When choosing window treatments for your home, Shutters are a popular and timeless option. They offer style and functionality, allowing you to control the light and privacy in your home. But the options don’t end with the type of Shutter — choosing the right material for the space is equally important.
One material that has gained traction recently is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This synthetic plastic polymer material is known for its durability and resistance to warping, cracking, and fading and is often used as an alternative to traditional Timber Shutters, offering a similar look with loads of added benefits.
Like the sound of PVC? Here, we explore the pros and cons of PVC Shutters and whether they’re a good choice for your home.
The benefits of PVC Shutters
PVC Shutters have many attractive benefits compared to traditional timber, ranging from durability in wet and humid rooms to minimal maintenance requirements.
PVC Shutters are highly durable. Unlike Timber Shutters, they have longer-lasting warp resistance, particularly when installed on windows exposed to a lot of sunlight.
PVC Shutters require minimal maintenance. They can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth and do not require regular painting or staining like Timber Shutters.
No harsh chemicals are required here!
PVC Shutters are generally more affordable than their timber and aluminium counterparts. This makes them a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to enhance their windows without breaking the bank.
PVC Shutters are moisture-resistant, making them an excellent choice for humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens. They will not warp or deteriorate when exposed to moisture.
PVC Shutters are available in a range of stylish colours, which we’ll show you in your free measure and quote. We can also custom-design PVC Shutters to fit your windows’ exact shape and size (including bay windows and French doors).
PVC shutters provide excellent thermal insulation, naturally blocking and retaining heat, i.e. keeping warm air inside in winter and reflecting heat in summer. The adjustable louvres also control the heat and light entering your home, helping maintain a constant, comfortable temperature.
The density and thickness of PVC can dampen and reduce external noise transmission into a room. This makes them a good choice for homes in busy or noisy areas where reducing sound intrusion is desirable.
By maintaining a constant indoor temperature, PVC Shutters reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, potentially lowering energy costs.
Considerations
While there are very few drawbacks to PVC Shutters, there are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing between PVC and Timber Shutters.
PVC is a synthetic plastic material that is less environmentally friendly than timber. If sustainability is a priority to you, Timber Shutters may be a better option.
PVC Shutters are significantly heavier than timber shutters, which can be an issue if there are any windows/bay windows with structural issues that cannot handle much weight. For larger windows, the weight can impact the use of the Shutter, so you have to lift the panel to fully close it slightly.
When deciding on Shutter materials, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. For example, Timber Shutters are ideal if you value a classic and natural look. If durability, low maintenance, and versatility in design are your priorities, PVC Shutters could be the better option.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal style, budget, and the specific requirements of your home.
So, are PVC Shutters any good?
PVC Shutters are amazing, as long as the quality of the composite is of an excellent standard. There are some cheap and nasty PVC Shutters out there, often from small one-man-van businesses and large retail shops where you buy off the shelf — the trick to getting a fantastic result is to find a PVC Shutter supplier who can deliver the best quality composite materials available.
At Pazazz, we take our PVC Shutters seriously and only offer the best composite materials on the market. Our experienced team ensures that each set of Shutters is handcrafted to perfection, combining timber’s earthy beauty with PVC’s durability.
Contact us to book a free measure and quote! We can help make the decision easy based on your home design and style preferences.
