|
|
|
Choosing The Right Mortgage For You
This article will help you understand the differences between a variety of mortgage options. There are many different mortgage products offered by the various lending institutions in Canada, so you may not know what features to look for.
As...
great alarms
PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND HOME WITH A BRAND NEW SECURITY SYSTEM,
FREE SYSTEM, FREE INSTALLATION
About the author: ...
Home Security The Doors to your home.
In part 3 of this occasional series on home security we are going to look at the main points of entry to your home the doors.
It makes no sense to have flimsy weak doors on your house, what you really need is something that a House Breaker will...
Store Seasonal Items in your own Self Storage Unit
For the small business owner, particularly for businesses which
require access to tools and heavy equipment, self storage can be
a real boon.
If you're a landscaper, carpenter, plumber, or electrician, you
need easy access to the tools of...
The Gardener, the Salsa, and a Day at the Ranch
Once Upon a Time... A Gardener's Daydream The Gardener, the Salsa, and a Day at the Ranch Article by Rich Showalter Copyright © 2003 by ProGardenBiz ProGardenBiz, an online magazine http://www.progardenbiz.com This is a tale of a landscape...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Style and Perfection in Home Decoration with Plantation Shutters
Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer both to today’s homeowner. These unique window treatments trace their roots to ancient Greece. The Greeks used them for both privacy and security. Interior shutters were used to close windows. Along with imposing columns, shutters are hallmarks of Classical Greek Architecture. This ancient order and form in building design later influenced buildings and architecture throughout the Western world. Before the widespread use of glass, shutters were used to close windows. They were used to protect the interior of the house from the weather and from intruders as well as provide privacy. They could be opened to allow sunlight and fresh air into the building or home.
Elements of Greek architecture are seen in many buildings and homes from the late 18th century, the 19th century and the early 20th century in the United States. It was especially prevalent in banks, office buildings and many public and government buildings. The plantation mansions of the old South borrowed heavily on the architecture of the Greeks. The antebellum mansions of the great plantations from South Carolina to the western edge of Mississippi borrowed heavily from the building concepts of the Greeks. A number of these grand old mansions have been restored and preserved at Natchez, Mississippi.
Just as did the ancient Greeks, plantation owners used shutters for both their beauty and their function. By closing the windows in this manner, these homeowners were able to add a level of security to their homes. This was important because in the era before the Civil War, the agricultural areas of the South were only sparsely populated. Plantations were largely isolated. Plantations were also symbols of wealth, making them targets for bands of robbers. There was also the potential of attack from revolting slaves.
Times have changed and today’s homeowners use shutters primarily for their beauty or form rather than for security.
What are plantation shutters?
Plantation shutters are louvered interior shutters. They cover the entire window. They are most often made from wood, although modern materials including PVC and vinyl are also being used with growing acceptance. The shutters are hinged and can be opened or closed and latched. In addition to swinging open, some models have moveable louvers that can be opened and closed. Other models have stationary louvers. There is great flexibility in being able to partially or completely open the shutters and/or partially or completely open the louvers. This allows tremendous control in directing the inflow of outside air as well as sunlight.
Typically the panels of plantation shutters range from 15 inches to 36 inches wide. Louvers are available in several widths, ranging from 1-3/4 inches wide to 4-1/2 inches wide, appealing to different tastes and fitting with a variety of decors. The width of the louver has a practical application as well as aesthetic. The wider the louver, the more air or sunlight will be allowed to filter through. These shutters are often used in series.
Rooms with a number of windows, several adjacent windows or large picture windows look especially good with plantation shutter window treatment.
Pine is frequently used in construction of hurricane shutters as well. Contractors and do-it-yourselfers can find them both pre-finished and unfinished. Unfinished allows the contractor or diy to finish with any paint or stain color desired. PVC and vinyl panels come in colors, including white. These panels may be plain or have embossed wood graining. PVC and vinyl are excellent choices for rooms where there can be high levels of moisture or steam. They are good for pool rooms, bathrooms and utility rooms.
Shutters with moveable panels have the added advantage of providing privacy at the same time they admit light and air. You can adjust the louvers in such a manner that light and air is allowed into the room while at the same time preventing outside passersby from seeing inside.
Some tips for selecting shutters for your home
1. Consult your carpenter or contractor. Determine if the present window casings will support the weight of the hinged shutters when opened and closed, or whether additional framing will be required.
2. Consider the width of the louver. The louver width affects the appearance as well as the function of the shutters. The wider the louver, the more light and air will be permitted to flow into the room.
3. Choose between wood and vinyl. Wooden, especially faux wood shutters can give the room a warmer feeling. Vinyl shutters work well in rooms that have high moisture or steam content. Vinyl shutters are easy to clean and will not warp.
