Further, many people consider aluminum to be the best material for exterior shutters because of their longevity. This option will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years (or another 30 years if stripped and recoated) for an affordable price.
Generally speaking, you may get anywhere from 10 to 20+ years out of use out of your shutters. However, they are more vulnerable to rot, termites and moisture damage comparatively.
High end wood and composite shutters will be much better quality wise than any vinyl shutters available. We should face the fact that no vinyl shutter brand is going to be a precision product that some high cost wood and composite shutters can be.
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.
The plastic look of vinyl and the smooth exterior is challenging to match to décor styles and is different from other real wood or faux wood products. Though they might be among the most affordable, vinyl shutters offer the least durability among non-wood treatments. Heat also affects vinyl easily.
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.
Shutters can last up to 20 years with the right care so they are a brilliant and long-lasting addition to your home.
Note that in many cases, the windows are wider than the shutters, and it would be impossible to install conventional swinging shutters to cover that window. Shutters are merely a decorative feature used to make the windows look bigger.
Plantation shutters add value to your house in several ways. Potential buyers will appreciate that shutters are energy efficient and can lower utility costs, making your house appear more appealing than homes without shutters. Buyers save money on energy bills throughout the year, making your property more desirable.
Hardwood estate shutters are considered a more traditional material and are the most expensive option, with faux wood options offering a close look-alike at a lower cost.
Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows. Can't afford to replace the shutters? Simply adding shutter hardware is a little detail that goes a long way. A home with properly sized shutters.
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 are an upgrade over vinyl and composite. They are made to look and feel like real wood, but are made of a plastic compound that is extremely durable, lightweight and customizable. PVC is an ideal choice for outdoor building projects because it is resistant to oxidation.
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.
Basswood is now the most popular wood for shutters, outpacing pine and poplar. These can be painted and stained, and are light, flexible material that makes them good for a variety of designs. However, they're not moisture resistant and they cost more than synthetic shutters.
Remember, whether shutters are operational or decorative, the shutter should be big enough to cover the window if the shutters were closed. If the window arrangement looks too crowded and there is little to no “resting” space between shutters when they are open, you should probably avoid shutters.
The architectural style of your home: Raised panel shutters are best for Colonial, saltbox-style and Georgian homes, while louvered shutters work with all architectural styles. Exterior brickwork: Louvered shutters can look too busy or cluttered if you have a lot of brickwork or decorative detailing on the exterior.
Cheaper plantation shutters are made from low-quality materials, including vinyl and composite, and are often hollow. In addition to yellowing, they may also be more susceptible to warping, cracking or chipping.
They have pros and cons. The worst problems are with low-quality vinyl windows, especially in temperature extremes. Vinyl windows have some problems. They're not the most aesthetically pleasing, they're not durable, and they're not environmentally sound.
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.