Add the Touch of Wood to Your Outside
Regular wooden shutters were the standard for a long period of time. These Days, fortunately, vinyl and other styles of shutters are often used instead of traditional wood house shutters. The issue that has wooden shutters quickly becoming obsolete is that they are very high-maintenance. Many of us today are looking for a way to create fewer jobs around the house. Wooden shutters require repainting or re-staining regularly, even if they are protected from the weather. Let’s look at some alternatives.
Exterior house shutters are primarily used for ornamental purposes and are always open, unlike in centuries past when shutters were first invented. Shutters used to protect the house from rain and wind a long time ago, before double paned glass. In these modern times, shutters are never actually used, but do add a finished look to any home.
As we slowly move beyond wooden shutters, we can explore the advantages of the following types of shutters:
Vinyl Shutters
Just like vinly exterior siding, vinyl house shutters require no regular repairs and last a lifetime. The only problem with vinyl shutters instead of wood is that they are easily dented if anything is tossed at the windows. To put it another way, they are much weaker than wood for blocking rocks, hail or other debris. Many homeowners are willing to live with this because vinyl shutters are attractive, are reasonably priced and maintenance free.
Composite Shutters
These are more economical shutters which use composite woods as opposed to solid woods. The good thing about composite shutters is that they are impervious to termites and rot and will last a lifetime. They usually come pre-stained and are maintenance free, yet appear the same as real wood. Composite Shutters are a happy alternative for anyone considering maintenance free shutters.
Fiberglass shutters
Fiberglass is sturdy and hard-wearing. Fiberglass works well as exterior house shutters and has been used in places where the shutters are actually closed, such as areas that are routinely hit by hurricanes. Fiberglass shutters do not come cheap, but they are strong, maintenance free and about bullet-proof. They are an excellent choice for anyone who lives in an area affected by hurricanes because they can ride the storm out.
Aluminum shutters
Like vinyl shutters, aluminum shutters are a complement to aluminum siding and are a stylish alternative for homeowners. While vinyl came into fashion a generation ago, knocking aluminum out of the running, aluminum shutters made a comeback and are presently very popular among property owners who want attractive and maintenance free shutters that are built to last.
Whether you are purchasing shutters for the exterior or interior of your property, you will find lots of options for maintenance free shutters available. The kind of house shutters that are best for you will depend upon your budget as well as the primary reason for the shutters. Wood House Shutters are used for everything from staving off damage from a hurricane to improving your curb appeal. Find the ones that are right for circumstances.