Exploring the Use of Wood Exterior Shutters in Home Improvement

If you cringe every time you drive into your driveway and look at your home, it is time to think of a home improvement idea. Similarly, if you are uncomfortable any time you have to invite visitors to your home, it is highly likely your home’s exterior appearance is letting you down. Whatever the geographic location, the impact of inclement weather and age will definitely show on your home’s exterior façade. Among the most affected parts of a structure are windows and doors and this is where wood exterior shutters come in handy. Most homeowners opt for quick-fix solutions such as repainting but this will just gloss over the problem. In fact, such solutions cover underlying issues including water damage on window and door systems.

Adding exterior shutters to your home gives an instant makeover to the property. Shutters have been used for centuries and they borrow from classic styles that are back in vogue today. They give an effortless dash of style to your home and the best thing about them is the ease with which they fit into any type of décor.

Main Advantages of Wood Shutters

There are different materials used to make shutters but if you are looking for an authentic classic look for your home, wood shutters are the way to go. There are several advantages for going with wood shutters for your home’s exterior spaces. Take a look:

1. Protective Function

Wood exterior shutters have been used traditionally to offer protection against weather elements. Today, most areas are affected by erratic weather patterns and it is advisable to use shutter material that has the ability to protect against hurricanes, tornados or storms. Wood shutters not only offer protection to windows and doors but also prevent debris from landing on the house.

2. Enhancing your Home’s Aesthetics

Any home improvement installation you add to your home’s exterior should add a dash of style and blend easily with the rest of your home’s appearance. One thing you always get with wood installations is a classic touch of style that cannot be replicated by any other materials. These exterior shutters look magnificent and they add an elegant touch to the property. If you are looking for the ultimate treatment for your doors and windows, these exterior shutters have the answer.

3. Energy Efficiency

One of the most important considerations when looking for a home improvement idea today should be energy efficiency. The cost of energy is on an unrelenting rise and as a homeowner; you should look for ways to save on power consumption. Wood shutters completely block direct sunlight on hot days and you will save a lot in indoor cooling. During winter, you can retain heat inside by closing these shutters and this will go a long way in reducing your energy bill.

4. Versatile Range of Options

If you decide to go with wood shutters for your doors and windows, you have an array of styles, wood species, designs and colors to choose from. The most common wood shutters in the market include:

• Open/close louver wood shutters: These are among the most popular and they have a universal appeal. They are easy to maintain and come in different colors and finishes.
• Raised panels: These speak of tradition and authenticity and borrow form classic designs going back to the 19^th century. Whatever type of home you have, the solid wood look of raised panel shutters gives your exterior and instant makeover.
• Board and batten wood shutters: These shutters are evocative of traditional colonial design and they bring to your home a touch of the highly acclaimed 1800s Southern plantation architecture. They are solid, low-maintenance and you have a wide range of colors to choose from.
• Flat panel wood shutters: These wood shuttles are popular due to their clear lines which offer an irresistible simple touch of style.
• Bahama: They are among several shutters inspired by the tropics and are made from stain-grade Spanish Cedar, Cypress or Western Red Cedar

5. Durability/ Low-Maintenance

Wood shutters are ideal for exterior use because of their durability. By choosing the best tree species including Spanish cedar, Cypress and Western Red Cedar you will get high-quality shutters that are treated to become weather-resistant and fade resistant.

Legends Shutters supplies high-quality USA-made wood and vinyl shutters which meet the highest industry standards. If you are looking for the most durable and versatile exterior shutters, we offer 100% satisfaction and the longest warranty in the market.

 Wood exterior shutters are the quintessential home improvement idea; they blend a beauty with functionality, are easy to install and use and require minimal maintenance. If you are looking for an authentic look for your home, these shutters will get the job done.  

