screwdriver. If Shutter Loks are present, you need a hammer and sharp chisel.
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2
Remove the screws using your screwdriver or turn the sharp edge of your chisel so that it is facing away from the wall. Slide the chisel beneath the shutter until it butts against the Shutter Lok. Tap the end of the chisel with your hammer to slice through all of the Shutter Loks one by one.
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3
Lift your shutter off the wall and place it on the ground. Use your diagonal cutter to surface-shear the rest of the Shutter Loks.
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4
Drill out the Shutter Loks using a 1/4-inch regular steel bit. Fill the holes with silicone for temporary waterproofing.
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5
Hold your new shutters in the desired position on the wall. Use a pencil to mark the position of the holes you will drill to insert the new Shutter Loks. All shutters should be marked the same way. Take the shutters down to ground level to drill the holes. Smaller shutters require four Shutter Loks each, while shutters over 55 inches long need six.
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6
Take your shutters back up the ladder and have a helper hold them in place. Drill through the shutters and into the wall to a depth of 3 1/4 inches.
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7
Push the Shutter Loks through the holes. Use the hammer to tap the Shutter Loks snug against the shutter. Avoid over-tightening to allow for expansion and contraction through changing temperatures and seasons.
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Tips & Warnings
Using a platform ladder allows you to keep many of your tools at working level near the top of the wall.
Wear safety glasses while operating your electric drill.
Use a helper to manage unwieldy shutters.
Position your ladder on level ground.
References
- Photo Credit David Robinson/Photodisc/Getty Images
