If you recently installed replacement windows on your Winnipeg, MB home, you might be considering finishing them with some shutters. This makes sense as both new replacement windows and shutters can add lots of value, function and style to any home.

Before you jump into installation, however, you need to consider how you want your shutters installed. There are two main ways you can install shutters: inside mounts or outside mounts. Inside mounted shutters fit inside a window opening’s recessed depth, while outside mounted shutters attach to the wall or trim surrounding the window opening.

You might want to consider outside mounting shutters for your replacement windows as outside mounts offer a wide range of home benefits such as reducing light blockage. Inside mount shutters can cover up too much of a window opening on short or narrow windows, as the frame, solid top, bottom rails and vertical stiles take up a lot of space and therefore block a lot of light. Outside mount shutters are ideal for smaller windows as they don’t block any of the window area unless they’re closed.

Outside mount shutter also hide imperfections. Most windows aren’t perfectly square or level. Outside mounted shutters hide any variances in the window opening shape for a cleaner and more streamlined look. You can also cover up old trim by simply installing an outside mounted shutter frame or hide away any window imperfection without having to pull out caulk, shims or other annoying home improvement tools. Not to mention that outside mount shutters are ideal for windows with no recess depth, as their frame pushes the shutter panel out into the outdoors or room, thereby giving more clearance for the slats to be fully operational without hitting the window glass or another obstacle.

Also, the outside mount installation method is much more forgiving in terms of accurate measurements, ease of installation, and room for error. You can easily get custom shutters for any window and have them installed in an outside mount style with great success. Plus, many windows have accessories like alarm sensors or crank handles that can be obstructed by inside mount windows. These accessories are especially common on patio doors and casement windows. An inside mount can prevent you from turning the crank to open a casement window or pulling a door handle to open your sliding patio doors. Keep your existing accessories by choosing an outside mount. Additionally, inside mounted shutters block any tilt-in window function, while outside mounts do not. You want your windows to tilt in to make cleaning easier. With outside mounted shutters, simply open the shutter panel to have full access to your tilting window.

Do you want to learn more about inside and outside mount shutters, or would you like more guidance Winnipeg, MB replacement windows? Just reach out to Pioneer Window & Door Mfg Ltd. You can pay us a visit at 8 Fast Lane (Main Office / Manufacturing) Headingley, MB R4H 0C5 or give us a call at (204) 889-8422.