Plantation shutters are the preferred window treatment for many Australian homeowners. This functional window covering adds a stylish, timeless element that complements various interior décor styles. Known for their durable construction, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, homeowners should consider a few factors to enjoy these benefits. One factor that is often overlooked is the weight of the material. Load-bearing considerations can impact the efficiency and functionality of plantation shutters, making this a crucial factor in your buying decision.
This guide explores the weight difference between each material and the considerations to make when picking the best material for your windows.
Understanding Plantation Shutter Materials and Weight
The best way to know which plantation shutter materials are best for your windows, is to look at the various materials and their corresponding load-bearing capabilities. As mentioned, plantation shutters are available in various materials. Each has distinct characteristics that impact their weight and durability. These characteristics also determine whether they suit specific windows and window frame types.
Understanding the differences in weight among various plantation shutter materials is crucial for ensuring their longevity. Aside from their longevity, different materials impact the window frames on which they are mounted. Consider the potential structural issues that could arise over time.
Wood Shutters
Wooden materials are the heaviest options for plantation shutters. While popular because of their timeless appeal and unmatched durability, wooden plantation shutters are the heaviest. However, two varieties of wooden materials are commonly used for making shutters: hardwood and softwood.
Hardwood varieties, such as oak and cherry, are known for their strength, durability, and capability of resisting environmental damage. If weight is an issue, choose lightweight hardwood materials, such as basswood and teak. These wooden materials are relatively lighter than other solid wood options. Still, they are heavier than other materials, so if you choose wooden shutters, ensure you have a solid window frame to carry that weight. Otherwise, the weight stresses the frames over time, causing tremendous damage, particularly if you have large shutters.
Aluminum Shutters
Aluminum is increasingly popular because it offers aesthetic appeal and is resilient against various environmental factors. Another reason aluminum is considered the best alternative to wooden materials is its lightweight quality. It is an exceptionally strong material that can handle most wear and tear. And yet, it is not as heavy on the window frames, providing the perfect solution when you want the aesthetic value without causing damage to your windows.
This material is also the best option for larger windows because its weight won’t cause stress over time.
Composite Shutters
Composite shutters are made from engineered materials, such as wood. Wood has a protective coating that can be moderately heavy. This material is superior to wood because it can resist moisture, making it an ideal choice for humid rooms.
The downside to composite plantation shutters is that they are relatively heavy. Consider the weight before you install them because the added weight could damage the window frames. If you must install composite shutters, they are best for smaller windows.
Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters are the lightest shutter material. Their lightweight quality makes them easy to install and does not stress the window frames. Aside from being lightweight, vinyl shutters are also popular because they are affordable and moisture-resistant. However, vinyl shutters do not offer the premium look of wood and aluminum.
How Do Plantation Shutter Materials Impact Window Frames?
The weight of plantation shutter materials is crucial not only for the overall quality and aesthetic it adds to your windows but also for the long-term stability of your window frames.
If you use heavy shutter materials, it can lead to various structural issues. The excess weight puts stress on the window frames, resulting in warping, cracking, or bending. Improperly installed plantation shutters can further exacerbate these issues. If the shutters are not secured properly, the screws and brackets that secure them onto the window frame could loosen,making it difficult to open or close the shutters.
Aside from loosening brackets and screws, the excessive weight on the material can lead to misalignment. Misaligned plantation shutters are difficult to operate and shorten the lifespan of the window treatment. Furthermore, a misaligned window treatment causes gaps between the shutters and windows, compromising insulation and the privacy of your home.
Three factors impact how the weight of the material of plantation shutter is distributed through the frames. The first factor is the shutter size. If you have larger windows and need large shutters, choose lightweight options. If the shutters are heavy and large in size, they add more pressure to the window frames, resulting in damage.
The next factor to consider is the mounting method. If your window shutters are inside mounted, which means they are mounted within the window recess, it ensures a more even weight distribution. On the other hand, an outside mount is attached to the wall or the trim of the windows, which does not provide equal weight distribution.
Third, the window frame material is as important a consideration as the plantation shutter materials. Certain window frame materials can withstand more weight than others. Therefore, keep this in mind when shopping around for plantation shutters based on your existing window frame material.
Final Tips Before Installing Plantation Shutters
With this information about how plantation shutter materials impact weight and window frames, you can make an informed decision when comparing various materials. The best approach is to hire a professional plantation shutters installation service to assess your window frames and their load-bearing capabilities. You can use this to determine the right material to fit your windows. In addition, you can determine the ideal size and mounting method for your plantation shutters to prevent damage and ensure their longevity.
Plantation shutters can be a significant investment for your home, ensuring its privacy and comfort. Make the most of these benefits and optimise your investment by helping them achieve their optimum lifespan.
