Natural calamities attack unannounced and so it is always wise to equip yourself sufficiently. Storm shutters are very essential in terms of protection when it comes to your house. If you are dwelling on a coast or near the sea, then make sure you have taken the necessary measurements to protect your house from severe hurricanes and storms. Shutters are the primary layer of protection of your house as it keeps debris away form entering the house and also saves a lot of damage. These storms are very destructive in nature and can cause a lot of harm to property and life. Shutters are installed in windows and doors and help to protect your house from such adversities to a large extent. These shutters usually serve a practical purpose but that does not mean that they need to be plain in appearance. You can take the extra effort and make them attractive. This will also boost the glam quotient of your house along with protecting it.
Things that you will need:
- Hinges for each window
- Screws
- Caulk
- Concrete anchors
- Latches for each window
- 1/2 inch plywood
- Paint
- Measuring tape
Instructions
1. Start with the measurements. Take out your measuring tape and measure the window accurately. Take the measure of the width and length and check it twice. Then figure out the center of the window and mark it at the top and the bottom.
2. Cut the plywood. Cut the plywood according to the measurements that you took of the window. Mark the center of the plywood and mark it at the top and the bottom. Then draw a straight line joining the three points at the middle of the plywood. Cut along this line and this will serve as the two halves of the storm shutter.
3. Attach the hinges. After you are done with cutting the ply, screw the hinges to the ply. Use drywall screws for this purpose. Put one screw in the center and the other about 6 inches from the top and the bottom of the ply. Use wire cutters to cut off screws which you find are sticking through the board.
4. Place a half. Take one-half of the shutter and place it in the window. Match the edge of the center with that of the center mark of the window (you had made this mark earlier while measuring the window). You can ask for help from someone and ask him to help you make the hinge screw holes at the side of the house adjacent to the window you are working on.
5. Drill in the screws. Use a drilling machine and drill in holes in the marked areas in the side of the house. Install the shutters using screws. If your house is made of concrete, then use concrete anchors or tapcon. Test the installed side of the shutter by opening and closing it a few times.
6. The other half. Take the other half of the shutter and hold it against the window. If you think you need to trim it then do it using a fine toothed saw. The powder created can be vacuumed easily. Install this half in the same way that you installed the other half. Close and open both the halves and ensure that they are working properly. You can seek help from your helper with this. If you think there is something wrong, then adjust the hinges properly.
7. Decorate them. Take out the two halves and lay them out. Cut a decorative trim and then install on the outer edge. A small rectangle can also be made in the center. Do not forget to check again to make sure that they still close and open without any hindrance.
8. Install the latches. Latches are very vital in holding the shutters together during a storm. Install these latches on the untrimmed side. Make sure that they are strongly secured and would not give away easily. Seek professional help, if needed.
9. Finish with the paint. Apply caulk on all the seams between the pieces and the plywood and any other area that you find faulty. After you are done with this, wait for sometime and then finally apply a coat of paint. The color of the paint depends completely on your taste.
Creating or installing storm shutters is not much of a hassle. They can be done easily without any professional help. They are of a great help during storms. The materials needed to build them are easily available in nearby construction stores. When you are taking measurements, make sure that they are accurate and cut the pieces just once.
