Do Exterior Shutters Add Home Security? A Complete Guide
Are you thinking about adding exterior shutters to your home? Many homeowners choose shutters for their classic look and charm. But there's more to these fixtures than just curb appeal.
Exterior shutters do add significant security to your home when properly installed and made of durable materials. They create a physical barrier that makes breaking in through windows much harder for intruders. Good shutters also boost privacy while still letting you control light and airflow.
Homes with visible security features like exterior shutters often aren't targeted by burglars. They prefer easier targets. This means the right shutters can be both beautiful and a smart security upgrade for your property.
The Security Benefits of Exterior Shutters
Physical Barrier Protection
Exterior shutters form a tough physical barrier over your windows. This makes it much harder for someone to break in. When closed and locked, sturdy exterior shutters create an extra layer between your home and potential threats.
Most burglars look for quick and easy entry points. Windows are common targets because glass breaks easily. With exterior shutters in place, criminals face an additional obstacle that takes time and makes noise to overcome.
Deterring Potential Intruders
Home security experts often talk about the importance of visible deterrents. Exterior shutters send a clear message to potential intruders: this home is protected and not worth the trouble.
The mere sight of exterior shutters can make criminals think twice about targeting your home. They typically look for the path of least resistance, and homes with obvious security features like shutters often get passed over for easier targets.
Added Privacy Features
Good security starts with controlling visibility into your home. Exterior shutters let you decide when and how much of your home's interior can be seen from outside.
This privacy benefit means that valuable items stay hidden from curious eyes. Burglars often scope out homes before breaking in, looking for signs of valuables worth stealing. Exterior shutters block their view and keep your belongings private.
Types of Security-Enhancing Exterior Shutters
Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters are hinged at the top and angle outward from the bottom. They offer excellent storm protection while also providing good security benefits. Their unique design allows for ventilation and light control while maintaining privacy.
These shutters are popular in coastal areas but work well for security in any location. Made from aluminum or composite materials, quality Bahama shutters resist forced entry while adding tropical flair to your home's exterior.
Plantation Shutters for Exterior Use
While often seen indoors, exterior plantation shutters offer substantial security when made with the right materials. Their adjustable louvers provide flexibility for light, air, and visibility while still maintaining security when fully closed.
Exterior plantation shutters typically use thicker, stronger materials than their interior counterparts. This makes them effective security barriers while still giving you the classic look plantation shutters are known for.
Rolling Security Shutters
For maximum security, rolling shutters are hard to beat. These shutters roll up and down along tracks and can be operated manually or with motors. When closed, they form a nearly impenetrable barrier over windows and doors.
Made from reinforced aluminum or steel, rolling security shutters offer the highest level of protection. Many models can be controlled remotely, allowing you to secure your home even when you're away.
Traditional Panel Shutters
Classic panel shutters fold against the wall when open and close across the window when in use. When made from solid wood or metal and properly installed with secure hinges and locks, they provide good security.
These shutters blend well with most architectural styles while offering functional protection. Their traditional appearance doesn't scream "security feature," making them a subtle but effective choice for homeowners concerned about both aesthetics and safety.
Key Security Features to Look For
Material Durability
The security value of your shutters depends greatly on their material strength. Look for shutters made from:
- Solid hardwoods like cedar or mahogany
- Metal options such as aluminum or steel
- High-quality composite materials
Avoid flimsy materials that can be easily broken or cut. The best security shutters should be at least 1-inch thick and resist attempts to break them with common tools.
Lock Systems and Hardware
Even the strongest shutters won't provide security without proper locking mechanisms. Good security shutters include:
- Deadbolt-style locks
- Interior locking bars
- Reinforced hinges that can't be easily removed
The hardware should be rust-resistant and securely attached with tamper-resistant screws. Weak points in the locking system can undermine the entire security benefit of your shutters.
Installation Quality
Poor installation can make the best shutters ineffective for security. Shutters must be anchored firmly to your home's structure, not just the exterior siding. This prevents them from being pried away from the wall.
Professional installation ensures that shutters are properly aligned and that all security features work correctly. The mounting hardware should be concealed or tamper-resistant to prevent easy removal from outside.
