Exterior Shutters - Functional Vs. Non-functional

Exterior shutters have evolved into a standardshutters. Louvered panels are the most versatile
feature on American homes. Functional exteriorfunctional exterior shutters. Raised panel or
shutters were initially designed for ventilation, lightclosed-weave board-and-batten shutters block all
control, and to protect from wind and rain. Withlight and allow no ventilation, but may offer more
functional hardware, the shutters rotate closed toprotection.
block direct sunlight while simultaneously allowingNon-functional exterior shutters also have their
for air to pass through the house.� Shuttersplace in American architecture. Stationary shutters
could also be used as the first line of defenseare a practical, inexpensive alternative to
from precipitation and storms.functional shutters that add definition and
In the early American development all shutterscharacter to a building. Often non-functional
were constructed from wood. Wooden shuttersshutters are constructed in vinyl, plastic, pvc, or
were strong and maintained integrity when builtother composite material. Synthetic shutters are
from an exterior grade lumber (often Cedar oroften easy to maintain, requiring an occasional
Cyprus).washing. An open back results in a light shutter
In years past, functional wood exterior shuttersthat installs quickly and does not trap water
were far more practical than they are today.between the shutter and the building. Wood
Modern conveniences make movable outdoorshutters can also be non-functioning, but need to
shutters unnecessary. Air conditioners allowbe attached directly to a building with spacers to
homes to maintain consistent indoor temperaturesprevent trapped moisture between and often
when conditions rise above an acceptable level.require a strong anchor. Outdoor hardware can be
Window screens used to protect homes frominstalled to give the appearance of functional
insects also prevent homeowners from operatingshutters. Non-functioning exterior shutters only
exterior shutters when weather conditions areneed to vaguely appear operable, so size is not
enjoyable.critical.
Southern communities such as New Orleans orAll styles are appropriate for non-moving exterior
the Florida Keys regularly utilize functional exteriorshutters. Raised panels, louvers, or a combination
shutters. Without much concern for bugs,of the two are the most universal and are
residents often close exterior shutters to allowapplicable on most homes. Board-and-batten
cool moderate breezes to pass through thepanels work best on more rustic or rough-sawn
home. Common throughout these areas aredecors. Custom designs are offered by some
multi-functional shutters that are constructed withcompanies for a unique one-of-a-kind application.
movable louvers that rotate for adjustable light,Functional or non-functional exterior shutters will
ventilation, and privacy. Most all outdoor shuttersadd distinction to most any American home.
are solid wood which offers moderate protectionReady Shutters supplies durable vinyl exterior
from high winds from seasonal hurricanes.shutters in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles.
In most American regions functional shutters areSelect from louvered, raised panel, board and
primarily used to preserve an authentic historicalbatten, shaker, combination, and arch top exterior
appearance. Wood shutters mounted with solidshutters.
metal hinges and shutter dogs present a distinctShutterLand provides solid wood exterior shutters.
feel that non-functional vinyl shutters simply canThese cedar shutters can be hinged to be
not achieve. Towns or neighborhoods that strivefunctional or attached directly to the house to be
to govern some level of historical accuracynon-functional.
regularly require the use of solid wood functional