Original Source: https://decorativeshutters.wordpress.com/2017/09/29/exploring-the-use-of-wood-exterior-shutters-in-home-improvement/

7 Classic Yet Chic Styles of Window Shutters

Window Shutters

Popular since eons, one of the finest architectural marvels introduced to the world by the Spanish, window shutters have always been one of the most elegant and functional options to deck up your windows. The origin of shutter windows was initially a functional one, i.e. allowing the window to be opened and closed whenever desired using louvers. The louver was designed to provide precise control over the amount and angle of light coming in. So one can allow the bright early morning sunlight to freshen up ones home, or keep out the harsh afternoon sunlight. Also, a plethora of customization options will definitely help your windows grab attention, be it from the outside, or from within!

Window shutters are primarily of two types – Interior window shutters and exterior window shutters. The indoor ones greatly enhance the décor of your home from the inside. Very durable and aesthetic, they neither fade away unlike drapes or curtains, nor do they need regular washing. And sturdy, dry shutters also help keep allergens at bay!

Exterior window shutters shield your home against heavy rain, strong winds and other harsh climatic factors. And windows bolstered with sturdy shutters definitely build up the house’s security quotient.

Most decorative window shutters can be customized, but they broadly fall into 7 main styles –

1. Louvered – One of the most preferred of the lot, simple design in terms of lines and texture, louvered window shutters can be customized in innumerable ways and add the perfect classic touch to your house.
2. Bahama – The sun, sand, beaches! Bahama styled window shutters definitely pep up any beach resort or homes, perfect to keep the hot coastal breezes and strong sunlight at bay. They are also the perfect solution to tackle the moist coastal air.
3. Flat Panel – Flat panel window shutters perfectly blend into the overall interior design of the structure, and are perfect for offices or spaces adding a subtle flavor. Simple, yet stylist!
4. Raised Panel – Eye-catching in terms of design and contours, yet versatile in terms of positioning and color, their elegance comes out best when installed in solid wood or colors.
5. Open Board and Batten – These open board and batten shutters perfectly blend in with traditional or rustic architecture. Easy to install and paint, they are ageless!
6. Closed Board and Batten – Primarily designed as a means of protection to secure your windows, their functional yet aesthetic design definitely add to your home’s charm.
7. Cutouts – Entirely customizable in terms of design or color. If you are looking for window shutters that you feel only you should have, cutout window shutters offer immaculate exclusivity.

Depending upon geography, unique aesthetics of regions, and functionality, the material used in making the window shutters plays a very vital role. Although almost every material is within reach almost anywhere, compatibility between the window shutters and the overall climatic conditions of the region should be duly considered while choosing between options. Primarily, window shutters are available in the following materials,

1. Vinyl Shutters – Budget-friendly, low maintenance, quick and easy to install, easily customizable in the widest possible range of sizes and colors, no wonder vinyl shutters are the most preferred window shutters worldwide.
2. Wood Shutters – If you want your house and especially your windows to stand a class apart, wooden window shutters are just the things for you. Premium, elegant, classic, timeless.
3. Aluminum Shutters – If strong, impregnable windows is what you want, aluminum window shutters is the perfect solution. The right blend of strength and style, they are also easy to maintain! Ideal for any house or commercial space.
4. Composite Shutters - If you are looking for a perfect mix of durability and elegance in a cost-effective way, composite window shutters offers the best of both worlds. Usually comprises milled and assembled wood or PVC.

Decorative window shutters are the perfect way in which your windows can add to the overall décor and aesthetic mood of your spaces. And the variety of styles and options in which they are available can be mind-boggling! Hence, choosing the right option for you can be a decision requiring some thought. What is the intended duration that you have in mind? Window shutters that are trendy, which you expect to change in time? Or window shutters that you expect to resiliently endure over the years? This should be your primary concern. Another major factor to keep in mind is the geography and climatic conditions where you intend to install these window shutters. From the salty coastlines, to hot and dry areas, from moist and humid areas that receive heavy rainfall, to cold, snow-capped mountains – decorative window shutters are available for all types of spaces. However, their compatibility must be ascertained to ensure maximum durability and effectiveness. But although deciding upon the perfect window shutter demands a bit of a thought, the endless variety in which they can excite your home definitely makes decorative window shutters the best option for your windows!

