Shutters have become an increasingly popular way to add distinctive style and home comfort – not to mention energy efficiency – to any room. With various shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and mounting options available, shutters can be customized to fit a variety of home décor styles. This article will help you determine which type of shutter is best for your home and explain how to go about having it installed.
Why Should You Get New Shutters?
Shutters can help improve the aesthetic of your home, providing a finished look that is both sophisticated and modern. They also provide added privacy by controlling light and helping to keep out prying eyes. In addition, shutters are an excellent way to reduce energy costs by blocking out drafts and preventing air leaks. Finally, they are extremely durable and require very little maintenance over time.
What Kinds of Shutters Are Available?
There are many different types of shutters available on the market today. To learn more, carry on reading!
#1: Vinyl Shutters
These shutters are made from a strong and durable synthetic material that is resistant to water damage, mold, mildew, and discoloration. They come in many different colors and styles to fit any home décor. They are also very affordable and have required little-to-no maintenance over the years.
Advantages:
- Durable material: Vinyl shutters are strong and long-lasting, as well as easy to clean.
- Great for a budget: They are also one of the most affordable options, with many styles available at lower price points.
- Low maintenance: Vinyl shutters require little-to-no upkeep over time.
Disadvantages:
- Can scratch easily: These shutters can be prone to scratches and dings, which may affect their appearance over time.
- Fewer customization options: Vinyl comes in fewer color and style options than other materials, so you may have limited choices when it comes to customizing your look.
Installation Process:
To ensure that your vinyl shutter is properly installed, you will need to have a professional like Bumble Bee Blinds do the job. This may include measuring your windows, cutting the shutters to size, and attaching them securely.
Maintenance Tips:
Shutters made of vinyl require very minimal upkeep over their lifetime. Nonetheless, it is essential that you perform routine checks on your shutters to ensure that they are in satisfactory condition. Specifically, you should look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. In addition, once every few months, you should clean them by wiping them down with a moist cloth to ensure that they continue to look their best.
#2: Wood Shutters
Wood shutters offer a timeless and classic look that never goes out of style. They provide a rich, warm aesthetic to any room, as well as excellent light control and noise reduction. They are also very durable and require little upkeep over time.
Advantages:
- Natural beauty: Wood shutters offer an unbeatable classic look that adds warmth and elegance to any space.
- Adaptability: These shutters can be customized in many different ways to suit your needs, such as by staining or painting them in various colors.
- Low maintenance: Wood shutters require minimal maintenance and upkeep over time.
Disadvantages:
- High cost: While they offer great value in the long run, wood shutters can be quite expensive upfront.
- Vulnerable to moisture: They are prone to damage from water and humidity, so they may not be suitable for areas of the home that experience a lot of moisture.
Installation Process:
To ensure that your wood shutter is properly installed, you will need to have a professional do the job. This may include measuring your windows, cutting the shutters to size, and attaching them securely. It is also important to seal them with a layer of protective finish to protect against moisture and other elements.
Maintenance Tips:
Shutters made of wood require more care than those made of vinyl or composite materials because they are more susceptible to damage caused by humidity and moisture. You should give them a quick clean down with a damp cloth every few months, in addition to checking them on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear. To further enhance the shutters’ durability and lifetime, a protective treatment ought to be applied to them. Wood shutters can continue to add to the aesthetic value of your home while lasting for many years if they are properly cared for and maintained.
#4: Composite Shutters
Composite shutters are a great option for anyone looking for a durable and low-maintenance window treatment. These shutters combine the best of both wood and vinyl to create a unique, long-lasting product that is perfect for any home.
Advantages:
- Strong material: Composite shutters are made from strong materials that resist warping, cracking, and fading over time.
- Weather resistance: This material is also resistant to water damage, mold, mildew, and other elements.
- Low maintenance: They require little upkeep over time and can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth every few months.
Disadvantages:
- Higher cost than vinyl: While still more affordable than wood, composite shutters may be more expensive than vinyl shutters.
- Limited customization options: Composite comes in fewer color and style options than other materials, so you may have limited choices when it comes to customizing your look.
Installation Process:
To ensure that your composite shutter is properly installed, you must have a professional do the job. This may include measuring your windows, cutting the shutters to size, and attaching them securely.
Maintenance Tips:
Composite shutters require minimum maintenance over time. Nonetheless, it is essential that you perform routine checks on your shutters to ensure that they are in satisfactory condition. Specifically, you should look for any signs of damage or wear and tear. In addition, once every few months, you should clean them by wiping them down with a moist cloth to ensure that they continue to look their best. Composite shutters have the potential to last for many years and add beauty to a home if they are properly cared for and maintained.
#5: Board and Batten Shutters
Board and batten shutters are a classic window treatment that has been around for centuries. These shutters offer timeless style and excellent light control, making them perfect for traditional or rustic homes.
Advantages:
- Classic style: Board and batten shutters have a timeless look that adds charm to any space.
- Excellent light control: The solid wood panels provide great insulation and privacy while still allowing you to adjust the amount of natural light coming in.
- Durable material: The wood is strong and durable, making these shutters an excellent choice for long-term use.
Disadvantages:
- High cost: While they offer great value in the long run, board and batten shutters can be expensive upfront.
Installation Process:
Installing board and batten shutters requires a professional for the best results. This may include measuring your windows, cutting the shutters to size, and attaching them securely. You should also seal them with a layer of protective finish to protect against moisture and other elements.
Maintenance Tips:
Board and Batten Shutters require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. You should regularly inspect the shutters for any signs of wear and tear, as well as wipe them down with a damp cloth every few months.
Additionally, you should apply a protective finish to the wood to ensure its longevity. With proper care and maintenance, board and batten shutters can last for many years and continue to enhance your home’s beauty.
Purchasing new window treatments is an exciting experience that can completely transform your home. From vinyl to composite and from wood to board and batten, there is a shutter option suitable for every style of home.
No matter which type of shutter you choose, it is important that you understand how to properly care for them in order to ensure that they last for many years. With the right care, your shutters will look beautiful and continue to enhance the beauty of your home.