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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Covered Patios And Home Improvement As Investment Strategies

If you are a homeowner, you know how important the real estate market has become to the financial well-being and security of you and your family. Your home may well be your biggest investment, and like any other investment, it needs to be managed and protected. Unfortunately, home repairs are often put off due to costs or the inability to find a good contractor. The same goes for home improvements. The addition of, say, a covered patio may be put off when it could add to the value and enjoyment of your home.

Don't fall into the trap of neglecting home repairs and home improvements just because the real estate market is down. If you are selling, prospective buyers will be extra-critical and choose homes that are well-maintained and cared for. And in downtimes, attractive extras like sunrooms, decks, or pergolas are even more important when buyers have a large selection of homes to pick from.

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Repainting a home is a great way to improve its appearance and give it what real estate agents call "curb appeal." Exterior painting isn't difficult and many homeowners do it themselves, but it can be a big and messy job. A good contractor can make things a lot easier by suggesting the proper paint for your home, showing various combinations of colors and carefully selected accent colors, preparing the exterior, and then do the painting quickly and competently. Expert preparation includes power-washing and may include repairing wood, Masonite or Hardie plank siding and trim. This will guard against paint blistering, peeling or flaking later.

Windows are another area of the home that's often neglected. Most homes today have dual pane windows for extra insulation and sound proofing. Unfortunately, the seals on older dual pane windows are often leaky, resulting in condensation and residue between the panes. Leaking seals defeat the purpose of dual pane windows, and the glass becomes dull and ugly. Replacement windows quickly fix this problem. I held off doing mine because I feared it was a big, expensive construction job. Then I learned that windows can often be replaced without ripping out the frames, and found a good contractor who did the work. If you think of replacing windows, also inquire about shatterproof, tinted, tempered and colored glass.

If you have a covered patio or any other structure that attaches to your home, be sure to have a contractor check for dry rot, leaks, cracks and other damage. These things are usually easy to fix, but they can really add up to costly damage unless taken care of. Water leaks, especially, can lead to catastrophic damage. Cracks and holes may provide access for pests, so it's better to tend to that quickly.

Taking care of one's home is good business and a good investment. Whether it's creating additional curb appeal with shiny new paint or an inviting covered patio if you intend to sell your home, or simply keeping your property in good condition so that you won't incur needless repair costs later on, proactive home maintenance makes sense. Many homeowners shy away from those tasks due to costs and the challenge of finding a good, reliable contractor. Don't give up - they are out there and you'll be glad once you find a good one.

Covered Patios And Home Improvement As Investment Strategies

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Covered Patios or Majon's Home Improvement directory.

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