3 Ways Polywood Shutters Are Better Than Hollow Vinyl And Composite Shutters In St. George, UT
December 15, 2015
The market for plantation shutters in St. George is full of options. And when you’re researching which non-wood shutter fits your home best, it’s not easy to distinguish the differences. You can pick the wrong type without knowing and end up purchasing shutters that won’t last. Wondering if Polywood® shutters - our best-selling solid polymer shutters - are a better investment than MDF (multi-density fiberboard) or hollow vinyl shutters? Learn about the three ways Polywood shutters are better than composite shutters in St. George, UT so you can choose.
1. Polywood vs Composite Shutters Durability
Polywood shutters are constructed from high quality solid polymer that results in the most color-retention, durability, and rigidity than any other shutter you can find. With that, the shutter louvers won't be damaged as long as they’re on the window. However, composite shutters are made from a pressed-board core, wrapped with poly-vinyl. The vinyl encapsulating the pressed board is prone to peeling from the core material quickly. And this peeling is expedited in hot, humid, and wet environments. Another option for non-wood shutters is hollow vinyl. But they deteriorate the fastest due to the substance.
Both kinds of non-wood shutters are susceptible to deterioration and warping when exposed to the different climate conditions in St. George. Polywood is made with UV inhibitors that deflect heat. And since heat is the leading offender in splitting the shutter louvers, Polywood is hands down the highest quality plantation shutter you can buy.
2. Polywood vs Composite Shutters Color Fastness
Polywood shutters colors include three exceptional white paints. The paint finishes are baked on each piece at temperatures hotter than it will ever get in St. George, UT. The patented finishing process includes UV inhibitors to make sure the color doesn’t fade.
Other types of non-wood shutters are available in either low quality paint finish or no paint finish at all. In most cases, the vinyl layer is the final color. This finish may look good initially, but it fades as time goes by. And when it comes to hollow vinyls, some are painted. With the vinyl being a heat conductor, this seriously affects the finish as time goes by.
3. Polywood vs Composite Shutters Energy Efficiency
Third party testing shows that Polywood shutters reduce heat transfer by up to 45% and block up to 30° of temperature. With that, Polywood insulates up to 70% better than a similar solid wood shutter.
These insulating properties are due to the solid polymer material Polywood shutters are made from. But what makes Polywood even more energy efficient than composite shutters is the weatherstripping on the louvers and panels. Just interlock the weatherstripping pieces as you close the panels to get the tightest seal possible against the effects of the weather outside. You won’t find all the energy savings that Polywood offers in any composite shutter.
Our Vegas Team Experiences The Durability Of Polywood Shutters First Hand
Back in 2004, Sunburst Shutters Las Vegas had Polywood shutters fastened to the sides of their trucks as part of the graphics. These trucks were parked outside and withstood the climate Las Vegas is infamous for. That means excessive heat for almost five months each year!
Those plantation shutters had been on our vehicles for almost 7 years. Our team carried out a test on the color retention value of Polywood. The team dusted off the Polywood shutter that was on the truck. And we compared it side by side to a new Polywood. The color was the same. There wasn’t any visible signs of fading or discoloration. This was further validation for the team that the Sunburst paint finish is indeed the best around!
And since Polywood can endure all that heat and abuse on the side of a truck for 7+ years, it’s hands-down the long lasting shutter for your home in St. George, UT.
