Exterior roller shutters are a great way to protect your home's windows from damage during a storm, and can also block out light and noise, allowing you a good night's sleep or some relief when you have a migraine headache. However, not all roller shutters are alike, and it's good to know a bit about their differences before you start shopping. It's also good to understand which types of shutters offer the most protection for your home's windows. Note a few considerations to keep in mind, so you know you get the right roller shutters for your home.

Roller shutters and oddly shaped windows

Don't assume that roller shutters only work over a certain number of standard window sizes. Many roller shutters are made of aluminium, which is very lightweight and easy to cut, shape and fabricate. These shutters can be trimmed down so they fit a small corner window or cut into a particular shape such as what's needed to fit a rounded or hexagonal window. Roller shutters can also be made to a certain size if your home has large, custom windows. If you don't see the size of shutters you need when shopping, ask a company if they can custom make those shutters for you.

Noise

The sound of rain or hail on metal shutters might be irritating, and some shutters might actually rattle in high winds. If your home is located in an area with frequent storms, you might invest in vinyl or PVC shutters, which can better absorb that sound. Also, opt for shutters that run along a track inside the window frame. This track will keep the shutter in place and reduce any vibration from high winds, also keeping the shutters quiet.

Insulation

Roller shutters can keep out cold winds or warm air, but not all shutter materials will provide the same amount of insulation. Metal shutters may tend to actually conduct heat or cold and may not be the right choice for protecting the windows, and your home, against extreme temperatures. PVC or vinyl may provide more insulation than metal, and exterior fabric shades with an insulating layer on their underside can also keep the home insulated. These materials may also be a better choice for insulating the home against exterior noise, as metal may tend to vibrate and conduct noise, whereas PVC, vinyl, and fabric will absorb soundwaves and keep the home's interior more quiet.

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