Expert Shutter Hanging: Achieving Optimal Position and Movement

When having new shutters installed in your home, their hanging position and movement operation are critical considerations. Improperly hung shutters can suffer issues like binding, damage, uneven wear, and difficulty opening and closing. That’s why our team focuses intently on expert shutter hanging.

Proper hanging position ensures your shutters operate smoothly while looking beautiful. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything involved with optimizing shutter hanging and movement for flawless function.

Hanging Basics

Shutters must be carefully positioned within or over window frames so when opened and closed they:

• Have proper clearance
• Fold correctly
• Maintain alignment
• Avoid obstructions
• Keep light gaps minimal

This requires understanding factors like:

• Mounting style and hardware
• Direction of louvers and panels
• Hidden dimensions of frames and walls
• Preferred reveal sizes and symmetry

Our installers combine this knowledge with precision measurements and workmanship.

Interior vs. Exterior Hanging

Hanging considerations differ between interior and exterior shutter mounting:

Interior

• Inside mount fits within window opening
• Outside mount overlays the frame
• Clearances account for window operation
• Focuses on room aesthetics and light control

Exterior

• Must account for exterior trim and siding
• Weather sealing is crucial
• Hardware and bracing handle wind load
• Security and visibility also factor in

Our process addresses the unique needs of both applications.

Direction Matters

Louvers and panels must open, close, and fold properly, avoiding:

• Window cranks or handles
• Hanging overlays and hardware
• Nearby walls and ceilings
• Adjacent shutters and windows

We determine optimal louver direction and where hinges or slides should be placed. Getting this right ensures unencumbered operation.

Hinge Placement Principles

Hinge placement impacts shutter hanging, clearance, and operation:

• Mount hinges on wider stiles for stability
• Ensure hinges align between paired shutters
• Position hinges to allow sufficient clearance
• Enable desired reveal when shutters are open
• Account for louvers when determining clearance
• Facilitate correct louver rotation direction

Follow our expert hinge positioning for optimal function.

Hardware Height

The height of hardware on the shutter also influences positioning:

• Mount hinges high enough to clear windows when open
• Ensure hinge height allows louvers to open fully
• Position tilt rods low enough for easy adjustment
• Use reveal spacers to avoid sash/handle interference
• Confirm holdbacks adequately pin panels open

We determine optimal hardware heights for each application.

Maintaining Proper Clearance

Adequate clearances prevent:

• Shutters binding against window or walls
• Louvers unable to open fully
• Hinges or panels scraping and damaging finishes
• Weather-sealing issues around openings

Our precise measurements provide appropriate operation clearances.

Achieving the Desired Reveal

The reveal is the visible gap when shutters are open:

• Consistent reveal size gives a clean uniform look
• 1-3 inches is typical based on preferences
• Depends on mounting position and hardware
• Reveal spacers can fine-tune spacing

We hang shutters to achieve the preferred reveal exposure.

Panel Folding and Stacking

Any shutters that fold or stack must open without obstruction. We ensure:

• Panels have room to fully extend or contract -Shutters can fan or nest neatly when opened
• Surrounding walls, trim, or handles don’t impede movement
• Panels stack closely in the open position

Proper clearances result in smooth operation.

Adjusting and Improving Hanging

We can adjust existing improperly hung shutters:

• Change hinge placement to improve clearance
• Modify hardware height for proper reveal
• Add spacers or shims to refine alignment
• Switch louver direction if rotation is impaired
• Reposition excessively high or low mounts
• Ensure panels open and stack correctly

Have us evaluate and optimize problematic shutter operation.

Plumb and Level Hanging

Shutters must hang straight to function properly:

• We check for level and plumb during install
• Use tapered shims to fine-tune alignment
• Account for uneven walls or windows
• Keep lines visually straight through adjustments

Properly leveled and plumbed shutters operate smoothly.

Leaving It to the Experts

For optimal shutter hanging, trust our certified installation pros. We have extensive experience properly hanging all shutter types and mounting configurations.

Our precise process includes:

• Detailed measurements of openings and clearances
• Finding studs for robust mounting
• Establishing proper hinge locations
• Verifying tilt rod and holdback positioning
• Pre-drilling holes for screws
• Securing panels with level and plumb
• Testing movement and clearance
• Making any needed position adjustments

We won’t quit until your shutters are hung flawlessly. Contact us to have your shutters expertly hung by seasoned installers.