affordable options for replacing very old windows

Shutters are sometimes seen as an old-fashioned window treatment option. They are, after all, the only window treatment that sits outside of the home instead of inside. It's true that not as many homes have shutters these days, but that does not mean shutters are at all obsolete. There are some instances in which shutters are still a very good window treatment option. Here are some situations in which you may want to consider having shutters added to your home.

Your home's windows used to have shutters attached.

If your home used to have shutters, there may be anchor points in your siding or on the window frames that look a little strange when exposed. The easiest way to blend these in with the home's appearance is often to just have new shutters put on the home. Plus, if the home was designed with shutters in mind, then you know they're going to fit and look good. 

You live in a storm-prone area.

In hurricane zones, there are specific types of shutters known as hurricane shutters. They are placed over windows to offer protection from flying debris during storms. They don't just protect the windows, either. By helping to prevent a sudden change in pressure inside the home during high winds, they actually help prevent roofs from lifting off homes during windstorms. 

Even if you don't live in a hurricane zone, you may want to install some shutters on your home for protection during the average thunderstorm. This is an especially good idea if you live in a heavily forested area where a tree branch could easily hit a window.

You want extra light protection.

Nothing blocks light from coming in a window quite like a shutter. Even some blackout curtains do not do as good of a job! If you need a certain room to be really dark in the daytime, such as if you sleep during the day, installing shutters is a smart move.

You need security.

Shutters can also make a home more secure. They make it much harder to break in through a window. If you live in an area where break-ins are becoming an issue, installing shutters that lock tightly can be a wise move.

If you're in any of the situations above, installing shutters on your home's windows should prove beneficial. Talk to a window company to learn more about shutters and explore your options.