Yes, Bahama shutters are worth it if you are looking for an affordable, stylish way to add a unique look to your home’s exterior. Bahama shutters provide additional privacy, allow breezes to pass through while blocking harsh sunlight, keep your windows cooler during hot summers, and are generally long-lasting.
They are also relatively easy to install, although professional installation is often recommended. Furthermore, Bahama shutters often add value to the home, making them a great investment if you ever plan to sell in the future.
All in all, Bahama shutters are an affordable option for exterior design, often worth the price for the added style, privacy, and practical purposes.
What is the point of Bahama shutters?
Bahama shutters are decorative shutters that can be used to add an attractive feature to a home’s exterior. Bahama shutters typically have criss-cross louvers, or slats, which provide additional shade and ventilation while also blocking strong sun rays.
These shutters can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass, which helps ensure they can withstand exposure to the elements. Bahama shutters are particularly beneficial in warm climates, as they can keep the temperature in a home more comfortable by providing more shade and blocking the heat from direct sunlight.
Additionally, Bahama shutters can add a unique aesthetic element to the exterior of a home, helping to increase its curb appeal. They are typically easy to install and can be opened and closed to suit various needs and conditions.
How much do hurricane shutters typically cost?
The cost of hurricane shutters varies depending on the type, size, and the material used to manufacture the shutters. Generally, aluminum hurricane shutters cost around $7-15 per square foot, while accordion shutters cost around $15-20 per square foot.
Rolling shutters can be more expensive, costing around $25-30 per square foot. For PVC shutters, the price can vary from $20-30 per square foot, depending on the quality of the shutter and the design of the panel.
Installing hurricane shutters can be more expensive due to additional labor and material costs. The installation cost will also vary based on the size of the window, location of the window, and the level of complexity in the installation process.
Generally, the cost of installing hurricane shutters can range from $15-20 per square foot, with additional costs for labor.
Are all Bahama shutters hurricane proof?
No, not all Bahama shutters are hurricane proof. While Bahama shutters typically provide a level of protection when it comes to heavy winds and rains, they do not offer the same level of protection as hurricane proof shutters.
Hurricane proof shutters are designed to meet certain wind codes and are tested to withstand extreme force and winds of up to 200 miles per hour (mph). However, Bahama shutters do offer some wind resistance and can provide some protection from debris.
They are typically constructed from materials such as aluminum or plastic-type composite, vinyl, or aluminum-clad wood. They are considered a more affordable option compared to hurricane proof shutters, however they should not be solely relied upon to protect against storms and high winds.
Can you see outside with Bahama shutters?
Yes, you can see outside with Bahama shutters. Bahama shutters are shutter-like adjustable louvers or slats, usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that attach to the exterior of a window. The adjustable louvers allow you to control the amount of sunlight and ventilation that comes in, while still providing the convenience of being able to look out the window.
Depending on the type of shutter and its design, they come with a range of opening angles and will often include adjustable closure mechanisms. While the shutters are often positioned completely open to provide full window visibility, they can be maneuvered to create angled views of the exterior.
What are the best type of hurricane shutters?
The best type of hurricane shutters depend heavily on budget and the area where the hurricane shutters will be used. The most commonly used types of hurricane shutters include accordion, roll-down, Bahama, and colonial shutters.
Accordion shutters, which consist of multiple interlocking panels that are moved and stored either manually, using a hand crank, or with an electric motor, are generally the most affordable and are one of the strongest types of shutters available.
Roll-down shutters, which consist of a single sheet or panel that is rolled downward, usually with a keyed or motorized manual crank, are more expensive than accordion shutters, but also very strong and can be made from materials such as steel or aluminum.
Bahama shutters, which lean out from above the window and are hinged at the top, are much less expensive than either roll-down or accordion shutters, but are also not as strong and provide minimal impact protection.
Finally, colonial shutters, which are affixed to the sides of the window and usually open or close manually, are relatively inexpensive and provide good protection from wind-driven rain and debris and can be painted to match the exterior of a home.
Ultimately, the best type of hurricane shutters depend on budget, location, and the amount of protection desired.
Do plantation shutters help in a hurricane?
Yes, plantation shutters can help in a hurricane. Plantation shutters are strong and provide an additional layer of protection to your windows and doors. They can stop wind, rain, and flying debris from entering the home, and can also add strength to the structure of the home.
Shutters also increase privacy and interior design options inside the home, making them a great choice for vacation homes or areas in danger of hurricanes. When buying shutters for hurricane protection, make sure you look for ones made from a durable material, such as high-grade aluminum, or an impact-resistant composite, that meet your local building codes.
If installed properly, plantation shutters can play a role in strengthening your home against hurricane force winds.
How do you lock down Bahama shutters?
When locking down Bahama shutters, the most important step is ensuring that the shutter is properly fitted and set in place. Start by making sure the top and side rails are secured tightly to the wall and framework, and that all of the shutter boards are firmly in place.
