Navigating Fort Worth’s Climate: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Plantation Shutter Materials
Fort Worth homeowners face unique challenges when selecting window treatments that can withstand the region’s demanding climate. In Fort Worth, the summers are hot and muggy, the winters are cold and windy, and it is partly cloudy year round, with a humid subtropical climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 37°F to 97°F and is rarely below 25°F or above 102°F, while the average high temperature in the summer is near 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C) while the average low temperature in the winter is around 30°F (-1°C).
Understanding these climate factors is crucial when selecting plantation shutter materials that will provide lasting beauty and functionality for your home.
Fort Worth’s Climate Challenges for Window Treatments
The local weather patterns present specific considerations for homeowners. Approximately 34 inches of rain falls each year, with typically more precipitation during the late spring and early summer months, and thunderstorms are common throughout the year, particularly in the afternoons. On average, there are 229 sunny days per year in Fort Worth, and Fort Worth gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 79 days per year.
The climate of Dallas/Fort Worth is humid subtropical with hot summers and is also continental, characterized by a wide annual temperature range, with precipitation varying considerably, annual values ranging from less than 20 inches to more than 50 inches. These conditions demand window treatments that can handle temperature extremes, humidity fluctuations, and intense sunlight exposure.
Best Plantation Shutter Materials for Fort Worth Weather
Premium Composite and Polywood Materials
For Fort Worth’s challenging climate, synthetic materials often outperform traditional options. Vinyl provides an affordable option with significant moisture resistance, while composite materials combine the best features of both wood and synthetic options and are resistant to moisture, ideal for humid climates. Premium faux wood shutters are sturdy and made to last decades, with high-quality plantation shutters being energy efficient and even having built-in weather-stripping to make them 70% more energy efficient than their wood counterparts.
Local Fort Worth companies recognize these benefits. Polywood plantation shutters are far and away the most energy efficient window treatment available in Fort Worth and can prevent almost 50% of the heat loss through your windows, resulting in lower utility bills.
Moisture-Resistant Options
Given Fort Worth’s humidity levels, moisture resistance is paramount. PVC and composite shutters are the best choices for humid climates where condensation gathers, such as in your kitchen or bathroom. Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), these shutters are particularly resistant to moisture and humidity, making them ideal for areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
Vinyl shutters are waterproof and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for use in high-humidity environments, and are resistant to fading, cracking, or warping from exposure to sunlight or heat. This durability is especially valuable in Fort Worth’s variable climate conditions.
Wood Options: When and Where They Work
While synthetic materials often perform better in Fort Worth’s climate, quality wood shutters still have their place. Solid basswood can withstand humidity, moisture, and temperature changes without warping, cracking, fading, or peeling. However, wood shutters may not be the best option for high-humidity areas or rooms with moisture, as they can warp or rot.
Wood shutters can last between 10 to 20 years, depending on maintenance and environmental conditions, while PVC shutters often have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years due to their durability and resistance to weather extremes.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Fort Worth’s intense summer heat makes energy efficiency a top priority. Modern shutters feature a foam core that stops 99% of the radiant heat from entering your home, which is especially crucial in Dallas and Fort Worth, as the sun and heat can get intense in the sweltering summer months. Polywood shutters are able to conserve hot and cold air up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Local Expertise: A Plus Shutters & Shades
When selecting plantation shutters fort worth homeowners should work with experienced local professionals who understand the region’s specific challenges. A Plus Shutters & Shades proudly serves Arlington, Fort Worth, Pantego, Dallas, Southlake, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, and Grand Prairie, bringing unparalleled expertise and passion to every project with a decade in construction and a dedicated shutter showroom, and their commitment to local craftsmanship and personal service sets them apart.
The company understands the specific needs of Tarrant County homes, as the area’s climate and home styles demand flexible window solutions, from the bright sunlight of Texas summers to the closed-in privacy of residential areas. They offer a variety of materials to suit preferences and budget, including wood, faux wood, vinyl, and fabric, and can help choose the right material based on needs and desired aesthetic.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
The material of your shutters plays a significant role in their longevity and performance, especially in Tarrant County’s climate, and whether you’re dealing with high humidity, intense sunlight, or coastal conditions, selecting the right material is crucial, with knowledgeable staff educating on the pros and cons of various materials.
For Fort Worth homeowners, the ideal plantation shutter material typically combines moisture resistance, UV protection, and energy efficiency. Custom shutters are ideal for humid areas when crafted from materials that can withstand moisture, such as vinyl or composite, as these materials do not warp or crack like traditional wood might, making them suitable for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, with the ability to tailor shutters for specific environmental conditions making them a versatile option.
Ultimately, the best plantation shutter material for your Fort Worth home depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. By working with local experts who understand the region’s climate challenges, you can ensure your investment will provide years of beauty, functionality, and energy savings while withstanding everything Texas weather can deliver.