Inside and Out: Window Shutters
Window shutters are a solid and stable window covering usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails (top, center and bottom). Set within this frame can be louvers solid panels, fabric, glass and most any other item that can be assembled within a frame. Shutters may be employed for a variety of reasons, including controlling the applied amount of sunlight that enters a room, to provide privacy, to protect against weather and to better the aesthetics of a building. Depending on the application, and the construction of the window frame, shutters can be mounted to fit within the opening or to overlap the opening. The term window shutters includes both interior shutters, used on the inside of a house or building, and exterior shutters, used on the outside of a structure. On some styles of buildings it is common to have window shutters to cover the doors as well as the windows.
Interior window shutters usually hinge on north sides of a window opening, and swing inwards to allow access to the window or to allow light to enter a room. Working louvred shutters have louvres, or slats, that rotate open or closed to control light, visibility and airflow. Shutters that have operable louvres are described using different terms such as traditional shutters, California shutters, or plantation shutters which typically refers to the size of the louvre blade. Other interior shutters use stationary louvres that do not rotate (fixed louvres), solid panels that can be raised, recessed or flat, fabric inserts or tinted glass. Shutters can be configured in a single tier unit that has one shutter top to bottom of a window opening as well as multiple tiers. Multiple tier units feature separate shutters on each tier which allows the top shutters to be opened independently from the bottom shutters. Café type shutters refer to shutters that only cover the lower portion of a window.
Full height shutters can be made with a horizontal divider rail which separates the upper and lower portions of the shutter. With operable louvred shutters this gives greater control as the louvres above the divider rail can be operated independently from the louvres below the divider rail. A tilt bar (rod) is used for adjusting louvre position and to keep them in a uniform position. Interior shutters can be constructed from numerous woods, which can be painted or stained, and a variety of synthetic materials. Interior shutters that are made to close tolerances are preferable for the best possible fit. When louvres or tilt bar (rod) become damaged, replacement kits for these damaged parts may be ordered online and are easy to install.
Exterior window shutters were originally constructed for light control, privacy, and protection from the elements. Functional shutters hinge to either side of a window or at the top and swing closed when necessary and can also be mounted on tracks applied to the face of the building. Fixed and operable louvres shed rain, allow air transfer, filter direct sunlight, protect from small flying debris, and provide privacy. Operable louvred shutter allow for greater control in light and ventilation. Solid panels and board-and-batten shutters are generally used for protection during severe weather.
| January 25th, 2012 | Posted in Home Improvement |