Should Shutters Be Longer Or Shorter Than Windows?

Should Shutters Be Longer Or Shorter Than Windows?

Shutters should be the same size as the opening in the window. When held up to the window, whether alone or in a pair, they should fit as if they were going to be closed. Longer shutters are better when it comes to storms because they can also protect the sides of your window.

The length of your shutters will vary depending on where in the world you live and what kind of natural disasters you expect to face. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you’ll need shutters that can withstand strong winds and heavy rains.

Protection from tornadoes is another important factor in shutter length. They should extend down to the sill of your window, which will provide protection against flying debris.

If you live in an area of high altitude and are worried about a snowstorm putting your home at risk, it would be wise to purchase longer shutters that go past your window frame.

If there is a chance for flooding or mudslides where you live, longer shutters will not only protect the sides of your home from natural hazards but also from mud or flooding as well.

In most areas, storm shutters are longer than windows, since they need to be able to cover the entire width of a window while also protecting both the top and bottom halves.

However, if you live in a place that doesn’t get much bad weather or tropical storms, you may want shorter shutters that only cover the bottom half of your windows and provide protection from insects or other small pests. Also. It depends on the space you want to cover.

For example, if you have a full-length set of windows that’s too costly to cover with storm shutters, you might consider getting full-width shutters instead.

What Are French Window Shutters Called?

These colorfully painted shutters known as volets or volets battants (to distinguish them from roll-down shutters known as volets roulants) remain a defining feature of French architecture, adding beauty and charming details to the windows (and doors) of homes and buildings in villages, whether open or closed, solid or louvered.

French window shutters are made of oak, maple, and other varieties of hardwood. The very best kind is believed to be oak. French shutter louvers are typically hinged on the sides in contrast with more recent American designs, which have louvers hinged at the top.

This makes French shutters traditionally different from American shutters. Many modern French shutters are made of aluminum, plywood, PVC, and various synthetic materials designed to look like these historic window covers.

Louvered shutters are often referred to as Dutch doors (a name that is believed to have originated with the Delftware trade). French window shutters are also known as jalousies. This refers to a style of louvered window shutter that was originally imported from Morocco and Algeria; France adopted the design around 1660.

After a brief period of popularity in Europe, jalousies became popular once again in the United States during the early 1900s with the introduction of new glass technologies.

Although most have been made to match existing windows and doors, there are some typically French varieties that can be purchased specifically to go with other rooms or as a stand-alone accent piece.

The classic French shutters feature a set of louvered slats that run from top to bottom and may be hung open or closed, depending on your needs.

These types are often seen at parades, outdoor concerts, and other outdoor events where you want the same charming charm but don’t want to worry about how they will stand up to windy conditions.