Plantation Shutters in Orlando Florida comparison

AluCore Poly Shutters

against

Real Wood-, Synthetic Vinyl Hollow-, AluCore Poly Shutters

AluCore Poly Shutters superiority

When it comes to choosing the window treatment for your home, the task seems uphill. Well, we at Gator Blinds have tried to simplify the things for you. Here we compare the shutters so that you can make an informed choice.
There are different types of shutters available in the market but the confusion remains as to which is the best and what should be our pick.

AluCore Poly Shutters the unquestionable winner

Made from the resilient material using the highest technology, AluCore Poly Shutters have an aluminum core on stiles and louvers to offer enhanced strength and durability. They are Waterproof and UV resistant, temperature stabilized, heat and steam resistant. Thinness and non-warping allow for greater light control and temperature insulation. They have a “V-0 Fire rating – the highest offered until now. Easy to maintain and clean, AluCore Poly shutters get ready in nearly two weeks from the time of ordering

AluCore Poly shutters take on Vinyl Hollow shutters

Vinyl shutters are generally hollow, so is not that efficient in blocking out the light. They even offer very low insulating value. Generally made out of plastic, degradation is fast when used outdoors. Discoloration over time due to prolonged sun exposure is also an issue.

AluCore Poly Shutters win over regular Poly Shutters

Regular Poly shutters come with no reinforced aluminum core, offer less strength than AluCore Poly Shutters. Smaller width panels (not more than 28inches), so they offer less outside view. Regular Poly Shutters constructions are usually glued. ALU CORE Poly Shutters construction using bolt and screws allows for easy replacement. Regular Poly Shutters use rubber flaps that degrade and obstruct the mechanism.

The different types of shutters have different forms and functions and it is always better to get complete knowledge before making any choice. To compare the shutters in a more elaborate way, you can just walk-in our showroom at Casselberry.

AluCore Poly Shutters advantages over regular Poly Shutters

• No reinforced aluminum core like used within ALU CORE Poly Shutters construction
• No reinforced aluminum core allows only smaller width of the louver
• Smaller width of panels which has less view of the outside
• Most regular Poly shutters will not be more than 28 inches wide
• ALU CORE Poly Shutters panel widths can be constructed to a width of up to 36 inches
• Regular Poly Shutter constructions are usually glued.
• ALU CORE Poly Shutters construction using bolt and screws allows for easy replacement
• Poly Shutters use rubber flaps that degrade and obstruct the mechanism

AluCore Poly Shutters superiority
over Synthetic Vinyl Hollow Shutters

Vinyl Shutters

• Vinyl is generally hollow
• is less rigid and has a very low insulating value
• does not lock out bright lights due to its hollow construction
• has that cheap look and feel
• vinyl louvers are very flimsy which gives away its poor quality
• are often made of plastic that degrade in sunlight causing their short life and early failure
• become discolored over time due to exposure to sunlight.

AluCore Poly Shutters advantages
over regular Poly Shutters

Regular Poly Shutters are without reinforced Aluminum

• No reinforced aluminum core like used within ALU CORE Poly Shutters construction
No reinforced aluminum core allows only smaller width of the louver Smaller width of panels which has less view of the outside Most regular Poly shutters will not be more than 28 inches wide ALU CORE Poly Shutters panel widths can be constructed to a width of up to 36 inches Regular Poly Shutter constructions are usually glued. ALU CORE Poly Shutters construction using bolt and screws allows for easy replacement Poly Shutters use rubber flaps that degrade and obstruct the mechanism

With the ever-increasing danger of unpredictable and extreme weather conditions, it is useful to realize that AluCore construction shutters can still be used on the outside of buildings. There are various limitations to their use which are typical to exterior shutters.

Plantation Shutters in Orlando Florida

SUMMER CO-EFFICIENT VALUES ARE IMPORTANT

How about Costco®, Lowes® and Home Depot®?

They all sell shutters.
You would believe they sell them for less.
However, you would be incorrect.

At Gator Blinds® you can buy Shutters from for $17.50 ‐ $28 per sq.ft.

