Bahama Shutter Styles

Hurricane

• Bahama shutters are also called Bermuda shutters, but both terms refer to the same styles of popular island shutter. The most common of these is called the "hurricane shutter." These are one-piece shutters that provide full window coverage. A single shutter hinges at the top of the window and closes tightly within the window casing. The shutter might feature a single support arm at the bottom center of the shutter to hold it open like an awning. This functions to keep out sunlight and maximize ventilation. Other hurricane shutter models feature a pair of support arms on each side of the shutter, with most being adjustable up to a 45-degree angle.

  Larger one-piece hurricane shutters need to be sturdily manufactured. Most models feature two or more rows of horizontal fixed louvers to add strength to the design. The louvers are usually spaced about an inch apart, and they always face downward to prevent rain from coming into the house. Popular materials for these shutters include non-rotting wood products like Honduras mahogany or western red cedar, composite building materials, fiberglass and vinyl. Shutter sizes are usually custom fitted to the window casings to ensure full window protection; off-the-shelf styles range in size from 24 to 120 inches.

Board-n-Batten

• The other primary style of Bahama or Bermuda shutter is called the board-n-batten. These shutters are made in pairs that hinge on the sides of window casings and swing in towards the center of the window. Each shutter is made up of vertical boards which form a fence-like obstruction over the window, and the shutters are contoured at the top to fit either a flat-edged or arched window casing. The backside of each shutter features a horizontal batten or trim molding on the top and bottom. Battens provide extra strength and support for the uprights.

  There are no louvers in this shutter style. Board-n-batten shutters keep out the elements and sunlight, but they don't have the advantage of allowing extra ventilation. These Bahama shutters are made of the same variety of materials available for hurricane shutters.

Hardware

• All Bahama or Bermuda shutter styles share the same need for sturdy hardware. They all require hinges that affix to the shutters themselves and attach in a free-swinging connection to pintels. Some hinges have attached pintels for easy one-piece installation onto both the window casings and shutters.

  When closed, Bahama or Bermuda shutters need some kind of slide bolt, shutter lock or spring latch to keep the shutters securely in place.

  Board-n-batten shutters require extra hardware to keep the two shutter panels in place when open. Tie backs, which are also called "shutter dogs," are affixed to the outer wall and, when slid over the extended shutter, hold it in place and prevent movement in the wind.

  Hurricane shutters require either a central or two side support arms to keep the shutters open. These may require replacement, as they are likely to absorb a lot of stress from the weight of the single shutters.