Exterior and Plantation Shutters
Window Treatments add Curb Appeal and Energy-Efficiency to a Home
Dec 10, 2008
It's been a long time since the choice was limited to plain, boring, wood storm protection. Window treatment has come into its own and is a niche industry. Combining energy-efficient low-e windows with style equals curb appeal.
The Functionality of Plantation Shutters
These are also known as wood, or interior window shutters. They are commonly installed in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and even bathrooms.
The main purpose is to adjust the amount of sunlight that enters the living space in the daytime and to offer privacy at night time. A secondary purpose is being part of the room's overall decorating theme.
Generally, they are horizontal louvers controlled with a vertical rod connected to the the individual louvers down the center. Traditionally made of wood, they are now offered in both composite materials and long-lasting vinyl.
When applied to sunburst arch, or half-moon windows frequently found over entry doors, the louvers may either hang horizontally or angled, mimicking the rays of the sun. They make for a very attractive window treatment.
Choosing Exterior Shutters
When installed on the home's exterior, they can accent and beautify the home or protect the windows from hail and hurricane-force winds. Material options are wood, composite, vinyl, metal and DuPont KEVLAR. Vinyl has the advantage of low maintenance while wood needs periodic painting but the color can be changed.
Decorative Vinyl Shutters
The vinyl variety is generally decorative since the material is durable but not able to offer much protection from storm abuse from mother nature. Most commonly, they are rectangular and are attached to the home siding or brick veneer on either side of the window.
Standards sizes are inexpensive and run in the $20.00 to $50.00 range per window. Custom crafted ones for odd-shaped windows can cost as much as $125.00 per pair.
Traditional Wood Shutters
Wood is the original material and is very popular. The species of wood used makes a difference in the price. Redwood is on the high end but is very weather-resistant; the qualities that make it a great wood decking choice also recommend it to residential window treatments.
Cedar is also a good choice from a weather standpoint but is less expensive than redwood. Even more economical is pine. Pine is also the common choice for homeowners concerned about the environment and interested in following green, sustainable building practices.
Prices for wood shutters can range from $225.00 to $425.00 per pair.
Window Dressing with Composite
Composite is usually medium-density fiberboard. It's a recent entry to the shutter market. The material is termite proof and stands up well to a moderate storm beating. They are usually installed with hardware that allows them to be closed. They are not recommended for hurricanes, however.
These fall in the $125.00 to $325.00 price range.
Riding out the Storm with Storm Shutters
These shutters are serious about protecting the home and its occupants. They have traditionally been made of metal but today can be purchased made of DuPont KEVLAR, the same material that protects police officers and members of the military.
Two types are widely available. First are the removable type, designed to be installed when the hurricane is rolling in and then removed and stored after the danger is past. The second type are rolling shutters. These are permanently installed in a box over the window. They can be quickly rolled down and secured.
Rolling shutters with a manual crank cost about $550.00 on the low end. Homeowners with less energy and deeper pockets can get motorized ones from $800.00 to over $1000.00.
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