Source: https://decorativeshutters.wordpress.com/2017/09/21/7-classic-yet-chic-styles-of-window-shutters/

How to Maintain Your House Shutters

Installation of window shutters is considered one of the best investments you will ever make for your house. They enhance the beauty of a house beyond adding to the value of the house when you sell it. House shutters look great during installation. The challenge is in maintaining their excellent appearance and functionality. Professionals in shutters have made the following recommendations to ensure that they remain clean and in perfect condition.

Consider the Material

House shutters come in different materials including vinyl, wood, plastic and aluminum, among others. Each of these materials requires a different approach during cleaning and maintenance.

• Plastic- they are a wide spread option because they are very affordable. Plastic shutters are also easy to customize and fit on to any space. There different varieties of plastics used in manufacture of house shutters. However, their maintenance procedures are similar. You can air dry by blowing away any dust on the surface. You may also choose to wipe with a damp cloth or even wash it with soapy water and a piece of cloth. A hose can be used to spray the shutter with water in order to clean off the soap. Because of exposure to heat over a prolonged period, plastic shutters may be brittle and break easily. Be cautious by ensuring that you do not exert a lot of force. Don’t use a pressure cleaner.

• Vinyl- this is among the most common materials used in manufacture of shutters. Being a synthetic and water proof material, it offers no difficulty during cleaning. You also do not have to worry about its coat of paint because the material typically has the color built-in. To keep vinyl house shutters clean and in top shape, it is recommended that you use warm water and soap. For exterior shutters, a hose can be used to spray water. To avoid water stains, wipe the shutters dry before leaving the site. Vinyl house shutters are also vulnerable when exposed to pressure. Avoid exerting a lot of pressure.

• Wood- this is a common material for properties looking for a classic feel. Wooden house shutters require more detailed maintenance attention because they can be damaged by moisture or excessive exposure to elements. Wood is not recommended in areas that are exposed to excessive amounts of water. To keep wood house shutters in top shape, you should dust regularly and where possible use a specialized vacuum cleaner to clean the louvers and nooks and crannies where insects may take up residence. It is a common mistake to see property owners or residents washing wooden house shutters with water and even detergent which should be avoided. Furniture polish can be used on a regular basis to remove stains and protect the surface against damage from elements. This helps to maintain its wooden and elegant appearance.

• Aluminum house shutters- this is one of the most durable, cost effective and easy to maintain materials used in the manufacture of exterior shutters, making aluminum shutters increasingly popular. Aluminum shutters are preferred because they last long and can withstand intense beating by the weather. They also do not require a lot of attention in the name of maintenance. You merely wipe away water from the surface to prevent the danger of corrosion. It is especially dangerous on joints because they will easily corrode and fail to open. Pay attention to joints several times in a year to keep them in proper working order. If your shutters are operational, grease the hinges on a regular basis to ensure that they stay in working order. High quality aluminum house shutters will have a durable powder-coated finish that will stand up to the elements and will last for years and years.

Any other shutters should be cleaned using the procedure and instructions indicated in the sales manual. The manuals indicate the procedures as well as substances that should be used. The integrity of house shutters can only be maintained when you take proper care of them.

 It is easier to clean house shutters that are on the ground floor. This even allows you to use a hose because water can get to that height. It is also easier to get to all parts or corners of the shutter. If a house is more than one story, you will require specialized equipment to reach the heights. Attempting to use the hose or improvise ladders could prove dangerous and ineffective. Whichever story or floor you will be cleaning, using all purpose detergent makes the work easier and faster. Brush off dust from the surface of house shutters before using any cleaning liquid.

Original Source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/professional-maintenance-tips-for-house-shutters.html

Fresh Expert Opinion About Exterior Shutters For Your House

A house with shutters gives you certainty regardless of the weather. It also has a classic feel beyond being a source of privacy. Some people install shutters for the sake of installation. However, there are incredible benefits when you add shutters to your house. You should also make particular considerations when choosing shutters to ensure that they meet your expectations.