4. Choose between moveable and fixed louvers. If you want to use the shutters primarily for privacy and security, you may wish to use fixed position louvers. If you want to be able to open the shutters to admit light, ventilation or see through the window, you will want to select adjustable louver shutters.
5. Read the reviews written by home improvement consultants and also by consumers. These reviews are posted on websites and are published on home improvement websites and in home decorating magazines.
6. Choose a reputable company with a reliable warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Today’s homeowner is going to use plantation shutters more for beauty, but they are also important for privacy and security. Shutters are often an excellent choice for living rooms, sitting rooms, dens, home libraries and home offices. There is a special feeling that comes from sitting or working in a room dominated by the rich warmth of wood. Sunlight, ventilation and artificial lighting can all be adjusted to provide just the right atmosphere.
About the author:
J.B. Beker contributes very often to http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com. He is helping people finding the best solutions for hurricane protection and storm shutters.
|
|
|
|
|
| Home Security Store - Wireless Security Systems for Home Protection |
| Home Security Store specializes in home security systems, wireless security systems and home security cameras by top name companies like Ademco, ... |
| www.homesecuritystore.com |
|
| SMARTHOME - X10, Remote Control, Lighting, Wireless Security |
| Home automation including X10 protocol support, home networking, remote control lighting, and security. |
| www.smarthome.com |
|
| Home > Security |
| World's Largest Distributor For Home Automation! Free catalog for X10, home security, video surveillance, audio video, phones, automatic controls, pet care, ... |
| www.smarthome.com |
|
| Brink's Home Security : Home Security System, Alarm Monitoring ... |
| Provides customized home security surveillance systems, with services and products including burglar alarms, smoke detectors, intrusion detection, ... |
| www.brinkshomesecurity.com |
|
| Home Security – Home Alarms & Home Security Systems Guide |
| Home Security and Alarms provides information on the current home security devices on the market and monitoring programs from the leading home security ... |
| www.homesecurityandalarms.com |
|
| A Guide to Home Security |
| Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. You may need more than one window lock, depending on the size ... |
| www.crimereduction.gov.uk |
|
| Burglar Alarm Systems at Norco Alarms.com |
| With today's technology, you can purchase and install a home security ... Whatever your lifestyle, it's easy to choose a home security system that fits your ... |
| www.norcoalarms.com |
|
| Howstuffworks "Home Security Channel" |
| The index to over 400 fantastic 'How Stuff Works' articles! |
| home.howstuffworks.com |
|
| #1 Security company for home, business and government - ADT |
| Security and fire alarm systems for small, medium and large businesses. |
| www.adt.com |
|
| The Brink's Company - Business and Security Services |
| Brink's Home Security - Residential & Commercial Alarm Monitoring Systems ... Brink's Home Security changed the security industry by making ... |
| www.brinks.com |
|
| X10.com - X10 Home Security, Wireless Security Camera, Home ... |
| The home of X10 and America's Favorite wireless Home Security system with No Monthly Fees starting at ONLY $99.99! X10 is the leader in wireless Security ... |
| www.x10.com |
|
| Home Security and Commercial Security Solutions - Guardian ... |
| Sells, installs, and monitors residential and commercial security systems. |
| www.guardianprotection.com |
|
| Home Security Information + Common-Sense Safety Tips |
| Home Security Information -- articles to help you make your home safer and explain various types of burglar alarms and systems. |
| www.homesecurityinformation.com |
|
| Compare Home Security - Buy Electronics at Bizrate |
| BizRate has the lowest prices and best customer reviews for Home Security. Compare prices, find store ratings and read Home Security reviews before you buy. |
| www.bizrate.com |
|
| Get a wireless home security system or home security camera from ... |
| Protect your home with a wireless home security system or home security camera from SafeMart. Affordable alarm systems from GE, Honeywell, Ademco and more. |
| www.safemart.com |
|
| Home Security Systems |
| Get matched to local Home Security contractors for your home improvement projects. ServiceMagic's network of Home Security contractors are prescreened and ... |
| www.servicemagic.com |
|
| SecurityandMore Video Security Cameras, Business and Home Security ... |
| Security cameras, home security systems, CCTV systems and more. Get color security cameras and other quality video home security cameras or digital video ... |
| www.securityandmore.com |
|
| Home Security Cameras & Security Camera Systems |
| Offers home security cameras & security camera systems, video surveillance equipment, cctv security system, remote monitoring with hidden cameras and time ... |
| www.surveillance-video.com |
|
| Home Security - Articles on Home Security Systems |
| Home security systems. Security system expert. Home security tips and articles to help you make your home safer. |
| www.home-security-systems.net |
|
| home security - surveillance equipment - spy cameras - alarm systems |
| Do It Yourself home security alarm systems, surveillance and theft deterrent equipment, personal security devices, spy cameras,hidden cameras, ... |
| www.youdoitsecurity.com |
|
|