Traditional wooden shutters were the standard for a long period of time.  Now, though, vinyl and other styles of shutters have taken the place of traditional wood house shutters.  The issue that has wooden shutters quickly becoming a thing of the past is that they need to be maintained. Homeowners today are looking for a way to cut down on chores around the house.  Wooden shutters need repainting or re-staining about every other year, even if they are interior shutters. Let’s look at some alternatives.

Exterior house shutters are primarily used for asthetic purposes and are always open, unlike long ago when shutters actually had a job.  Shutters used to keep out inclement weather in years past, before double paned glass.  Today, shutters are rarely closed, but do add a finished look to any home. 

As we slowly replace our wooden shutters, we can say hello to the following types of shutters:

Vinyl Shutters

Just like vinly exterior siding, vinyl house shutters require no regular repairs and last a lifetime. The only problem with vinyl shutters instead of wood is that they have a tendency to ding if anything is tossed at the shutters. The problem is, they are much weaker than wood when it comes to rocks, hail or other debris.  Many people are willing to overlook this because vinyl shutters are attractive, are affordable and maintenance free. 

Composite Shutters

These are more economical shutters which use composite woods as opposed to solid woods.  The benefit to composite shutters is that they are unaffected by termites and rot and will last a lifetime.  They are also pre-stained and do not require upkeep like solid wood, yet will look like real wood.  Composite Shutters are a smart option for anyone thinking about maintenance free shutters. 

Fiberglass shutters

Fiberglass is tough and durable.  Fiberglass is well suited to exterior house shutters and has been used in areas where the shutters are made to be closed, such as parts of the world that are regularly hit by hurricanes.  Fiberglass shutters are slightly more expensive, but they are strong, maintenance free and built to last.  They are an ideal choice for anyone who owns a home in an area affected by hurricanes for the reason that they can ride the storm out. 

Aluminum shutters

As with vinyl shutters, aluminum shutters are a complement to aluminum siding and are a stylish alternative for homeowners. While vinyl was very popular twenty years ago, knocking aluminum out of the running, aluminum shutters suddenly reappeared and are currently very popular among homeowners who want attractive and maintenance free shutters that will last a lifetime. 

Whether you are in the market for shutters for the exterior or interior of your home, you are likely to find lots of options for maintenance free shutters on the market today.  The style of house shutters that are best for you will depend upon finances as well as the primary reason for the shutters.  Wood House Shutters are engineered for everything from staving off damage from a hurricane to improving your curb appeal.  Find the ones that are right for needs.