Mounting Vinyl Shutters

[gkamieneski]

What is the preferred method of mounting vinyl shutters to cedar clapboards? I have one side of the house where 2" decking screws were used and another side where I put up 2 pairs of the shutters using the included shutterlocks. These are 2" by 1/4" barbed plastic pegs.

I'll be taking these down for painting, so I'd like to hear some opinions before putting them back up. thx

[Gunguy45]

The plastic pegs are normally cut off and replaced, since they can't normally be pulled out w/o damaging the barbs and the holding power.

I used to see some (15 yrs ago?) that were large threaded thin flat head screws with a unthreaded shaft. Easy to put in or take down, but haven't seen them since.

[gkamieneski]

No, I agree, for replacements you don't have a lot of choice, although I do have some spare bags of pegs.

I'm wondering more what people prefer for a fresh installation? Contractors seem to use the wallboard or deck screws and throw away the plastic, barbed pegs.

[Gunguy45]

Well, the barbed pegs are fine when going over vinyl..no need to ever remove for paint. This is what I would use over wood siding....Vantage at Lowe's: 12-Pack 3"L Galvanized Round Shutter Screws

Thats just me..there may be better options...

[chandler]

GG, HD has a selection of large round head screws, some colored, some zinc. I buy the painted head ones and get one of those small paint samples they advertise and paint the heads. They are over in the section where the drawers with funky screws are. Just look up. They are great for shutters.

[TwistEdFish]

Actually the plastic pegs that come with the shutters can easily be reused, after removing them you will notice a bit of distortion to the barbs, that distortion will go away with the use of a heat gun or even a hair dryer on the highest heat setting. the barbs will return to their original shape and will hold just as well as they did on the initial install.