Many people ask me all the time: “What kind of material should my exterior shutters be made from?” And I always like to discuss the pros and cons of different materials that they have to offer. these can involve cost, functionality, longevity, and more. Exterior shutters have evolved over time from wood to vinyl, as well as to other alternatives such as fiberglass, PVC, and composites so there are a variety of choices to sort through. This article will discuss the pros and cons of many exterior shutter styles to help you pick out the exterior shutter material that will best meet your needs.

Wood Exterior Shutters: Wood exterior shutters offer many advantages such as the look of wood, functionality, and paintability to match your home. They are medium in the price range compared to some of the alternatives. One of the main advantages to wooden exterior shutters is that they are extremely popular and easy to come by. They can be hinged to the home to give it a more decorative look as well as to provide function. The disadvantage is that they will eventually rot even if maintained. Expansion, sun, and water will eventually cause most wood shutters to begin rotting within about a five year period. To prolong the life of a wooden exterior shutter, try to place in the shade and avoid darker colors which will fuel expansion and deterioration. You should also repaint your wooden exterior shutters every few years to counter cracking and splitting which exposes the shutters to the elements.

Vinyl Exterior Shutters: Vinyl is by far the most affordable choice in shutters. Many vinyl exterior shutters, however, are made from moulds which means they are often only available in set lengths. This can sometimes limit their use on a home with custom sized windows. They are also sometimes referred to as “hollow back shutters” due to their hollow nature. This prevents them from being installed on hinges and requires them to be pinned down in all corners to avoid warping. They are a cost-effective way to add color to a home, however, some home owners do not like the shiny plastic look that accompanies vinyl.

PVC Exterior Shutters: These are an expensive upgrade over vinyl. They are made from solid material, which offers functionality and hingeability. They can also be painted and most cellular PVC materials have a matted finish which gives them the look and feel of wood. They are usually custom built by hand much the same way as you would build a wooden exterior shutter, however, they can easily cost twice as much. They are, however, designed to last a lifetime which means they will not have to be replaced like a wooden shutter alternative. You will, however, have to avoid painting them dark colors, unless they are thermally stabilized with internal rods. Check to make sure that your PVC exterior shutters are thermally stabilized before purchasing them if you plan to paint them dark colors.

Fiberglass Exterior Shutters: Fiberglass is an excellent choice. Although very costly, they are light in weight, forever lasting, and not subject to the same thermal expansion of a PVC shutter. They can also be painted and provide function.

Composite Exterior Shutters: Composite wood shutters are made from recycled cedar wood dust and treated with zinc borate to resist rotting. The average lifespan of a composite wood exterior shutter is about twice that of a regular wooden exterior shutters. The cost, however, tends to be reasonably comparable in price to that of wood and usually much less than that of PVC or Fiberglass. Compared to vinyl, composite wood exterior shutters are more expensive, but offer the look of wood and more customization since they are generally built by hand.

Matt Buquoi is the owner of Flower Window Boxes, a window box company that specializes in affordable no rot window boxes. They offer composite exterior shutters and no rot window flower boxes that are designed to last a lifetime. Please visit their website to learn more about their window boxes and exterior shutters.

Wood exterior shutters are attractive and highly functional additions to any house or condo. Wood shutters have many alluring benefits for homeowners that will be detailed below:

1. High durability
2. Protection against a variety of extreme weather conditions while moderating interior home temperatures during seasonal heat.
3. Most wood shutters are highly customizable; the shutters can lend charm to a home’s exterior, or can accent period architecture.

Cedar shutters: The wood holds up

Wood shutters made of cedar hold up well in varying weather conditions. Cedar is a strong and solid wood that can withstand hurricane winds, heavy rainfall, and scorching heat. In comparison to common exterior building woods such as pine, sycamore, and chestnut, cedar is a tougher, more durable choice. Another advantage of cedar is that it is soft enough to be carved into a variety of alluring shapes. Therefore, this type of wood is a good choice for exterior shutters.

Wood shutters and weather: A perfect match

Most styles of exterior shutters afford homeowners good protection against various weather conditions. For example, louvered wood shutters have multiple slats laid across the shutter frames, with small gaps between the slats. When closed, they allow a homeowner to ventilate a residential interior without letting in too much heat or sun. A louvered wood shutter system can provide a pleasant and environmentally green solution for cooling a home or condo. This style of wood shutter also offers effective protection against blustery winds, snow, and hail.

