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Why do New Orleans homes have shutters?
No matter where you live in New Orleans, you’ve likely noticed that most of the homes in your neighborhood have exterior shutters. They’re charming architectural details that have framed windows for centuries to protect residents from flying debris during a storm and to shade them from the hot summer sun.
What kind of wood should you use for exterior shutters?
Cedar
Cedar is the most common material for construction of exterior shutters because of its resistance to both insects and decay. It is a straight wood that finishes very well and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions well.
Are exterior shutters going out of style?
They allow light and air and also offer protection from storms and are a great choice for homes in tropical regions. So, when the question ‘are exterior shutters still in style’ comes to your mind, the answer is ‘Yes’. No other exterior decorative elements can beat the flexibility and smoothness of these shutters.
How much do exterior wood shutters cost?
Installing exterior shutters on a single window costs between $302 and $1,036 or $669 on average. Shutters are $30 to $1,600, depending on their style, material and size. Raised-panel vinyl sets are the most affordable at $25 to $450 while industrial roller security models are the most expensive at $1,200 each.
Why do houses in New Orleans have 2 front doors?
The tour guide described the two sets of double doors immediately behind the staircase as the “brise” (French for breeze, as the Creole would have spoken French). They were essentially air ducts, said the tour guide and, to Creole folks, using those doors would have been as odd as entering the house through a window.
Why do New Orleans homes have high ceilings?
As Santi suggested, historic New Orleans houses were designed with weather in mind. High ceilings, windows aligned to catch breezes, covered porches and galleries, window shutters – all kept air circulating and direct sun off interior rooms, says Ann Masson.
How long do exterior wood shutters last?
These shutters can last up to 20 to 30 years (or another 30 years if stripped and recoated!), for an affordable price, with little maintenance.
How thick should wood shutters be?
2.03 Structural Dimensions. Shutter stiles shall be a minimum of 2-5/8 inches wide by 1 3/8 inches thick. Top rails and midrails shall be a minimum of 2 3/8 inches wide by 1 5/16 inches thick.
Do exterior shutters increase home value?
With exterior shutters, you can improve your home’s value and a lot more. This window treatment technique protects your house, boosts energy efficiency, and improves curb appeal. Shutters also enhance privacy and help transform the exterior décor.
Do people still put shutters on a house?
Today, shutters are used extensively all over the world, for functional and aesthetic purposes. Do all houses need shutters? Absolutely not, and many, many houses would look much better without shutters, rather than with “today’s” shutters.
What is the average cost to replace exterior shutters?
The national average materials cost to install exterior shutters is $35.26 per shutter, with a range between $27.90 to $42.62. The total price for labor and materials per shutter is $166.22, coming in between $128.60 to $203.83.
How do I choose exterior shutters?
Make sure the shutters you choose correctly fit your windows; shutters should match the length of a window’s trim and be approximately 25-33 percent of the window’s width. When measuring for shutter widths, consider spaces between windows.