At Costco®, Lowes® or Home Depot® you pay approx. $25‐$35 per sq.ft.

“SHUTTERCATION”
Shutter Education
What’s the Difference Between
Real Wood and Faux Wood?
About 15 years ago we started to see shutters being manufactured from synthetic materials like polymers and foams. It used to be shutters were built by craftsmen and artisans.
Today several manufacturers are mass producing the parts out of wood and polymers, making the manufacturing process much more streamlined and more precise.
Today’s shutters are much higher quality and much less expensive than just 10 years ago.
At first glance, wood shutters and faux wood shutters look the same. However, upon further inspection, the true differences are revealed.

What are the Benefits of Real Wood Shutters?

Real wood shutters provide a wider range of stained colors.
In stain colors, they also tend to look more authentic.
There’s nothing quite like a beautifully finished shutter in a deep stain.

What are the benefits of Faux Wood Shutters?

Faux wood shutters are impervious to most environments including damp air and open windows. Faux wood shutters never need re‐finishing.
AluCore Poly Shutters combine the rich look of wood with the strength of advanced polymers.
More economical than genuine wood shutters, AluCore Poly Shutters are resistant to:
moisture, scratching, chipping, warpage, fading and cracking.
They provide a lifetime of resilient beauty and the answer to Florida’s intense heat and humidity!
Specialty Shapes are available in AluCore Poly Shutters® from Gator Blinds®

How do I get the Best Finish?

The answer is rather odd.
It mostly depends on the country of origin.
If you order real wood, and it’s made in the US, you’re likely to get an inferior finish due to EPA regulations on painting, but very expensive.

China builds complete shutters it takes 8 – 12 weeks.

We manufacture the shutters to the ordered size here in the US.
This cuts down the delivery time to 2 – 3 weeks.

Our AluCore Poly Shutters® always have superior finishes.

Products made in Mexico seem to have very poor workmanship and poor finishes.

Gator Blinds® offers an American product manufactured in Orlando FL,
called AluCore Poly Shutters® with 25 years limited lifetime warranty!

Always ask your shutter consultant
where your shutters are being manufactured.

Are the Hinges and Hardware Important?

a. Yes. There are several different types of hinges including different colors and sizes. There are also hidden hinges available from a few manufacturers and “Post Hinges” available from Italy. Stay away from the post hinges as they are very weak.
b. The magnets are important provided they work well. They come in many different styles, and the manufacturers like to tell you their magnets are better.
c. The staples on the tilt bar are vital. Most people seem to think the tilt bar is for opening and closing the shutter. It is not, it’s for tilting the vanes. Many people have experienced the staples coming out or breaking. Today’s shutter manufacturers use stainless steel staples made just for shutters. It’s very rare to see one break today.

What type of Frame should I use?

There are several different types of frames.
There are 3 basic categories. Deco, Z Frame, and L frame.
Each comes in several different designs.
Since every window is different it’s up to your shutter consultant to help you to determine which is best for your windows.
There are also special frames for sliding glass doors, bay windows and arch windows. Most manufacturers will offer a wide variety of frames.
Most popular is the Z frame. They make most any window look like a million bucks!

What about delivery times?

Shutters take some time to make.
Shutters that take 8‐12 weeks they come mostly from China.
In the US made shutters take mostly 4‐5 weeks.

Gator Blinds Shutters in Orlando which is local takes 2 – 3 weeks.

I Leave My Windows Open at Night, Is That OK?

Yes, if you buy a faux wood shutter.
Never leave a real wood shutter open to the night air.
It will prematurely age it, and the paint will peal.

How can I find a Certified Shutter Consultant?

Your local Certified Shutter Consultant is Gator Blinds®

Give us a call today

and see why we are your best value in custom window blinds.

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or Call us today for a free estimate!

(407) 462-7750
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Gator Blinds®
Main Office and Showroom
By appointment only!
Please Call (407) 462 – 7750
430 Anchor Rd., Casselberry, Florida, Fl

Serving the Orlando Area

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Comparing Shutters