PVC or Wood Exterior Shutters?

	So you're interested in exterior shutters and perhaps you already have some wood shutters on your house that are showing signs of rot. Every 5 or so years it seems like you go through this cycle again and again of getting them replaced and now you're looking perhaps for an alternative.
Look towards PVC as a viable alternative for a no rot, virtually maintenance free shutter.

PVC shutters are quickly becoming the modern standard as a functional, no rot alternative to wood shutters which generally last 5 years on average. With usually only a small difference in price, the long-term payoff can be huge. The first step is understanding a little bit more about PVC shutters to help you move forward towards finally solving your shutter problem. PVC exterior shutters require special installation that differs from traditional wood shutters. This is due to the thermal nature of PVC which is already being used in the industry for exterior trim applications and window boxes. The thing to keep in remember is that you want to secure the shutter to the house. To do this there are three important difference between PVC and wood.

Important notes:
1. Use vinyl safe paint
2. Use 3-4 hinges for support, not 2. (looks more decorative and historically more accurate anyway to have 3-4)
3. Secure with bracket at top and shutter dog on bottom for the outside portion of shutter.
In addition, we place a 2" x 2" metal L-shaped bracket behind the top outside corner and we drill down into the side of the shutter from above and we mount the bracket directly into the brick or siding wall using a screw and an anchor.

If you follow these steps or hire a professional then you can finally enjoy maintenance free shutters that look just like wood when painted without all the hassels.
For more information

How to Choose the Right Shutter Company

When the time comes to replace those exterior shutters, where do you go and who do you talk to. Many customers often tell me they looked and looked and just didn't know where to find our product. The problem with exterior shutters is that they're usually not at your Home Depot's and your local home improvement stores, b/c it's too hard for those guys to stock. Shutters come in so many sizes b/c they have to match windows and this means they very often have to be custom built. (Nowadays windows have so many sizes the usual standards have gone on the window...no pun intended ;) This means you'll be needing to talk with a local shutter company that will usually come out, measure, and give you an estimate to do the job.

A good shutter company will give you a free estimate and will provide a cost breakdown for all of the services. Make sure you ask the right questions. If you want to save money you can sometimes modify the widths of the shutters. Traditionally, shutters have been built to match the size of the window. The idea is that the shutter can open or close to cover the window. Nowadays, it's very common to have smaller shutters that serve more as accents to your home. Having smaller shutters is something to consider, but that may not be what you want. Make sure you find out how the shutters will be installed. There are two methods: (1) direct set and (2) on hinges. Direct set is often used in the vinyl shutter industry where the shutters are secured to the home's exterior at every corner and screwed to the wall. Many times, individuals like the look of functional shutters, but expect to pay more for these, b/c that is one of the limitations that can be done with vinyl. If you decide on wood, you can expect your shutters to last 5-7 years on average for raised panel and 7-10 years on average for board and batten. Also, lighter colors will help prolong the life of the shutter by protecting them more from the sun. Composite shutters can be more expensive, but can last virtually forever as well. Make sure you know how long you plan on living in the house before you proceed.

To make sure the job is done quickly and done right never pay the full amount upfront to your shutter contractor. If they insist on upfront payment you can usually negotiate them down to paying a portion upfront and the rest when the jobs done. Lastly, get multiple quotes, but don't just go with the cheapest. Listen to what each contractor has to say. It's ok to ask for references or pictures of their work. Nowadays, many shutter companies have a website gallery that shows off their past works and this can give you some insight into the workmanship and quality you can expect. Once you decide on a company it's a good idea to set a deadline. Because they're probably going to be custom built, you can expect to wait 1-2 weeks on average. Setting an install date is a good way to keep your contractor motivated and on schedule.

Right Angle, Inc. Has The Right Products

Welcome to The Right Products Blog

Visit the About Me section or www.therightproducts.com to learn more about The Right Angle Inc. and our products.

Since 2002, The Right Angle, Inc. has been provided the Atlanta area with affordable composite exterior shutters, window boxes, and architectural brackets made from PVC or cedar. With the expansion of our new location, we would like to not only expand our services, but also expand out knowledge.

This blog contains all the information you need to know about the new standard in the Atlanta and national market for your home. Weather you are adorning your windows with shudders or window brackets or accommodating your porch with architectural brackets there is a lot of informative information regarding these dynamics. We will post articles on an array of topics.

The installation, maintenance, and benefits of our products. Selling your home? The Right Angle has just the product to increase your curb appeal and sell your home quicker with affordable changes to your home. Into gardening, arrangements for window boxes are important, know which kind of flowers last the longest and gives the wow factor that your neighbors will be envious of.

Join us in experiencing the next big thing for your home. Be ahead of the curve with these innovative products. Sometimes even your home needs accessories.