OT: Removing Aluminum Storm Shutters in PR

[NikkiSixx]

Here is a long shot.. I need to figure out how to remove 6 of these aluminum storm shutters to fit in a window a/c unit.

I am living in Puerto Rico at the moment, and they have these 'windows' that really are not windows, but hurricane style aluminum shutters, that go horizontal across the span. And when you crank the lever, you can close out all the light or open them up.

On the inside (there is no glass in this window) there is only a screen assembly. I see many places in PR where IF they have air con, they replace the screen with a similar screen, but of thin plastic. i.e. a plastic window just for rooms with a/c

At any rate, I've been dying down here in the heat, thinking I could get by without air con, and boy was I wrong. I have a new a/c unit ready to pop in, but can't figure out how to get these suckers out.

Anyone with knowledge of this sort of thing? I can ask around here locally, but thought I would see if anyone on the board knows about it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[WC_'sker]

Could you use a torch to cut out the slats (shudders) on the bottom? That might allow the AC unit to fit in the hole created by removing the lowest six or seven slats. You'd sill have the remaining shudders above the AC unit.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Just get this


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arctic-K...5035&wl11=online&wl12=957966226&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[schuele]

How far apart are your studs, and what kind of exterior siding do you have? I ask because even though window AC units are named window AC units, it might be less frustrating to just make an opening for it. Might also be more secure.

 

[GretnaShawn]

Just get this


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arctic-K...5035&wl11=online&wl12=957966226&wl13=&veh=sem

I was just at a friends house and they had this in their garage. Worked really well.

 

[BigRedBeliever]

How far apart are your studs, and what kind of exterior siding do you have? I ask because even thought window AC units are named window AC units, it might be less frustrating to just make an opening for it. Might also be more secure.

That’s exactly I would do. Leave the windows alone and make opening just for ac unit. Be sure you can get power to it.

 

[NikkiSixx]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I was under the impression that the slats were removable, at least I hope they are, otherwise, I might be in trouble with some a/c units that I might not be able to return.

I'm only renting this place, so I can't do anything destructive, and the homes here are mostly just made of concrete and everything is pretty much open with shutters for storms.

The down side of this design is you can hear everything going on at your neighbors, the city, you name it. And society here just seems to tolerate the noise.

During the winter months, it's no problem as the weather is perfect, but during the summer, it's like a bunch of heat exhausted crazy people down here.

 

[Huskerfan2112]

How is the storm recovery progressing? The news makes it seem as though PR is still without power and water and is still in total ruin.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I was just at a friends house and they had this in their garage. Worked really well.

Yeah, I have heard really good things about them.

 

[NikkiSixx]

How is the storm recovery progressing? The news makes it seem as though PR is still without power and water and is still in total ruin.

I think most things are back to normal. There are probably a few still without power that live way up in the mountains, but most everywhere else has power and water and the stores are full of things.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I was under the impression that the slats were removable, at least I hope they are, otherwise, I might be in trouble with some a/c units that I might not be able to return.

I'm only renting this place, so I can't do anything destructive, and the homes here are mostly just made of concrete and everything is pretty much open with shutters for storms.

The down side of this design is you can hear everything going on at your neighbors, the city, you name it. And society here just seems to tolerate the noise.

During the winter months, it's no problem as the weather is perfect, but during the summer, it's like a bunch of heat exhausted crazy people down here.

I feel your pain. I lived in the Dominican Republic for four years. The house I lived in had those same windows but without the screens. I slept under a mosquito net at night that was draped over my bed. Nobody had AC. But everyone had ceiling fans. Does your place at least have ceiling fans? I hope you can get your AC working. The summer humidity down there is just brutal

 

[TheBeav815]

Sounds like you'll need to take out an entire panel of them and fill the gap in, probably with a board. You'll need something you can screw the top of the window unit into so it holds in place and slants at the angle you want.

Most of them use a paddlewheel to throw condensed water on the cooling unit for added efficiency. That's why they say don't drill drain holes in them or anything goofy like that. I would guess you're looking at pulling the bottom set of aluminum and putting plywood in its place.

Have you asked around with the locals? Maybe they know how to remove the slats.