Full Height Style Shutters

Inside Recess Fitting

Before you begin: Check your recess is square.

First, you need to check that your recess is reasonably square, making it suitable for installing shutters inside the recess.

All you need to do is measure the recess diagonally from corner to corner on both sides. Then, compare the two measurements. If the difference is 12mm or less, you’re good to go.

We would always recommend using a Z frame fitted to the front of your recess for an easier, more forgiving installation. If the measurements vary by any more than 12mm, then we would recommend you choose to fit shutters ‘outside mount’, on to the internal wall. 

Inspect your window recesses for any potential obstructions such as handles, architecture, dado rail or any inward opening windows or doors. We would recommend you use an outside mount for any inward opening windows so that your windows can still open in full and are not obstructed. Ensure the position of your shutters will not interfere with any of the above and consider the position of your shutters when they are folded open, normally only done when gaining access for cleaning or ventilation. All our full height shutters are supplied with a four-sided frame for strength, stability and ease of installation.

Decide where your shutters are going to sit. This can be at the front of the recess (order Z frame) or inside the recess(order L frame). Always take your measurement at the position you plan to fit your shutters. Don’t worry about making any deductions for clearance, we do that for you.

Fitting to the Front Edge of your recess – using the ‘Z’ Frame

For the front of recess fitting you need to measure at the front edge of the recess. Measure the width at the Top, Middle and Bottom.

Next measure the drop on the right, in the centre and on the left. Make a note of the smallest measurements taken, these are the sizes you will use later to place your order.

Now you’re ready to choose and order your favourite ‘z’ frame style. The overlap flange of the frame will cover any uneven clearance gaps between the edges of the recess and frame. This is the most forgiving method of recess fitting and would not normally require any filling of gaps with caulk or silicone filler.

Fitting Inside recess – using the ‘L’ Frame

For an inside recess fitting, you can position your shutters anywhere you choose inside the recess, even flush up against the window frame if there are no obstructions such as window handles.

The universal ‘L’ frame can be face fixed or if you need to move the shutter forward to give clearance, side fixed.

Mark where you are going to fit your shutters and measure both the width and the drop in 3 places, note down the smallest measurements taken, these will be used when ordering.

NB: When ordering enter the smallest exact minimum recess width and drop. We will make a small deduction to ensure your shutters fit.

Always consider the position of the shutter panels for when they are folded back, this would normally only be when cleaning or opening your windows. The panels will fold back against the side of your recess when fitted within the opening and back towards but not fully flush with, the room wall if fitted to the front edge. You can easily calculate an approximate projection of your folded panels by dividing your total shutter width by the total number of panels required.

Mid-Rails

All shutters over a drop of 1700mm will require a mid-rail for strength and stability. This will be added automatically to your order.

The top and bottom sections of louvers will be operated separately, giving greater flexibility.

As standard the mid-rail is positioned centrally. If you require a different position for your mid rail that is off centre, then call us once you’ve placed your order and this can be arranged.

To specify the position of your mid-rail when contacting us, simply measure from the bottom of your shutter to the midpoint of where you want the rail to be positioned.

NB: The exact position of a mid-rail is always determined by the panel height and Louvre size selected. The mid-rail position can vary by up to 38mm upwards or downwards depending on the Louvre size chosen.

Always consider the position of the shutter panels for when they are folded back, this would normally only be when cleaning or opening your windows. The panels will fold towards but not fully flush with, the room wall. You can easily calculate an approximate projection of your folded panels by dividing your total shutter width by the total number of panels required.