How Board and Batten Exterior Shutters Protect Your Coastal Home from Storms

Everything to Know About Board and Batten Window Shutters

Coastal homes, like those in Wilmington, have to be a little tougher than many others. Coastal storms – not to mention corrosive, salty air – can do a number on even durable, energy-efficient windows and walls over the years. That’s why many homeowners benefit from installing board and batten window shutters.

But what exactly are board and batten shutters, and how can they protect your coastal home from salt and sea storms? Let’s take a closer look.

Just what are board and batten window shutters?

Board and batten shutters are classic, old-fashioned window shutters designed to provide privacy and protection in equal measure. Like all shutters, board and batten shutters are installed next to windows – then, when needed, they can be moved over the windows and secured to cover and protect them.

Board and batten shutters get their name from their two primary board types:

• Boards – which are the vertical slats and make up most of the space on any board and batten shutter
• Battens – which are the diagonal or horizontal slats holding the shutter boards in place and giving the shutters their unique look

Board and batten shutter styles

You can install many different styles and types of board and batten window shutters. Certain board and batten shutter styles are better for specific homes or environments, so let’s break down some popular options.

Wood board and batten shutters

Wood board and batten shutters are the most traditional options. Wood, in general, is a popular housing material, and board and batten shutters of this style can give your home a rustic, country-lite aesthetic. In addition, wood shutters can stand up to heavy winds and rain which are common to coastal cities like Wilmington. Wood shutters are oftentimes made of wood species like mahogany, red grandis, and cedar.

While wood board and batten shutters look great and offer solid window protection, they can rot over time. They require maintenance and protective coatings if placed over windows that get a lot of exposure to sunshine or water.

Vinyl board and batten shutters

Vinyl board and batten shutters are cost-effective and affordable, so they’re ideal for more budget-minded home renovations. They can simulate the appearance of other materials, like wood or tile, and they don’t require much maintenance at all. Some window shutter providers offer vinyl board and batten shutters in many different colors, too.

Composite board and batten exterior shutters

Composite board and batten exterior shutters are made from durable, high-quality composite materials. They outperform wood board and batten shutters in terms of longevity, and they're impervious to rot or moisture damage. However, composite shutters may be more expensive than shutters made of other materials.

The benefits of board and batten shutters on houses

Many Wilmington homeowners have board and batten exterior shutters over their properties’ windows, thanks to their myriad benefits. Here are just a handful of the advantages and improvements you might see when you install shutters of your own.

Home privacy

Naturally, all board and batten shutters offer extra privacy and protection for your windows. If you want to ensure passersby can’t see into your home while you’re on vacation, simply close the shutters and lock them tight.

Excellent accents

Plenty of homeowners choose board and batten shutters specifically because of their accent potential. Tastefully installed board and batten shutters placed strategically around the front windows of your home, for example, can act as architectural accents. They may give your property that facelift you’ve always wanted, plus increase its resale value by immediately improving curb appeal.

Lots of board and batten shutter designs

On top of that, board and batten shutters are available in many different design options and colors. No matter what your home’s color scheme might be, odds are you can install board and batten shutters that fit seamlessly with the rest of the aesthetic.

Long-term durability for coastal homes

Wilmington's proximity to the ocean means homeowners should be extra vigilant about the long-term durability of their homes' exterior elements. Luckily, any type of shutter can improve your windows’ longevity purely by protecting them from salt and wind, which can wear down even tough metal over time. Choose the right window shutter material, and they’ll even stand up against inclement weather like coastal storms.

Board and batten exterior shutters can protect your home by shielding your windows against salt and water damage and keeping your privacy intact whenever needed. There are few home upgrades as effective and significant as installing board and batten shutters, even on just the front windows.

You can get board and batten shutters for your coastal home quickly and easily with the right experts on the job. At Window World of Port City, our showroom has plenty of board and batten shutters for you to check out, and our staff is well-equipped to help you make the right choice for your property. Contact us today!