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Four Exterior Treatments to Add Interest to your New or Replacement Windows
March 29, 2010
Good quality, energy efficient, new or replacement windows add value to any home. Consider one of these four exterior treatments to and interest to your new or replacement windows, further increasing your home's curb appeal, and thus its value.
1. Window Shutters
Types of Shutters - There are two basic types of window shutters: functional and decorative. Functional shutters operate on hinges and are designed to close over windows to protect glass and provide security. Decorative shutters remain stationary, framing the sides of your new or replacement windows.
Material, Style, Color, and Size - Both functional and decorative shutters come in a wide range of materials, styles, colors, and sizes. Shutters are manufactured of vinyl, resin, wood and aluminum.
Popular shutter styles are grouped into three basic types: louvered, raised panel, and board and batten. Within these basic types, you will find variations including straight and arched tops, single and double wide panels, center and offset rails, and equal and unequal raised panels, to name just a few possibilities.
As for color, resin shutters have the color mixed through the material, so you will never need to paint. Vinyl shutters sometimes have their color mixed in to the material, and sometimes applied to the coating. Wood and aluminum shutters may come pre-painted. The choice of colors available for pre-colored shutters is determined by the manufacturer, otherwise, only your imagination is the limit.
To make your new or replacement windows appear larger, choose to size your shutters so they measure the full height of your window including the frame, and choose a wider rather than narrower width.
Shutters come in many standard styles, colors and sizes, or you can purchase custom-made.
2. Window Headers
Window headers, or toppers, are installed horizontally along the top of window frames and can be used with or without shutters. Headers make your new or replacement windows appear taller than they actually are, by drawing the eye up. Window headers may match, complement, or contrast with the color of the window frame or the color of shutters, if used.
3. Window Accents
Window accents, like headers, are positioned horizontally along the top of window frames. Unlike headers which are flat across the top, accents are curved, usually in half-round or elliptical shapes. Their curved frames are filled in with sunburst or other designs.
4. Window Hardware
Window hardware adds the finishing touch to shutters that frame new and replacement windows. Hardware can include shutter pintels, holdbacks, hinges, and bolts, giving decorative shutters the appearance of functional shutters.
For restoration projects, check with local experts on the use, type, style, and color of exterior window treatments. Be sure to finish your project with period-authentic hardware.
