Exterior window shutters can be used as decorative additions to your house. They can also be used to keep out the light, heat and noise.
Comparing Exterior Window Shutters
When you start looking for exterior window shutters you will soon find that there are many different types of shutters. Some are used for functional purposes while others are used as decoration only.
Decorative exterior window shutters tend to be made of wood or faux wood. These are usually attached to the side of the exterior windows and painted to match the trim or the door of the house. These shutters consist of one panel on each side of the window. These panels does not open or close, but remain affixed to the side of the window. These are often added to houses to increase the curb appeal of the house.
Solid exterior window shutters can look the same as the decorative windows, only they're built to shut. These shutters are made of wood panels. Many of them also contain decorative outside panels to add a little pizzazz to the shutter. These shutters are very effective at keeping out the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer.
Roll-down metal shutters and Bahama shutters are two types of exterior window shutters that are used as emergency shutters. These shutters are not used on a daily basis because they block all sunlight from the house. They also don't keep out the heat because that's not what they're meant to do.
Emergency exterior window shutters are used when a massive storm such as a hurricane or a tornado is en route. These shutters are made of sturdier materials such as metal or steel and they are not attractive. However, they will prevent your windows from breaking during a natural disaster. This will keep you and your family safer.
Shutters To Go in or Out?
So how do you know if you need interior or exterior window shutters? For starters, you don't have to choose one or the other. People who have exterior shutters also have interior shutters. Each type of shutter serves a different purpose.
As we discussed, outside shutters are primarily used for decoration and protection from wild storms. Some of them are also used to insulate the house. Inside shutters are used solely to protect the house from the elements and to create an element of privacy in the home.
Some people find outside shutters very unattractive, but they may like the look of inside shutters. The nice thing about both inside and outside shutters is that they can be used in conjunction with other window coverings such as curtains.
Types of Exterior Window Shutters
Exterior window shutters have graced houses throughout the United States since before the Revolution. Their elegance and style have kept them in use. Today, new finishes, materials, and styles keep shutters looking fresh and up-to-date.
There are a variety of exterior window shutters available and they are available in different types of materials including:
* Vinyl: vinyl exterior shutters are inexpensive and long lasting. They are lightweight and easy to care for. Although they have a plastic look up close, from a few feet away, they look like more expensive shutters.
* Composite: while more expensive than vinyl shutters, composite ones are available in a variety of styles, including Bahama shutters. Best of all, composite shutters won't split, warp or rot. The solid backs keep bugs away as well.
* Fiberglass: fiberglass shutters are one of the more expensive choices, but they also look great and are architecturally designed. These shutters can be ordered for storm protection and they are easy to care for.
* Aluminum: these shutters are a great alternative to wood shutters. They are even used in some historical districts as an alternative to wood. Aluminum shutters can provide storm protection as well.
* Wood: wood is the traditional material for shutters and many people chose it for this reason. Although wood shutters can be economical to buy, keep in mind that they will need up keep in the years to come.
Exterior window shutters made from these materials are available in many different styles. You can choose from louvered, paneled, board, or Bahama shutters. Some shutters serve purely decorative functions and are fixed to the outside of the home. Others can be opened and closed to provide light control and storm protection.
Function is an important consideration when thinking about exterior window shutters. Consider whether you need to protect your windows from flying debris in a hurricane or whether a purely decorative shutter will work. You can also find shutters that will control the light allowed into your home.
Although the board and batten style of exterior shutter was most common during Colonial times, other styles have come into popularity. Choose the style of shutter for your home based on the style of your home, what purpose the shutter needs to have, and what material you want the shutter made out of.