Benefits of Having External Shutters on Your House

• Protection – external shutters ensure that external elements to not interfere with the inside of your house. This is especially important in areas that experience violent storms. The shutters will protect your window panes from objects that are usually propelled by the wind. This function will only work if the shutters are made of high quality and resistant materials.

• Decorative- this is an exclusive function for people who live in areas that experience less violent storms or natural disasters. There is a classic feel that accompanies the presence of shutters on a house. The shutters also come in a variety of designs and colors to suit the overall appearance of your house. When a house if on sale, the type of shutters installed will raise its value.

• Security- exterior shutters are installed over window panes and windows with large openings through which thugs can find access to your house. You can reinforce these openings using shutters. You will need to use stronger materials in manufacture of the shutters. Make the external shutters flexible enough to allow you use the windows normally.

• Privacy- exterior shutters are installed on over window panes that are usually transparent. They prevent direct view into your house from the outside. This adds a sense of security since intruders will not be aware whether you are indoors or outdoors. They therefore act as deterrence and conceal your interiors ensuring that only you are aware of your presence or the activities taking place in the house.

• Insulation- external shutters provide an added layer of insulation over your house. The shutters will ensure that direct sunlight does not hit the interior of your house. This enables you to regulate the temperature inside or outside. The extra space between the window pane and shutter also enhances insulation. In the absence of draft or with reduces speed, the temperature inside your house is easier to maintain, either cool or hot.

• Added Convenience- shutters can perform more than one function. They can protect your window panes and also act as a wall. In fact, in areas where you want extra air like a pool room, it is advisable that you install external shutters. They may be at a window section or a door section. It is the design of the room that will determine where they are installed. This also serves as a cost cutting measure.

It is no doubt that exterior shutters add incredible value to your property. However, this is only possible if you know how to pick the best design for your house. Here are tips by experts on what to consider when choosing exterior shutters.

Color- ensure that the color of your shutters complement that of your house. A home has typically two or three main color themes. Through professional design, the interior and exterior of your house stays within these color themes. The honor is on you to maintain these color themes even on external shutters. It enhances the overall appeal of your house. Do not overwhelm the entire house or compound with a single color. Further, the color of shutters should complement those of the frames.

Placement and size- different styles of exterior shutters demand a particular allowance in terms of space. This ensures that they fit on the window space and complement the overall design of your house. When external shutters are placed wrongly, they may affect the overall appearance of your house and even cause it depreciate in value. Take accurate measurements of every window where you intend to have shutters. The external shutters should also be big enough or of a size that is sufficient for them to cover the entire space on the window. Whether the shutters will remain closed or will be open at time, they must be chosen and designed to naturally fit on the space provided. Even a window with a single shutter must be fitted professionally to avoid giving your house a shaggy appearance.

Style- this is a crucial consideration because it will determine the convenience of use and overall appearance. There are different types of exterior shutters in the market. The types are determined by personal preference and what complements the overall style of your house. Availability and cost may also determine the style you use. Some of the styles of external shutters include solid, French country, functioning louvers, closed louvers, paneled shutters, solid and board shutters, among others. The choice you make will affect the overall appearance of your house.

Material used- external shutters are made of different types of materials including wood, synthetic, iron and steel, among others. Each material presents different dynamics in terms of color, strength and maintenance. For instance, if you choose synthetic shutters, you will have to contend with color limitations and extra weight. However, these external shutters are perfect at withstanding extreme weather. The material you choose should be functional and stylish for your house.

Hardware- installation and functioning of shutters depends on hardware used. You will need bolts, tie-backs, pulls, locks and other hardware to keep the external shutters in place. Ensure that the hardware will enable these shutters to function effectively. The hardware must also not affect the overall appearance of your house. The shutters should not be damaged by the hardware during installation.

Consult an expert in sale and installation of exterior shutters to avoid costly mistakes. Consider the weather condition in your place so that the durability of your shutters is not compromised. With a specialist in exterior shutters, you will have all the insight you need to make the right decision.

Source : http://www.sooperarticles.com/home-improvement-articles/fresh-expert-opinion-about-exterior-shutters-your-house-1600240.html