Vinyl vs. Wood Shutters In Dry Desert Climates

When you are looking for a durable window treatment for a home in a dry desert climate, like Las Vegas, it is vital to understand the differences between vinyl shutters vs. wood shutters.

Both options can provide light control and insulation for windows. However, there are some key differences between the two that you need to know to help you make the best choice for your home.

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How Does Shutter Material Affect Durability And Performance In A Dry Climate?

The durability and performance of shutter material are directly related to the climate where you live.

The material you select will have a direct impact on:

• Longevity
• Moisture-resistance
• Warping
• Cracking
• Fading

In dry climates, you’ll want a material that can handle low-humidity levels and hot temperatures.

Which Performs Better Long-Term In Las Vegas? Vinyl Or Wood Shutters?

Hardwood shutters perform better long-term than vinyl shutters in dry climates. Wood is more durable and heat-resistant than vinyl. However, wood shutters can require more frequent maintenance to ensure they remain sealed to prevent warping and cracking. Yet they can last for several decades.

How Do Hot Summers In Las Vegas Impact Vinyl Shutters Compared To Wood Shutters?

Vinyl shutters do not perform well in Las Vegas’s hot summers, where temperatures can reach 115°F or higher, and surface temperatures can exceed 140°F. Excessive exposure to UV rays, combined with high temperatures can cause vinyl to warp, crack, and become brittle. Wood shutters are better suited to deal with hot summers and dry heat.

Are Vinyl Or Wood Shutters Better Suited For Desert Climate Zones?

Homes in desert climate zones should choose hardwood shutters for their home over vinyl for these reasons:

• Wood is more durable.
• Wood is a superior material in higher temperatures and dry climates.
• Wood has a much longer lifespan.

How Does Low Humidity Affect Warping, Cracking, Or Fading In Different Shutter Materials?

The year-round low-humidity levels in Las Vegas have a direct impact on warping, cracking, and fading for different shutter materials, as follows:

• Vinyl shutters: Perform well in all humidity levels, but are very susceptible to heat and UV rays, causing them to fade, crack, and break.
• Wood shutters: Designed for low-humidity environments and offer fade-resistance and warp-resistance, as long as they are resealed or repainted periodically. They can crack as the wood dries out, if it is not properly protected.
• Composite shutters: Superior over other types and designed to resist UV rays, block heat, and are well-suited for the low humidity, dry heat Las Vegas environment. They also offer superior durability over other materials and resist warping, cracking, and fading.

Vinyl Shutters vs. Wood Shutters Quick Comparison

Vinyl Shutters

• Not designed for high temperatures
• Not UV-resistant
• Fades
• Becomes brittle and cracks
• Costs less than wood

Hardwood Shutters

• Well-suited for high temperatures
• UV-resistant
• Fade-resistant
• Won’t become brittle or crack, as long as they remain sealed
• More aesthetically appealing than vinyl
• Increases the value of your home
• More expensive than vinyl

Even though vinyl shutters cost less, they are not the best choice for Las Vegas homes. Vinyl shutters can quickly wear out and have to be replaced more often than hardwood ones. So, if you opt for vinyl, you will end up spending more in the long run than making the initial investment into hardwood. Hardwood shutters can last decades with proper care and maintenance.

What About High-Tech Composite vs. Hardwood? Which Is Better?

High-tech composite shutters are the top choice for many Las Vegas homeowners. They are low maintenance, long-lasting, and mimic the look and feel of real wood. They are also heat-, fade-, and UV-resistant. Lastly, they are easier to clean and never need repainting or resealing.

Get Help Choosing The Best Shutters For Your Las Vegas Home Today

It’s easy to get professional advice and assistance in selecting the best Las Vegas shutters for your home from Best Buy Shutters.

We understand the challenges homeowners face with extreme heat and low humidity. We also manufacture many of our window treatments right here, locally. Contact us to schedule a free in-home estimate and consultation appointment with one of our experienced window treatment professionals.

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Sources:

Climate of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas – Highest Temperature for Each Year. (2023).

Why Does Ultraviolet Light Cause Color to Fade? (2024).