Shutters add an elegant finishing touch to a home’s facade, elevating its appearance and increasing value. However, in order for the shutters to work effectively they must complement both window casing and architectural styles and mounting methods – otherwise they risk looking bizarre or worse, downright ugly.
Many homeowners ask themselves “should I install shutters on my house?” To answer this question, consider the following factors.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the first impression a potential buyer gets of your home when they approach it for viewing, and can have an enormous effect on whether they decide to purchase or not, especially when there are competing homes available on the market.
Add shutters to your home’s exterior to quickly create a striking statement and grab attention. Choose from matching them to your window casings or making a bold statement by going for vibrant hues – there are even decorative details like hinges and shutter dogs available that give each exterior an individual feel!
Window shutters make an excellent addition to any home because they not only look stylish, but provide practical benefits as well. Shutters provide privacy, regulate sunlight and airflow within, reduce energy costs and even save on costs by helping reduce energy waste. Plus, unlike many exterior renovations, the return on investment with shutters lasts years to come; installing them could be one of the best investments when it comes to improving curb appeal!
Privacy
Installing shutters on your house is an effective way to increase its curb appeal and add architectural details, but only do so if they complement the style of your home as well as provide benefits such as privacy or light control.
Installing non-functional shutters on your house can be an eyesore and cause moisture and debris to gather, leading to further damage down the line. As an alternative, consider louvered shutters which can be opened to let air in and assist with ventilation.
One of the primary benefits of shutters is protecting from weather elements like rain, snow and sun damage. Furthermore, they can help insulate your house to reduce heating and cooling bills throughout the year; adding an extra layer of security against intruders as an added benefit.
Light Control
Shutters are permanent fixtures in any home and can increase its value upon sale. Plus, they make for an energy efficient upgrade, keeping your house warm in winter and cool in summer.
Shutters are commonly used to protect windows from stormy weather and buffeting winds, while also serving to control light through adjustable panels and slats. Shutters also offer privacy by blocking prying eyes from entering your home as well as shading non-airconditioned homes while offering shade and ventilation benefits.
If you want your shutters purely decorative, they can add an elegant touch to the architecture of your home. However, for maximum aesthetic effect you should use shims or strips of wood between moving shutter parts and window casements in windy conditions in order to prevent rattle-rattling noises and need periodic wiping down with damp cloth to maintain their appearance.
Energy Efficiency
Shutters provide excellent insulation, helping reduce heat loss and keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer, decreasing dependency on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems while saving money in the process. In summer months shutter panels and slats can be closed to block out excessive sunlight entering rooms – saving energy consumption while preventing overheating – while during the winter season windows can be opened slightly wider to let in natural light while offering a gentle breeze.
Like any window treatment, shutters require regular maintenance in order to remain looking their best and performing efficiently. They should be regularly cleaned with soapy water and caulk should be used around their frames to seal any cracks that appear. Furthermore, making sure that they fit securely can help improve performance; layering them with curtains or blinds increases this effectiveness even more.