Home Improvement Time

Exterior Vinyl Shutters can give a drab-looking, wrinkly old lady of a home a new lease on life. Watch as the bright colors put a new, delighted spring in her step. This may be just what the doctor ordered as far as use of your home equity loan proceeds are concerned. Taking the wilt out of windows can add a new sparkle to your beloved home, and may just pay handsome dividends over time.

Let the interior designer in you out by browsing for the exact match for your home’s architecture and style. These ranges are durable and come in a vast array of colors. In contrast to many wood window shutter options, exterior vinyl shutters promise to refrain from warping, peeling or unsightly cracking. The finish is also highly fade-resistant. In many instances a warranty of almost half a century will accompany the product - a clear sign of the ruggedness of these ranges.

If you still prefer wood shutters, you can have the best of both worlds by taking Shutter Shacks up on their offer of a woodgrain design with the robustness of vinyl. These have a warranty that is just as attractive as the authentically-textured product line. Choose from the Classic Collection, a Batt N’Batten line, or the Fixed Louver design. If you have an arched window, the company also offers a solution. You can even dolly up your interior with a similar range. Finishes are colorful, with enough variety to be coordinated with any decor style.

Another alternative is the PolyWood Shutter. Here synthetic wood is used to create a product that is equally weatherproof as its vinyl cousins, but comes with a pleasing wood-simulated finish.

Your next choice would be between a fixed covering and a functional one. The fixed design options are simply there to enhance the appearance of your property. They are permanently attached to the exterior of your home. The functional product is a hinged shutter that can be close when necessary. Exterior vinyl shutters are not made to deal with the elements when there is an upheaval. You will need storm or hurricane shutters under stormy conditions. These lines are usually manufactured from wood or aluminum.

Louvered lines are among the most popular. The louvers can be fixed or moveable. Another design that is always in demand, is the board and batten style. These offer a more solid covering, consisting of boards with fitted cross members. Many companies also offer a custom service where arched window shutters can be ordered.

Once you have made your decision, you need to take a look at hardware and accessories. Don’t try to skimp here. Buy the best quality you can afford. Remember that the exposure to the elements can be harsh and the good looks of your window treatment can be ruined by poor quality hardware. Bending fasteners or breaking accessories are common if you opt for too cheap a range. Lok Fasteners offer a good choice.

Give your home a Dr.Phil-like wake-up call with some exterior vinyl shutters…