How To Remove Vinyl Shutters

Many homeowners choose vinyl shutters to frame the windows of their home. These sturdy accent pieces on your home's façade require little maintenance. However, sometimes homeowners want to remove their vinyl shutters for repainting or to change the look of their home. Careful removal of the shutter will prevent damage to the shutter mounting clips as well as the siding, wood, brick or stucco surface of your home. Take a look at how to remove vinyl shutters safely.

Step 1

Evaluate which type of shutter mounting system holds your shutters in place. Newer model shutters are mounted by hanging on a metal clip screwed into the wall. Older model vinyl shutters use a mounting clip called a "shutter lok." Shutter loks mount through existing holes in the shutter that extend to the house facing surface. Shutter loks look like long plastic nails.

Step 2

Lift the shutter off the brackets if you have newer model shutters. Use care when removing shutters because this is a place where wasps like to build nests. Vinyl shutters should be stored flat to prevent warping.

Step 3

Locate the shutter loks on your vinyl shutters. Larger shutters have six shutter loks and smaller models have four. The loks will look like plastic-coated pegs or screw tops that blend with the color of the shutter.

Step 4

Slip your fingers behind the shutter and gently pull the shutter away an inch or two from the facade. Use the hacksaw to cut through the shutter lok. Snips also work well for cutting the loks in tight spots. If a set of snips or a hacksaw isn't available, slide the chisel behind the shutter so the tip of the chisel rests on the plastic nail. Gently tap it with a hammer. Hitting the chisel with too much force can damage the facing on your home.

Step 5

Snip through all the shutter loks before attempting to remove the shutter.

Step 6

Press the back of the plastic nail through the front of the shutter, exposing the mounting hole. Homeowners cannot reuse shutter loks or the plastic nails and will need to purchase a new set of plastic mounting nails.

Step 7

Drill the plastic plugs out of the mounting holes on the façade of your home. Leaving the plastic nails in the hole invites pests and moisture into your home. Fill the holes with silicone to protect against weather and create a smooth surface for remounting the shutters.