Many other types of exterior wood shutters provide excellent protection from sun and heat. For example, board-and-batten shutters, which are made of thick wooden slabs carved to resemble Southwestern barn shutters or Northeastern colonial shutters, can be closed on scorching, sunny days. When closed, these thick wood shutters lend residential interiors shade, giving residents respite from heat and humidity.

Bahama (or, Bermuda) shutters swing up and away from the structure. They are suspended from the home or condo with top exterior hinges. This unique construction allows a homeowner to quickly swing his or her Bahama shutters closed as a thunderstorm or hurricane approaches. Bermuda exterior shutters also provide good protection against strong gusts of wind and heavy rains. They are popular additions to architectural exteriors in storm and hurricane belts.

Wood shutters: A highly customizable, timeless choice

Wood shutters can be made to suit the tastes and needs of homeowners. Because the wood used to construct exterior shutters is durable yet soft, the pieces can be carved into many different shapes and sizes. For example, if a homeowner wishes to have small, homey hearts or stars carved into a set of board-and-batten shutters, a skilled shutter craftsman can do it. The homeowner can opt to have the shutters painted, too, to add a splash of vibrant red or blue to the house - or, might wish to have the shutters weathered to make the house look rugged. A condo owner might wish to modernize his or her dwelling with small, oval-shaped wood shutter sets finished in metallic grey. The shutters can be machine- or hand-carved, then painted, to achieve the sleek, modern look the condo owner desires.

Many shutter styles have rich historical origins. Panel shutters are descended from European royalty, and accent Victorian and Gothic architecture handsomely. They suit the Queen Anne-style, ornate houses of San Francisco as well as they suit the stately Tudor apartment homes of Pittsburgh, PA. Meanwhile, board-and-batten shutters are inspired by American frontier shutters seen in the Northeastern colonial period and the westward expansion of the 1800s. These rougher, slab-like shutters soften concrete homes and condos, and add cheeky charm to expansive ranch houses.

Other shutter styles can be used to enhance the architectural lines of a home or condo. For example, large homes with many windows - including mansions - look stunning when each window is smartly framed by louvered wood shutter sets. Meanwhile, tall, slender buildings achieve pleasing proportional balance with the addition of Bahama shutters that jut out in salute from the windows.

Homeowners who want to add highly functional and versatile accents to their living spaces should also consider wood shutters. Constructed of durable materials, engineered to withstand weather, and customized to suit a range of tastes, exterior shutters are pleasing additions to countless styles of architecture.

Estate Millwork sells customizable exterior wood shutters, including the board-and-batten, Bahama, and louver style shutters. For more information, visit the company’s Web site and view all of their wood shutters.

If you are in the process of shopping for exterior shutters for your home, you’re likely to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices on the market. You can choose from vinyl, faux wood, or real wood shutters, for example - and those are just your options for materials! Factor in color, shape, style, finishing - and of course, price - and you’ve got a lot of decisions to make.

Exterior wood shutters are superior

Wood has several inherent advantages over other shutter materials. It is more durable than either vinyl or faux wood. Synthetic materials can age quickly when exposed to the elements. Frequent sun exposure and heavy precipitation can cause synthetic shutters to crack, peel, or fade. While synthetic materials are often cheaper in the short term, they can become quite costly over the long haul if they need to be replaced frequently.

Real wood shutters are also more customizable than other types of window coverings. Expert mill workers can saw, carve, and shape wood slabs into a wide array of shapes and styles. By contrast, vinyl cannot be as easily tailored to a home owner’s specifications. And, unlike synthetic shutters, real wood shutters can be stained or painted to match precise tones and shades. Or, if the homeowner prefers, the shutters can be finished to highlight the grain and cut of the wood.

Wood exterior shutters are also incredibly energy efficient. They can be purchased from manufacturers that specialize in woodwork, and can be hand-made. These shutters are free from cracks, gaps, or surface irregularities. They can be shut tightly against the home to keep the heat, humidity, and precipitation away.

Questions to consider before purchasing wood exterior shutters

1. How much shutter can I afford?

Cost is one of the biggest factors in home improvement decision-making. The shutters you want and the shutters you can actually afford might be very different.

It is important to be mindful of long-range costs as well as short-term costs. Over time, real wood shutters are more cost effective than those made from synthetics.

