Shutter Installation FAQs

Yes, but it does require some extra consideration. The key thing is that the shutter frame must not be positioned in a way that blocks the window from opening.

If your window sits in a recess, mounting the frame inside it will typically prevent the window from opening inwards, so the usual solution is to mount the frame outside the recess instead.

If there's no recess, the frame can be fixed to the surrounding wall. You can find full instructions in our guide on how to measure for an outside mounted shutter.

Firstly, check the frame is square and flush using a spirit level (horizontal and vertical). Check the inside of the frame on the bottom edge and the sides - the bubble must be exactly central. Then check the uprights are not leaning in any direction.

Recesses are usually not perfectly square, so it is important that you create a level installation by packing out the frame using wedges or shims.

If the panels are not sitting flat or hitting the magnet plates, pulling the corners of the frame forward can help. Keeping the panels in place, leave the middle frame screws in place and pull out the corners until the panels sit closed - then fix the frame.

If the panels are not level, it could be due to the frame being too tight. Loosening the frame screws can help to level it out and prevent contortions, as well as helping the panels sit flat.

The frame hinges on your shutters have a vertical adjustment which means the panels’ position can be raised or lowered by a few millimetres. 

To do this, loosen the top and bottom hinge screws on the frame part(s) of the hinges.

Slide the hinge up or down to adjust the panel position if required.

Then, tighten the top and bottom hinge screws to keep the panel in place. Do not insert the middle locking screw until you are 100% happy with how the panels hang.

If one panel hangs higher than other panels, you can loosen the bottom frame on the side where the panel sits lower. Then, under this frame, you can insert a shim to raise that side. This will give the panel a lift.

Firstly, you can lift the panels from the vertical adjustment on the frame hinges as per the above sections’ advice.

Hinge packers are provided in the hardware pack. These can be placed under the hinges to lift the panels.

1. Loosen the top and bottom hinge screws on the bottom-most hinge on the affected side.
2. Insert a hinge packer between the hinge and the frame. This should raise the panel up and allow it to close better.

It is normal for the panels to rest on the bottom frame (or windowsill if there is no bottom frame). If you would like to adjust this bottom gap, we recommend inserting the panel feet (in the provided hardware box) into the bottom of the panels’ stiles.

You can also try adjusting the frame to resolve this issue. If your panel (or panels) drops down, try packing the frame with a shim or wedge:

1. Loosen the frame screws on the affected frame side and the bottom frame side.
2. Insert your shim or wedge under the bottom frame near the corner. This should raise the panel up and allow it to close better.

Most shutter frames can be screwed into the window - or reveal - using only the provided screws. These are an appropriate fixing for timber or PVC. Wall plugs are not necessary.

However, wall plugs are essential when drilling into brick, concrete brick, and usually, plasterboard.

For the provided screws, a 6mm wall plug is suitable.

If you are installing a Non-Recessed shutter (drilling through the holes on the front of the frame) and have requested a large frame, the provided 60mm screw may not be long enough for a secure fixing.

The easiest solution is to source a longer screw of the appropriate depth to securely fix the frame.

Tip: The screw should protrude out the back of the frame by 30mm.

Alternatively, you can countersink the holes further into the frame to give the provided 60mm screws a secure fixing. A 9.5mm or 10mm drill bit would be an appropriate size to do this.

Since it is necessary for a level installation to have small gaps around the frame, it is typical to finish off the shutter installation by filling these gaps with decorators’ caulk.

The gaps can first be packed out with cardboard and then covered over with caulk.

If the gaps are over 10mm, you could consider sourcing trim from a hardware store to neatly cover over these gaps.

You can take a free colour sample with you to the hardware store to find an appropriate colour of trim.

Panels swinging open are an indicator that the frame has not been installed completely vertical. We recommend re-adjusting the frame and checking it is completely level vertically using a spirit level.

When fitting bay window shutters, it is best if a second person assists. They can do so by holding the frames when you are fixing them together.

When you have positioned the frames in the window and are happy with how they align, drill and countersink one hole at a slight angle into one of the meeting frames’ sides. This will be the hole to guide the screw through one frame and join it to the frame next to it. Ensure the fixing screw does not protrude out of the other side of the frame it is being fixed to.

Tip: When you are happy with how the frames align, you can secure the frame positions by putting a screw through the top and bottom frames to temporarily hold them in place while joining the frames. These screws can later be removed if you need to reposition the frame.

When positioned correctly the holes have been drilled, slowly drill the screws into place to connect the meeting frame sides.

Please note – It may be necessary to unscrew and re-screw the screws to get the meeting frames to sit tight to each other while being level. 

If you’ve read our FAQs but still need a little advice, email us or start a live chat. Our team will happily take a look and help you fix the issue.