Insulated Window Shutters Save on Home Heating Costs

April 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under buy-smart-guides

Oh, baby it’s cold outside… But shuttering windows during the long winter nights is an important step to keeping warm and enjoying huge fuel savings. The most effective way of reducing this heating/cooling loss is to install insulated window shutters that are fitted with a layer of insulating foam material that will bring the R- value of each window to R-17.

The tools and materials you need for this DIY project include those you probably have around the house. To name a few; a tape measure, plane, drill, square, glue, insulating foam, wooden or aluminum for the back cover, nails, hinges and of course some shutters.

1. Measuring the Window Opening

Size up a pair of good shutters to a window opening. The shutters are intended for exterior installation which will mean that window glass will not produce condensation.

2. Encasing the Shutters

Build the casing on the shutter to hold the insulated foam. Measurements must be precise to be certain the foam fits properly. Different backing materials for the finished insulated window shutters can be used depending on the style of home you have.

3. Hanging the Insulated Shutters

Hinges can be store bought or DIY self made which are fully adjustable. To hang the shutters, drill holes into the hinge and secure with screws. Hinges reinforce the insulated shutter by spanning from side to side.

4. Opening and Closing the Shutters

Various devices can be found to open and close shutters automatically with light sensitive devices or mechanically with handles and gears that enable you to operate the shutters from inside the room.

Uniform construction codes of the last 25 years have brought most homes up to a standard of insulating values that have been satisfactory for walls, roofs and windows. You can save up to 40% of heating costs by adding insulated window shutters to your home.

There are extra benefits to installing insulated window shutters on your home; they extend the life of your windows and deter against vandalism and burglary.

Bruce Davis, builder and author who lives and works in Vermont, provides in-depth, specific information on building insulated window shutters at http://www.greenamericaheating.com

Insulated Window Shutters Save on Home Heating Costs

April 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under buy-smart-guides

Oh, baby it’s cold outside… But shuttering windows during the long winter nights is an important step to keeping warm and enjoying huge fuel savings. The most effective way of reducing this heating/cooling loss is to install insulated window shutters that are fitted with a layer of insulating foam material that will bring the R- value of each window to R-17.

The tools and materials you need for this DIY project include those you probably have around the house. To name a few; a tape measure, plane, drill, square, glue, insulating foam, wooden or aluminum for the back cover, nails, hinges and of course some shutters.

1. Measuring the Window Opening

Size up a pair of good shutters to a window opening. The shutters are intended for exterior installation which will mean that window glass will not produce condensation.

2. Encasing the Shutters

Build the casing on the shutter to hold the insulated foam. Measurements must be precise to be certain the foam fits properly. Different backing materials for the finished insulated window shutters can be used depending on the style of home you have.

3. Hanging the Insulated Shutters

Hinges can be store bought or DIY self made which are fully adjustable. To hang the shutters, drill holes into the hinge and secure with screws. Hinges reinforce the insulated shutter by spanning from side to side.

4. Opening and Closing the Shutters

Various devices can be found to open and close shutters automatically with light sensitive devices or mechanically with handles and gears that enable you to operate the shutters from inside the room.

Uniform construction codes of the last 25 years have brought most homes up to a standard of insulating values that have been satisfactory for walls, roofs and windows. You can save up to 40% of heating costs by adding insulated window shutters to your home.

There are extra benefits to installing insulated window shutters on your home; they extend the life of your windows and deter against vandalism and burglary.

Bruce Davis, builder and author who lives and works in Vermont, provides in-depth, specific information on building insulated window shutters at http://www.greenamericaheating.com

Wood Window Shutters – Time to Replace Them With Other Shutter Types?

March 3, 2009 by admin  
Filed under What's Hot

On these modern times, some home owners might think it is actually time to replace their tradition wood window shutters on their windows and install a much more modern option like the aluminum type of shutters. These are actually great in resisting the harsh elements such as water, sun and wind. Aluminum is very durable and can actually last a long time. It is indeed the right choice when wanting to replace your wood shutters.

There are other many window treatments that are worthy replacement to your wood shutters. One good replacement is the vinyl window shutters. Vinyls are easy and quick to clean, reasonably priced and can last for a long time.

Vinyl window shutters can provide your home the traditional style. They work as your shutters for years without the need to replace them. They do not weigh so much are can be had in different attractive styles such as traditional, board, louver, and batten panel. If you want to own a really good quality and great looking window shutters, you may order something that is primed and already ready for painting.

Another type that can replace your wood is the composite window shutters. These types are like thick board that is manufactured from weather and damage resistant materials. They are shaped from unique molds which offer various styles and designs such as board, louvered, raised panels and batten. These types of shutters can be found in the cupboard style wherein it is hinged on top so that it can be opened and closed similarly to the old model type wood window shutters.

For more interesting articles about window shutters and treatments and hurricane window shutters, do visit us at Window Shutters World blog.