Window Shutters – A Basic Comprehensive Guide

A window shutter is basically a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails. According to the purpose, louvers, solid panels, fabric, wood or glass is mounted in the frame. The mounting depends on the construction and utility of the window frame; it can be done to fit within the opening or to overlap the opening. The louvers of the shutters come in operable or fixed types, and in both horizontal and vertical designs.

What material is a window shutter made of?

Window shutters are made of wood, fabric, glass or synthetic materials. Interior shutters are usually made of stationary louvers, which do not rotate, solid panels that can be raised or recessed, fabric inserts and tinted glass. Many types of synthetic materials and numerous woods, painted or stained, are used to make interior wooden window shutters.

Plantation shade shutters, usually made of solid panels of wood like basswood, are also available in plastic or composite material that is recycled and dyed. Exterior window shutters are made of hardwoods like Spanish cedar, Honduran Mahogany and Teak. These durable shutters, unlike soft pine wood, resist rot and decay.

Nonfunctional exterior shutters are made of vinyl, wood or other synthetic materials. Fiberglass, a reinforced plastic, is preferred to vinyl, PVC, or aluminum as it neither rots nor corrodes. Hurricane shutters are made of wood, plastic or metal like steel or aluminum.

What purposes do window shutters serve?

Window shutters are used for many reasons because they cater to a variety of requirements. They are installed to ensure privacy, control the amount of sunlight that enters the room, enhance the esthetics of the room or the building and protect against the weather.

Roller window shutters are available as roll-up or roll-down shutters; these multifunctional window shutters apart from serving as shade shutters, work as hurricane shutters.

Hurricane shutters protect the property from tough weather conditions like storms, hurricanes and cyclones.

Bahama shutters, made of aluminum, not only serve as shade shutters, but also provide good storm protection; these stylish shade shutters are mounted above the window.

The French style wooden window shutter, made of Fir wood, add to the charm of the building. The wooden plantation shutters that work on a louvered system, gives a decorative touch to the interiors and an elegant finish to the exteriors.

What are the various kinds of window shutters?

Functional accordion shutters, roller shutters, stylish Colonial or Bahama shutters are all usually used as hurricane window shutters. Plantation shutters are typical shade shutters, commonly referred to as louvers or jalousies. The accordion window shutters have a double locking handle—the interlocking vertical blades slide into place horizontally on the track, thereby offering unsurpassable safety.

The colonial window shutters, made of aluminum, hinge on the sides of window panes to open or close completely.

Composite shutters are preferred to traditional wooden window shutters as vinyl plantation shutters show an increased resistance to rotting, twisting or splitting—quite an advantage over the costlier wooden window shutters. But apparently, PVC needs extra hardware and coatings for an extended life. The exterior window shutters are available in both wooden and vinyl material.

What are the particular uses of specific shutter types?

Colonial shutters are not only used to protect the property from storms, but also to add to the architectural charm of the building.

Roller shutters are energy saving and can lower the electric bills; these window shutters offer thermal control advantages—keeps the room cooler in summer and warmer in winter. In addition to weather protection, the exterior aluminum roller window shutters provide sun shading and light control. Roller shutters with central control systems are used when access to the opening is difficult, as in high story windows. The custom-made sizes, colors and designs of the traditional and contemporary plantation shutters enhance the elegance of the home in a grand style.

Glass window shutters are reasonably priced and are of durable quality; these are used for their good sealing performance and waterproof lighting.

How do I operate a window shutter?

Window shutters can be manually operated or motorized; they come as operational functional louver, raised panel or as a combination louver and panel. Hinged plantation window shutters are distinctive interior shutters that can be fully opened for ventilation; multiple hinged panels allow a part of the shutter to be folded to serve the appropriate light requirement. While manual operation of a roller window shutter is done using a gear or a pull strap, motorized shutters are operated using a switch or a remote; these shutters can also be used in conjunction with a manual override, and automatically fold away when not in use.

The automated roller shutters come with high opening performance speed and a controlled motion system.

What to look for when purchasing a window shutter?

If budget is a constraint, the inexpensive vinyl plantation shutter is an ideal alternative to traditional wooden plantation shutters. The light weight vinyl window shutters have the appearance of wood grain and come in many colors; it will make an impressive yet economical addition to the home décor.

Hurricane shutters with extruded aluminum strats, optional storm bars for larger spans and an efficient roll diameter will be truly effective. The durable accordion window shutters are easy to operate and offer optimum dollar value. While purchasing a hurricane shutter, look for window shutter designs that can protect wide openings without the need for storm bars. Also, check if it is building code approved and complies with FBC, IRC, Dade and TDI.

Roller window shutters are sought after for their versatile characteristics—ease of operation from inside or outside the home, security, sound and light control.

What should I do before making a purchase?

Perform adequate research on the available options in window shutters, and consult a professional to find the best quality for your money. Make use of the many window shutter websites online—view the various shutter styles, designs and finishes, study the construction information, measuring instructions and pricing, and get quite a few quotes for your requirement to understand and compare the value of the product.

Window shutters can be expensive and also economical, but in almost all cases can be viewed as an investment. Therefore, ensure that you get an appropriate window shutter that fits within your budget, serves the intended purpose, and appeals esthetically.