One of the most commonly asked questions we, at Long Island Shutters, are getting is ‘how long will the average set of window shutters last?’. This is a fairly natural thing to wonder. After all, window shutters are an investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. So in this article, we’ll be looking at the average lifespan of your window shutters, to give you a fair idea of what you can expect from your new shutters.
So how long do window shutters last?
The long and short answer here is, it depends. Obviously, it will, in part, depend on the care you are taking with your shutters. This includes maintenance and cleaning, but also how you are using them. For instance, if you are often slamming your window, or in other ways aggressively tugging or pushing on the shutters, that will severely lower their lifespan.
How long window shutters last will also depend on the material used. By far the longest lasting material for window shutters is solid wood, with artificial woods, and imitations, coming in at a close second. If cared for properly, solid wood shutters can last you anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
However, other materials, such as plastic, can also last a good decade or more, with proper care. Window shutters are, by far, the longest lasting and durable window treatment option, which is why they’re so popular.
Aside from that, window shutters also come with a host of other benefits. For instance, a sturdy set of window shutters can severely reduce the noise pollution coming from outside. Naturally, this isn’t a 100% effect, as your window shutters won’t be able to block off the sound of traffic, or loud noises. Still, when the windows are closed, the presence of window shutters can vastly improve the external noise reduction.
Not only that, but window shutters can also serve to insulate your home, and can vastly reduce the loss of heat from your home. Interestingly enough, once again, wooden shutters are the preferred choice here. Fake wood shutters are great, as they are hollow within and serve as an air cushion, while solid wood panels can also seriously decrease the loss of heat from your house.
What types of window shutters are there?
Below, we’ll explore some of the most common types of window shutters available on the market today. Of course, the type of window shutters you decide on will depend heavily on the windows in your home. Below are some of the most popular types of shutters we specialize in.
- Tier-on-tier: these are double level shutters that allow you to keep one open, while the other is closed (they usually work in a top/bottom layering).
- Full height: as the name suggests, full height shutters are used to cover the entirety of your window or door, and offer a more level, uniform look.
- Plantation shutters: taking their name from the grand farms of previous centuries, plantation shutters offer a dab of elegance, while also reducing light.
