Home window shutters

When remodeling your home's exterior, you may wonder how shutters might look when hung around each window. In Europe, window shutters serve functional purposes of actually closing and latching from within to keep out cold winds and pesky insects or curious creatures. In modern Western society, however, shutters for most homes are more aesthetic in nature, adding colorful window accents that coordinate with the rest of the home's design. Some homes even have indoor shutters for the windows. These can be closed to block light and drafts.

If you are thinking about getting shutters, there are a few things you might want to know. Shutters are made from a variety of substances, including vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and a composite. Each of these serves a different purpose. For example, basic wood looks natural, but requires annual upkeep that might involve scraping and painting. Treated wood lasts longer but is more costly.

Vinyl shutters, on the other hand, last longer, with some manufacturers offering forty-year warranties, though most provide a shorter replacement period. Vinyls are a step up from traditional wooden shutters and not quite as durable as fiberglass, which are made to withstand violent storms and stressful climates. In-stock vinyl shutters are the most reasonably priced for most retailers, but they may not last as long as some of the other types. Most materials used to make shutters are built to last, so your choice boils down to a matter of taste or style.

The standard ordering sizes for exterior shutters are 12" width by 52" height, although custom fittings are available through many manufacturers. Prices average from $35 per pair for low-end stock vinyl to $350 for top-of-the-line custom fiberglass shutters. You will pay more if you hire someone to hang shutters instead of doing it yourself.

Louvered, flat panel, and raised panel are three of the most popular styles for exterior home use. An operable louver allows you to open the slats if desired to make the shutter functional. A wide range of colors is available to help you select a shade that will coordinate with your house color, whether sided or painted, and the roof tiles.

You can order shutters online, but it may be a good idea to visit a local dealer for a better idea of product design, cost, and availability. If you opt for custom fitting, someone will need to come to your home and measure each window that you wish to buy shutters for.

Some homeowners install shutters on windows that face only the front of the street, while others use them for all home windows, front and back. Shutters can add a cozy or even a rich dimension to your home design, so check them out if you are thinking of remodeling your house for a different look.

If you plan to install the shutters yourself, you will need to order the hardware separately, including pintels and hinges. These typically cost less than $50, but be sure to get the right fit for your shutter selection.