Omar Khalid
Installing plastic shutters on brick is a great way to boost your home's curb appeal and give it a fresh look. The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. First, you'll need to measure the window openings accurately and determine the shutter sizing. Then, using a hammer drill with a masonry bit, drill holes into the brick at the marked locations. Next, insert fasteners or anchors into the holes and gently tap them with a hammer. Finally, line up the plastic shutters with the fasteners and attach them to your home's exterior. With the right tools and some basic DIY skills, you can easily enhance the charm and functionality of your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Relatively easy, but requires attention to detail and precision |
| Tools required | Hammer drill, drill/driver, ladder or scaffolding, spotter, painter's tape, tape measure, masonry bit, screws, shutter dogs, anchors, fasteners, etc. |
| Time taken | 2 days (1 day for measuring and purchasing shutters, 1 day for installation) |
| Benefits | Adds curb appeal, protection from elements and intruders |
| Shutter materials | Vinyl, wood, composite |
| Shutter colours | Midnight blue, white, cobalt blue, etc. |
| Installation methods | Drilling and fastening, using butt hinges, strap hinges, Bahama shutter hinges, etc. |
| Safety warnings | Do not glue shutters, use fasteners only |
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What You'll Learn
Measuring the window openings and determining shutter sizing
Installing shutters on a brick house can boost its curb appeal and give your home a fresh look. The process requires attention to detail and precision to ensure the shutters fit perfectly and function properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring your window openings and determining the correct shutter size:
Measuring the Window Openings:
Firstly, you need to accurately measure the window openings. To measure the width, take measurements from brick to brick at the top, middle, and bottom of each opening. This ensures that you account for any slight variations in width along the height of the window. For the height, measure in three spots: between the lintel and the sill. Take measurements at the top, middle, and bottom of the space to ensure accuracy.
It is also important to measure the depth of the window opening. Measure from the wall to the window casing to determine the hardware needed for installation. Remember to follow the adage "measure twice, cut once". Double-checking your measurements can prevent costly mistakes. Having a helper to hold the end of the tape measure can also increase the accuracy of your measurements.
Determining Shutter Sizing:
Once you have your measurements, you can determine the correct shutter size. Shutter pricing is often based on the amount of material needed, so the size will help you plan your budget. Remember that each window might be a slightly different size, which is why getting custom-fit shutters is important for maintaining the right aesthetic balance.
If your windows have arched or circular tops, you can use the "high point" and "low point" formula to measure. The "high point" of a radius-top window is the length from the bottom of the window to the tip of the shutter's arch. The "low point" begins at the bottom of the window and extends to the lowest point of the window arch's radius.
By carefully measuring your window openings and determining the correct shutter size, you can ensure that your plastic shutters will fit seamlessly onto your brick facade.
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Marking the hinge location with painter's tape
Before marking the hinge location with painter's tape, you must first identify the desired installation location for your shutters. Hold the shutters in place, inside or in front of the window opening. Identify where the pintle will reside on the brick and where the hinge will attach to the shutter.
Now, you can mark the hinge location with painter's tape. Lay the shutters on a table or workbench with the hinge side facing up. Remove the painter's tape as you position the hinges vertically centred on the top and bottom rails with the raised edge extended off the side of the shutter.
Once the hinge locations are marked with painter's tape, you can drill the brick at each marked location. Use a hammer drill with a masonry bit. The bit size will depend on the screw type and whether wall anchors will be used. Drill slowly and maintain a level, steady position to avoid creating oversized or misshapen holes.
After drilling the holes, insert a wall anchor into each hole and gently tap it with a hammer until it sits flush with the brick face. This provides a secure base for the screws. Finally, screw the pintles into place.
Return the shutters to the window, slipping the shutter side hinge over the up-pointing pintles. The shutters are now securely attached to the brick and can be opened and closed as needed.
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Drilling the brick at marked locations
Before you begin drilling, it is essential to accurately mark the desired locations on the brick. This step ensures that your shutters will function properly and hold up over time. Identify the points where the hinges will attach to the shutter and where the pintle will reside on the brick. Use painter's tape or any other suitable marking tool to indicate these locations clearly.
