Saying Goodbye To Wood Shutters The traditional wooden shutter is normally made from wood, needs quite a bit of maintenance, and looks as if it was right out of an episode of an old comedy. These shutters have been around since the Colonial Times, and are quite a bit old. Most people never close them, yet the hinges still need to be shined and oiled. These days, it may be the time to get rid of the traditional wood shutters on your home and go with a more modern choice such as aluminum window shutters, as they resist the elements and never close. This will help cut down on your replacement and maintenance costs for keeping the exterior of your home looking the way it should. Below, you'll find several different types of shutters offered today. Vinyl window shutters Vinyl shutters are easy to clean, very affordable, and last around forty years. They will give your home a traditional look without the need for replacing them on a regular basis. They weigh a little of nothing and are available in traditional, louvered, board, and even batten panel styles. To make things better, they will arrive primed and ready to paint any color you wish. Composite window shutters These types of shutters resemble a thick particle board that is made from a collaboration of weather and rot resistant material. They are made from molds that offer many different styles that include the louvered, board, batten, and even raised panel styles. You can also find these shutter types in a cupboard style which is hinged at the top so you can open and close them like the old fashioned wood shutters of the past. Fiberglass shutters Fiberglass is the most expensive type of shutter although they will last around 20 years or so. They are molded as well and offered in a variety of designs that include Bahama, louvered, board and battened, and even raised panel styles. Fiberglass shutters are also stronger and more secure than other types and can also be used to protect your windows during storms and hurricanes. Aluminum shutters Aluminum style shutters are offered in a variety of styles that include the faux colonial louvered style and Bahama style. These shutters are strong and offer great protection for your windows, and come in thousands of different colors and textures. The only bad thing about aluminum shutters, is the fact that most companies will only offer a warranty of around three years. (word count 408) PPPPP