How to Reattach Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters are a common decorative element of many modern homes. Originally a shutter worked on hinges and allowed the homeowner to close them for added protection against the rain, snow and cold. However with the advent of modern storm windows, the need for working shutters evaporated. So while most shutters are no longer functional, they are still aesthetically pleasing. Reattaching a vinyl shutter, whether after a storm or after a new paint job, is a quick task.
Clean and repair the shutter. If the shutter was blown off the house due to bad whether, inspect it thoroughly before reattaching it next to the window. A damaged vinyl shutter is usually not fixable, so you will need to purchase a new one. If no cracks or tears are apparent, however, a good cleaning is all that is needed. Use common dish soap, a scrub brush and a garden house to clean the shutter.
Inspect the holes in the house that you will screw the shutter into. If the shutter was ripped from the house, the holes may be stripped. Screw a two-inch weatherproof deck screw into each hole to ensure there is still “bite” to the hole. If the screw slips right in, fill the hole with wood filler. Use a Philips head screwdriver to insert the filler into the hole. Let dry 24 hours before continuing.
Locate someone to assist in holding the shutter in place during reattachment. One person should hold the shutter with the screw holes in the shutter aligned with the screw holes in the house. The second person should use two-inch weatherproof deck screws to secure the shutter. Use either a Philips head screwdriver or a handheld power drill with Philips attachment.
Related Articles
Writer Bio
Steve Bradley is an educator and writer with more than 12 years of experience in both fields. He maintains a career as an English teacher, also owning and operating a resume-writing business. Bradley has experience in retail, fashion, marketing, management and fitness. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and classics.
