Choosing the Right Shutters for Your Home

While the neccessity of having shutters for your home is a thing of the past, they still add interest to your home.

When they were first conceptualized, shutters were primarily made of wood.  Wood shutters continue to be a popular choice for historic homes.  The most popular types of wood shutters are:

Cedar- Withstands the elements and is low maintenance.  It can be easily sanded and absorbs paint exceptionally well.  An added bonus is that insects do not like cedar.

Pine-Will last many years if the proper finish is used.  It is more price effective than cedar but will not last as long.

Composite-Weather resistant and immune to insect damage.  It holds paint longer than wood and is resistant to mildew.  Occasional cleaning may be needed, but otherwise maintenance is minimal.

Poly Resin (PVC) – Does not need finishing but can be painted.  It is insect and mildew resistant and never needs any maintenance other than the occasional cleaning.

When selecting vinyl shutters, be sure to replace them as soon as the color fades.  One way to get an idea of the type of shutter you should choose for your home is to take a drive around your neighborhood and view other homes with exterior shutters.  This will allow you to see which style will compliment your home’s design.

The two most common types of shutters are raised panels & louvers.

The left shutter is a raised panel and the right shutter is a louver.

When selecting a color, be sure to take into consideration both the color of your brick or siding, roof and window frames.

Regardless of the material you choose, it is important to remember the cardinal rule of shutters-select shutters that are each ½ of your window’s width; they should never be less than 12 inches wide.  If shutters are larger than this, they will appear out of proportion.  They should be the height of your window from the sill to the top of the trim.

The three primary ways of attaching shutters to your home are with screws, nails or special clips.

In addition to adding curb appeal, shutters can also be used to add interest to your home’s interior.  They can be used to replace window treatments, such as curtains or blinds.  The shutters can open and close and can be used to control the amount of light in a room.  Interior shutters can also add privacy to your home in a stylish manner.

The main way of attaching interior shutters to your home is with a thin frame that rests on the window casing (either inside or outside.)  If you’re not interested in installing yourself, a reputable siding or window company should be able to assist you.

Call us now at 1-800-873-1451 or check us out at www.lindusconstruction.com to schedule a free in-home estimate. Tune into AM 830 WCCO on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am hosted by Denny Long and Andy Lindus to ask questions regarding your home improvement projects.

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