Shutters can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece. The earliest shutters were built from marble. Shutters constructed in later years were primarily built from high-grade wood. Now, today's consumers have a number of options to choose from.
For many individuals, finding a shutter made from an eco-friendly material is their top priority. Thankfully, there are a number of high-quality shutter materials that are also environmentally safe.
Fast-Growing Woods
Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of wooden shutters. While people appreciate the durability and reliability of premium timbers, many worry about the toll that harvesting trees has on the environment.
However, a number of the woods that are used to make shutters are "fast-grown." This means that the trees are immediately replaced as they are chopped down. In addition, these types of trees grow back very quickly.
Examples of such woods include phoenix wood, basswood, and palawnia. Maple is also a solid option.
Canadian Western Red Cedar
Cedar is one of the premier shutter materials. It provides a high level of insulation, which means that it can cut down on heating and cooling costs. In addition, the timber is harvested from sustainable forests in Canada.
If you opt for cedar shutters, make sure that the cedar comes from the right location. You want to learn as much as you can about the forests your wood has come from. In addition, you should try to avoid laminated cedar shutters. These shutters are not made from solid wood, and may contain materials from a variety of different sources.
Polyclad Hardwood Shutters
One of the biggest environmental hazards associated with shutters isn't the wood itself; it's the paint used on them. The EPA has identified paint as one of the biggest threats to our environment.
With that said, this doesn't mean that you have to opt for shutters with a solid wood finish. Instead, you could install Polyclad shutters on your home. These shutters are paint and EPA-free, and are very energy efficient. They are usually constructed from locally sourced wood and blended with other environmentally safe materials.
Aluminum Shutters
If you would prefer to avoid wood shutters on your home, aluminum is an excellent alternative. The production of aluminum is extremely friendly to the environment. The nature of aluminum allows it to be recycled time and time again without losing any of its distinctive properties.
To make things even better, shutters that are constructed from aluminum provide top quality insulation. These shutters are energy efficient, weather resistant, and offer a paint-free finish. There is no reason not to install them on your home.
Shutters have a long and storied history. People from across the globe have been using shutters for generations.
Installing new shutters on your home is a smart choice, but selecting the right material is even smarter. Take the time to research the various materials you have to choose from. Whether you opt for a locally sourced wood, aluminum, or another type of material, you should be able to find eco-friendly shutters that are a perfect fit for your home. Please follow this for more about shutters http://www.utexas-edu.com.