Bahama Shutters
 

There has been some discussion here about getting shade on your lanai or certain windows, I found this article which may shed some light on the subject-or better yet block it out!

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Bahama Shutters Primarily found in Caribbean construction, Bahama shutters provide a unique and cultural way of protecting your home against storms, sunlight, and intruders. Unlike traditional North American exterior shutters which cover only a small portion of the window when opened, Bahama shutters cover the entire surface of your windows providing privacy and light control similar to an awning, but still allow you to view directly out into the beautiful tropics. This is achieved by angling the permanently fixed slats perfectly, so that when the shutter is opened using the “shutter stays” you can look through the slats. At the same time, the horizontal slats provide great sun blocking protection eliminating glare and heat from entering the room.

Benefits Of Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters have almost become a staple of tropical architecture and design. Designed as a way of protecting against the hurricanes and tropical storms that plague the Caribbean, Bahama shutters are now an expected addition to every home and building as a part of the cultural style. However there are a number of functional benefits that make Bahama shutters a great choice for any home tropical or otherwise.

Storm Protection - As they are designed to close off the window entirely, Bahama shutters provide the most basic of protection against high winds and debris. Shutters constructed with the highest quality materials will outlast the inexpensive “decorative” shutters that most contractors use to cut costs. However, even made with solid woods, Bahama Shutters only provide basic resistance to hurricanes. Solid plywood, or metal shutters rated for storms will be much more likely to save the interior of your home in a serious storm.

Ventilation – Both opened and closed, Bahama shutters provide wonderful ventilation and fresh tropical air. Unlike many window treatments, or decorative shutters which do not provide privacy, Bahama shutters keep the air flowing while still obstructing unwanted viewers.

Rain Protection – Properly manufactured Bahama shutters will allow you to open your windows with during a rain storm while keeping your interior dry. Even when fully opened with shutter stays, the shutter slats allow rain to trickle off the bottom effortlessly.

Sun Protection – Keeping your home cool and comfortable requires fresh moving air, and protection from the hot sun rays. Bahama shutters provide complete protection from top to bottom. All while simultaneously allowing to view out your window clearly.

Intruder Protection – Any criminal that wants into your home will find it’s way, however adding one extra layer of privacy with lockable Bahama shutters keep away the “opportunity criminals.” Meaning, if there is any extra layer of resistance to a break in, most criminals will just move on to the next target.