When choosing a material for your home’s shutters, you need to understand the pros and cons of every option. Which leads us to an important question: what is vinyl, anyway?
Vinyl is a synthetic material made from chlorine and ethylene. Combined and processed, these materials make a type of plastic called Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin — or, as we call it, vinyl. In short: vinyl is a type of plastic.
Known as one of the more popular types of materials for shutters, there are several advantages to choosing vinyl shutters. First and foremost, they do tend to be one of the most cost-effective options for shutters. However, beyond price point, vinyl shutters are also waterproof, making them a great option for high humidity areas.
Of course, like all options, there are also cons to choosing vinyl shutters. The material tends to be much heavier than wood or composite shutters, making them better suited for smaller windows. Another con worth considering: vinyl shutters aren’t nearly as environmentally sustainable as wood shutters. Most distributors tend to have more limited styles and customization options for vinyl as well.
Still, with their lower price point and durability, vinyl shutters are a great option for smaller homes in damp climates. You won’t have to worry about warping or water damage; plus, vinyl shutters are exceedingly easy to clean and maintain.
Think of it this way: if we were to put shutter materials on a spectrum, wood and vinyl would be on either end and composite would be somewhere in the middle. Each type has its own advantages — now it’s just a matter of determining the best fit for your home.
