Outdoor Custom Window Covering Ideas

Probably the most traditional custom window covering is the window shutter. They are a versatile protective measure against light, weather and intruders and can be cut to fit any size of window. They can also be outfitted on the inside or the outside of your home.

The most traditional custom window covering is the traditional wood shutter, which many homes have boasted since early Colonial days. However, compared to other types of custom window coverings, the old fashioned wood versions of shutters are pretty high maintenance. They warp, sometimes they don’t close properly and their metal fittings and hinges often rust, fall off or have to be oiled. This is probably why companies that specialize in the custom window covering are now offering window shutters in other space-age materials that require less maintenance, resist the effects of the weather and are cheaper to replace should a storm tear a section of your shutter off of your house.

Here is a run down of the different types of shutter type window coverings that are offered by manufacturers today.

Vinyl Window Shutter – These are probably the most durable window coverings that you can buy as they last about forty years! The imitation wood versions look very much like the real thing. They are also very light, easy to remove and replace and very simple to clean with soap and water. You can’t say the same of wood shutters. Vinyl window coverings also come in louvered, board and batten and raised panel styles that are typical of the styles of real wood shutters. The only real difference is that you are saving the trees! You can also buy them primed and ready to paint in the color of your choice.

Composite Window Shutter These weather and rot resistant custom window coverings are made of a thick compressed particleboard. Basically they are panels made from molds. This inexpensive alternative to wood shutters also comes in a variety of different window covering styles including the traditional the louvered, board and battens and raised panel styles. You can also find these types of window coverings in what is known as the Bahamas style. These types of storm shutters are hinged at the top so you can open and close them vertically.

Fiberglass Shutters – This type of window covering is much more expensive then most of the other kind of shutters but they do last about twenty years. These shutters are also panels that are made from molds. You can buy fiberglass window coverings in a variety of styles including the Bahama, louvered, board and battened and raised panel window shutter styles. If you live in a hurricane or tornado zone the fiberglass is probably your best choice for a window covering. They are stronger, lighter and more secure than the other things. Fiberglass shutters are offered in thousands of styles and materials. You can also customize them yourself by buying primed panels and painting them yourself to match your home’s color scheme.

Aluminum Shutters – are great protection for your windows, both in terms of an intruder and also against a hurricane. They are also offered in the traditional Bahama and Louvered styles. However some people think that the powdered finish of aluminum shutters looks tacky. Another drawback is that aluminum shutters only have a warranty of about three years.

Of course the most coveted and classic window covering will always be the traditional wood shutter, but unfortunately they are and always will be very expensive and difficult to keep looking good. For more ideas on custom window coverings check out www.GotWindowCoverings.com.