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Home & Garden Articles
Plantation and Hurricane Shutters - Form and Function Combined
Mon 11 Aug 2008 - 14:27
Plantation and Hurricane Shutters - Form and Function Combined
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jack_S._Blacksmith]Jack S. Blacksmith
Plantation shutters have a long history in home repair and decor. They can be traced back to ancient Greece when they were used for security and for privacy. These early shutters were an important facet of Classic Greek architecture that spurred and influence many other design styles in the Western world. Plantation shutters offer much to today's homeowner. They offer a beautiful, functional way to cover windows. What is the history of plantation shutters?
In the past, glass was often too expensive to purchase and/or too difficult to find. This is when shutters were at the peak of use, because they were used to close the windows of homes. Shutters were used to protect the home from weather and to help keep the house safe from intruders. The plantation shutters were very functional, in that they could be opened and closed as needed to allow air and sunlight in when needed and wanted, but closed during the evenings or during bad weather.
You can see the impact of Greek architecture in homes and buildings that were built as recent as the early 20th century. This type of architecture was very popular in the design of office buildings, banks, and other public buildings in the United States. The plantation homes that were built in the south took much of their design from Greek architecture. These antebellum homes from South Carolina to Mississippi took elements from Greek design that can still be found in some of the restored mansions.
In the South, the plantation and hurricane shutters were used both for form and function. Their great beauty helped to enhance the design of these beautiful homes , but the function of the shutters helped to keep the homes safe from both weather and intruders. This safety function was used quite often during the Civil War to keep the homes safe from looting soldiers and from slaves that were revolting.
Selecting Hurricane and Plantation Shutters
Here are some things that you want to keep in mind when you are selecting plantation and hurricane shutters to help protect and beautify your home.
1. Find a contractor or carpenter that you can trust. They can help make sure that your window frames are strong enough to hold the weight of the shutters, so that they will open and close correctly without harming the window casing.
2. Think about how wide you want the louvers of your shutters. This width has a big impact upon the function and the appearance of the plantation shutters. If you choose wide louvers, more air and light will be allowed into the room.
3. Vinyl or wood shutters? Vinyl shutters are much more durable than wood, especially in areas where moisture and humidity are common. They are also easy to take care of. Wood shutters offer a home and room a more natural and warm feeling, but need more maintenance and care. Either can be found to go with whatever your [http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/swing-arm-curtain-rods.html]curtain style.
4. Fixed or movable louvers? If you are using your hurricane shutters for protection and privacy, you will want to use shutters with fixed louvers. If they are for light control, movable louvers may be a better choice.
5. Warranty? A warranty can help to ensure that you are getting a reliable product. Make sure that you choose a well-known company with a proven track record to ensure that you will get maximum satisfaction from your home repair purchase.
The free-lance writer Jack Blacksmith is very passionate about things dealing with swing arm curtain rods and curtain rods. You might find out more about his work [http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/swing-arm-curtain-rods.html]on swing arm curtain rod at other sources for swing arm curtain rod information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_S._Blacksmith http://EzineArticles.com/?Plantation-and-Hurricane-Shutters---Form-and-Function-Combined&id=1393073
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