If you cannot afford to purchase the shutters up front, it is often possible to work out a payment plan with the manufacturer. You might also consider putting the shutters on a low-interest credit card so you can pay off your purchase in monthly installments.

2. Which exterior shutters suit my home best?

Choosing the wrong style and color of window coverings can be as disastrous as painting a home loud colors, or filling a yard with ridiculous decorations. Determine the predominant color scheme of your home’s exterior, and learn what historical period the architecture hails from (or, dates back to).

If your house is a white Colonial home, for example, board-and-batten exterior shutters painted in a bright color might suit it handsomely. However, if you live in a brick Victorian, your house might look best with subtly colored or stained Bahama shutters.

You might feel uncomfortable deciding which shutter styles, colors, and shapes suit your home best. Ask your wood shutter manufacturer! The staff of a reputable company can usually make design recommendations. Superior exterior shutter manufacturers can often render pieces from sketches or AutoCAD drawings you provide, and talented designers can even improve upon your ideas.

3. What size should my exterior shutters be?

Shutter measurements are determined by three factors: the length and width of your windows; the style of shutter you choose, and the hanging technique that the chosen style requires. (For example, fixed shutters are measured differently than those intended to be opened and closed.)

It can be difficult to measure accurately yourself, so ask a friend, your partner, your neighbor, or a shutter expert to help. It is important for the measurements to be accurate, too. Ill-fitting shutters can make your home look shabby, and can cost you dearly in the long run if they need to be trimmed or re-sized.

Real wood shutters are lovely additions to home or condominium exteriors. By being mindful of price, style, composition, and craftsmanship, you can ensure that you will be making an investment that will serve you well for years to come.

For more information, read Estate Millwork’s guide to selecting the right exterior shutters or design your own custom shutters with their exterior shutter designer. For more information, visit estatemillwork.com.

When you see a house for the first time, one of the first things you notice are the windows. Are they big or small? Are they a simple square or an unusual shape? Are they plain or decorated? And do they have shutters? Shutters complement most homes — they add an element of traditional beauty.

Exterior shutters can be either decorative or functional. In areas prone to hurricanes, such as those by the Gulf of Mexico, shutters are useful. They can be closed to protect the glass of the window from damaging winds. In times when there is no threat of inclement weather, the shutters are left open.

In other parts of the country, shutters are not really needed — but they are still popular. These decorative shutters are inoperable and cannot close. They do not offer any protection in bad weather. Still, though, homeowners love these exterior shutters for their class and beauty. Shutters give houses a homey look; they provide a welcoming hospitality.

Exterior shutters can be made of vinyl, wood, and faux wood. They also come in a variety of styles, including louver, panel, raised panel, or a combination. One type of shutter that is gaining in popularity is the “farmhouse” look. These shutters, officially known as board-n-batten, give country warmth even to city houses. This look is particularly effective on homes with porches.

Shutters are available in an array of colors, including midnight blue, burgundy, wicker, green, and brown. White and black, however, remain the most popular choices. Some companies offer paintable shutters so that you have some flexibility in future decorating. Shutters can be chosen to match your homes exterior, to complement it, or to stand in contrast to it.

Shutters Info provides detailed information about exterior, interior, plantation, hurricane, wood, vinyl, custom, and traditional shutters. Shutters Info is the sister site of Roman Shades Web.

Choosing a measurement style is one of the most difficult decisions in the purchase of vinyl exterior shutters. The first step to replacing your vinyl shutters is with a walk or drive around your neighborhood. The first thing to look for is how the exterior shutter tops are placed in relation to the top of the window.

If the area you live in typically has lap siding (wood or vinyl) and wood or metal trim (e.g. a 1″ x 4″ or a 2″ x 4″) around the window, are the exterior window shutters flush with the top of the trim or are they aligned with the top of the actual window? If your area has a lot of stucco exteriors and no trim, look to see if the exterior vinyl shutters are mounted flush with the top of the window. In an area with a lot of brick houses, are the exterior shutters mounted even with the top of the opening or are they lined up with the top of the actual window itself? A lot of old homes (now referred to as heritage homes) have a 2″ brick-mold that is fairly flush with the siding, how are the vinyl exterior shutters mounted? Take note of how the exterior shutters are typically mounted with respect to the trim and window in your neighborhood.

