Did you know that there are two types of window shutters for you to choose from? They are known as internal and external. Each offers your home many benefits that you will enjoy for many years to come, but what are the differences between the two types and which should you choose? In this article, we have aimed to outline the differences between these shutters and hope to provide you with everything you need to make a decision.
Exterior Shutters
These window shutters are installed on the exterior of your home and are available in two specific types – protective (which are used to protect your home from extreme weather conditions, like hurricanes, tornados and storms) and decorative (which are placed either side of the windows and do not perform any function at all). These shutters can be created using timber, vinyl, aluminium, fiberglass, plastic or steel depending on the look you’re going for.
If you have opted for a timber option, you will find that they are mostly sold unfinished. This means that you will have to paint or stain them yourself. The other options are mostly sold finished, meaning that all you will have to do is have them installed. It is important to choose a type of shutter based on the function you are hoping it will perform – vinyl, for example, is useless for protection but is highly suited to decorative uses.
- You will find that external shutters are not overly popular in many areas of Australia simply due to the fact that our weather is not so adverse that it poses a risk of damage to our windows.
- This type is incredibly durable and will last a number of years without issue, however, you will need to ensure that you properly maintain the materials to lessen wear and tear.
Interior Shutters
These window shutters are installed on the interior of your home and are also available in two specific types – privacy (which are used to keep the prying eyes of passersby at bay whilst letting plenty of natural light in) and security (which are used as a deterrent from would-be thieves). No matter which type you have selected, however, they will both perform the main function of controlling the amount of light permitted to enter your home.
These shutters are typically created using timber composite or plastic, although there are aluminium and steel options available. They can either be solid panels with hinges that open and close or horizontal slats that can be opened and closed (a little or a lot). The latter allows maximum control over your privacy and natural light, as you can open or close the slats as much as you require. The former can only be opened or closed; there is no in between.
- You will find that internal shutters are the most popular type in most areas of Australia due to the fact that they offer excellent lighting and privacy control, as well as looking great.
- Whilst this type is durable, the fact that they are used indoors leads many people to believe that they are maintenance free. This is not the case – they will require a little bit of regular upkeep.
As you can see, there are a handful of key differences between internal and external window shutters. Firstly, one lot is installed on the exterior of the home and the other is installed on the interior. Secondly, there is a much larger variety of materials for external options than there is for internal. Once you know what kind of function you are hoping them to perform, you will be able to determine whether internal or external shutters are most appropriate.
