Bahama shutters have long attracted residents of coastal United States for a long time, mainly because they offer the best combination of aesthetic appeal and beauty. These are basically window shutters, call it a drawback if you will but most people have no issues with shuttering their windows with Bahama shutters and using another shutter type, mainly rolling shutters on the doors. Bahama shutters have traditionally been made of wood and that is the reason behind their beauty and elegance.
However; the drawback with wood is that it is not durable. It is susceptible to the elements, particularly the salty sea air. Fiberglass has emerged as a good alternative. You can have fiberglass hurricane shutters installed in almost any type; Bahama, colonial, accordion, etc. Bahama hurricane shutters made from fiberglass not only meet but exceed the strength requirements by various building codes across the nation. One thing that you may have to check with these shutters is that amount of opening that you get from between the slats. Fiberglass shutters are available in enough and more colors, that’s no problem. They are usually available in a smooth finish and a warranty of 20 years which is four times the warranty you can expect from aluminum Bahama shutters.
Usually the maximum opening size that these shutters can protect is 60.5 inches wide by 102.5 inches high. That should take care of most windows; if the windows are any larger you can install them in sequence or choose to have them custom-made. However; shaping fiberglass for Bahama shutters presents a limitation. Unlike aluminum that can be shaped for angles, arches, and curves, the fiberglass shutters are usually rectangular in shape.
With fiberglass you continue to enjoy all the positives associated with wood with the added security of strength and the knowledge that these shutters won’t chip, rot, or split as wood is wont to. And it won’t corrode like aluminum does. Of course, aluminum can be placed over larger openings. Fiberglass shutters are expansion proof and can withstand temperature changes without warping.
