How to Mount Storm Shutters

Purchase shutters that conform to your local building codes. Many "special" window glass types and plantation and Bahama (also called "Florida" or "European") shutters offer some protection but do not conform to current codes. The state of Florida and many municipalities updated their building codes after Hurricanes Andrew and Hugo.

Install track bolts through the mounting track and secure them with the washer and wing nut on the exterior surface of the mounting track if the panels will be attached with wing nut hanger bolts. If the panels will hang on double-threaded hanger bolts, first install the mounting bars on the wall.

Drill holes, clean out sawdust or masonry dust and set anchors in the wall with anchor sets to install the mounting hardware. Directions will vary with panel models, but many use "F" or "H" tracks. Most shutters use long hinges, or "C" tracks. Panels generally mount on the wall around the window frame, and most shutters mount through the inside of the window frame into the wall underneath. Measure before drilling to make sure that the track will be level and the panel or shutter will hang with weight spread evenly along mounting hardware.

Attach the mounting hardware to the wall around the window or inside the window frame by driving bolts through the tracks into the wall anchors. Check with a carpenter's level as you drive in bolts to make sure that the track sits level. If the frame uses double-threaded hanging bolts for the panels, install them using a drill with a wing nut driver through the tracks.

Install the panels to be sure that everything fits. The time to make adjustments is now, not when hurricane warnings go up. Remove the panels and store them with wing nuts or other mounting hardware attached in a plastic bag.