Installation Considerations for Maximum Security
Professional vs. DIY Installation
While DIY installation may save money upfront, security shutters often require specialized knowledge to install properly. Professional installers understand how to mount shutters securely to different wall types and window configurations.
Professional installation also typically comes with guarantees or warranties that cover both the product and the installation work. This gives you peace of mind that your security investment is protected.
Proper Mounting Techniques
Security-focused installation requires shutters to be mounted into structural elements of your home, not just surface materials. This means finding studs, using appropriate anchors, and ensuring the shutters can't be easily removed.
The mounting depth matters too. Screws should penetrate at least 1.5 inches into solid wood for maximum holding power. This level of security requires proper tools and experience to achieve consistently.
Maintenance for Ongoing Security
Even the best security shutters need regular maintenance to remain effective. Check periodically for:
- Loose hardware or hinges
- Rust or corrosion on metal parts
- Warping or damage to the shutter material
- Proper operation of locks and latches
A simple maintenance schedule of checking your shutters twice yearly can help ensure they continue to provide the security benefits you expect. This is especially important after severe weather events that might have damaged your shutters.
Cost vs. Value: Are Security Shutters Worth It?
Initial Investment Breakdown
Quality security shutters typically cost between $200-$600 per window depending on size, material, and features. This investment is higher than decorative shutters but provides actual functional benefits.
Professional installation adds another $50-$100 per window on average. While this increases your upfront costs, proper installation is crucial for security effectiveness and longevity of the shutters.
Long-term Savings on Insurance
Many homeowners don't realize that adding security features like exterior shutters can lower insurance premiums. Some insurance companies offer discounts of 5-15% for homes with multiple security features.
Contact your insurance provider to ask about potential discounts for home security improvements. Over time, these savings can offset a significant portion of your initial investment in security shutters.
Added Home Value
Security-enhancing exterior shutters can increase your home's market value. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes with built-in security features and are willing to pay more for them.
In addition to security, exterior shutters add curb appeal and energy efficiency – both desirable features for potential buyers. This makes security shutters a smart investment even if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Beyond Security: Additional Benefits of Exterior Shutters
Weather Protection
Quality exterior shutters provide excellent protection against severe weather. They shield windows from flying debris during storms and can prevent costly glass breakage.
In areas prone to hurricanes or high winds, impact-resistant shutters are especially valuable. These specialized shutters are designed to withstand extreme conditions while also providing daily security benefits.
Energy Efficiency
Closed exterior shutters create an insulating air pocket between the shutter and your window. This additional barrier helps keep heat in during winter and out during summer.
Some homeowners report energy savings of 10-15% after installing exterior shutters. This efficiency benefit adds to the long-term value of your investment while making your home more comfortable year-round.
Curb Appeal Enhancement
Well-chosen exterior shutters can dramatically improve your home's appearance. They add architectural interest and can complement your home's style whether it's colonial, farmhouse, coastal, or modern.
Shutters come in various colors and finishes to match or accent your home's exterior. Unlike some security features that can make a home look fortress-like, attractive exterior shutters enhance security without sacrificing style.
Where to Find Quality Security Shutters in Kentucky and Ohio
If you're ready to enhance your home's security with exterior shutters, look no further than Commonwealth Shutters and Blinds. Serving Lexington, Louisville, and Richmond in Kentucky, plus Georgetown and Cincinnati, Ohio, they're the region's experts in functional, beautiful window treatments.
Commonwealth Shutters and Blinds offers a complete range of options, including exterior and Bahama shutters designed with security in mind. Their plantation shutters combine classic style with modern security features, and they specialize in solutions for special-cut windows and high window treatments that are often overlooked in home security plans.
Beyond shutters, they provide faux wood and wood blinds, roller shades, honeycomb/cellular shades, and Roman shades – all installed with the same attention to quality and security. Their professional installation ensures your new window treatments provide maximum security benefits.
Contact Commonwealth Shutters and Blinds today for a consultation about improving your home's security with beautiful, functional exterior shutters. Their team of experts will help you find the perfect solution for your home's specific needs and architectural style.
