Functional Exterior Shutters - A Good Investment For Your Home

Functional exterior shutters can be a great investment in your home. For starters, they add curb appeal and boost your home's value. Furthermore, the fact that they are functional provides critical storm protection for your home, which can be especially important if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. When purchasing and installing functional exterior shutters, there are a lot of important considerations that must be taken into account. The following article contains a checklist of questions that homeowners should ask themselves before investing in functional exterior shutters.

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Is hurricane protection a consideration?

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If you answered no to this question, then you can skip right on to the next question. If you answered yes, then you'll need to do some homework before purchasing shutters. First, contact your local building department to inquire about building codes and/or product approvals that are applicable to your area. A local building department may also be able to guide you toward a good installer, too. Look for shutters that have received Miami-Dade County Product Approval. This approval is considered to be the highest standard in the industry for shutters and other hurricane protection products.

What type of functional shutters are you installing (material and style)?

There are many different types of functional exterior shutters on the market today. The most common material for functional shutters is wood. Types of wood can vary, though cedar is a common choice because it weathers quite well. There are many different styles of shutters on the market. What you choose depends on the size and style of your windows and architectural elements of your home. Exterior shutters play a big role in your home's appearance and curb appeal. Be sure you take time to choose something that suits your tastes and compliments your home's architecture.

What type of hardware will be used in the installation?

Functional shutters require hardware, including hinges, pintels, tie backs, and hook latches and or center slide latches. The quality of hardware you choose is closely related to how much you want to spend. Steel hardware is by far the most common choice. There are two types of steel hardware to choose from: carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is economical; however, it will rust, particularly in salty, coastal areas. Stainless steel hardware will not rust and is a much better choice, although it is also much more expensive. Not sure if what you're looking at is carbon or stainless? Check it with a magnet. Carbon steel is ferrous, and therefore magnetic, whereas stainless steel is not. If you do choose carbon steel hardware, be sure is it covered with a durable powder coat painted finish, as this will delay the rusting process.

Aluminum shutter hardware is also available, though it is not as common. If hurricane protection is a consideration, then aluminum hardware is probably not the best choice.

Remember, functional shutters are a homeowner's first line of defense against hurricane damage. When a window is broken in a hurricane, the high speed winds enter the home and put enormous pressure on the interior walls and roof. In most cases, when a home collapses or a roof is torn off, it's usually because a window was blown out first. Functional exterior shutters (whether or not they have been approved by Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade County Building Code) are an excellent investment in protecting your home and your life.

Many insurance companies now offer reduced premiums and discounts on deductibles for homes with functional exterior shutters. Be sure to check with your insurance company before purchasing and installing shutters to find out if you qualify.

Functional Exterior Shutters - A Good Investment For Your Home

Ellen Bell works for Home Products n' More, a company dedicated to providing high quality products for your home, garden, and auto. Home Products n' More offers exterior shutter hardware, including a complete line of all stainless steel shutter hardware, all with free shipping and handling. Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Shutter_Hinges_s/109.htm

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Steel Exterior Doors - Classy and Functional

You may be looking for a classy exterior door for the entrance to your home, which offers protection too but are unable to choose from the wide range of options available- fibreglass, metal and wood.

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The most suited option for your home could be a exterior door made of steel. They are designed to give your home a classy look and the assurance of security. While steel doors were used quite exclusively in industries until a few years back, they have made a place for themselves in residential buildings now owing to the several kinds of designs of steel doors. Their superior quality locks and hinges ensure that outsiders do not make their way into the house. An additional feature of some steel exterior doors is that they come with a screen that allows for adequate ventilation and does not allow insects in. Pneumatic closers automatically closes the door a while after a person opens it.

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Several factors must be considered before a door is chosen.

A heavy gauge steel door will ensure ample security. Well-designed grills and bars on the steel exterior door can make it look more appealing.

It is important to note that steel  doors when fit into frames that have been measured exactly will provide better security. The measurements could be slightly higher than the actual measurement, should not be lesser.

Kits containing the hardware essential to set up the doors made of steel are available.

Sometimes when concerned about security, the expenses may not be a matter of concern. However, there are cost efficient options for the informed customer.

There are some advantages of opting for a exterior door over a wood or fiber glass door:

Variations in temperature, rain and unfavorable weather can damage wooden doors. When exposed to these aspects wooden doors could expand, crack or split along lines. Steel doors are however immune to these factors.

Wooden doors need constant upkeep and have to replaced when they are damaged over a period of time, but this is not so for steel doors. It is possible that steel doors could develop dents in them but they can be taken care of by using auto- body fillers.

Steel doors come in a wide range of designs and finishes ( galvanized, wooden finishing, glass finishing ). This enhances the appearance of the steel exterior door.

Therefore, when you desire to have a classy, useful and secure option for an exterior door, steel exterior doors are an option.

Steel Exterior Doors - Classy and Functional

David has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his latest website that discusses products such as the best steel security doors and a security storm doors that can be useful in your decision in your home security needs.

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