So now we have covered most of the representative types of window trim, the next step is looking at the bottom of the exterior shutters. Check to see whether your neighbors have their exterior shutters installed all the way to the bottom of the opening or if the exterior vinyl shutters are lined up with the window. If there is a sill at the bottom of the window, it is typically best to leave a 1/4″ to 1/2″ space between the bottom of the window shutter and the window sill. This gap is primarily to allow for the expansion and contraction of the vinyl material.

While most details become evident in your reconnaissance of the neighborhood, there are some finer points to note. A well fitted pair of exterior shutters that look “just right” may well be custom made for that house.

A quick aside about the value of paying for custom made shutters vs. buying the relatively inexpensive standard sized shutters. When referring to vinyl shutters, the term “custom shutters” means that the height will be a custom size and the widths are only in specific sizes (e.g. 5 3/4″, 8″, 9 1/4″, 11″, 12″, 14 1/4″, 16 1/2″, 18″, etc.). Standard sized shutters are only generally made in 2 widths (about 12″ and 15″) and only come in heights that are about every 3 or 4 inches from about 30″ to 80″. You must consider whether standard size shutters are going to work properly for you, as poorly sized shutters not only look a little shabby they can actually affect the curb appeal (and resale value) of your home. Custom made vinyl exterior shutters may cost twice as much as standard shutters but the return is often worth the investment, as exterior vinyl shutters are one of the lowest cost improvements you can make to your house. Properly fitted exterior shutters can make a big difference for a little extra money.

To determine the proper width of your vinyl exterior shutters there are many things to consider. It is generally accepted in the trade that the style of home influences the decision about the width of the shutter. For a two story home that is narrow to the street that has vertical operating windows you would want to emphasize the height of the structure. You would do this by choosing a narrower width of shutters. On the other hand, a ranch style home that runs parallel to the street would look better with wide vinyl exterior shutters to emphasize the width of the house.

You may start by dividing the width of the window by 2 – this is the maximum exterior shutter width you would want for any window. The minimum would be around 25% of the window’s width. When you also consider the style of home, you will then have a starting point to work from. In general it works best to find a single width that works for all of your windows, but you also need to consider the space between the windows.

That said there are many exceptions to this rule. For example, if you have an 8 foot wide window on the front of your house with no (or very few) windows facing the same direction, you may wish to order wide exterior vinyl shutters for the wide window, and then order narrower shutters for the other windows on the house. Another thing to consider is if you have a light, down spout, or other obstruction that is too close to the window for a wide shutter to fit. This is where ordering custom shutters can come in handy so you can get a width that works within the distance from the obstruction. Custom exterior shutters can solve many problems that “only seem to be on my house”.

A good way to tell how a particular width of vinyl exterior shutters will look without investing a lot of money is to find some corrugated cardboard boxes that are fairly sizable and cut them to the proper height and 50% of the width of the windows. Tape them temporarily to the side of your home on each side of your windows using duct tape, and then step back away from the house to see how it looks. Most people will probably think they look too wide at that point. Take the cardboard cutouts down, and with a utility knife, cut them down to where you think they should be and step back again for another look. You should be able to tell if you went too far almost immediately, and you may also notice that some windows still look a little wide, while others look a little narrow. Take note of this and then take the cardboard down to measure the width. Now you should have a pretty good idea about the width of exterior shutters you need to order.

For information about selecting, measuring, and purchasing vinyl exterior shutters, please visit ShutterContractor.com’s Exterior Window Shutters Store.

Many times during the long process of planning and executing a home improvement task the exterior of the house is neglected, this happens mainly due to the reason that most people think that they will be unable to perform home improvement tasks, and also because these seem like major tasks in terms of budget and work.

The truth is that a lot of these tasks are indeed demanding, but you need to separate the costly and energy consuming work from the work that will make a significant change in the exterior of the house and that will probably make you feel very satisfied with your work and investment for a long time.

Wood shutters are a wonderful thing for houses, they create a uniform look for the houses windows, the good thing about wood shutters is that they really help cover up a lot of the houses windows flaws, like making small windows appear larger and create a theme that connects all the houses windows, so if you have a small window that disturbs you or if you have a very large window that seems to be to big in contrast with the other windows, wood shutters will solve that.

The wood shutter is also a very practice shutter to have, you can protect it as with all other wood products, with different colors and sprays, there is such a huge wood color and protection products market that you will be sure to find the right product for you, and if used properly these products can make sure that you use the wood shutters for a long time.

