Buying Exterior Shutters for Your Home

Exterior shutters are used to provide protection for a building from snow, rain, wind, flying debris, or even filter sunlight. Exterior shutters come in a variety of types and colors and are generally color coordinated to the style and coloring of the home. They have become so popular that many consider them to be a essential part of the standard American home. Not only do they add character, but they can be tailored to the personality of the home owner. By adding exterior shutters to the outside of a house, they can really spruce up an otherwise plain exterior. There are many different types of shutters to choose from when deciding which ones are right for your home.

As you prepare to purchase your shutters, it is important to know the exact measurements you will need them to be. To find this information, you will need to measure the size of your windows, and decide how wide or small you want the shutters to be. A few other things to think about are what type of color you want for the shutters, what type of mounting you will need, and what type of shutter profile is appropriate for your home.

The two main types of shutters are functional and non-functional shutters. Functional shutters are attached to the home by hinges and latches. These shutters can be closed during severe weather, such as thunderstorms, to protect the house from the wind and rain. Functional shutters are commonly used in coastal areas such as New Orleans and the Florida coast, but can also be found in many other areas of the nation. Non-functional, or decorative shutters, cannot be shut or even moved, and are usually too thin and flimsy to be of practical use in any case. Decorative shutters can come in vinyl, plastic, or a composite material. For these shutters, additional hardware can be added so they have the appearance of being functional.

Wooden shutters are one of the most common types of shutters that can be found on the market and they come in a variety of different patterns. When using wood shutters, they must be maintained in order for them to withstand extreme weather. Wipe them down and inspect them for rot, mildew or other damage on a yearly basis.

At many shutter companies, you can buy an excellent pair of functional wooden shutters for $75 to $100. Prices start low for smaller shutters and will increase the bigger you need your shutters to be.

Composite shutters, made from various plastic materials, offer a different choice from the wood shutters. These shutters come in a variety of stylish designs that are purely there for their beauty. These shutters give homes distinction and can really set your house apart from others in the neighborhood. Composite shutters will generally start around $20 for a pair and can run as high as $50.

Vinyl shutters offer another alternative to wooden and composite shutters and come in a variety of colors. Because they are manufactured directly from a colored material, they do not need painting and their color does not chip or fade. Vinyl shutters require very little maintenance and generally rather inexpensive to buy. As with any shutter purchase, you will need to know the measurements, color choice, and other information when you make your purchase. Vinyl shutters also run from $20 to $50 for a pair.

Many times people prefer to paint their shutters instead of leaving them with their natural coloring. If you choose to paint the shutters, you will increase the amount of maintenance required for them. You will need to check them regularly for chipped paint or cracks, and make sure that the paint has not started to peel away anywhere. If you would prefer shutters that require less maintenance, vinyl shutters are an excellent choice as they will last for years with virtually no upkeep. Low maintenance of shutters allows home owners to rest at ease and focus on enjoying the beautiful home.

Storm shutters are used mainly in coastal areas to protect against extreme weather such as hurricanes or tropical storms. For those who live in tropical areas, it may become necessary to invest in aluminum storm shutters to protect the home from the weather elements.

Some different types of storm shutters are roll shutters, accordion shutters, storm panels, and colonial and Bahamas shutters. Roll shutters are not only convenient but they are easy to maintain. Accordion shutters (pictured) are a great choice if you are looking for extra security, hurricane protection, and sound and sunlight control.

As you decide on which shutters you wish to purchase for your home, make sure to consider all the different aspects such as price, maintenance, and functionality. Exterior shutters can go a long way to enhancing the looks of a home as well as serving to protect your investment from the elements. No matter if they are used for beauty or for protection, there are a variety of choices for the home owner to choose from.

For information on more home and garden topics,  check out the links to my other Hubs below.

• Why you should use glass baby bottles
• Decorating your home with bamboo blinds
• Baby blankets guide
  
• Guide to electric heaters