Why should you install shutters in your home?

If you want a stylish, individual home, then installing shutters to your windows could be the key. Window shutters come in a range of colours, styles and designs and can help to insulate your home in winter and cool it in summer. Here are some of the options.

Shutters are a stylish
alternative to curtains or blinds

Interior shutters

Interior shutters, sometimes called plantation shutters, have become more popular in the UK. Sue Canty, from Surrey Shutters says: “More people are buying shutters because they require less maintenance than curtains; they offer privacy while also letting light into the room, so they are very practical.”

Interior shutters come in different designs. Most have a traditional slat effect (louvre) which lets varying degrees of light through, but you can get solid panelled shutters which are particularly good for keeping heat in; “So shutters are energy efficient as well, which appeals to customers at the moment,” adds Sue. The three main styles of interior shutters are:

Full height shutters – these cover the full length of the window, either in louvre or solid design. They usually have a rail halfway down and you are able to adjust the louvres according to how much light or privacy you need. Full height shutters can be good for patios or sliding doors.

Two tiered shutters – these shutters split into upper and lower sections which can open independently of each other. They are used often in tall narrow windows and in Victorian or Edwardian style homes.

Half height shutters – often called ‘cafe shutters’ because they are commonly used in restaurants, these shutters block out the bottom half of the window only. Natural light still filters through the top half of the window but the shutter on the bottom half provides privacy.

Exterior shutters

Shutters offer privacy
and conserve heat whilst
still letting in light

Functioning exterior shutters are most common in parts of the world which are very hot or suffer extreme weather, as they help to block out heat and protect against the elements. In the UK, exterior blinds are normally used for purely aesthetic reasons; therefore most tend to be non-functioning. Solid shutters are particularly good for insulation and weather proofing your home, shutters with louvres are not quite as insulating but do allow for ventilation and light to filter through.

The most common types of exterior shutters used in the UK are security shutters. Mr Honeword, from Aceros security Ltd in Kent says: “We supply roller shutters for commercial premises mostly, they are made of galvanized steel normally, so give good protection. ”

Roller security shutters are used by businesses, shops, factories, warehouses and garages. They are usually made of galvanized steel or aluminium and roll up to conserve floor space. Security shutters can be operated manually, however: “Electric and remote controlled shutters are the norm now,” points out Mr Honeword. Security shutters have the added benefit of conserving heat and are usually fire resistant.

Shutter materials

Wood shutters – traditionally, shutters were made from wood such as cedar or pine. Wood looks great and has good insulating properties, but it can be more expensive and requires regular painting, staining or weatherproofing to avoid rotting or warping.

uPVC shutters – uPVC has become a popular material for shutters because it is lightweight, durable and requires no maintenance. It can be made to give a wood like finish and is available in different colours and styles.

Fibreglass/composite shutters – composite shutters are extremely strong so offer good security and require no maintenance, but they can be expensive.

Metal shutters – normally used for security shutters, metal offers solid protection from break-ins and will not rot or rust. As metal is so cold, it may not insulate as well.

How much do shutters cost?

It is essential that you make sure that your shutters are fitted by a professional. If the shutters aren’t the same shape and size as the windows then the effect will be ruined. “We price shutters by the square meter and MDF are the cheapest. In fact, shutters are often cheaper then curtains, depending on which you choose,” explains Sue. Security shutters for your home or business will work out more expensive, as Mr Honeword suggests: “A shop fronted security shutter of galvanized steel might cost around £4,000 and a shutter for a home window might be £400 - £500.”