How to Choose the Right Shutter Company

When the time comes to replace those exterior shutters, where do you go and who do you talk to. Many customers often tell me they looked and looked and just didn't know where to find our product. The problem with exterior shutters is that they're usually not at your Home Depot's and your local home improvement stores, b/c it's too hard for those guys to stock. Shutters come in so many sizes b/c they have to match windows and this means they very often have to be custom built. (Nowadays windows have so many sizes the usual standards have gone on the window...no pun intended ;) This means you'll be needing to talk with a local shutter company that will usually come out, measure, and give you an estimate to do the job.

A good shutter company will give you a free estimate and will provide a cost breakdown for all of the services. Make sure you ask the right questions. If you want to save money you can sometimes modify the widths of the shutters. Traditionally, shutters have been built to match the size of the window. The idea is that the shutter can open or close to cover the window. Nowadays, it's very common to have smaller shutters that serve more as accents to your home. Having smaller shutters is something to consider, but that may not be what you want. Make sure you find out how the shutters will be installed. There are two methods: (1) direct set and (2) on hinges. Direct set is often used in the vinyl shutter industry where the shutters are secured to the home's exterior at every corner and screwed to the wall. Many times, individuals like the look of functional shutters, but expect to pay more for these, b/c that is one of the limitations that can be done with vinyl. If you decide on wood, you can expect your shutters to last 5-7 years on average for raised panel and 7-10 years on average for board and batten. Also, lighter colors will help prolong the life of the shutter by protecting them more from the sun. Composite shutters can be more expensive, but can last virtually forever as well. Make sure you know how long you plan on living in the house before you proceed.

To make sure the job is done quickly and done right never pay the full amount upfront to your shutter contractor. If they insist on upfront payment you can usually negotiate them down to paying a portion upfront and the rest when the jobs done. Lastly, get multiple quotes, but don't just go with the cheapest. Listen to what each contractor has to say. It's ok to ask for references or pictures of their work. Nowadays, many shutter companies have a website gallery that shows off their past works and this can give you some insight into the workmanship and quality you can expect. Once you decide on a company it's a good idea to set a deadline. Because they're probably going to be custom built, you can expect to wait 1-2 weeks on average. Setting an install date is a good way to keep your contractor motivated and on schedule.

How to Install a Window Box (aka window flower box)

Window boxes. They're beautiful, but they can also be a pain to have installed properly. Often times it's better to have a professional carpenter or installer do it for you. But for the do-it-yourselfer, below is a blueprint for helping you to figure out the best way to install a window box planter.

There are multiple considerations to take in when planning your installation: (1) How much weight can it support? (2) Is it mounting to brick, rock, or siding? (3) What type of material is your box made from? (4) How large is the box? (5) Will additional support brackets be used?

Because most window box planters are designed to hold a significant amount of weight, it is usually a good idea to mount the window box to the house with the most secure fasteners availble. Sometimes, these will be provided by the manufacturer. However, oftentimes, this may not be the case, especially if you have decided to build your own window box.

One of the most secure forms of fasteners is a 3/8" lag bolt with a 2" washer that goes directly through the back end of the box. This is usually the preferred method for wooden window boxes and rot free PVC window boxes, but not fiberglass. Most planters usually measure about 10" tall and 10" deep and a good rule of thumb is about one lag bolt for every 18" of box length. However, larger planters will need a multitude of lag bolts anchored securely into the houses exterior to ensure that they are secured safely.

These are the steps you will need to follow when hanging your window box.

1. Measure and mark the center of your box and measure and mark the center of the window where you will be hanging it
2. Drill 3/4" holes in the back of your box spaced approximately 18 inches apart.
3. Have someone help you hold the box up centered underneath the window and mark with a pencil on the house through the 3/4" holes. Take the box down and set it aside.
4. Now, you are ready to predrill some holes into your house to receive the lag bolts that will be holding up your window box. If your house is brick, you will want to use an expandable lead anchor shield that can receive a 3/8" lag bolt. Usually, a 5/8" lead anchor will do the trick. This means you will need to predrill a 5/8" hole exactly where you have marked with your pencil. For brick and rock, you will need to use a hammer drill. Most 24-V screw guns can perform a hammer action, otherwise you may need to rent a hammer drill from your local area. Drill over marked areas making sure to drill deep enough to receive the lag bolt. Siding and/or stucco will not require a hammer action drill and a standard 14-V drill should be able to do the trick.
5. Tap the lead anchor into the wall with a hammer.
6. Have someone help you hold the box up centered and now you are ready to insert the lag bolt and washer through each hole of the box and into the receiving lag bolts that are hammered into the wall.
7. Tighten each lag bolt about 90% and remember to use a level then tighten the remainder until washers grab tightly against the back of the box.
8. Viola, you're done.

Right Angle, Inc. Has The Right Products

Welcome to The Right Products Blog

Visit the About Me section or www.therightproducts.com to learn more about The Right Angle Inc. and our products.

Since 2002, The Right Angle, Inc. has been provided the Atlanta area with affordable composite exterior shutters, window boxes, and architectural brackets made from PVC or cedar. With the expansion of our new location, we would like to not only expand our services, but also expand out knowledge.

This blog contains all the information you need to know about the new standard in the Atlanta and national market for your home. Weather you are adorning your windows with shudders or window brackets or accommodating your porch with architectural brackets there is a lot of informative information regarding these dynamics. We will post articles on an array of topics.

The installation, maintenance, and benefits of our products. Selling your home? The Right Angle has just the product to increase your curb appeal and sell your home quicker with affordable changes to your home. Into gardening, arrangements for window boxes are important, know which kind of flowers last the longest and gives the wow factor that your neighbors will be envious of.

Join us in experiencing the next big thing for your home. Be ahead of the curve with these innovative products. Sometimes even your home needs accessories.