Window shutters date back thousands of years. Based on historical accounts, they were first used in Ancient Greece. Though those early versions were made of heavy, expensive marble, several other options are on the market today. Those include wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite. They’re less expensive, lighter, and more versatile. They can also offer an array of benefits. Consider some of the reasons why you should consider installing shutters in your home or replacing old, worn-out shutters with new ones.
Boosting Curb Appeal
On the most basic level, new window shutters can greatly boost your home’s curb appeal. They add a beautiful, finished look to a house. They’re also available in a range of styles and colors, so they can work with your architectural style. That bolstered curb appeal may increase your property value and make your home more attractive to potential buyers. That alone makes them a worthwhile investment, but it’s only the beginning.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Shutters, in combination with other elements of your home, can also improve your energy efficiency. Though they’re largely used for decorative purposes at this point, they can also be as functional as they were in their early days. They can block sunlight to prevent heat transfer, which may reduce the need to run your air conditioner. They can also block wind and cold to work alongside your heating system. In doing so, they’ll lower your energy bills and even reduce strain on your HVAC system. As such, they may make it last longer than it would otherwise.
Providing Privacy and Light Control
Window shutters also provide added privacy and light control. You can close them when needed and open them when you want to let in extra sunlight and fresh air. If you’re looking for functional shutters, you can choose adjustable versions that allow you full control over the amount of light and air that comes into your home. That’s yet another way shutters can make your home more comfortable. Remote-controlled shutters are available as well for added convenience and ease of use.
Protecting Your Home
Finally, shutters can protect your home in several ways. You can close them on particularly windy days and during severe storms to safeguard your home against flying objects and broken glass. They can also protect your home against intruders to an extent. They can keep wrongdoers from seeing inside your home and make it more difficult for them to get inside. They may deter intruders or give you the extra few minutes you need for law enforcement to come to the rescue.
Reaping the Benefits of Window Shutters
People have been installing shutters in their homes for millennia. They offer the same benefits as they did in the early days. At this point, though, far more styles, colors, materials, and features are available. That makes them even more advantageous. Shutters can bring beauty to your home and help ramp up its market value. They also offer versatility, improved efficiency, privacy, light control, and protection. All those benefits come in an affordable package that’s sure to generate returns on your investment.