Shutters have been around for centuries. Originally used for privacy and security, today you will find more that are fashionable than are functional. As with many things over time, there are also more exterior shutter material options available today than there were hundreds of years ago. Here, we’ll take you through four of the most common options in the marketplace.
Aluminum Shutters
When it comes to long lasting, aluminum graduates top in its class. For a long time, aluminum’s main use was for protecting windows in a hurricane. Because of this, people didn’t give much thought to the aesthetic qualities of an aluminum shutter. Today, with advancements in technology, we can offer gorgeous aluminum shutters with or without a raised bead mold, open or closed louvers and in almost any style. Aluminum exterior shutters on a home don’t crack, warp or rot like other materials. While they can be painted, one big benefit to all-aluminum shutters is that they can be powder coated. This makes them the most durable option today. The number one reason people go with aluminum shutters is because they are low (almost no) maintenance. If you want to just install your shutters on your house and let them show off their beauty without needing to go and primp regularly, aluminum is the ticket for you. As with anything that is top quality, they tend to be one of the more expensive materials.
Exterior Wood Shutters
This is where it all started. Over the years, building materials have evolved based on what has been available. Wood is one material that has been available in different species for a long, long time. One of the more versatile materials in building is wood. So, people have used it for almost every part of a home- including the shutters. While common wood available has changed over the years, it remains a popular choice for shutters. There’s a certain nostalgia that comes along with having things that are or look old. Because wood is so versatile, there are a wide variety of shutter styles that can be made from wood. As with aluminum, the top-quality wood is often the top of the line in cost. Unlike aluminum, it also comes with need for more ongoing maintenance. It’s important to ensure it isn’t exposed to water. This can lead to rot which, if repairable, is a bit of a process. If you are dedicated to upkeep and appreciate the old ways of doing things, mahogany or cedar shutters shutters could be the way to go.
Engineered Wood Composite Shutters
It’s becoming more and more common to find engineered materials in the building process these days. Exterior shutters are no different. Composite material is designed specifically for exterior use and is moisture, rot and termite resistant. It comes in one solid piece – not laminated. The Everwood composite used at Southern Crafted Shutters is 90% wood and has zinc borate to control the growth of white and brown rot and other wood-destroying organisms. The benefit to composite shutters is the increased durability and cost effectiveness compared to wood. The drawback is these shutters can be heavy. As a result, they can require additional shutter hardware as well as a little more muscle when installing shutters. I’m not saying you aren’t strong. Rather, installing these could give you the opportunity to show off the time you’ve been spending in the gym.
Vinyl Plastic Window Shutters
You can pick up a set of vinyl shutters at just about any big box store. Right off the shelf, for very little money. They are easy to install as they are the lightest weight of all the above options. This is the least expensive option. They come in alreaday manufactured sizes. Many people have windows that aren’t standard sizes. If this is true for you, you won’t be able to get the proper sized shutters. As you might imagine, with a plastic that sits out in the elements all day and night, vinyl shutters are liable to cracking. They also fade easily and, while you COULD paint them, it’s not recommended. If you are going for improved curb appeal, removing vinyl exterior shutters and replacing them with real shutters for your home is advised.
In the end, there are a variety of options for shutters on a home. Choosing the exterior shutter material that works best for you is just one step in the process, but it is an important one. House shutters are a great way to improve the curb appeal for your home. The good news is you don’t have to do it alone! Our design team is here to help answer questions to help you determine the shutter and the exterior shutter material that’s right for you.
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