Window Shutters Chappaqua

Window Shutters…They look pretty. They come in different colors. They even come in different styles, but what are window shutters for beyond being decorative? Here some info:

The Tudors Made Them Functional and Stylish

Wooden shutters used for protection from the elements were first commonplace about 500 years ago, during the reign of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I; the Tudors. Strictly functional, early shutters were not much more than wooden plank doors affixed to the outside (and sometimes the inside) of a structure’s doors and windows. Before this time, construction during featured thick stone walls with few windows, and it was not unheard for window shutters to be affixed to the inside surface of the wall instead of outside the door or window. As more buildings were built of wood, shutters were typically installed on the outside surface of the structure.

Shutters were closed to shut out the wind, weather, dirt, and the strong sunlight and opened to circulate air, cool the place, and let in sunlight. For poorer classes, shutters may even have replaced the glass in their windows as glass was prohibitively expensive during that time. Through the years, folks started decorating their home’s shutters to express their welcome to others.

The Industrial Revolution Made Them Available to Builders

Shutters during the late 1800s and early 1900s were becoming more of a decoration on homes than a necessary means of damage prevention. Power tools and automation led to assembly lines cranking out wooden shutters in a variety of styles and colors to furnish the booming new-home construction industry. Functional shutters were still a desired option for many homebuyers because they were practical as well as decorative. Before air conditioning was common, louvered shutters were used to filter harsh sunlight and allow air to circulate. Functional shutters today are a more specialized product but still available for restoration purposes.

Aluminum Made Them Widespread Accents on 20^th-century Homes

During the 1950s and 1960s, home siding manufactured from aluminum was an advancement in homebuilding that the American public took a strong liking to. Aluminum siding, and later vinyl siding, was easily installed directly over the original or existing siding material and came in a variety of colors, textures, and trim options. Non-functional window shutters were available to contrast and highlight the new siding and trim windows and doors with color and emphasis. Aluminum shutters were lightweight, easily affixed to the outside surface of the wall, and good looking.

Vinyl Made Them Modern

Vinyl siding has been explosively popular in the 21^st century. Vinyl siding has many of the features of aluminum siding and more. Vinyl is lighter than aluminum, so it’s easier to install and to affix to the existing surface. Vinyl doesn’t dent like aluminum does, so bumps from tree branches or hail are not an issue.

Designs Unlimited Makes It a Pleasure

Designs Unlimited Painting & Carpentry can help you improve the look of and restore your home in Chappaqua to like-new shape, but they make the process easy and enjoyable for you. Designs Unlimited is a full-service painting and carpentry company with a wide range of experience, and they can help you with all phases of home improvements or remodeling.

Why Choose Designs Unlimited?

• More than 20 years experience in the industry.
• Fully insured and licensed.
• Highly trained employees.
• Customer satisfaction.

Designs Unlimited offers comprehensive residential and commercial painting/restoration services from start to finish. From our customized quotes to our detailed painters and precise job management; we aspire to make your experience hassle-free. Working with Designs Unlimited you will have a team of people helping you every step of the way. Call one of our locations and speak with a design specialist to learn how Designs Unlimited can help get your project in Chappaqua NY started today.