Everything You Need to Know About Exterior Window Shutters

Exterior window shutters may seem like a simple addition to your home that don’t really offer a ton of great value.

However, that’s far from the truth. Shutters can make or break your home’s curb appeal and have many benefits that are often overlooked.

It’s important to know what exterior window shutters are and what they do as well as why, where and how to install them on your home. We’ll go over the key points to installing exterior shutters so you don’t create an eyesore on your home.

What Do Exterior Window Shutters Do?

Exterior window shutters have been around for hundreds of years and are still a hot commodity among homeowners today.

So, what are exterior window shutters?

They’re the “flaps” that are placed on the outside of both sides of your windows. Historically, they were used more for protection, privacy and as an added layer of insulation.

However, as times have changed and windows have become more durable and energy efficient, window shutters are more of an accessory than a necessity nowadays – especially for homeowners in the San Diego.

Exterior window shutters used to only be made of wood but now come in other materials such as aluminum, vinyl and other plastics.

Window shutters are really only used as a functional element on homes around coastal regions to help protect against tropical storms and hurricanes.

In the Midwest, exterior window shutters are, for the most part, used as an element of decoration. Rarely will you find a home in the San Diego with functional window shutters.

Why You Should Install Exterior Window Shutters

There are many benefits that come from installing shutters on your home. They add a nice touch of charm no matter what style of home you have.

If you’re looking for that extra pop on your home but don’t want to do anything drastic, then exterior window shutters may be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you already have beautiful, energy efficient windows, you don’t necessarily need something to add to your home’s functionality. This is where exterior window shutters come into play.

It may not seem like a lot, but when you actually see what adding window shutters to your home can do, you’ll be amazed at how much they can enhance your home’s curb appeal.

However, there are some factors to consider when installing window shutters so that you don’t end up hurting your home’s appearance.

How and Where to Install Exterior Window Shutters

The answer may seem pretty obvious as to where you should install your window shutters. However, there are some additional factors to consider. Of course, your exterior window shutters will be installed on your home’s exterior next to the windows.

Since homeowners in the San Diego don’t really need to have functioning window shutters, it’s perfectly fine to install them on the sides of the windows rather than on the window casings with hinges.

However, you still want your exterior shutters to look functional instead of laying flat on your home’s exterior. To create the look of functional exterior window shutters, you can raise them to extend a little past your home’s facade. It’s considered good architectural practice to keep things looking functional even if they’re just for decoration.

Doing this will also create some ventilation between the shutters and your home so that there isn’t excessive heat build-up which can damage your exterior cladding, if you don’t have durable vinyl siding.