A window shutter is a solid and stable window covering usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails.Depending on the application, and the construction of the window frame, shutters can be mounted to fit within the opening or to overlap the opening.The term window shutter includes both interior shutters, used on the inside of a house or building, and exterior shutters, used on the outside of a structure. On some styles of buildings it is common to have shutters to cover the doors as well as the windows.
Exterior Shutters.
Exterior shutters can be constructed from numerous woods, which can be painted or stained, and a variety of synthetic materials.Exterior shutters were originally constructed for light control, privacy, and protection from the elements.Functional shutters hinge to either side of a window or at the top and swing closed when necessary and can also be mounted on tracks applied to the face of the building. Fixed and operable louvers shed rain, allow air transfer, filter direct sunlight, protect from small flying debris, and provide privacy. Operable louvered shutter allow for greater control in light and ventilation. Solid panels and board-and-batten shutters are generally used for protection during severe weather.
Non-functional shutters are specifically used to enhance the features of a building.Non-functional exterior shutters can be constructed from vinyl, wood, or other synthetic materials. Non-functional shutters simply screw or bolt directly to the building. Functional shutters have traditionally been constructed from solid woods that have proven to endure outside elements but have also been mass produced in woods less suitable to the outdoors like pine.
Composite shutters offer advantages over wood shutters such as resistance to twisting, splitting, and rotting.However all composites aren't created equal and, PVC shutters are often hinged with three or more hinges and painted with vinyl safe paint to keep from bowing in the sun and can require additional hardware. A recent material to be used for the making of composite functional shutters is fiberglass because it never rots or twists, and because it is dimensionally stable and has low expansion and contraction. Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic unlike vinyl or PVC shutters so it does not warp or sag much like it's unenforced counterparts. It's strength is comparable to aluminum however it does not suffer from corrosion and electrolysis.
It should be noted that certain hardwoods that are currently used for exterior shutters, specifically Spanish Cedar, Honduran Mahogany and Teak, have grain that actually breathes out moisture making them resistant to rot and decay, and far more durable than a softer wood like pine.Because of the tannin in these woods they are also not prone to problems from insects.
A few words bout interior shutters. Operable louvered shutters have louvers, or slats, that rotate open and closed to control light, visibility and airflow.Shutters that have operable louvers are described using different terms such as traditional shutters, California shutters, or plantation shutters which typically refers to the size of the louver blade.
Other interior shutters use stationary louvers that do not rotate (fixed louvers), solid panels that can be raised, recessed or flat, fabric inserts or tinted glass. Shutters can be configured in a single tier unit that has one shutter top to bottom of a window opening.Multiple tier units feature separate shutters on each tier which allows the top shutters to be opened independently from the bottom shutters. Café type shutters refer to shutters that only cover the lower portion of a window.Full height shutters can be made with a horizontal divider rail which separates the upper and lower portions of the shutter.This gives greater control as the louvers above the divider rail can be operated independently from the louvers below the divider rail.A tilt bar (rod) is used for adjusting louver position and to keep them in a uniform position.
