Lounging or entertaining on your patio may be a favourite pastime but if your space is not adequately sheltered, you could find it nearly impossible to enjoy yourself when the climate changes. For a good number of homeowners, their primary form of shelter on their patio is roofing. Nevertheless, during the summer and winter, the high heat and cold winds could make the lack of walls a significant design flaw. Luckily, you do not have to resort to closing your patio off altogether. Instead, you should hire contractors to install external shutters that you can open and close as needed. So what do you need to know when buying external shutters for your patio?

External shutters are available in a vast range of materials

When people think of external shutters, a good number will typically envision timber as the conventional solution for their needs. Although wood shutters are the traditional and ubiquitous option, they are not the only material available in the market. Since these shutters will be directly exposed to weather changes, it would be best to deliberate on materials that would be suited to withstanding the elements.

Aluminium shutters are an excellent alternative as they will not be vulnerable to corrosion, mainly if you live on the coast. On the other hand, if you would like shutters that would require the least maintenance, vinyl would be a good option for your patio. Vinyl is stain resistant, water resistant and easy to clean making them perfect for the outdoors.

External shutters greatly increase your privacy

Patio living is fantastic if you do not have any prying eyes peering into your property. However, if you live on a busy road or close to your neighbours, you will notice your privacy is sacrificed whenever you want to spend time on your patio. Rather than limiting your time outside, you should invest in shutters to keep these prying eyes out. Louvred shutters are especially great for this function as you have the opportunity to control the illumination in your patio while making sure that passersby are not privy to your activities on the patio.

Moreover, the louvred shutters also give you the chance to enjoy the views of your property while still maintaining a degree of privacy. Lastly, keeping the external shutters shut when entraining at night provides a layer of sound insulation for your patio, which helps in ensuring you and your guests are not being a nuisance to the neighbours.