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How to Install Interior Shutters different Window Types

Windows fall into four general categories - shown in order. Identify your window type and read additional information below.

1. Windows without trim and without a lower sill
2. Windows without trim and with a lower sill
3. Windows with trim and without a lower sill
4. Windows with trim and with a lower sill
5. Speciality windows - arch-top, half-circle, circle, oval, octigon, slant-top, rake-top

1. Windows without trim and without a lower sill
This window is typically framed using only drywall and do not have a solid window jamb and are commonly not very square. For these two reasons it may be difficult to mount shutters to the inside of the window opening If you wish to mount shutters to the inside of the opening, some companies provide a mounting method that uses a rear hang strip that is mounted directly behind the shutter panels. These hang strips allow for longer screws to secure the shutter unit and a little more adjustment left and right to align the shutters in a less than square window.

Using an mount to the outside of the window opening is probably the best option for a window without trim. The shutter unit can be installed using a frame that surrounds the window on four sides and is screwed to the wall directly to the wall to the outside of the window opening. Cafe type shutters use hang strips on either side of the shutter unit that screw directly to the wall. Many homes in the Southwest United States are built with this type of window using rounded edges.

2. Windows without trim and with a lower sill
This window type is much like the first, only it has a sill along the bottom of the window. A window sill generally does not have much of an impact on how shutters are mounted to a window. The only difference in installation would be the use of a three-sided, instead of a four-side frame, when mounting to the outside of the window opening

3. Windows with trim and without a lower sill
This type of window is generally framed using a wood jamb. This offers a great opportunity to mount the shutters directly to the window jamb using butt hinges. You must first determine if you have sufficient depth within the window opening. You want to make sure that the louvers will be able to fully rotate.

If you are unable to mount shutters to the inside of your window, then you will need to use an outside mount. A four-sided frame is mounted directly to the face of you window trim which will support the shutter unit. The existing trim needs to be relatively flat without obstructions (corner blocks) which could make installation difficult. We do not recommend attempting to mount a frame to the outside of the existing trim, which results in a poor looking bulky boxy frame.

4. Windows with trim and with a lower sill
This window type is much like the third, only it has a sill along the bottom of the window. The only difference in installation would be the use of a three-sided, instead of a four-side frame, when mounting to the outside of the window opening.

5. Speciality windows- arch-top, half-circle, circle, oval, octigon, slant-top, rake-top
It is difficult to install shutters inside of a window that is spciality shaped, becasue circle windows are not exactly circle, arch-top windows rarely have a uniform arch, and slant-top windows are usually not square enough to have a perfect fit. Therefore, we generally recomend mounting shutters on these types of windows to the outside of the window. Local dealers are usually best for this type of window application.

Overview
Most shutter companies provide written instructions on how to measure your windows for shutters. It is best to measure both the width and height of the shutter unit to the sixteenth of an inch. A wood jamb is best when mounting shutters directly to the window opening. This ensures the shutters will have the necessary support. You also need to verify if the window has the necessary depth to allow the louvers to rotate. A frame or hang trips are used when mounting interior shutters to the outside of the window opening A 4-sided frame is used when the window does not have a lower sill. A 3-side frame is used when the window does have a lower sill. When the window has existing trim, the frame usually mounts to the face of that existing trim.

Installing window shutters can be difficult. Work with a company that offers complete detailed instructions on how to measure for, and install interior window shutters. This will alleviate problems that are not anticipated by other shutter companies.

Horizon Shutters is an Internet company offering custom interior shutters. Their site is built to be informative with specifications and prices shown right online. Their staff is knowledgeable and friendly, ready to help if you have questions. They have complete measuring instructions on their web site.