Plantation shutters are another form of storm protection that doubles as outdoors décor. This type of storm shutter is one of the most classic types of window coverings available, and really is timeless.

Plantation shutters say a lot about the home or business owner, without really saying anything at all. If you take great pride in the appearance of your property, but still need to protect it, plantation shutters are the way to go.

How do they Work?

Plantation shutters can be mounted inside or outside a window, and can have adjustable louvers for regulation of light and climate control. They also act as a great barrier against wind drafts from the cracks that exist around windows outside.

You have the choice of using them singly, or over an entire row of windows, and they can even be hinged together to cover a larger then normal area, but usually though that is only done on commercial property like restaurants and the like.

Most of the time plantation shutters are made of a certain type of wood, but sometimes wood just doesn't cut it because wood warps, unless of course you get a faux wood, which does not warp when moisture seeps in.

Basically, if they are going in the bathroom, around a hot tub, or another moist area, then you should buy plantation shutters made of a different material like vinyl or plastic.

Installing Plantation Shutters

Installing this type of storm shutter is actually a simple project that just about any home or business owner can do themselves, even if they have no knowledge or like doing this sort of thing.

If needed though, you could always call a local supplier/installer to come over and install them for you. In the end, if you do decide to install them yourself, be prepared to spend at least an hour on each window opening.

Whether you or a professional installs your plantation shutters, here are some steps you should follow before, during and after installation:

• Know the measurements of all the window openings you want to cover.
• Make sure the angles are correct on the window openings, compared to the plantation shutters.
• If shutters need to be cut to fit, make sure to cut them slightly larger then the opening they are going over.
• Be sure to use two hinges for shutters that are thirty inches or less in height. Use 3 if they are between 30 to fifty inches.
• Make sure you install the hinges on the opposite side of the shutter opening.
• Install the latch in the appropriate position (i.e. if you don't want children to reach it, move the latch up higher).

Well, that is about all the important information regarding plantation shutters that every home and business owner should know. Just make sure they are installed correctly, and your windows will be protected for years to come.