EKENA True Fit PVC Shutters Installation Guide

EKENA True Fit PVC Shutters

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Make sure to use the correct tools recommended.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Follow fixture, power tools, and paint manufacturers’ instructions and users manuals.
• Use common sense and follow good construction practices.

TOOL & MATERIAL

• electric drill
• ladder
• caulk gun
• exterior grade screws
• putty knife
• acrylic caulk
• construction adhesive

IMPORTANT INFO

• It is recommended to use 6 screws per shutter
• Paint unfinished shutters with 100% acrylic paint prior to installation.
• Must allow space above and below for shutters to expand and contract with temperature.
• Do not over-tighten fasteners to avoid bowing.
• Hardware not included, must purchase separately.
• If painted a dark color and in direct sunlight, additional installation measures should be taken.
• For additional strength, use construction adhesive if installing shutters on a flat surface.
• Store shutters flat until installation.
• Disclaimer: Ekena Millwork is not liable for paint used on unfinished PVC shutters and/or the results of its use.

Installation

General Fixed Mount Installation

1. Determine the position for the shutter by matching up the top and bottom of the shutter with the window and mark its position.
2. Mark the shutter where you will fasten it to your installation surface by drilling through the shutter to mark the facade at the top, middle and bottom of the shutter.
3. Remove the shutter and pre-drill pilot holes through the facade. Caulk each predrilled hole with a clear waterproof and paintable sealant.
4. Using a level, set the shutter in place and fasten using non-corrosive exterior grade screws. Be sure not to over-tighten the screws.
   ***IMPORTANT: When installing in lap siding, adhere the shutters to the highest point of the siding or with shims/spacers to fill in the gap.

Fixed Mount Bracket Installation

1. Determine the position for the mounting brackets by matching up the top and bottom of the shutter with the window and mark its position.
2. Using a level set the bottom bracket in place and fasten using the correct screws for your installation surface. ( Note: At this point it is recommended you place the shutter in place and double check your marking for the top bracket.)
3. Using a level set the top and middle bracket in place and fasten using the correct screws for your installation surface.
4. Set the shutter in place, mark the position of the holes on the shutter. Remove the shutter and drill pilot holes using a 1/8” bit.
5. Place the shutters back in place and fasten the shutter in place using screws being sure not to over-tighten the screws.

Tips for Painting Unfinished or Primed Shutters

• Remove water and dirt on the shutter first and make sure they are completely dry before painting. Let paint completely dry before installing the shutter to your home.

• Unfinished shutters need to be painted. Do not use oil based paint. Use a premium 100% acrylic exterior latex paint.
  NOTE: Latex can take 2-4 days to dry. Avoid exposing shutters to moisture for a few days after you have painted the shutters.

• Avoid painting in damp or high humidity areas.

• Seal with exterior grade clear acrylic top coat.

• When painting cellular PVC shutters a dark color, choose paint colors that have an equivalent of 55 LRV units or greater.
  NOTE: Consult paint representative for recommended heat reflective paint compatible with PVC.

Window

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Make sure to use the correct tools recommended.
• Wear safety goggles.
• Follow fixture, power tools, and paint manufacturers’ instructions and users manuals.
• Use common sense and follow good construction practices.

TOOL & MATERIAL

• electric drill, l/8”&1/4”drill bit
• ladder
• shutter hardware
• proper screws for installation surface
• screw driver
• level
• pencil, marker, or chalk

IMPORTANT INFO

• Primarily designed for fixed mount installation. If choosing functional installation, use 2 hinges for shutters up to 47” height. For 47” + use 3 hinges per shutter for additional support.
• Store shutters flat until installation.
• 1/8” carbide drill bit is required for stucco, hardboard, fiber cement, brick or masonry.
• Hardware not included, must purchase separately.
• If painted a dark color and in direct sunlight, additional finishing measures should be taken.
• Paint unfinished shutters with 100% acrylic paint prior to installation.
• Disclaimer: Ekena Millwork is not liable for paint used on unfinished PVC shutters and/or the results of its use.

