When remodeling a house, one should consider the benefits of installing window shutters. Not only are shutters an inexpensive way to strengthen the safety and security of houses, but they also raise property value substantially by improving curb appeal. They even insulate! It's best to learn the styles and materials available, then make an informed decision as to which are ideal for any particular home.
Tip #1: Remember that each style of shutter has unique advantages over the others.
Louvered:
Louvered shutters have horizontal, slanted, adjustable fins that are framed by a thick border. If they are angled right, sunlight may be let into a home, while rain will be kept out. They can provide storm protection without lowering a home's aesthetic appeal. The louvered style complements most Victorian and traditional Southern homes well.
Board-and-Batten:
Another option is board-and-batten, which is otherwise known as barn-siding. These shutters have wide vertical boards held together by thinner wooden strips called battens. Old fashioned homes like cottages look even more rustic with a board-and-batten touch.
Bahama:
Bahama shutters are most common in tropical regions. They have adjustable slats like the louvered style, but are hinged at the tops of windows instead. A breeze can flow inside when the bottom is pushed outward, and without loss of privacy!
Raised Panel:
Raised-panel shutters are also a possibility. Mostly flat, with large rectangular indentations, they look similar to some doors. They are low-maintenance and far from costly. Though popular among modern homes, they also look superb on Colonial style houses. Cutouts look nicest on this type of shutter.
Tip #2: Consider both the long and short term benefits that materials have to offer.
The array of sizes, colors, and different designs makes settling on one style of shutter challenging. Once one has finally been chosen, the next step is deciding on the right material. Some are cost efficient. Others are weather resistant. A couple may last a lifetime. The best material will depend on one's priorities and budget.
Vinyl:
Vinyl/plastic is lightweight and durable. It's also one of the least expensive options. Though it is resistant to mold, sometimes it fades and need to be painted over again or replaced. If one would prefer to paint his or her own, vinyl shutters can typically be ordered already primed. Something to consider is that plastic does not always look nice against wood.
Aluminum:
Aluminum is low-maintenance, reasonably priced, and it meets hurricane standards. Usually this material is used for Louvered or Bahama shutters. It may, however, be customized to other styles by most sellers at additional cost.
Fiberglass:
The most expensive initially, fiberglass (or composite) is worth it since it won't rot or warp. These shutters are great for both security and storm protection. They are readily available in most styles, but create a need for extra hardware.
Wood:
Wood is versatile. It's easy to trim and customize. A plethora of designs, fixed and adjustable, can be crafted from it. Wooden shutters are gorgeous and can even be made from exotic tree species. The authentic appearance is worth the cost of maintenance over time. In addition, most wooden shutters are strong enough to come with storm certification. They can be sanded and repainted at the first sign of wear.
Tip #3: If choosing wood, know your options.
While the other material choices are basic, wood is a subject worth diving into. Shutters are usually made from certain softwood tree species. They are each durable and weather-resistant. Vertically grained, thick wood is the strongest in those aspects. Choices like Pine, Cypress, and California Redwood are each easy to paint. They are all ignored by insect for the most part. Yet, Cedar still beats them in the fight to be "the people's favorite".
Dark brown, sometimes with a hint of pink, and rough, Western Red Cedar shutters are the most popular kind. Cedar's natural oils prevent decay and its tannin acts as an insect repellent. This wood is notorious for its resistance to weathering. Looks aren't everything, but Cedar could probably win that contest, too.
Tip #4: Learn about hardware now to avoid frustration later.
Shutters should not be nailed onto any house. Especially if they will be used, they will require shutter dogs (tiebacks) to stay open, slide bolts to stay shut, and hinges for the rare in-between.
-Lag mounts can be secured on the majority of houses.
-Hinges and the like should be purchased from the same company as the shutters.
-Additions such as pull rings can be functional or they can be turned into an illusive decoration.
-As for material, stainless steel is best for coastal and humid areas since it's not prone to rust.
Tip #5: Perfect measurements equal no regrets.
Measuring window sizes right is crucial to ordering correctly sized shutters. A ruler is not an acceptable tool for the job; only a bona fide tape measurer will do. First the window's width must be figured, so measure the window opening side-to-side and divide the result by two. Be sure to measure at least to the closest quarter inch. To figure height, measure the window opening top-to-bottom.
Take care to measure from the extreme left, right, top, and bottom. Only use the smallest measurements of width and height. Number each window in order to avoid confusion. Another vital step to ensure a successful project is to measure every single window involved, even if a ladder is necessary. To make it less complicated, companies sometimes offer measuring sheets that come with more elaborate directions.
Tip #6: Make your investment last!
A protective layer is necessary for long-lasting shutters. Before coating yours with anything, make sure they are completely clean. An initial coat of primer is helps paint dry evenly and hides discrepancies in color. Stain or acrylic paint, so long as either is of high quality, will last longer than anything else. Another wise investment can be made in shutter caps. These will protect shutters from water damage and can be hidden with paint.
Tip #7: Buy right.
The first rule of any major purchase is to shop around! Some websites offer coupons for discounts that can be used at their stores. Others offer free shipping for online orders. The savings are worth searching for. Check not only for quality and attractive pricing, but also for positive customer reviews.
Amazing customer service is important because if something does go wrong, a representative needs to be ready to help. That's not always the case with online businesses. The Better Business Bureau's website is useful for exploring disputes and learning which companies are best at solving them. Hopefully everything goes over smoothly. If any issues do arise, once the shutters are up, the time and effort invested will prove worthwhile.