Perfectly Aligned Shutters: Level and Plumb for Flawless Function

When installing new shutters, achieving perfect alignment is critical for both aesthetics and performance. Shutters that are out of level or plumb can suffer from issues like binding, gaps, operating difficulties, and premature wear. That’s why proper leveling and plumbing during shutter mounting is so important.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your new shutters perfectly aligned for years of flawless function.

Why Leveling Matters

Level shutters give your home a balanced, uniform look. When a row of shutters is noticeably uneven, it stands out in an unappealing way. Level alignment also affects function. Issues caused by unleveled shutters include:

Binding or scraping when opening and closing
Gaps letting in light around the edges
Improper closure allowing weather or pests inside
Noisy or inefficient operation
Excess wear from uneven contact and friction

Taking the time to level shutters during installation prevents these problems down the road.

Checking for Level

Start by verifying whether the window itself is level. Use a bubble level placed horizontally across the bottom and sides.

If the window is not level, you’ll need to compensate when mounting the shutters to achieve visual alignment.

To check mounted shutters for level:

Place level along top edge first, then check bottom edge on each shutter
Scan vertically to ensure alignment on both sides
Open louvered shutters periodically when checking level
Use a laser level for longer rows of multiple shutters

Catch any discrepancies right away before finalizing the installation.

Tips for Leveling Shutters

If your shutters are out of level, here are some tips for adjustment:

Adjust Mounting Screws

Loosen screws on the low side and tighten on the high side
Turn screws incrementally to gradually nudge the shutter into proper alignment

Use Shims

Insert tapered shims under the low side of the frame to build it up
Stack multiple shims if significant adjustment is needed

Compensate for Uneven Walls

Level the outer shutter frame, not the louvers themselves
Plumb to the highest point if the underlying wall is uneven

Follow the Contours

On bumpy or wavy walls, you may need to mount shutters to follow the contours
Keep lines level across any dips and bumps

With care and proper technique, even severely unlevel walls can have beautifully aligned, level shutters.

Why Shutters Must Be Plumb

Plumb shutters are precisely vertical at a perfect 90 degree angle to the mounting surface. This prevents:

Slanted appearance instead of straight lines
Light gaps along one side causing glare or heat loss
Interference when louvers open on tilted shutters
Excess friction wearing down low side of frame
Reduced structural integrity over time

Visually, plumb shutter lines complement the straight edges of windows and walls for a satisfying aesthetic.

Checking Plumb Alignment

Use a bubble level held vertically against shutter edges:

Start with outer stiles, then check louvers are plumb
Scan top to bottom, noting any deviation
Perform plumb checks on both sides of each shutter
Do this periodically during mounting before completion

Also sight down the line of shutters looking for any that appear to tilt outward. Shutters even 1-2 degrees out of plumb are noticeable.

Fixing Out of Plumb Shutters

Here are some troubleshooting tips if newly mounted shutters are out of plumb:

Adjust Mounting Screws

Loosen top screws on tilted side, tighten bottom screws on that side to straighten
Make gradual turns until shutter edges are perfectly vertical

Insert Tapered Shims

Place thin shims under the low side behind the frame to push it back into plumb alignment
Stack multiple shims if significant adjustment is required

Follow Contours

If the underlying wall bows or slants, you may need to mount the shutter frames to follow its contours
Use shims strategically to compensate for any unevenness

With some adjustments, you can achieve beautifully plumb shutter lines.

Tips for Keeping Shutters Plumb

Here are some tips to maintain plumb alignment during installation:

Mount to wall studs or use robust hollow wall anchors
Keep lines visually plumb even if wall contours are uneven
Check for plumb periodically as you mount, not just after
Have a partner sight lines and provide feedback
Use a laser level on long spans for accuracy
Don’t fully tighten screws until alignment is confirmed
Shim judiciously to fine-tune before finalizing

Careful installers will keep a close eye on plumb alignment throughout the mounting process.

Leave It to the Experts

For the best shot at perfectly level and plumb shutter installation, have the work done by qualified experts. The experienced pros at our company follow strict alignment protocols and utilize professional tools for precision shutter mounting.

We take the time to check for level and plumb at multiple points during installation to catch any deviations early. We’ll also inspect your window openings for level and plumb to address any discrepancies in our mounting approach. Our installers have an eye for detail and take great pride in aligning shutters flawlessly.

Let us handle the installation so you can enjoy shutters that are aligned with mathematical precision. Contact our team today to get started!