The easiness of wood painting will allow you to change the house look from time to time, in a relatively easy task of painting it a different color, you can also skip the cleaning process and just decide that you will paint your wood shutters every 4 months, it will not save you money but it will make your house look great all year long.

The cost of wood shutters is directly linked to the windows you have at your house, if you have a lot of windows you will need to place shutters on all of them, and if you have unusual window sizes in you house you will probably need to order custom made window shutters, although some experts keep a large verity of sizes, most regular home improvement shops have a limited selection of window sizes. This may prove to be a budget problem, but than again, if your windows are out of proportion this is probably one thing you would like to solve and the costs of wood shutters is still much lower than the cost of replacing your windows.

One more thing to consider is the type of wood that the shutter is made of, you should try and find the material that is best for your house environment and area climate, cedar is usually recommend by default, the cedar wood is very strong and durable, making it a perfect fit for an exterior wood shutter, bare in mind that you will still need to get all of the wood protection and maintenance product to take care of it.

Discover more on Wood Shutters in a http://www.ZupaTips.com site.

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.

Whether you decide to use inside or outside shutters, make sure to do a little research before you buy your shutters. If you shop around, you’ll be able to find exterior window shutters at a discount.

Choosing the right exterior window shutters for your home can improve it’s value and it’s beauty. Get tips on interior and exterior shutters by visiting http://www.mywindowtreatmentpro.com/

Exterior vinyl shutters are durable kerb-appeal enhancers with a fast-paced installation process. This is one of the easiest and most affordable face-lift projects for a family home, and a sensible way to spend the funds generated by a home improvement loan. If you want to add color and class to your home, innovative engineering has transformed exterior vinyl shutters into a durable design option with a range of benefits.

These budget-beating exterior vinyl shutter ranges complement virtually any architectural style. The diversity of design makes it easy to find your home’s perfect match. Tempting arrays of color can be used to bring out the best in your home. The decorative fastening systems are color coordinated. These shutters can be non-functional, meaning they remain open and are permanently affixed to the walls of the property, or you can opt for a functional, usable range.

1. Superb Color Retention

One of the main benefits of an exterior vinyl shutter is that the copolymer or urethane construction is treated with a molded through color that is UV resistant. This means your shutters will retain their bright, colorful appeal for years to come. In fact, some manufacturers include a warranty of up to 40 years!

2. Low-Maintenance Durability

Molded exterior vinyl shutters are a maintenance-free product in many respects. A quick rinse-down is all you will need to do, in contrast to the time-consuming effort of having to paint wood shutters once a year. Due to the molded through color, you won’t battle with paint chips, flaking or fading - the usual bane of wood exterior shutter products. You even get a wood grain texture without any of the warping woes that usually accompany real wood shutters.

3. Warp-Free Wear

Apart from the color-retaining characteristic, the benefits of this window treatment include remaining free of cracks and resisting rot due to water. Many of the exterior vinyl shutter ranges, also known as polylite shutters or composite shutters, are custom made to the measurements of the client’s home.

4. Design Diversity

Board and batten shutters are a popular exterior vinyl shutter design choice. Adding a rustic look to the property, board and batten shutters can be solid, or feature spaces between the vertical boards that will allow sun and air through. Two to five vertical boards are used, with a horizontal board at the top and the bottom of the shutter. Many shutter manufacturers also supply curved ranges for arched windows.

If you prefer a different look, opt for the classic fixed louver styles, or a raised panel design. With some manufacturers you have the option of paintable shutters.

5. Do It Yourself Installation

The installation process is a fairly simple do it yourself home improvement project. It is vital that you don’t skimp on the shutter fasteners and accessories. Using a quality finish will add to the durability of your home remodeling efforts. A variety of decorative hinges are available, adding a touch of tradition and authenticity.

If you take the reasonable price, low maintenance, durability, warranty and ease of installation into account, it is clear that exterior vinyl shutters are window treatments that trump real wood shutters time after time.

Awnings-and-Blinds.com - where you can grab your free copy of the Ultimate Laminate Flooring Buyer’s Guide ebook. The author, Rika Susan also offers information on shutters, awnings, blinds and other home remodeling issues in Exterior Vinyl Shutters - Property Perk-Up With Vibrant Vinyl Window Treatments and many other articles at Awnings-and-Blinds.com. Copyright of this article: 2007 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

To better improve the beauty of either an old or contemporary home, nothing is better than installing exterior window shutters.

Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, window shutters can add color and style to any home and even provide a wonderful finishing touch. Before purchasing any home improvement fixture, it is important to know if the product is durable and made of high-quality materials.

Synthetic window shutters made from vinyl and plastic are inexpensive and are available in many home improvement stores. These shutters have the look and feel of plastic, and they cannot be stained nor painted. Exterior wood shutters are more beautiful and useful than their synthetic counterparts.

The best wood to use for exterior window shutters is cedar since it is more durable and will not decay due to moisture. It has natural oils that both prevent moisture and repel insects. Cedar is a low-maintenance product and is usually used in a wide array of fixtures outside the house such as patio furniture, fences, trellises, mud sills, and siding. It is stable and can even be painted.

Prior to installing the window shutter, the exterior should have a complete finish with no unprotected part. All its parts should be completely covered by stain and have several protective coats of paint. The brush can be used to apply the paint or it can be sprayed with the use of an airless spray system.

When buying exterior window shutters, it is important to choose the material, whether it is wood, synthetic, or wood composite. Then, determine whether you want a traditional or a plantation style, after which you can choose either a painted or stained finish. It is also important to decide on the method of pricing and panel configuration.

Window Shutters provides detailed information on Arch Window Shutters, Custom Window Shutters, Exterior Window Shutters, Hurricane Window Shutters and more. Window Shutters is affiliated with Window Roller Shades.

Functional exterior shutters can be a great investment in your home. For starters, they add curb appeal and boost your home’s value. Furthermore, the fact that they are functional provides critical storm protection for your home, which can be especially important if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. When purchasing and installing functional exterior shutters, there are a lot of important considerations that must be taken into account. The following article contains a checklist of questions that homeowners should ask themselves before investing in functional exterior shutters.

Is hurricane protection a consideration?

If you answered no to this question, then you can skip right on to the next question. If you answered yes, then you’ll need to do some homework before purchasing shutters. First, contact your local building department to inquire about building codes and/or product approvals that are applicable to your area. A local building department may also be able to guide you toward a good installer, too. Look for shutters that have received Miami-Dade County Product Approval. This approval is considered to be the highest standard in the industry for shutters and other hurricane protection products.

What type of functional shutters are you installing (material and style)?

There are many different types of functional exterior shutters on the market today. The most common material for functional shutters is wood. Types of wood can vary, though cedar is a common choice because it weathers quite well. There are many different styles of shutters on the market. What you choose depends on the size and style of your windows and architectural elements of your home. Exterior shutters play a big role in your home’s appearance and curb appeal. Be sure you take time to choose something that suits your tastes and compliments your home’s architecture.

What type of hardware will be used in the installation?

Functional shutters require hardware, including hinges, pintels, tie backs, and hook latches and or center slide latches. The quality of hardware you choose is closely related to how much you want to spend. Steel hardware is by far the most common choice. There are two types of steel hardware to choose from: carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is economical; however, it will rust, particularly in salty, coastal areas. Stainless steel hardware will not rust and is a much better choice, although it is also much more expensive. Not sure if what you’re looking at is carbon or stainless? Check it with a magnet. Carbon steel is ferrous, and therefore magnetic, whereas stainless steel is not. If you do choose carbon steel hardware, be sure is it covered with a durable powder coat painted finish, as this will delay the rusting process.

Aluminum shutter hardware is also available, though it is not as common. If hurricane protection is a consideration, then aluminum hardware is probably not the best choice.

Remember, functional shutters are a homeowner’s first line of defense against hurricane damage. When a window is broken in a hurricane, the high speed winds enter the home and put enormous pressure on the interior walls and roof. In most cases, when a home collapses or a roof is torn off, it’s usually because a window was blown out first. Functional exterior shutters (whether or not they have been approved by Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade County Building Code) are an excellent investment in protecting your home and your life.

Many insurance companies now offer reduced premiums and discounts on deductibles for homes with functional exterior shutters. Be sure to check with your insurance company before purchasing and installing shutters to find out if you qualify.

Ellen Bell works for Home Products n’ More, a company dedicated to providing high quality products for your home, garden, and auto. Home Products n’ More offers exterior shutter hardware, including a complete line of all stainless steel shutter hardware, all with free shipping and handling. Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Shutter_Hinges_s/109.htm