Install

General Functional Hardware Installation

1. Hold shutters in place in the window opening.
2. Using shims center the shutter in the opening to create a 1 /4” gap around all four sides of the shutter, and 3/8” gap between the center of the two shutters.
3. Determine where the hinges will be installed on the shutter and mark the holes with a sharpie remove hinges and drill pilot holes. Fasten the hinges using the pilot holes.
4. Slide the pintels into place with rod facing upward mark the holes, remove the pintels, and drill pilot holes. Fasten the pintels into place using the pilot holes. Diagram (A)
5. Note: It is recommend that functional shutters are installed so that they lay flush against the window when in the closed position.
6. Note: Pintels come in three sizes: siding, brick, and rock. Siding generally sticks out 1 1/4” from the home. Brick sticks out 2 1/4” from the home and rock sticks out 4 1/16 inches from the home. The wrong pintel will not allow the shutters to offset the right distance and may keep the shutters from lying flush and could cause bowing/ warping.

Note: Hinges should be installed at the top, bottom and middle for best results. If not installed correctly, shutters can bow or warp.

Tips for Painting Unfinished or Primed Shutters

• Avoid painting in direct sunlight or on a surface that is too warm.

• Remove water and dirt on the shutter first.

• Make sure they are completely dry before painting.

• Do not use oil based paint. Use a premium 100% acrylic exterior latex paint.
  NOTE: Latex can take 2-4 days to dry. Avoid exposing shutters to moisture for a few days after you have painted the shutters.

• Avoid painting in damp or high humidity areas.

• Seal with exterior grade clear acrylic top coat.

• Let paint completely dry before installing the shutter to your home.

Functional installation is not necessarily recommended with PVC shutters. These install instructions are for general information only.

NOTE: An S-Shaped piece of hardware called a shutter stay should be used to hold the shutter open. It is installed in the bottom opposite corner of the hinges, directly to the home’s surface. Follow hardware installation as instructed.

ARCHITECTURAL PVC SHUTTER FAQS

What is PVC?
Each shutter is made of stable high-density cellular PVC that won’t rot, split or chip, and doesn’t absorb water. PVC resists all forms of insect infestations, mold and mildew.
PVC shutters are generally recommended for fixed mount installation (for decorative purposes). IF CHOOSING TO INSTALL AS FUNCTIONAL the following guidelines should be considered for best results.
GENERAL DO’s & DON’Ts:

• Allow shutters to acclimate to environment/temperature for at least 24 hours before installing.
• Store shutters lying flat until installation.
• Hinges should be installed at the top, bottom, and middle of shutter for best results. If not installed correctly, shutters can bow or warp.
• If choosing functional installation, use 2 hinges for shutters up to 47” height. For 47” + use 3 hinges per shutter for additional support.
• An S-Shaped piece of hardware called a shutter stay should be used to hold the shutter open at all times. It is installed in the bottom opposite corner of the hinges, directly to the home’s surface.
• For shutters in full sun exposure, light paint colors are recommended.

What paint can I use on PVC?
It is recommended to use 100% acrylic latex paint with an LRV of 55 or higher.
For paint colors with an LRV of 55 or lower, you MUST use a paint that has been specifically developed for application on PVC. Using paint with an LRV below 55 allows the product to absorb excessive heat, which may cause PVC shutters to bow or buckle.
Always consult the paint manufacturer for the LRV of your paint choice and follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for the use and application of the paint.
WARNING: Should you choose to paint a darker color (LRV of 54 or lower) your warranty could be voided.

Industry leading manufacturer of urethane, PVC, wood, rustic, and metal millwork www.ekenamillwork.com
We Can Help. Call 866-607-0453

References

• Manufacturer of Fine Millwork Products - Ekena Millwork > Ekena Millwork

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