Colonial And Bahama Shutters - Can Swing Shut To Secure

The most popular types of shutter are still the colonial and bahama shutters style which have been around for centuries. Both the colonial and bahama shutter (aka bahama awning) are mounted on hinges and can be closed to secure a window.

The colonial type shutters, are really like two doors to keep a window more secure. One on each side of the window, they swing shut on hinges to close over the glass protectively whenever the occasion demands.

They are often mounted at a slight incline, so swing shut when the shutter dog holdback weights are released. They should fold back within the window opening to avoid the risk of being damaged by gales.

They are then secured and bolted from within. Unless homeowners attach hardware like ring pulls, this closing is done from the outside.

Colonial shutters (when operable, though the purely ornamental fixed type which doesn't close is more popular nowadays) can be adjusted anywhere from fully open to fully closed. This depends on factors like ventilation, shading and privacy.

Installing stylish shutter hardware can add elements of olde worlde charm to your wood and composite colonial shutters as well. You can choose from cast/wrought iron, brass or bronze for plates, strap hinges and shutter dogs.

Raised panel, board and batten, louvered or a combination styles are popular for both fixed and operable colonial shutters.

Down Bahamas Way

Bahama shutters are also hinged but at the top. They stand out on supporting struts but are slatted so they don't block the light away from windows, but provide pleasant shading from bright glare and hot sun.

If they need to be closed; then the struts are easily lowered and the bahama shutter folds down and locks, securing the window. These days they are mostly made from aluminum, but other materials are available too.

Obviously the larger size window protection is required for, so the cost will rise. But many shutters have guarantees against defects in workmanship and materials.

Also see; replacement windows.

Author Notes:

Anthony Lee contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com. Find everything you need to know about replacement windows, shutters, tinting, basement, fiberglass windows and more.