Plastic Window Shutters – the most cost effective way to deck up your windows!

Windows are what beautify a house, and one of the perfect way to make your house stand out is by installing shutters on your windows. Window shutters not only make your windows attractive by increasing their aesthetic appeal, but also provide functionality against the elements of nature. Shutters help regulate the amount of sunlight that you want to wall within the house. And if the breeze outside gets too strong or chilly, your window shutters can keep it out at bay! Window shutters are available in an array of materials, but one of the sturdiest and affordable materials in which they are available is plastic. Usually available in standard and custom sizes with a wide range of fade-resistant colors, they are also preferred for their traditional wood look. And the best part is that they can be installed on any surface of a building or construction.

Plastic Window Shutters, or Vinyl Window Shutters are long lasting, require very low maintenance, are weather resistant and are available in several patterns –

Louvered – Louvered Window Shutters are the most popular of all exterior shutters. In use since the late 1700s, they are suitable for almost all types of houses because of their clean line styling.

Louvered Shutters

Raised Panel – Made popular in the Southern states of the US since the 1800s and used extensively on plantations, they are today used in a variety of residential structures whatever the region or climate may be.

Raised Panel Shutters

Combination Louver/Raised Panel – This type is a remarkable combination of louvered and raised panel window shutters.

Open Board and Batten – A classic, rustic style that originates in the 18^th century, reflecting the classic American culture.

Joined Board and Batten – This pattern originated from Europe, especially found in the French countryside and several parts of Spain too. The Joined Board and Batten style of window shutters were a result of the need to protect the windows against torrential storms.

Shaker Window Shutters – This style of plastic window shutters is distinguishable by the visible clean lines that adorn them. Their unique design also makes them highly compatible with a variety of houses like manors, ranches, etc.

Country – Classic, infused with the old American charm and clean lines and hand-hewn looks; this is the original classic American country design.

Keeping your Plastic Window Shutters clean!

Plastic Window Shutters are virtually maintenance free compared to other window shutter types. However, they do get dirty over time as the house is exposed to adverse weather conditions. A normal wash with a garden hose is usually good enough to clean them up, but in certain cases one might need to softly bristle brush them. In case of stubborn stains or dirt, a mixture of water, detergent and tri-sodium can do wonders in keeping them spick and span. Just spray the solution on your plastic window shutters, let it settle for a while and then spray water from top-down. One important point to note is that the shutters and their siding must be meticulously washed to prevent staining or streaking.

Painting your Plastic Window Shutters has never been easier!

Not all vinyl window shutters can be repainted, which needs to be checked during installation. But most of them can be repainted as and when wanted. A few tips to have the perfect paint job for your window shutters are as follows –

• Its best to paint them when the sun is not harsh, as direct exposure to sunlight before, during or immediately after painting can hamper the paint job.
• Ensure that the atmospheric temperature is between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
• Priming your shutters with a good primer can indeed work wonders.
• A high quality oil base or latex paint for the topcoat is usually the best option. Any vinyl-based paint should be avoided.
• Based on the manufacturer’s instructions, the paint can be applied using a brush or spray, usually with two coats of finish paint with adequate amount of time gap in between them.
• Drying the shutters away from direct sunlight for 4 days prior to installation will give you the best output to your paintjob.

While painting your plastic window shutters can be fun, ensure your eyes, nose and skin are adequately protected.

Plastic Window Shutters are easy to install, maintain and re-decorate. And they also provide sturdy protection at affordable rates. It’s not surprising that millions of homeowners around the world prefer them to others. Plastic Window Shutters are definitely the best thing you could have for your windows!