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has wood trim on the surface of the outside
wall of the window. This creates a pocket for the closed shutter to fit in. A brick
exterior, versus a clapboard exterior would require a deeper shutter hinge.

Shutter Dogs: You will use shutter dogs to keep your operable shutters open. Shutter
dogs can also be used as purely a decorative function for inoperable shutters. There

are many different styles to fit with your architecture, or desired customization.

Shutter Tie Backs: Tie backs and shutter dogs are basically the same thing. They are
used for the same purpose, to keep the exterior shutters in place.

Shutter Caps: These are made of bowdlerized, galvanized steel. They are installed on
the top edge of wooden exterior shutters. This is to protect the shutters from
moisture intake. These can be left as is,or painted to match the shutter.

MATERIAL FOR EXTERIOR SHUTTERS

Plastic: Using plastic for exterior shutters will provide the most inexpensive
option, however there are drawbacks. You are limited to stock sizes. Also they can
only be used for stationary shutters because the back side is hollow. These may also
warp from the heat of the sun.

Vinyl: It is similar to plastic; however it can be purchased in different grades.
Some of the higher grades are also finished the same on the back as on the front.

Composite: These are often made with recycled materials. They are sturdy, and well
made.

Wood: Wood is the most versatile product for shutters to be made from. They can be
custom made, and they can be painted or stained in any way desired.

MEASURING FOR EXTERIOR SHUTTERS

When measuring for operable shutters it is important to take in account the size of
the pocket inside the window frame. For the width of your shutters you should allow
for the clearance of the shutter, and subtract that amount from the width. On the side
of the window trim, measure the height of the window frame minus the sill, and the top
outer trim piece to get the proper height for the shutters. The width of the
individual shutter should be half of the width. This will insure a good fit for
shutters that when closed are inside the pocket of the window.

If you desire shutters that when closed are covering the outside window trim, you
should follow the steps above, but use the measurements from the outside of the window
trim.

When installing shutters only for decoration, you should measure for height by
measuring the top of the outside trim, to the bottom minus the sill. The width should
be measured

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