Exterior window shutters can add a classic look to any house, regardless of its style. From Cape Cod colonial to modern ranch; from clapboard to shingle to brick to aluminum siding–any home’s exterior will benefit from exterior shutters.
You’ll find exterior shutters in a variety of both shapes and materials at your local home store. Vinyl shutters offer an easy-care option, and wooden ones can actually be made functional with proper hardware.
Cedar is the best choice for those considering wooden exterior shutters; it is both long-lasting and very resistant to rot. The tannin oil in cedar acts as both a moisture and insect repellent–no termites!
But even cedar exterior shutters will need a protective finish. And, to make sure that all the shutters’ surfaces are thoroughly covered, the finish should be applied before they are installed. If you have any questions about painting or staining your shutters, consult a professional.
Begin with an oil-based primer, tinted to match closely the shutters’ final color. The wood, by absorbing the oil, will become even more moisture resistant.
When the primer is dry, you can paint your exterior window shutters. The paint will serve as a barrier to ultraviolet damage, preventing the sun’s rays from penetrating and damaging the wood’s fibers.
You may opt for staining your exterior window shutters instead of painting them. If so, make sure the stain you choose is manufactured for exterior use.
When your painted or stained shutters are thoroughly dry, you can mount them. You’ll need, for ventilation, to place half-inch spacers between the house and the shutters. If your shutters are stationery and not functional, attach them with rust-resistant screws, sunk flush with the wood. Then paint over the exposed screw heads.
It goes without saying that your shutters will require maintenance through the years, but you’ll go along way to minimizing it by carefully evaluating their quality and durability before you buy.
You’ll never make a mistake by using exterior window shutters to add charm and color to your home. And wooden shutters are simply the best available.
Home Decor & Furniture
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