Choosing The Right Outdoor Window Shutters For Your New Home

Exterior or outdoor window shutters have been around for a long time and they graced windows long before glass was affordable or readily available. Wood shutters protected the window opening, while also providing privacy and blocking the sun during summer and adding insulation during winter. Advances in window technology have led to the introduction of shutters that are used more as decorative features for the home’s exterior.

Shutters come in different styles, both operable and non-operable. When you decide to install the window treatments, you need to consider the design, sizing and installation. This is especially important if you choose operable shutters. Proper installation will help with functionality as well as maintaining the historical accuracy. Knowing the options available will help you to make the best choice when selecting shutters. Following are some tips that will come in handy when choosing shutters.

Think about your home style

When choosing shutters, it is very important to think about the style of your home. Match the shutters by choosing a historically accurate style. Shutters that suit a Victorian home are not necessarily ideal for a modern artistic home. Walk around the neighbourhood and decide the style that works for your home. Most architectural styles are often based on popular historic styles and it helps to keep your home’s exterior facade true to the architectural style. Some of the shutter styles available include Louvered, Board and Batten, Solid and Raised Panel and Bermuda or Caribbean style shutters.

Sizing the shutters correctly

It is important to ensure that the shutters are properly sized. Make sure that they cover the window when closed to convey the appearance of being usable even when non-operable. To get the best results, the shutters should be a mirror image of the window. The rails should be in line with the lock rail, the transom and other architectural features of your windows. It is not uncommon to see shutters mounted incorrectly especially after maintenance or painting.

Choosing the right material

When selecting the material, choose shutters that suit your lifestyle. Shutters come in a variety of materials and they include wood, aluminium, fibreglass, high density PVC and composite materials. Wood provides the authentic look that many people love but it is the most costly option and the material often requires painting and regular maintenance to keep it looking good. Shutters made from composite materials tend to be durable and decay-resistance and they are easy to maintain. Many people opt for aluminium shutters that hold up well to different weather conditions.

Selecting the right hardware

You can enhance the look of your shutters by adding the right shutter hardware. The hardware available has come a long way over the years. You can get stylish accessories that will transform your plain shutters into a work of art. The hardware comes in different styles and finishes and they have different functions. Shutter dogs keep the shutters open and firmly attached to the house and you can get ring pulls that allow you to close the shutters while inside the house. Slide bolts are bolts that you use to lock the closed shutters and they help to enhance security.

When you decide to install shutters in Brisbane, it is very important to ensure that you get professional installation. You need to know that the shutters you choose as well as how they are installed will determine the results that you get. The last thing you need is to get shutters that make your home look bad from the outside. Working with a reputable company will help to ensure that you get results that you will love. Look at the options available and make sure that you view some completed projects so that you know what you can expect.