How Long Do Window Shutters Last? Shutters don’t just look good. They also provide privacy and let you control the amount of light entering your home. However, like every other fixture, shutters will wear down over time.
Window shutters have very long story, normally shutters last between 10 and 50 years, depending on the material you choose. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how long each type of shutter lasts.
Which Type of Shutter Lasts the Longest?
The type of material your shutter is made of significantly affects how long they last. Aluminum shutters are the most durable, followed by wood and composite, and then vinyl.
| Shutter Material | Lifespan |
| Wood shutters | 20 to 25 years |
| Vinyl shutters | 10 to 20 years |
| Composite shutters | 20 to 25 years |
| Aluminum shutters | 25 to 35 years |
Wood Shutters
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Wooden shutters are made of hardwoods like basswood, oak, and cedar. They look good and are durable, especially if you maintain them well. However, they absorb moisture, so if you use them in moisture-prone areas or areas with extreme temperatures, they won’t last 20 years.
Vinyl Shutters
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Vinyl shutters are made of PVC, so they hold up well in kitchens and bathrooms and don’t require much maintenance. However, the material itself isn’t as strong as hardwood or even composite wood, so it can fade and become brittle over time.
These shutters are lighter compared to other materials, especially wood. So, if you have large windows, it would be easier to open and close.
If you have installed vinyl shutters on the exterior, you need to repaint them every 5 years so they last longer.
Composite Shutters
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Composite shutters (also known as composite wood shutters) are made from a blend of wood and PVC. The core is wood, while the outside is vinyl. They look and are also as durable as hardwood. In fact, they are moisture-resistant too, making them a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
If your composite shutters are exposed to extreme temperatures, you may need to refinish them every 10 years, so they last 20+ years.
Aluminum Shutters
Lifespan: 25 to 35 years
Aluminum shutters last the longest, but they aren’t as aesthetically pleasing to use inside your home. With that being said, they are a great choice for the exteriors and commercial spaces.
These shutters resist weather exceptionally well, but they can get scratched, so you may need to repaint them every 10 years to extend their lifespan to 25+ years.
Hurricane Shutters
Lifespan: Aluminum lasts 25 to 35 years; Polycarbonate lasts 10 to 20 years
Hurricane shutters are a specialized type of shutter, not a separate material. Installing them is mandatory in hurricane-prone areas like Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. These shutters are usually made of high-grade aluminum or polycarbonate and can withstand wind speeds of up to 140 MPH.
Aluminum hurricane shutters last 25 to 35 years, while polycarbonate ones last 10 to 20 years.
How to Make Your Shutters Last Longer
You need to take care of your shutters well so they last longer. If you don’t maintain them, they won’t last as long as they were designed to.
Clean Regularly
Shutters do the hard work of providing privacy and blocking sunlight, but they have to deal with all the fine dust and dirt that cling to the louvers, frame, and hinges. You need to clean your shutters to keep them looking good for years. Here’s how:
- Use a microfiber cloth or feather duster to dust your shutters. Do it every week.
- Vacuum and deep clean your shutters once every three months. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment does the job.
- Use a microfiber cloth slightly moistened in a solution of 1:1 water and white vinegar and a dash of mild dish soap. Pay special attention to the hinges and corners. Use a soft brush to clean stubborn buildups in hard-to-reach spots.
- Wipe off any moisture that remains with a dry microfiber cloth.
- For exterior shutters, you can use a pressure washer with a 40-degree nozzle for washing. It helps remove any debris built up between the slats. You need to clean exterior shutters more often because they are exposed to the elements.
Inspect for Damage and Fix Any Immediately
It’s a good habit to inspect your shutters every year, ideally before the storm season.
- Open and close each shutter to make sure they operate smoothly. If they don’t, apply some lubricant to the hinges. Replace them if they are damaged.
- Check whether the slats operate smoothly. If there are any squeaking noises, lube them. Replace the slats if they are damaged.
- Tighten any loose screws. If any screws are missing or corroded, replace them.
- If you have metal shutters, inspect them for rust or dents. You need to replace the shutters if there’s any severe damage.
If you’re in coastal areas, make sure to inspect your shutters every six months because of salt and pollen.
If your shutters are old and the repair cost is more than 50% the price of new shutters, I strongly recommend replacing them.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Proper lubrication is important so that moving parts like hinges and tracks operate smoothly.
- Dust and then apply a light, even coating of dry silicone or PTFE lube. Don’t overapply, as that can attract dirt. You should also not use oil-based products because they can attract dust and grime.
- Open and close the shutters several times so the lubricant spreads evenly.
- Wipe any excess lube with a dry microfiber cloth.
- If your shutter has a lock, spray the lube inside and work the key in and out.
Repaint or Refinish as Needed
You need to repaint or refinish wooden shutters every 7 to 10 years. If you used transparent stains, you need to reapply them every 3 to 5 years. For other shutter types, it’s sufficient if you repaint them every 10 years.
Exterior shutters are more prone to fading because they are exposed to the elements. You need to repaint them once every 5 years.
FAQs
Do shutters last longer than curtains and blinds?
Yes. Curtains and blinds only last between 3 and 8 years with proper care, while even the most affordable shutters can last 15+ years. Shutters also excel in terms of looks and are much better at controlling light and insulation.
When should you repair vs. replace your shutters?
It depends on the extent of the damage. If there are minor issues like broken slats or loose hardware, you can just repair your shutters. Replace them if there are more severe damages like warping or rot.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your shutters if the repair costs exceed 50% of the price of new shutters.
Should you install shutters yourself or hire a professional?
Installing shutters yourself can give you a sense of personal accomplishment, but that’s true only if you have to install them for one room. If there are multiple rooms, the task can become tiring and take up your entire weekend.
With that being said, it’s always best to hire a professional to install exterior shutters. It’s not worth it to risk yourself on ladders to save a couple of dollars.
For more information, check out our article on Are Window Shutters Hard to Install?
What’s the best shutter material for humid areas?
Vinyl, composite, and aluminum shutters are the best choices for humid areas because they don’t warp or rot over time.
What’s the best shutter material for coastal areas?
If you live in coastal areas, choose vinyl or composite for the interior, and aluminum shutters for the exterior. You don’t have to worry about warping or corrosion.
What’s the best shutter material for budget-conscious buyers?
Vinyl shutters are the best choice if you’re budget-conscious. They cost between $100 and $350 to install for an average-sized window. Vinyl doesn’t look the most beautiful, but they get the job done and lasts for years.
Here’s the cost of other shutter materials for average-sized windows:
- Wood: $200 to $450
- Composite: $150 to $400
- Aluminum: $200 to $350
For more information, check out our article on How Much Do Window Shutters Cost.
The Final Word
Wood, composite, and vinyl shutters are all great interior shutters. Wood and composite shutters can both last more than 20 years, but wood needs more maintenance and isn’t ideal for humid areas. Aluminum shutters work well on the exterior and can easily last 25+ years.
If you’re looking to purchase shutters for your home or business, get in touch with BC Shutters. We offer wood, vinyl, and composite shutters in various styles, including full height, tier-on-tier, sliding, bi-folding, and rake shutters. Established in 2015, we deliver custom shutters that can turn your property from boring to beautiful.