Now, it's time to gather the right tools for drilling. You will need a drill, specifically a hammer drill, and a masonry bit. The size of the masonry bit will depend on the screw type you are using and whether you will be using wall anchors. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or product specifications to determine the recommended bit size.
With your drill and bit ready, it's important to start drilling slowly and with caution. Hold the drill bit firmly against the marked location on the brick and maintain a level, steady position as you begin to drill. Ensure that the drill bit remains perpendicular to the brick surface to create clean and precise holes. This slow and controlled approach will help you avoid creating oversized or misshapen holes.
As you continue drilling, you will generate brick dust. To ensure a clean surface for the next steps, keep the drill bit spinning as you withdraw it from the hole to remove any accumulated brick dust. This simple technique will help you maintain a neat and tidy workspace.
After drilling all the holes, you can proceed to the next steps of inserting fasteners or anchors and attaching the shutters. Remember to work carefully and seek assistance if needed, as attaching shutters to brick requires attention to detail and precision.
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Inserting screws or anchors
When installing plastic shutters on brick, the first step is to identify the point of entry on the brickwork and mark the spots where you will drill. The next step is to drill the holes. For this, you will need a hammer drill with a masonry bit. The size of the bit will depend on the type of screw you are using and whether you will be using wall anchors.
Once you have drilled the holes, you can insert the anchors. Wall anchors are necessary for standard screws to grip the brick. The anchor is hammered into the wall hole first and expands when the screw enters. You can also use masonry-specific screws, which are designed with threads that clutch the walls of the hole without the use of an anchor.
After inserting the anchors, you can screw the fasteners or pintles into place. Line up the fasteners with the holes in the shutter and the brick, then gently tap the fasteners in with a hammer. Make sure the fasteners are secure and level.
If you are using shutter dogs to keep your open exterior shutters in place, there are a few different attachment techniques. One method is to use a long lag bolt that projects through the shutter dog's head and into the brick or mortar joint. Another option is to use a plate mount tieback, which uses three or four smaller screws and is best for wood siding.
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Attaching the shutters to the hinges
Identify the hinge and pintle locations:
Hold the shutters in the desired installation location, either inside or in front of the window opening. Identify and mark the position of the pintle on the brick and the hinge on the shutter. Use painter's tape to mark the hinge location on the top and bottom rails of the shutter. Ensure the louvers point down and away from the house.
Prepare the hinges:
Lay the shutters on a table or workbench with the hinge side facing up. Remove the painter's tape and position the hinges vertically, centering them on the top and bottom rails. The raised edge of the hinge should extend off the side of the shutter.
Drill the holes:
Using a hammer drill with a masonry bit, drill holes at the marked locations on the brick. The bit size depends on the screw type and whether wall anchors will be used. Drill slowly and maintain a steady, level position to avoid oversized or misshapen holes. Remove any brick dust by keeping the bit spinning as you withdraw it.
Secure the hinges:
If using standard screws, insert wall anchors into the drilled holes. Tap the anchors with a hammer until they sit flush with the brick surface. Then, screw the pintles into place, ensuring they are secure and level. Alternatively, use masonry-specific screws designed to grip the walls of the hole without anchors.
Attach the shutters:
Return the shutters to the window, sliding the shutter side hinge over the up-pointing pintles. Secure the shutters with fasteners or shutter dogs to prevent them from swinging. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific fastening methods and requirements.
It is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on the type of shutters and hinges you are using. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions when working with tools and ladders.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a drill, a hammer drill, a hammer, a tape measure, and a ladder or scaffolding. You may also need a spotter to help with upper-level windows.
First, measure the window openings and determine the shutter sizing. Next, mark the locations on the brick where the hinges will attach. Drill holes at these locations, then insert the fasteners and gently hammer them in. Finally, attach the shutters to the fasteners.
You can use plastic shutter fasteners or metal screws. If using screws, you will also need wall anchors unless you use masonry-specific screws.
