When updating a home, windows are one of the primary considerations adding to the overall appeal and aesthetic. Dressing these adequately with beautiful interior or exterior shutters adds not only a layer of charm but practicality with energy efficiency. Learn the types of exterior shutters at https://www.hgtv.com/how-to/home-improvement/here-are-the-four-types-of-exterior-window-shutters/.
That makes choosing from the countless options and materials on the market daunting but also a necessity for the homeowner.
Some of the things you want to pay attention for are durability, strength, and flexibility of the overall design. These should be able to withstand abuse based on your location’s conditions. Plus, they add that exclamation point to the house’s statement both on the exterior and with interior shutters.
It’s helpful to reach out to well-established specialists in the industry like Freshview Blinds and Shutters. These professionals can provide a knowledgeable perspective to guide clients toward the ideal choices for their specific circumstances, options that they might not have otherwise taken notice of.
Let’s look at the varied materials to see what each has to offer so you can make a more informed decision.
What Are The Best Materials For Window Shutters
When working on updating the home, often some of the details are neglected in favor of concentrating on the more significant components. But these minor nuances are often more critical than they’re given consideration, especially regarding household shutters.
These aren’t necessarily merely a showpiece to add to the aesthetic, although that does add to the appeal. The practicality is in the energy these can conserve by keeping the extreme temperatures out while the heating and air conditioning are doing their job.
A vast array of different styles, shapes, and materials are used for shutters to the point selection can be daunting. Fortunately, when working with a trusted blind and shutter specialist, the task becomes a bit more straightforward and simplified. Go here for details on a home’s window shutters. Here are some of the materials used for these so you can make a more informed decision when purchasing yours.
● The hollow vinyl option
The unfinished edges on hollow vinyl shutters tend to be “capped.” These will not be an option that you would want to consider if they would be heavily used or endure any sort of abuse since they lack durability. The tilt rod connections are joined by plastic, something that will break relatively easily with much use.
These are not necessarily “show pieces” that would be considered for design-savvy spaces. The plastic is less than appealing and will yellow and become brittle with prolonged sun exposure. Color choices are minimal, with the most readily accessible being white. The positive is these are exceptionally budget-friendly.
● The wood option
In the shutter industry, all options are compared to the wood standards. It is the echelon in the shutter world that all producers strive to achieve in their companies. Those who haven’t quite reached the capacity will market their products as “wood-like” or “faux wood.”
When you look at wood shutters, there are different species to select from, including cedar, basswood, and alder. Of course, with these individual choices, each will have positives and downsides. It will be a matter basically of personal preference.
Wood is the ideal choice based on durability, ability to withstand abuses, strength, resistance to damages, and flexibility of the overall design with the capacity for painting or staining to personalize.
Because the material is so rich, it adds value to a home when it comes time to make a sale compared to lesser quality shutters. The only downside with wood is they don’t do as well in situations where they’re exposed to a lot of moisture.
● The poly option
The poly or polypropylene shutters are comparable to wood and are considered the perfect option for synthetic shutters. Because these have a reputation for being moisture resistant, homeowners will place these in spaces like the basement, garage, laundry area, or bathroom.
Something to keep in mind is that when there is no “aluminum core to reinforce,” these shutters will usually either bow or sag because of the material’s weight. These are a durable shutter that is both fire and water-resistant, humidity friendly, and considered to be of good quality with solid insulation and a reasonable price point.
● Composite
“Medium-density fiberboard” or composite MDF comprises compressed hardwood combined with sawdust that manufacturers join with glue using harsh chemical solutions. The material can consist of a few species of wood or merely one.
The interior grade will rapidly disintegrate when exposed to water, plus they have a great deal of weight, making them sag and bow considerably. A pro is the price point, but there’s not a lot of flexibility with design, and there’s no capacity to personalize these.
Final Thought
It appears the clear choice when selecting quality shutters for a home would indeed be the natural wood option. These hold up under harsh conditions with little capacity for damage, and they have a rich appearance that homeowners can further personalize, allowing a great degree of flexibility with design.
You can make the wood more prominent with staining or choose to paint in an effort to stand out as a focal point for your surrounding aesthetic.
The only downside with wood, again, is if you’re in a situation where you’re exposed to a lot of water or moisture, wood wouldn’t be the best option. In those circumstances, the recommendation is to switch to poly since these are moisture-resistant and the best substitute for wood.
Keep in mind the poly shutter is a heavy material and will tend to bow or sag without that core reinforcement. One thing’s for sure, as a homeowner, the selection process can be made simple and straightforward when working with specialists in the industry.
With your details and preferences, the experts can show you specific options that can match your needs allowing you to make a more informed decision from that point. Before you know it, your home will be dressed and functional.
