It’s true that life’s most significant moments are the result of one million minor choices. What major you choose in college, what internship you dedicate time to, what sentence you include in a resume, who you speak to in the buffet line…all of these decisions contribute to that first job out of college and your subsequent career. This method of thinking also applies to the roof over your head and the windows outside your bedroom. What’s supporting the structure? What type of paint coats the outside? What materials were used for the shutters? Just like a career, these minor decisions determine your end result.
So what are the benefits of vinyl shutters over wood?
Wood? Vinyl? A combination of materials? While it may seem irrelevant and dull, the material used for your exterior shutters has a tremendous impact on home appearance, shutter resilience, and the bottom line for your home improvement budget.
Here’s everything you need to know before making the best choice and taking one small step towards the perfect home.
Water-Resistant
Rain, sleet, frost, snow, humidity that makes your hair frizz and palms sweat – no matter the climate, your home will likely experience condensation of some kind. Wood is a natural element that, no matter the treatment, will always contain a small amount of moisture. When exposed to heat, humidity, watery weather, and wet saunas or pool rooms, the additional wetness will shrink, warp, or swell the temperamental material. Wood is an element of the earth and no matter the treatment, its temperament is only as strong as the natural forces swirling around it.
On the contrary, vinyl has a thick, water-resistant coating. Dispel all worries about your exterior shutter’s deterioration as thunderstorms, heat waves, and snow apocalypses rage on. Place vinyl shutters near pools, saunas, heaters, outdoor air conditioning units, and other areas prone to humidity without fearing that your shutter investment will, well, shutter.
Because of its impenetrable surface, vinyl also eliminates the risk of insect infestation. There’s nothing insects love more than a wooden softness suited to carve out bug bedrooms. Avoid termites with the most durable, light-weight, and water-resistant option.
Cheaper!
Arguably the best reason to choose vinyl over wood shutters. Vinyl will always be cheaper. Why? Simply put, because wood is a delicate material, plastic is cheaper to manufacture and easier to ship.
Purchasing vinyl shutters may result in savings of 10 to 30 percent over wooden shutters and, as we’ve discussed, it’s these small choices that make or break your bottom line.
Low Maintenance
Because vinyl is moisture-resistant, you can forget about spending hours cleaning, drying, and applying waterproof treatments just to shield your shutters from harsh elements.
Aside from being water- and insect-resistant, vinyl’s hard surfaces also mean they’re more difficult to scrape or scratch. The softness of wooden shutters makes them prone to all of the lovely wear and tear that come along with young children playing. No scratches mean no scratches to repair. Spend your time enjoying family and advancing your career while letting vinyl worry about itself!
Questions
Does cheaper mean lower quality?
This is a common misconception. Depending on your purchase, different vinyl shutters come with varying levels of sturdiness. While some vinyl shutters and sidings are hollow, others have internal support structures or remain completely filled for increased durability.
If you’re particularly worried about strength and long-term viability, you can purchase vinyl shutters with aluminum or wooden inserts to increase strength while maintaining the shutter’s moisture resistance.
Will vinyl shutters add value to my home?
Vinyl’s low maintenance is an incredible selling point for home buyers. While you may think an expensive wood automatically increases home value, you’d be surprised how many homebuyers value convenience above all else.
What if I LOVE the look of wooden shutters?
Understandable! Polished and well-maintained wooden exteriors feel modern yet classic, cozy yet sophisticated. Fortunately, you can stain vinyl with products like Gel Stain to mirror the look of your favorite hardwood floors or purchase pre-stained vinyl shutters.
Summary
Unless your work life is out of control, you spend most of your quality time at home. You make memories, raise families, and invite friends to stay, all while dreaming up projects and futures with the people you love most.
While new, custom exterior shutters may not be the most exciting part of your home decor, deciding which material to use is a decision that will impact your home and the life you lead within it. Save money on plastic shutters and redirect funds to your family. Purchase vinyl to ensure strength and durability.
The stunning finish contributes to an aesthetically beautiful home exterior while vinyl’s water-resistant coating ensures minimal maintenance. As well all know, you have better things to worry about than remembering to dry wooden window shutters and replace scratched surfaces.
Whether you’re updating a home that you’ve lived in for twenty years or are starting from scratch on a new piece of property, a series of small choices can determine the outcome of your dream home and, ultimately, your dream life. Make the right choice with your exterior shutters.
If you are in the market for new exterior shutters, EAP Shutters is the store for you! You can order on-line at your convenience or speak with a specialist. Choose from a large selection of shutter styles such as Board-n-Batten, Open Louvre, and Raised Panel in your choice of color and custom size. The options are endless, call today!