Houston Window Shutters and Storm Shutters

In other areas, we usually sell the idea of exterior window shutters as a contribution to a home's curb appeal, and certainly even the most industrial-strength storm shutters can and should be installed with a decorator's eye as much as the eye of an insurance agent. But, in Space City, to forget that exterior window shutters were originally designed to protect windows from high winds and flying debris is pure folly. A Houston residence without window shutters is almost unheard of, but many could use an upgrade. While there's a bad time to look into new shutters, the most stress-free, cost-effective time is late fall and early winter, when Houston window shutter contractor experience a notable downtick in business.

Hurricanes in Houston: Storm Shutters
There are several types of storm shutters out there, from permanent window shutters to easily installed and removed temporary shutters, each with different specifications, guarantees, and price. Keep in mind though, that storm shutters and storm windows are not something to mess around with. Not to mention impromptu boarding up of windows being a recipe for disaster. You want a protective window installation that has been rigorously tested for one reason: The worst-case scenario during a hurricane is to have exactly one window fail. When this happens, hurricane-force winds funnel into a small opening that rips through your home, followed promptly by roof failure, and total structural collapse.

Interior Window Shutters in Houston
Interior window shutters offer a different set of benefits for your home. They function as a sleek and nifty type of window covering that enhances your room decorating, while providing auxiliary insulation. While they can't compete with replacement windows, they offer an economical substitute or can add even further insulating qualities to your new replacement windows. Plus, they offer privacy that stationary exterior shutters can't, as well as light filtration and convenient opening and closing that few window coverings can match.

Cost of Houston Window Shutters
To plan for a successful Houston window shutter installation, you'll probably want to avail yourself of the cost. ServiceMagic can provide contractor referrals to put you in touch with multiple Houston window shutter professionals. This will give you access to exact estimates and ensure you're getting a reasonable rate for quality craftsmanship. Until then, here's the data on the average cost of window shutter installations so you can prepare your finances:

Exterior Window Shutters: $1,200. Your choice of material (wood, metal, vinyl) can cause this number to fluctuate considerably, but before you commit to an installation, be sure to ask about durability and scheduled maintenance of different materials.

Storm Shutters: $2,900. Naturally, the choice of material matters here as well. Thickness, too, is a critical point, as cost tends to correlate with performance and guarantees. You may want to check with your homeowner's insurance to see if you stand to get a discount on your premium by installing storm shutters. Insurance companies know just as well as anybody about the nightmare scenario when a hurricane blows into town.

Interior Window Shutters: $2,100. Again, material matters, but so does design options and decorative finishes. Various paints, stains, and sealants can make the difference in look and performance, but can also affect the final cost. Of course, you can also greatly reduce the cost of interior window shutters if you're only working on one room in your home, a less viable option for exterior shutters.

It may also interest you to note that the category of Houston window shutter professional is a fairly dubious one, as each type of shutter is handled by a different type of contractor. Exterior shutters are done by a carpenter; storm shutters by home security contractors; and interior shutters by window covering contractors. Of course, some window companies can install all three types, but you're also likely to find Houston contractors who specialize in one type or another.