Vinyl Exterior Shutters Add Style

Our new home in North Carolina was truly beautiful but for some reason I kept thinking that it was missing something... The home was all stone in the front and I realized it had no shutters. My husband and I decided to go with vinyl exterior shutters in a deep merlot color. That particular color worked really well with the stonework on the house. In the past the only type of shutters that we had ever had were wooden and they were hard to care for. It felt like the paint was always peeling or there was some type of mold or wood rot on them. We knew that vinyl exterior shutters were virtually free from any type of upkeep and they looked great and would last.

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The style of vinyl exterior shutters we chose were raised panel because I really liked the way they sort of popped of the house. When you looked at the home the vinyl shutters really stood out and added color and definition to the windows. Vinyl exterior shutters come in many different styles and they can be painted if needed. Most companies that carry vinyl exterior shutters will offer them in around 20 colors but sometimes painting them is necessary because they may need to match an existing color on the home. We were very lucky with the deep merlot color because it matched some of the stone perfectly.

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Having the option of using vinyl exterior shutters was not only good for improving the look of our home but it also saved us a lot of money. These shutters are very affordable as well as durable. Compared to the old wooden ones that always needed paint and repair the vinyl ones are a much better deal. Vinyl exterior shutters are readily available and very easy to install. They weigh almost nothing and hang in just a few minutes. My husband was so proud of himself when he was done hanging the vinyl exterior shutters. So much so he stood out in front of the house bragging to the neighbors about how "handy" he was. Well, he did do a great job and the vinyl exterior shutters look terrific.

Vinyl Exterior Shutters Add Style

Simon Harris writes about Vinyl Exterior Shutters at http://www.shutter-world.com

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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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Finding the Right Exterior Window Shutters

Exterior window shutters can be used as decorative additions to your house. They can also be used to keep out the light, heat and noise.

exterior doors for home

Comparing Exterior Window Shutters

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When you start looking for exterior window shutters you will soon find that there are many different types of shutters. Some are used for functional purposes while others are used as decoration only.

Decorative exterior window shutters tend to be made of wood or faux wood. These are usually attached to the side of the exterior windows and painted to match the trim or the door of the house. These shutters consist of one panel on each side of the window. These panels does not open or close, but remain affixed to the side of the window. These are often added to houses to increase the curb appeal of the house.

Solid exterior window shutters can look the same as the decorative windows, only they're built to shut. These shutters are made of wood panels. Many of them also contain decorative outside panels to add a little pizzazz to the shutter. These shutters are very effective at keeping out the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer.

Roll-down metal shutters and Bahama shutters are two types of exterior window shutters that are used as emergency shutters. These shutters are not used on a daily basis because they block all sunlight from the house. They also don't keep out the heat because that's not what they're meant to do.

Emergency exterior window shutters are used when a massive storm such as a hurricane or a tornado is en route. These shutters are made of sturdier materials such as metal or steel and they are not attractive. However, they will prevent your windows from breaking during a natural disaster. This will keep you and your family safer.

Shutters To Go in or Out?

So how do you know if you need interior or exterior window shutters? For starters, you don't have to choose one or the other. People who have exterior shutters also have interior shutters. Each type of shutter serves a different purpose.

As we discussed, outside shutters are primarily used for decoration and protection from wild storms. Some of them are also used to insulate the house. Inside shutters are used solely to protect the house from the elements and to create an element of privacy in the home.

Some people find outside shutters very unattractive, but they may like the look of inside shutters. The nice thing about both inside and outside shutters is that they can be used in conjunction with other window coverings such as curtains.

Whether you decide to use inside or outside shutters, make sure to do a little research before you buy your shutters. If you shop around, you'll be able to find exterior window shutters at a discount.

Finding the Right Exterior Window Shutters

Choosing the right exterior window shutters for your home can improve it's value and it's beauty. Get tips on interior and exterior shutters by visiting http://www.mywindowtreatmentpro.com/

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