Types of Shutter
A window shutter panel is a solid window covering usually consisting of side stiles, louvers and top and bottom rails. Individual shutter panels can be hinged together to form a shutter or bi-fold unit, which fills a window 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. Shutters are used to control sunlight, provide privacy, add protection from weather.
Interior plantation style wood window shutters are semi-opaque window coverings that block almost all light when closed. Shutters usually hinge on either side of a window opening, and swing open to allow access to the window or for light to enter the room. Standard panels have movable louvers that rotate open for light and visibility and rotate closed for privacy or to reduce light. Styles available include traditional, or colonial, shutters that use 1-1/4 inch louvers, and plantation shutters that use wider louvers. Some interior shutters have stationary louvers that do not move, solid raised panels, fabric inserts, or tinted glass.
Materials Used for Shutters
Shutters can be configured in a single tier unit that used one panel from top to bottom of a window opening. Double tier units use two panels from top to bottom, which allows the top panels to be opened independent from the bottom panels. A horizontal divider rail may be used to create a top and bottom louver section in a single panel. A rod is used for adjusting the louver position and to keep louvers in a uniform position. Interior shutters can be constructed from numerous woods, which can be painted or stained, aluminium and a variety of synthetic materials. Interior shutters that are made to close tolerances are preferable for the best possible fit.
Exterior Storm Shutters
Exterior shutters were originally constructed for light control, privacy, and weather protection. Function shutters hinge to either side of a window, and swing closed when necessary. Fixed louvers shed rain, allow air transfer, filter direct sunlight, protect from small flying debris, and provide privacy. Multi-functional shutters use movable louvers that allows for greater control. Solid panels are generally used for protection during severe weather.
Most other styles, such as board-and-batten, are used in non-functional situations and are specifically to enhance the features of a building. Functional shutters are constructed from solid woods that have proven to endure outside elements. Finishing wood shutters is recommended for extended life. A storm shutter is used to protect windows and doors in a building against the effects of high winds, rain, and flying objects during a storm or hurricane. They can be made of a variety of materials such as aluminium panels, iron, or wood and can be installed in tracks to be quickly opened and closed with the use of motors.