Choosing The Right Screw Size For Exterior Shutters

When it comes to installing exterior shutters, there are two main types of fixings: screws and spikes. The type of fixing you'll need depends on the material of your shutters and the surface you're attaching them to. For vinyl shutters, you can use either screws or spikes, but for board and batten shutters, screws are the only option as spikes are too short. For soft surfaces like wood, screws are the best choice, whereas spikes are designed for solid surfaces like brick, stucco, and masonry.

When installing exterior shutters with screws, you'll first need to mark the locations for the mounting holes, typically measuring 2 inches from the top and bottom of the shutter. You'll then drill holes through the shutter and into the wall, using a drill bit that's appropriate for the type of screw and wall material. Finally, you'll insert the screws and tighten them, being careful not to overtighten as this can cause warping or dimples.

Screw size depends on the type of shutters

The type of screw you will need to install outdoor shutters depends on the type of shutters you are installing.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters are installed with vinyl spikes or metal screws. Vinyl spikes are designed to secure shutters to masonry, brick, stucco, hardboard, or other hard surfaces. Metal screws are used to attach vinyl shutters to wood and other soft siding.

Board and Batten Shutters

Board and batten shutters must be installed with shutter screws. Spikes are too short to go through the vertical and horizontal members.

Wood Shutters

Wood shutters can be installed with metal screws or shutter spikes. If you are installing wood shutters on a masonry or brick wall, you will need to use a screw anchor for a #10 screw.

Polypropylene Shutters

Polypropylene shutters can be installed with colour-matched screws or shutter spikes. Shutter spikes are semi-permanent, so if you think you will need to remove your shutters for maintenance or any other reason, screws are a better option.

Use a hand screwdriver to avoid over-tightening

When installing vinyl exterior shutters, it is important to use a hand screwdriver instead of a power drill to avoid over-tightening the screws. Over-tightening can cause damage to the screw heads, making them difficult or impossible to engage with the proper tool. It can also lead to stripped screw holes, which can be challenging to fix.

To avoid over-tightening, it is recommended to tighten the screw firmly, but stop when you feel that the screwdriver bit or head wants to cam out, which means it is starting to rotate out of the screw slot. You can also tighten the screw, stop, adjust your hand position, and then apply a little more downward force as you carefully torque the screw the rest of the way.

Using a torque screwdriver can also help prevent over-tightening, as these tools disengage once a certain foot-pound limit is reached. Additionally, choosing the right insert bit or screwdriver type and ensuring a good grip can also reduce the risk of over-tightening.

For vinyl shutters, screws are primarily used to attach the shutters to wood or other soft siding, while spikes are used for hard surfaces like brick or masonry.

Shutter spikes are for solid surfaces

Shutter spikes are designed to secure shutters to solid surfaces such as brick, masonry, stucco, hardboard, and other hard surfaces. They are made from the same material as the shutter, a plastic called polypropylene, and have a button head finish and a serrated shank.

To install shutter spikes, first, mark the locations on the shutters where they will be drilled and fixed into place. Drill a hole into the shutters, and use this hole to mark the corresponding spot on the wall. Drill a hole at this mark, place the shutter over the hole, and gently tap the shutter spike in. Do not be too rough or vigorous, as the spikes will move into place with gentle tapping.

Shutter spikes are semi-permanent, meaning they can be removed but not reused. To remove a shutter spike, cut off the head of the spike from between the shutter and the wall, and drill out the remaining shaft with a smaller drill bit.

Shutter spikes are particularly useful for coastal locations where steel screws can rust and for natural brickwork installations where the shutter is unlikely to be removed.

Shutter screws are for soft siding

Shutter screws are used to install vinyl exterior shutters on soft siding, such as wood. They are also used to attach outdoor shutters to other types of soft siding. Shutter screws are typically made from non-corrosive metal and are painted to match the colour of the shutter.

When installing vinyl exterior shutters with screws, it is important to first measure and mark the correct spots for drilling. The number of screws required may vary depending on the type of shutter, but it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the warranty remains valid.

For vinyl, wood, or aluminium siding, a hole should be drilled through the siding, being careful not to drill into the wall. A larger hole is then drilled into the wall itself to accommodate the screw anchor. Finally, the shutter is fastened to the wall using the provided screws, being careful not to over-tighten to avoid distorting the shutters.

Shutter screws are best suited for soft siding, while spikes are typically used for securing shutters to solid surfaces, such as brick or masonry.

Shutter spikes are semi-permanent

To install shutter spikes, first, mark the locations on the shutters where they will be drilled and fixed into place. Drill a hole into the shutters, and use this hole to mark the wall where you want the shutter fixed. Drill a hole at this mark, place the shutter over the hole, and gently tap the shutter spike in.

Frequently asked questions