Articles & Advice

Window Shutters

by Matt Goering

See if We Have Top-Rated
Window Contractors in Your Area

Related Articles

  • Find Top-Rated Pros
Windows

One of the easiest ways to improve the exterior and interior look of your windows is to install window shutters. They provide you with privacy, security, good looks, and protection against extreme weather events. Window shutters are also available in a wide range of options, meaning there's a window shutter out there to please just about every homeowner.

  • Aluminum awnings offer protection from the heat and glare of the sun as well as storm protection. Most are affordably designed to function perfectly and fit windows, doors, patios, and porches. Both the standard awning and the winged awning easily close down to convert to storm shutters.

  • Bahama shutters provide privacy, sun control, weather protection, and security. They are generally hinged at the top, and are swung open from the bottom. As such, they can't be opened as wide as side hinged shutters. Nonetheless, Bahama shutters help reduce solar heat build-up over windows, porches, carports, and other areas, as well as to enclose terraces, patios, and balconies.

  • Colonial hinged shutters are built tough to withstand hurricane wind forces. These are your standard, side-hinged window shutters. When installed beside windows, they swing to close and can be locked to discourage unauthorized entry, vandalism, and to protect windows against extreme weather. They are offered in a wide range of styles—from louvered to paneled designs—that make them easy to fit on any home.

  • Roll shutters roll up or down over the window opening, offering good protection against flying debris and hurricane force winds, all while guarding against theft and forced entry for security. They are very energy efficient, and are also a great solution for noise reduction. Roll shutters are handsome exterior window treatments that compliment any style of residence or place of business.

    Windows should be replaced every 25 years! Use this link to

    Install Windows

  • Accordion shutters are a durable shutter that moves horizontally between an upper and lower track. Interlocking aluminum blades make up the protective wall of the shutter. For larger areas it can have a center opening, as well, so that half the shutter moves toward the right, and the other half towards the left. Like other shutters, they provide security, privacy, and protection.

  • Storm panels are formed aluminum panels that are designed for quick and easy installation and removal. Storm panels are also easy to store when they are not needed. Most homeowners choose to pack their storm panels away in a garage or closet until the need arises.

  • Security shutters are your best bet if maximum security is your goal. A complete range of automatic controls for security shutters are available, including momentary or maintained switches, RF remote electronic controls, sun, wind, and rain sensor controls, electronic timers, and key switches and locks, to provide you with maximum shutter security.

    Talk to an Expert
    If you're in the market for some window shutters, it's best to talk to a retailer or contractor who specializes in the sale and installation of shutters to find out which shutter is going to be the best fit for you. With such a wide range of styles and functions to choose from, getting expert advice is the best way to ensure you'll be buying window shutters that will look great, meet all your specific needs, and that you'll be able to enjoy for years to come.

    Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.