Quality Faux Wood Shutters vs Substandard Faux Wood Shutters in Baltimore

There are a lot of faux wood shutters available, but how do you tell the difference between good faux wood shutters, like our Polywood® shutters, that will look nice for decades and faux wood shutters that start to break in within a few years?

The trick is to examine the faux wood shutter’s structure and technicalities such as its durability, finish, and energy efficiency potential.

Good faux wood doesn’t splinter, crack, chip or warp

Most faux wood plantation shutters seem great when first installed.  But shutters that are composed of shoddy materials such as cheap composites, vinyl-wrapped particleboards, or flimsy louvers will warp, crack, splinter, or yellow.  This is even more true in high-traffic spaces or in areas that have high heat, cold, or dampness.  

Well-made faux wood, like Polywood, is made from extruded compounds that won’t bend, discolor or degrade.  The solid louvers allows shutters to prevent bowing, splintering, cracking, and chipping, even in humid or varying-temperature rooms.  If you want to know if a faux wood plantation shutter is high quality or not, just check the warranty.  Businesses that give a lifetime guarantee have faith in their shutters because they only use the best materials.

Good faux wood wipes down easily

Dusting is similar for most faux wood plantation shutters.  However, deep cleaning will pose tougher issues. Vinyl and comparable materials will take in some liquid when scrubbed with a wet rag.  Some faux wood shutters also have coatings that can trap dust and dirt so that they are almost impossible to keep clean.

Companies that sell quality plantation shutters understand that faux wood should be cleaning friendly.  For example, Polywood has a coating that is simple to wipe down quickly, and then your shutters look as if they were just installed.  Good faux wood is completely moisture resistant, so if any muck and grime gets on the shutter, it will wipe off with a little water or liquid cleaner.

Good faux wood is energy efficient

As you shut your high-quality faux wood shutters, you should experience a quantifiable change in air flow and heat loss.  The solid louvers and impenetrable materials will help close out sunlight that increases the temperature and heat loss that can freeze you out.  Top graded faux wood shutters, like Polywood shutters, will even go further in ensuring energy efficiency through UV inhibitors and weather stripping.

Window treatments made with an inferior composite will not give you the same energy efficiency benefits.  Those using cheap composites or hollow louvers will still promote heat loss. After a few years, inferior shutters can start to bow and permanently separate the louvers.  The way to find out if you purchased a subpar faux wood is by its R-rating. The higher the number, the more energy efficient the shutter.

Contact your Baltimore representative and pick a great faux wood plantation shutter

Finding a quality faux wood plantation shutter can sometimes seem like a struggle.  Luckily, our Sunburst representatives can show you all our faux wood options, so you can pick the right quality faux wood shutter for your windows.  To schedule a no-cost in-home consultation, call 301-321-7998 today.