PVC profiles are extruded and as a result will exhibit extrusion lines and therefore most PVC shutters feel, look and sound like plastic. Finally, when exposed to the sun's ultra violet (UV) rays for prolonged periods, PVC tends to fade, yellow, and degrade.
Unfortunately, PVC shutters do eventually begin to sag and yellow, albeit around 10 years. This is why at Simply Shutters, Awnings and Blinds we recommend our custom-made timber shutters for longevity.
Some of the cheaper PVC Shutters are not coated with the correct UV stabilizer to withstand hot windows therefore may warp or yellow.
Vinyl shutters also have a “plastic” appearance and tend to yellow over time. With prolonged exposure to sunlight, vinyl shutters become brittle.
PVC is an upgrade over vinyl because it's far denser and more durable. Vinyl shutters consist of a thin layer of vinyl surrounding a mold. Because they aren't solid, vinyl shutters are prone to fading and cracking, so you'll need to repair or replace them sooner than you would PVC options.
From a performance perspective, PVC shutters are generally heavier and more flexible than shutters made from wood and or engineered wood composite materials. As most shutters are installed with hinges, PVC shutters will sag and twist under their own weight and become difficult to open and close the shutter panels.
PVC shutters are a fantastic and entirely safe addition to the home - when you buy high quality, toxic free ones. However, low quality, cheap PVC shutters are made from subpar materials can release formaldehyde, a carcinogenic, when they get hot.
Continuous exposure to the sun's UV rays can impact the performance of many types of window treatments. White shutters turn yellow in areas that experience intense heat and sunlight, especially when they're made from fabrics.
Being a plastic, PVC is highly susceptible to UV. Prolonged exposure to UV will turn your nice, bright-white shutters, into a yellowy, blue colour in just a few years. UV also makes plastic become brittle over time.
Shutter Colors for White Houses
With white house siding, the sky is the limit when you are choosing shutter colors. Every shade is a match. Go bold with red shutters or black shutters. Or opt for something softer, like powder blue shutters or seafoam green shutters.
Sunlight exposure: One of the primary reasons why PVC frames turn yellow is exposure to sunlight. The sun's UV rays can cause the PVC material to break down and deteriorate, resulting in a yellowish discoloration over time. This is especially true if the frames are located in areas with high sunlight exposure.
What Causes uPVC to Turn Yellow? There are several things which can cause uPVC to turn yellow, but the likeliest culprit is exposure to UV light. You might notice that your windows aren't so yellow in places where the sunlight is restricted (your south-facing windows, for example, might be most affected).
This is usually due to an increased exposure to ultraviolet light, but it can also be due to excess heat, humidity, the cold, and other extreme temperatures and environments. Usually, though, it's due to increased light exposure that triggers a reaction in the polymer, which will eventually cause it to turn yellow.
PVC vs Aluminium
Both are durable plantation shutter materials however Aluminium alone is prone to corrosion and PVC will not rust or corrode, making it ideal for any room in the home.
PVC shutters (or uPVC shutters) are light, easy to install and look fantastic without too much effort to clean and maintain them. Compared to real wood, plastic window shutters are often also the more affordable option. But one down site of opting for upvc window shutters is that they aren't easy to adapt.
It is easy to see why neutral colours are so popular and generally considered to be the best colours for shutters. Neutral colours look clean and crisp and help reflect the natural light into the room, making it feel brighter and airier.
PVC Shutters
PVC is an ideal choice for outdoor building projects because it is resistant to oxidation. PVC is designed to last a lifetime, never needing to be replaced. Like composite, PVC is resistant to rot, mold and termites. You can paint PVC without needing a primer and it requires very little maintenance.
Aluminum is the best material for exterior shutters when it comes to hot and humid climates, not to mention hurricane-prone areas. After more than 60 years in business, here's what we know to be true about aluminum shutters: No rotting, cracking, or warping due to sun exposure.
Cedar has a great reputation for use on all sorts of outdoor projects – decks, railings, patio furniture, pergolas. Because of these features, Cedar shutters are some of the most dependable accessory a homeowner can install. Mahogany is the best material for exterior shutters if one has the budget.
If the faux wood composite doesn't have a UV inhibitor, then the shutter will fade and yellow over time. Some manufacturers need to paint their products, which also leads to chipping and yellowing over time.
You can also make whites white again by using the ultraviolet rays of the sun or using laundry bluing, baking soda, vinegar, or chlorine bleach. Will Oxiclean whiten yellow T-shirts? Definitely. Oxiclean or any brand of powdered oxygen-based bleach will whiten T-shirts that have turned yellow or grey.
Removing stains from your shutters
For heavier stains, give the affected area a gentle wipe with a slightly damp cloth or sponge. If you have waterproof shutters (our Henley range) you can use a diluted mix of mild detergent such as mild dish soap and warm water.
Vinyl/Polymer Window Shutters
These window shutters are lightweight and durable. They come in a range of colors and styles and can last long with proper care. Vinyl is hollow, while polymer shutters are not, so polymer shutters will last considerably longer for up to several decades.
MDF can be a good alternative if you still want that feeling of actual wood and want to avoid PVC. Some of the downsides of MDF shutters include the fact that this material might be prone to moisture damage in the long run, more so than actual wood.
Vinyl Shutters:
Plastic shutters are fake and cheap looking. There is minimal texture for louvers molded flat against each other in a permanently closed position making them look flat and bland. A cheap looking shutter provides cheap curb appeal and not a good reflection on the homeowner.