Aluminum vs. Vinyl Shutters: Which is Better for Your Home?

When choosing shutters to install on your home’s exterior, two very common options are aluminum and vinyl shutters. Both materials have their merits, but also differ in strength, appearance, cost and ease of installation.

Aluminum Shutters

Pros:

• Extremely durable even in harsh weather conditions. Aluminum shutters are dent-resistant and won’t warp, crack or peel over time. They can maintain their pristine look even after years of exposure to Australian sun, salty sea air and wind.
• Require very little maintenance. Just an occasional wash down with a garden hose is all that’s needed to keep aluminum shutters looking like new. No painting, staining or other repetitive upkeep is required.
• Available in a wide diversity of colors to match your home’s color scheme. Over 200 standard colors are available. Custom colors can also be powder coated. This allows your shutters to coordinate with your home’s exterior palette.

Cons:

• More expensive upfront cost compared to vinyl shutters. But aluminum’s unparalleled durability and longevity make up for the higher initial investment over the long run.
• Prone to minor scratches over time from wind-blown debris and abrasion. So they can lose some luster after prolonged use. But powder coating helps minimize this.
• Operating aluminum shutters and slamming them shut can generate noise due to metal-on-metal contact. This may require lubrication or adjusting tension.

Vinyl Shutters

Pros:

• Very affordable and budget-friendly option. Vinyl is likely the cheapest material choice for most homes. This allows even cost-conscious homeowners to add shutters affordably.
• Lightweight and easy for do-it-yourself installation. No special tools or expertise needed. Homeowners can typically install vinyl shutters on their own over a weekend. Much faster and simpler than specialized labor.
• Resist moisture, rotting and wood-boring insect damage. Vinyl won’t warp or crack from rain and humidity like wood. An occasional hose wash keeps vinyl looking fresh.

Cons:

• Not as indestructible and dent-resistant as aluminum. Vinyl can get dinged, dented or scratched more easily from impacts. It lacks the hardness and strength of metal.
• Color and size options are more limited than aluminum shutters. Most manufacturers offer around 15-20 stock vinyl colors, though custom matching is possible.
• Can warp or develop small cracks over time in extremely hot weather if not properly installed. Not as heat-resistant as aluminum.

In summary, aluminum excels at durability while vinyl provides cost savings. Choose based on your budget, local weather, and design needs.