Once the shutter boards are properly placed and tightly fitted, use heavy-duty locking screws to keep them more securely in place. If you have more than one Bahama shutter to lock down, make sure to check each of the locking screws to ensure they are all properly tightened.
Finally, inspect the entire shutter, including the locks and screws, to ensure that it’s all securely in place. If there are any minor adjustments to be made, follow the same steps to make sure they are properly fitted and locked in place.
What is the difference between Bahama shutters and plantation shutters?
Bahama shutters and plantation shutters are both iconic fixtures of Southern home styles, but they differ in several significant ways.
Bahama shutters, which are made of wood or synthetic materials, are hinged at the top and have adjustable poles at the bottom of each shutter that allow them to be propped up and placed at an angle. When in the closed position, these shutters provide shade and protection from the outside environment, but still allow for ventilation and light to come into the space.
They are commonly used in tropical or coastal climates as they are designed to provide good air circulation as well as a measure of privacy from the outside environment.
Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are mounted inside a window frame and slide horizontally to open and close. They are constructed with a thicker material than bahama shutters, making them more energy-efficient and provide better light and temperature control in the home.
Plantation shutters come in a range of materials, styles, and colors and can be used both inside and outside of the home for a more modern, elegant aesthetic. Additionally, plantation shutters are often a more affordable option than bahama shutters when looking for a window covering solution.
How expensive are Bahama shutters?
The cost of Bahama shutters can vary greatly depending on the material, size, and customizations. Generally speaking, the most economical option is to go with vinyl shutters, which can range anywhere from $60 to $200 per square foot.
Other materials, such as wood or aluminum, tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from $150 to $600 per square foot. Labor and installation costs can also vary greatly depending on the size of the job, location, and other considerations.
That being said, if you take into account all of these factors, a set of Bahama shutters for a typical window could run anywhere from $250 to $1,500 or more.
What are plantation shutters called now?
Plantation shutters are now known as interior louvered shutters or window shutters. These stylish, functional window treatments are popular because of their classic look, easy maintenance, and energy efficiency.
They provide privacy, sound insulation, and natural ventilation. Plantation shutters are typically made of wood, but can also be constructed from synthetic materials like composite, vinyl, or PVC. The louvers, or slats, close up tight to create the classic look, or can be opened and closed with adjustable tilt bars to give you more control over the light and ventilation entering the room.
Plantation shutters come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, and can be installed with hinges on the sides or “top hinged,” making them a great choice for any room, whether it be for a modern industrial-style loft or a cozy country home.
Do plantation shutters make a room look smaller?
Plantation shutters can be a great way to add an aesthetic touch to a room. However, it is important to consider whether they will make the room appear smaller. Ultimately, this depends on a few factors.
For instance, if the shutters are installed across an entire wall, the room can look immediately compact, due to the large mass of fixed shutters. Additionally, having too small of a shutter, relative to the size of the window or room, can disproportionately make the room appear smaller.
Alternatively, a well-designed and proportionate installation can give a room a spacious and airy feel by allowing natural light to flow in. Those with adjustable louvres can be adjusted to adjust the amount of natural light, to give the room a comfortable level of light and darkness.
To avoid a room looking smaller, it is best to intricately consider the design, size as well as the style and material of the plantation shutters. With a well-designed, proportionate installation and high quality materials, plantation shutters can give a room an aesthetic touch without causing a decrease in the feeling of spaciousness.
Do Bahama shutters protect against hurricanes?
Yes, Bahama shutters can provide protection against hurricanes and severe storms. These shutters can be attached to the exterior of a home or business to cover windows and doors and provide a layer of protection from high winds and flying debris.
They are designed with extra strength and are mounted on the top of window and door openings to provide maximum wind resistance. Bahama shutters are particularly beneficial in hurricane-prone climates, as they can protect against wind-driven rain and other dangerous airborne objects.
Additionally, they can provide some level of protection against heat, ultraviolet rays, and noise, making them a useful home improvement option in both hurricane-prone and non-hurricane-prone areas.
Do shutters block heat?
Yes, shutters do block heat from entering into a room or a home. This is because shutters are typically made of a hard material that blocks the sun’s rays, and can provide an additional layer of insulation against the heat of the sun’s rays.
Vinyl and wood shutters are popular options, and both can be used to block heat from entering a room in addition to providing light control and privacy. Shutters on windows can also be effective in blocking out heat in the summer months, by blocking off the direct sunlight that can heat up a room.
Additionally, motorized shutters can be positioned to block out heat in the direct path of the sun and can be quickly adjusted as the sun moves throughout the day.
Do hurricane shutters keep heat out?
Yes, hurricane shutters can keep the heat from entering your home. The metal or vinyl panels act as both physical barriers and reflective surfaces that block sunlight, reducing the amount of heat that can enter your home.
Additionally, most hurricane shutters have insulating properties that further keep the heat out, making them an effective way to reduce your home’s reliance on air conditioning and decreasing your energy bills.
It’s important to note that while these shutters are designed to protect your home from harsh weather, they can also be used in low-risk areas to keep heat out and reduce cooling costs.