For contractors, architects and developers working in warm climates, finding the right balance between aesthetic appeal and practical protection can be challenging. Bahama shutters offer a stylish and functional solution that provides natural ventilation, sun protection and a unique aesthetic that makes any property stand out.
What Are Bahama Shutters?
Bahama Shutters are exterior window covers that are popular in warm and sunny places like the Bahamas. They have a unique design that sets them apart from other types of shutters. Instead of sliding to the side or folding, Bahama window shutters have hinges that let them swing outward from the top of the window, providing shade and letting light inside.
They have adjustable louvers, which users can tilt to control the amount of sunlight and air that enters a room. These shutters allow residents to enjoy natural ventilation and sunlight while also getting privacy. While Colonial shutters provide some sun protection, they aren’t as adjustable as Bahama shutters.
Metal Bahama shutters combine the flexibility to adjust shade and light levels with enhanced durability in coastal environments.
The Practical Benefits of Bahama Shutters
Bahama Shutters offer many practical advantages, especially for coastal properties or homes in hot climates.
Light Control
Living near the ocean means warm weather and lots of sunshine. Bahama shutters provide shade and can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering a property. This can keep interiors cooler and more comfortable.
When opened, Bahama shutters create a shaded area over the windows. This reduces the amount of sunlight that enters, letting residents choose between comfortable shade or bright, warm light to fill the room. The adjustable louvers allow users to block and minimize glare from direct sunlight, further enhancing comfort and usability inside the property. Installing accompanying tilt rods allows even more flexibility in the shutters’ degree of slant.
Energy Efficiency
By providing shade and blocking out direct sunlight, Bahama shutters can contribute to energy efficiency. For example, they can help maintain a cooler indoor temperature, which reduces reliance on air conditioning, resulting in lower energy consumption and cost savings. They also offer an electricity-free way to cool the home or building on mild, breezy days.
Durable Construction
Bahama shutters, when designed from strong materials like aluminum, are made to last and endure. Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials available, and it retains its strength throughout reuse. The aviation industry also uses it extensively because of its strength and resistance to many harsh conditions. It’s a lightweight material, which puts less stress on the building or structure it’s attached to.
There are a few types of Bahama shutters available, but aluminum Bahama shutters are the best option for withstanding strong winds and heavy rain. This makes them perfect for buildings in areas that often experience harsh weather conditions and storms.
Maintaining these shutters is as simple as cleaning away any buildup between seasons, regularly tightening and lubricating moving parts and inspecting each unit after inclement weather. You should also operate each shutter periodically when the building is vacant for extended periods.
Privacy and Security
Bahama shutters are installed at a 45-degree angle, creating a natural slant shape that allows ample light through while still limiting visibility from the outside. Someone standing on the exterior can’t see through or beyond the Bahama shutters’ horizontal slats, which is ideal when designing a building where users can enjoy the breeze and view outside without sacrificing privacy.
Ease of Use
With regular lubrication, these shutters are easy to operate. They move smoothly and seamlessly, allowing for a simple transition between different levels of light in the room. Opening and closing them requires minimal effort, which is key when planning for an impending storm.