Friday, July 29, 2011

All About Exterior Shutters

By Greg Tilley


Aside from being necessary, quality exterior shutters can also go a long way into improving the appearance of your home. Exterior shutters come in many form so you will have no problem looking for one that will be suitable to your home. As with all types of home improvements, the quality and longevity of the exterior shutters should be evaluated before you make a purchase.

Shutters are made in different sizes and styles and different materials are used, so you will have a lot of choices. Vinyl or wood shutters are easily available at most home improvement stores, and they can also be a cost effective option. Wooden shutters should be easy to install with average hardware items.

Exterior shutters can be made from many kinds of wood. The best is cedar because it is tough and long lasting, although mahogany is also common. Cedar also provides long service with minimal maintenance in applications involving mud, silk, window sashes, fencing, poles, and even exterior shutters.

Cedar contains tannin oil which is the reason for the tree's durability.

Tannin keeps away moisture and the smell drives bugs away. Exterior shutters are exposed to elements so it needs to be protected. It is however, best to finish the shutters before you install them, so that all surfaces can be fully covered.

Exterior shutters should be painted with oil based primer coating and have the same color as the final coating. The oil of the initial coating will go deep into the wood, forming another layer of protection. For the best results in painting, you should always consult a professional painting company.

You should allow ventilation between the exterior shutter and the building surface by inserting a " spacer in between. Instead of functional hardware, you can use rust proof screws that will sink fully into the wood. Once you have finished the installation, simply paint over the heads of the screws.

By having on opaque finish painted on the wood, it will prevent light rays from penetrating the finish and breaking down wooden fibers of your exterior shutters. It is also acceptable to stain your exterior shutters.

For maximum effect, use stain materials that are designed for outside use, and you should do regular maintenance work to keep your exterior shutters in excellent condition.

If you have to install exterior shutters to windows or doors, consider it as an opportunity to enhance the appearance of your home. Wooden exterior shutters are the most popular and best to use - making them something you truly must have for your home.




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