Wooden window shutters were once the coolest accessory that a house can have. But they were very high-maintenance and required constant maintenance in order to keep them looking good and operating properly. Replacing them with newer, updated shutters, will not only provide you with hassle-free shutters, but will also give your house a modern twist. These modern shutters are proven to be resilient against the elements and able to maintain its aesthetics for years to come. Some of the newer shutter options include:

 

Aluminum Shutters

Aluminum shutters are considered the most versatile among shutters. They come in a huge array of colors, textures and styles including the faux colonial louvered blind. While very popular, they have the shortest warranty period (about 3 years). This is because they are not built for severe weather conditions, and while some are made to look like wood, the finish does not hold up in comparison.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters can be easily cleaned and last a very long time. Unlike wooden shutters, vinyl shutters will never need replacing, repaired or painted. They are very light and yet they give the illusion of being massive just like the wooden shutters. They are readily available in lots of colors, so you can have them customize to match your home.

Fiberglass Shutters

A very popular choice, despite being a bit more expensive is the fiberglass window shutter. Similar to vinyl shutters, they are constructed from similar molds for identical designs. Theses shutters tend to have a lifetime of about 20 years, so they make a good investment. Fiberglass is a much stronger product and is ideal for areas which are frequently visited by typhoons and hurricanes. Fiberglass shutters are available in many textures and colors or you can also purchase them ready to paint to customize for your home.

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters are the most budget-friendly. They are referred to as composite because they are constructed of different materials that are joined together to withstand the elements. Particle boards are compressed into molds, so that you can choose from a variety of designs: louvered, batten, raised panel and board styles. They are also hinged so that they open and close just like conventional wooden shutters.

These are just some of the options when considering window blinds. The “old school” wooden blinds continue to be widely available and should you select them as your choice, remember that they are high-maintenance, doesn’t stand up too well against the elements, and weather-proofing them can be quite expensive.