From their humble, practical origins, exterior shutters have become the most popular option for outdoor window treatments. These multipurpose panels beautify, secure and increase the value of every home.

There was a time in the history of architecture when window glass was a rare and costly article. People needed to protect themselves and their homes from weather extremes, enhance their privacy and keep out unwanted intruders both animal and human. Because windows were often without glass, shuttering the windows was a logical solution to these problems.

At first people experimented with all sorts of materials for covering their windows. Among the ancient Greeks the affluent used louvered marble while the poorer folk used reeds. As time progressed wood became the favored construction material for shuttering windows. Wood has the advantage of being a renewable resource that is easy to work and versatile as well. The attributes of wood have ensured its popularity to the present day.

Modern exterior shutters encompass both the practical utilitarian units and the solely decorative nonfunctional sort. In addition to traditional wooden panels, manmade materials have entered the scene and composite woods, fiberglass, PVC and metals are featured materials in modern manufacturing.

Although only some types of wood such as teak, cedar and cypress are naturally water-repellent, modern chemistry has produced finishes that protect wood from water, weather and insect damage. This has helped wood maintain its popularity as the material of choice for shuttering windows.

Traditionally, the form of window coverings reflected the area in which they were used. Sturdy board and batten types were more often seen in areas of heavy storms and cold weather such as the New England coastline. Plantation types of the subtropical Deep South were louvered to facilitate the ventilation and control of light into the rooms that used them. Bermuda types are hung with hinges at the top. They are propped open to let in air and light while at the same time shading the window below. They can be easily and quickly be shut tight in case of a hurricane.

Typically, shuttered windows have a pair of panels that are hung on either side of the window and held open with special hardware. When they are closed they meet flush in the center and have appropriate hardware for securing them in the closed position.

Many homeowners want their home to fit a particular historical architectural style. In some cases they are required to conform to certain standards because the home is in a historic district. Because of this need, manufacturers have recreated exact replicas of authentic styles and hardware from different periods. These replicas are even available in manmade materials and as purely decorative, nonfunctional units. Some of these decorative units have all of the correct hardware, are mounted in an open position and look as though they could be closed at any moment.

The proper use of exterior shutters can accent a home the way the right picture frame can augment and reinforce the beauty of a particular work of art. If the units are to be painted there is no limit to the palette. If natural wood is used, in addition to paint a vast array of stains and finishes are available to give a natural look to the project. These units are permanent additions to the home and increase its value. The style of the panels can range from a rustic board pattern to an elegant louvered design. These can be obtained in pre-made or custom-made panels.

 Natural disasters can be catastrophic to home owners. Such natural disasters include earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes and floods. In Florida, while earthquakes are not very likely, hurricanes and floods are very possible. Flood insurance Florida is an important thing that home owners and property owners should consider. Here’s why.

There are two main types of floods, flash floods which are dramatic and happen very suddenly or gradual floods which develop slowly over a few days or weeks of rising water. In Florida these are caused from hard rains, a tropical storm or a hurricane. The damage from floods can vary, for example, gradual floods can cause damage in which everything gets wet and ruined, the foundations of your home dissolve, and the ground becomes unstable and muddy. Another type of damage is rushing water damage from flash floods in which the flood water crashes into things like buildings, homes and cars with a force strong enough to destroy them or cause severe damage. Both phenomenons are scary and traumatizing while resulting in the loss of a place to live. Having flood insurance is imperative to help you deal with these situations and to cover you while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. If you live in a mapped out flood area like several areas in Florida, there is no doubt you should invest in good flood insurance Florida.

Flood insurance can be purchased for any home whether your property is in a flood zone or not, after all you never know what Mother Nature will throw your way. The price of flood insurance Florida will vary depending on where you property is located in regards to flood mapped areas. It is important to note that flood insurance plans are in addition to home owners insurance and must be purchased and paid on separately. One other thing to consider with the cost of flood insurance is if you purchase an insurance plan at a set rate, that rate is firm even if the total cost of damages exceeds the set cost. The costs above and beyond what your plan covers will need to come from you out of pocket.

So what does flood insurance cover? In the most basic of flood insurance plans, the home, its contents and any home repairs needed are usually covered. This also includes structural and property upgrades to make the home up to building codes when it is being rebuilt. What is not usually covered includes things like living expenses if you are put out of your home due to flooding, landscape costs, wreckage clearance, the loss of business while you are out of a home and the cost associated with reproducing important documents among other things. You can design your flood insurance plan to cover these things too and it will save you big time in the event of a flood however, you will likely pay a higher monthly fee to add these items to your current plan.

If your property is in an area that is part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) then you may be eligible for a discount in flood insurance costs. These discounts are offered because the insurance programs are federally backed. It is worth it to check your area to see if these discounts are available and if not how your community can become a part of the NFIP. Regardless of the discount, if you live in a flood prone area your losses will be minimized and your assets protected in the event of a flood if you purchase flood insurance Florida.