Why Are Shutters On The Outside There?

Exterior window shutters have been a significant feature in history, providing protection, privacy, and ventilation for centuries. They were originally designed to provide protection against the Mediterranean climate and were used as a decorative element. Today, most exterior window shutters are non-functional and are often nailed into place against the siding. Louvered shutters are best for privacy and design, while storm shutters are used to protect windows and doors during hurricanes or as security shutters over openings.

Exterior shutters are impact-resistant, roll-down shutters that lock in place and create a nearly invisible barrier. They are essential for protecting your home from unpredictable weather and elements, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or hail. They also block out sunlight, making it easier to sleep and keeping your house cool during the day. Shutters also offer privacy, as few other window coverings can provide this feature.

In tropical Australia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and the American South, exterior shutters are commonly used to block the strong sun from windows. They are used to accent windows and give the entire house a distinctive touch. Shutters became the preferred solution for allowing natural light to fill a home while controlling ventilation. They are a simple way to manually release air and boost circulation if things feel too hot or stuffy.

Much like interior window coverings, exterior shutters enhance protection, create curb appeal, and add value to your property. They act as a protective barrier, safeguarding your exterior windows from windblown debris, heavy rain, and even hail. Shutters served as the only way to “shut” a window and keep out bad weather and wildlife.

Is there a purpose for shutters?

Exterior shutters were originally designed for light control, privacy, security, and protection from the elements. They are commonly found in tropical Australia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and the American South, where they block strong sun from windows. Functional shutters can be hinged on each side of a window or at the top and swing closed when necessary, while operable louvered shutters provide greater control of light and ventilation. Solid panels and board-and-batten shutters are used for security or protection during severe weather.

Non-functional shutters enhance the appearance of a building and are typically made from solid woods that can withstand outdoor elements. Composite shutters offer advantages over wood shutters such as resistance to twisting, splitting, and rotting. PVC shutters are often hinged with multiple hinges and painted with vinyl-safe paint to prevent bowing in the sun. Fiberglass shutters are more dimensionally stable than PVC and are resistant to rot and decay.

Certain hardwoods like Spanish cedar, Honduran mahogany, and teak are suitable for exterior shutters due to their tannin content and resistance to insects. Non-functional shutters can be constructed from wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or other synthetic materials. Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic that is not prone to rotting or twisting, dimensionally stable, and has low expansion and contraction. In France, exterior shutters are often made of steel and configured in multiple narrow full-length panels. Some shutters in Italy slide on rollers into pockets in the wall at each side of the window.

When should you not use exterior shutters?

Shutters are not necessary for every window, as they should cover the entire window when closed. Double-mulled, picture, bay, and most dormer windows should not have shutters. If shutters aren’t affordable, adding shutter hardware can be a simple detail. Mismatched windows can appear sloppy, especially with differing muntin patterns. Some muntin patterns are endemic to certain architectural styles, so “Prairie” muntins should be avoided unless the house is of the Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, or Prairie style. Adding shutter hardware can add a touch of elegance to a house.

What is the purpose of a shutter?

Shutter is a device used in photography to open the lens aperture of a camera to admit light and expose the film or electronic image sensor. Adjustable shutters control exposure time, which varies based on lighting conditions, subject movement, and other factors. The optimal exposure time can be selected by the photographer or set by the camera itself. Modern camera shutters are divided into two principal types: leaf shutters, which consist of overlapping metal blades opened and closed by spring action or electronically, and focal-plane shutters, which consist of overlapping blinds that form an adjustable slit or window.

The width of the slit determines exposure time, with narrower slits resulting in shorter exposures. The actual travel time remains constant for all exposure times, with a mechanism triggering the release of the second blind. Exposures as brief as 1 / 12, 000 of a second are possible with the focal-plane shutter.

What was the original purpose of shutters?

Wood window shutters have been a standard feature in historical buildings across Europe and the southern United States. They were developed by the ancient Greeks to provide natural light, ventilation, and protection from thieves. The first exterior window shutters were made of marble, but due to cost, wood shutters became the more common choice.

Glass window coverings became popular in the Tudor and Elizabethan times (1558-1603), but were expensive, so most homes used glass only on the upper half of their window opening. Solid wood shutters were used on the lower half, allowing residents to see out while the exterior window shutters opened to let in air and breeze.

The dawn of louvered shutters occurred earlier, but became especially important during the Industrial Revolution (1790-1870). Louvered shutters could deflect rain, prevent bugs, and provide varying degrees of natural light with an adjustment of the shutter.

Why put shutters on a house?

The installation of shutters can provide an additional layer of protection against high winds and heavy rains, which can be beneficial for homeowners in coastal areas. Furthermore, contemporary operational shutters serve to diminish the financial outlay associated with the provision of heating and cooling.

What do exterior shutters do?

The functional louvered shutter provides a means of maintaining privacy, enhancing security, and facilitating the entry of light and air into the domestic environment. Decorative louvered shutters provide an opportunity for homeowners to express their personal style through the choice of color and design. The most prevalent architectural styles in residential construction include Cape Cod, Colonial, Cottage/Bungalow, Craftsman, Farmhouse, and Ranch. The design of board and batten shutters features wide planks connected horizontally.

Why do Europeans use shutters?

Around 500 years ago, craftsmen began making wooden shutters with fixed louvers and hinged panels for opening and closing. These solid shutter panels were used for weather protection and security, and have been used in many European countries to retain or reduce heat in homes. In England, Victorians preferred boxed shutter style panels, which were solid and folded back into a box when not in use. The shaker style solid wooden shutters were popular during this time, providing insulating properties to reduce heat loss and noise pollution.

During the Tudor period, shutters were made from wood, making them easier to open and close. Over time, the style of window shutters evolved to become more decorative, with glass becoming more accessible and popular around the 18th century. Tudor style shutters were made from solid timber panels secured to the inside wall and folded back to be flush with the internal wall when the window needed to be opened.

Why do European houses have shutters?

Window shutters have a rich history dating back to medieval Europe, where they were used to protect homes from the elements and showcase craftsmanship. The tradition of window shutters spread to the Americas during colonialism, with their simplicity and practicality becoming common in southern homes. The Industrial Revolution brought about a shift in production and accessibility of window shutters, with modern manufacturing processes transforming them from bespoke commodities to mass-produced items.

Steam-powered machinery facilitated the rapid production of shutters, improving access to these once exclusive fixtures. Overall, window shutters have a rich history and continue to be a popular choice for homeowners.

What are the benefits of shutters?

Shutters offer various benefits such as light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. They allow easy manipulation of slats to diffuse light, reduce glare, or close all windows. They also provide flexibility in visibility, allowing for a personalized level of privacy. Shutters also provide insulation, helping regulate temperature and reducing heat loss in colder months. They come in various styles and finishes, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any room and complementing different interior designs.

Why do British houses not have shutters?

Historically, the United Kingdom has not been sufficiently warm to necessitate the use of shutters for the purpose of maintaining a cool indoor environment. While shutters are typically employed for this purpose in other regions, they have not been widely utilized in the UK.

Why don’t Americans use shutters?

Rolling shutters, a traditional European architectural feature, have been absent in American homes due to historical architectural differences and climatic considerations. Early American homes were designed with different priorities, such as the temperate climate and ample land availability, which led to the absence of rolling shutters. European Rolling Shutters (ERS) believes in the importance of rolling shutters and other shading solutions in homes for security, climate control, aesthetics, and comfort.

Rolling shutters have roots in European architecture, dating back centuries, and were initially designed for practical purposes like protection from the elements. They were able to control sunlight, enhance security, and regulate interior temperatures, making them an integral part of the European architectural landscape.