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    5 star ratingGreat service and products. Paul came to my house and it was reassuring that he knew exactly what he was doing. The shutters came in on time and the install crew was professional and did a great job. The shutters are very high quality and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience.
    David W. Avatar
    David W.
    5/02/2020

    FAQs About Shutters & Blinds

    We are here to make sure all of your questions are answered. With that in mind, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get here at Affordable Window Coverings.


    What's the difference between real wood and faux wood shutters?

    Traditional custom shutters come in a basswood material that can be painted or stained. It typically will have a four to ten year warranty from the manufacturer. You must be very careful with real wood to not get it wet and only dry dusting to prevent chipping or cracking of the wood. The faux wood shutter is made of a PVC material that is extruded in 5 white shades. While most faux wood shutters can have a slim hollow design, our faux wood shutter is actually reinforced with an aluminum core which makes it virtually indestructible to the elements. It is water resistant, fire retardant, and scratch and dent proof.


    What’s the difference between faux wood and real wood blinds?

    Real wood blinds are typically made of basswood, a hard wood that stains very nicely. There are some other wood available such as cedar and pine that have unique grains and/or knots that add to the beauty of the product. Faux wood blinds are made of PVC and have the appearance of real wood. They come in shades of white as well as some popular “wood” tones that can coordinate with your décor. Faux woods are typically less expensive than real wood, but can be a bit heavier when lifting them.


    What products do you recommend for energy efficiency?

    Many manufacturers address energy efficiency in today’s window fashions. A product such as the shutter, which can completely block out light, can also reduce incoming heat or trap cool air in. Another, softer option is the cellular shade which can come in a one or two cell design in multiple sizes and opacities. The more cells you have and the stronger the opacity, i.e. blackout, then the more efficient the shade is.


    What are my options for a slider?

    Sliders are not limited to vertical blinds alone. While vertical blinds may be the most economical option, you can put a wide range of styles on a sliding glass door such as shutters, which slide on a tract or cellular shades which can be mounted to slide vertically. Vertical blinds can be fabric wrapped for an elegant look, and functioning draperies are also very beautiful. Alternatively, you can mount a horizontal product such as a shade that can function as two separate blinds so you can access the door.


    What types of coverings can I put on my specialty windows?

    The best option for a specialty window is a shutter. They can be made into almost any shape and can keep the integrity and beauty that specialty shapes add to a room. Other options exist for arches such as cellular shades or fauxwood blinds.


    What is the best way to clean and maintain my window coverings?

    Most blinds should be cleaned with a dry dusting method or vacuumed on a regular basis. For deep cleaning, we recommend an outside service that does ultrasonic cleaning of your blind. But as each window covering is very different, we provide a proper cleaning and maintenance instruction packet with every purchase, so you can be sure you are taking care of your products properly.


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