Are shutters waterproof? The answer to the question is not a simple yes or no. Shutters are made from different types of materials. Some are waterproof; some are not.

Waterproof shutter materials are composed of hard plastic, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) materials that can withstand water splashing against the window. These materials are also resistant to the discoloration and warping that can occur with exposure to moisture over time.

So, you have decided to install waterproof shutters in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement – that’s smart! But, which shutter materials are waterproof?

Keep reading to find out the answers to this question and more.

What Materials Are Waterproof?

PVC Shutters

These days, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient and secure. One way to do this is by installing PVC shutters. PVC shutters are not only stylish and beautiful but also very durable and waterproof.

PVC shutters are a smart choice for homeowners who live in areas that experience severe weather conditions. They will not warp, rust, or peel in rain or humid environments. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

What’s more, PVC shutters can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

If you want an affordable, high-quality shutter that is also waterproof, then PVC is the ideal material.

Composite Shutters

Composite shutters are made from wood and materials known as “resins” and “binders.” These materials bond together to form a solid shield resistant to water and moisture damage.

As a result, they are an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other humid areas of the home. These shutters are also durable enough to withstand harsh weather and fluctuating temperatures.

What’s more, composite shutters are available in a wide range of colors and styles to find the perfect fit for your home.

Aluminum Shutters

Aluminum shutters are another excellent choice for waterproof shutters. They are made from durable aluminum and feature scratch-resistant finishes to protect from rust and moisture damage.

Aluminum doesn’t expand or contract in extreme temperatures like other materials. Aluminum shutters are also fireproof, so bonus points for safety and security!

Although, over time, they will corrode because there is a chemical reaction between ferrous metals and aluminum, such as steel nails and aluminum shutters.

Regardless, aluminum shutters are an excellent choice for areas prone to water damage, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Aluminum shutters are available in various styles and colors, including louvered and café types.

Polywood Shutters

Polywood is a popular choice for homeowners who seek an affordable and Eco-friendly shutter material. Polywood shutters are made from a 100% UV-resistant polymer compound.

These shutters are paintable and sustainable in various colors to match any décor or personal style. They are almost 100% waterproof and available in dozens of wood grains.

Polywood Shutters are the easiest to install and maintain – just dust and wipe, and you’re good to go. With proper care, Polywood Shutters will retain their color and sheen for the product’s life and have the highest thermal efficiency of any shutter on the market.

Put simply, Polywood Shutters offer the best bang for your buck!

Polysatin Shutters

Poly satin is another type of insulation shutter made from a synthetic resin compound and protects wood finishes from harmful UV rays that cause fading and discoloration over time.  

Polysatin Shutters come in various styles and colors, including traditional shutter styles such as louvered and café styles.  

These shutters are 100% water-resistant, yet they are lightweight and easy to maneuver. Bathrooms and rooms of the home that are prone to moisture and humidity are great candidates for these shutters.  

What Shutters Are Not Waterproof?

Wood Shutters

Traditional shutters are made from wood. They are beautiful, timeless, and can be customized to fit any window or style. However, wood is susceptible to moisture damage – even water-resistant wood can warp or split over time when exposed to moisture or high humidity.

As a result of these issues, wood shutters should not be installed in wet or humid areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The living room and bedroom usually are the rooms in the house that receive the least amount of moisture exposure, so wood shutters are an excellent choice.

Wood Shutters can also be vulnerable to termites and carpenter bees that can burrow into the wood and damage the joints, which will cause the shutters to warp and bow over time.

MDF Shutters

A viable alternative to wooden shutters is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) Window Shutters if you want to save money without compromising on quality.

MDF is an engineered wood composite made from compacted hardwood and softwood residue. The product is covered with plastic, making it not only visually appealing, durable, and hard-wearing but also resistant to warping.

Even though MDF is more cost-effective, MDF shutters are almost indistinguishable from hardwood shutters.

The benefits of MDF shutters are virtually identical to those of hardwood shutters. But as we have established, they aren’t ideal for moist areas, such as bathrooms, where waterproof shutters made from vinyl/PVC or aluminum would be better.

What are the Benefits of Waterproof Shutters?

Shutters are ideal for homeowners who want privacy, security, aesthetic quality, and energy efficiency. You get all these perks from waterproof shutters, including being:

Perfect for Your Bathroom

Among the main advantages of this type of shutter are, of course, their waterproof properties. Because of this, they are ideal for use in bathrooms, wet rooms, and other areas with a lot of moisture.

A waterproof shutter will remain aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting even if it has frequent exposure to moisture.

Consequently, your bathroom windows will always look their best—and you will never have to worry about leaks destroying your furnishings or any belongings in your beautiful bathroom.

A Practical Solution for Your Kitchen

The bathroom isn’t the only room in the house that gets a lot of moisture and humidity. Turning on the oven, boiling the kettle, and cooking on the stove can produce a lot of condensation.

Again, waterproof shutters can handle this environment easily and won’t get ruined by mold. They’re also pretty practical.

It’s common for people to open the window while cooking so that smells don’t linger or because it gets too hot in the kitchen. You can let some fresh air in with shutters without compromising your privacy.

Kitchens accumulate dirt over time because residue can splatter everywhere when we’re cooking. Even though you can wipe down surfaces regularly, you might not want to remove your curtains and blinds every week to give them a deep cleaning.

The advantage of shutters is that you can clean them easily with a cloth without removing them.

Superiorly Strong

Waterproof shutters are solid and durable because they are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic resin.

You don’t have to worry about them warping, chipping, or getting dented even in harsh humid environments.

Mold-resistant

Mold can develop on anything exposed to moisture, such as your bathroom curtains or blinds.

In these situations, waterproof shutters are designed to handle the moisture, and you can also very easily wipe any condensation off of them, which ensures that mold isn’t a problem.

Visually Appealing

Sometimes, you have to compromise on style when you need something for practical reasons. The opposite is true when it comes to waterproof shutters.

In addition to looking fantastic, you can easily customize them to match your home’s style, shape, and color.

Are Waterproof Shutters Really 100% Waterproof?

According to several manufacturers, there are 100% waterproof shutters. They are made using high-grade Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic resins.

ABS is a high-quality plastic resin used in many applications because it is solid and durable, and it is also resistant to warping if it comes in contact with moisture.

It also gives the shutters excellent shock absorption, perfect for a busy household.

Are Rainproof Shutters More Expensive?

No, they are not. But shutters are typically more pricey than other window treatments like blinds, curtains, or shades.

This is because you are getting a high-quality product that will last you a long time. And also because they are tailor-made to fit your windows perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Shutters can be expensive to your home, but they offer unbeatable durability, lasting beauty, and functionality. Because they are so durable and low-maintenance, they are a fantastic long-term investment for your home.

If you want to do one better, consider a waterproof shutter treatment for areas in your home that are susceptible to moisture, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

You’ll get all the benefits of installing shutters. Plus, the peace of mind that comes with a waterproof shutter treatment is priceless!