Shutters have long been used as an attractive way to improve the aesthetics of homes. Not only can they add curb appeal and increase visual interest, but maintaining them may be costly and limit light penetration.
Are shutters worth investing in? In this article we’ll look at both their benefits and drawbacks.
Curb Appeal
Though less dramatic and impactful than a fresh coat of paint, shutters can provide an instant boost to the curb appeal of a home. They can add color contrast, complement existing window trim, and tie together an overall facade look seamlessly.
decorative shutters like these pale blue ones soften the exterior of a home while adding an eye-catching splash of color. Pairing these decorative shutters with vibrant flowers creates a truly inviting display which draws in visitors and commands their attention.
Functional window shutters add value to a home by controlling light and temperature levels for energy savings, providing privacy, insulation and comfort benefits, and increasing resale value. As such, functional shutters offer great return on resale investment value.
Light Control
Shutters provide the ideal way to manage how much natural light enters your home when living in areas that receive significant sunlight, blocking out TV screen glare while still letting in warmth from the sun that helps protect furniture and wall hangings from fading.
Shutters offer one major practical benefit when it comes to window treatments: minimal upkeep. Fabric blinds may absorb smells and moisture that damage them over time, while shutters simply require occasional wiping down for maintenance of their appearance.
Enhancing light control while increasing privacy and room darkening are three benefits that come together when investing in upgrades such as cloth tapes, routeless slats and cordless operation for shutters. If this sounds appealing to you, contact ASAP Restoration immediately to arrange a free home consultation session!
Energy Efficiency
Many homeowners opt for window treatments with working shutters that add functionality, such as airflow regulation or shading from intense summer sunlight, saving energy costs associated with heating or cooling costs. Working shutters offer multiple benefits when added as functional window treatments such as these. They can regulate airflow while also shading windows from intense summer sun while conserving energy costs associated with heating or cooling costs.
Shutters differ from other window coverings in that they provide insulation, helping keep your house cooler during summer and warmer in winter. This makes shutters an effective solution to keep your home cosy.
Non-functional shutters nailed to walls do not allow warm air to circulate freely through, evaporating moisture off their surfaces and eventually leading to cracking and rotting in wood surfaces. Therefore, when making the decision whether or not you require functioning shutters it’s essential that this factor be taken into consideration.
Privacy
One reason why many people enjoy shutters is for privacy purposes. Shutters provide an effective barrier between your home and those walking past on the sidewalk or driving by on the road.
Clients on busy streets will often opt for half height cafe style shutters which offer maximum privacy at lower levels while leaving upper windows free for light to still enter.
Remember, shutters were originally designed to cover and tightly close windows against the elements and any intruders, offering protection from weather elements and keeping out unwanted visitors. If they are left nailed into place flush against the wall without this function, expansion and contraction cause water to collect on them and over time bacteria and rot set in.
Security
Shutters provide an extra layer of security. Burglars often strike when opportunities present themselves, so adding physical barriers could deter potential attackers.
Shutters are more durable than blinds. They won’t get torn or punctured by boisterous kids or pets, and are less susceptible to color fading from sunlight.
A decorative shutter requires little more maintenance than any window treatment, other than occasional wiping down. For those wanting functionality, hinges, a slide bolt to lock them together when closed and handles or shutter dogs to pull back into place once opened will be necessary – the extra effort however, will certainly pay off!