If you live in an area that is prone to strong storms, high winds, or other such inclement weather, you might want to add a protective element to the outside of your home's windows. Shutters are a great choice for this added protection, as they can cover an entire window and keep them safe during a storm. You can also close shutters when you need to block out heat, cold, light or sound.

Both traditional hinged shutters and roller shutters have their own pros and cons, which might make it difficult for you to choose the right option for your house. Note a few of those pros and cons here, so you can better determine the right type of shutters for your home.

Hinged shutters

Hinged shutters are visible, which can be a pro or a con! If you want to add some style to your home's exterior and break up the look of a long wall, hinged shutters are an excellent choice. You can also paint wood shutters any colour, allowing you to add some visual interest and texture to your home's exterior. You might opt for a bright and bold colour that makes your home stand out, or install dark shutters against a white home, to keep it from looking dull.

On the other hand, hinged shutters might look a bit cluttered and busy on a small home. Also, when considering hinged shutters, note how they would close. If you need to literally lean out a window and close the shutters by hand, this can be dangerous and uncomfortable, especially if a storm has already started.

Roller shutters

Roller shutters are virtually invisible, as they roll up into a cassette that sits atop the window. Again, this could be a pro or a con, as you might prefer to have the shutters completely out of sight when they're not needed, while some homeowners might like the look of traditional hinged shutters.

Roller shutters also typically operate from a crank inside the home, so it's easier to close them if a storm has already started. This also makes them safer to operate for second story windows. Many roller shutters also run on a track inside the window frame, so they provide security for your home, as it's difficult for an intruder to pry these shutters off that track to access a window. If you're looking for a way to keep out burglars while also protecting your home from storms, roller shutters may be your best option.

For more information on these and other options, contact services such as Southern Screen Scene.