6 MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW SHUTTERS

PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW SHUTTERS: 1

They will make your room darker when compared to most other types of window covering. Window shutters are made up of panels fitted into a frame, so you will have a frame that is fixed to the wall and inside that you will have the panel frames and that is a lot of timber that will stop light coming in.

A simple solution to this is to keep the number of panels in your shutter to a minimum will help reduce the amount of framework and allow more light into the room.

PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW SHUTTERS: 2

Following on from problem 1 the number of panels in your shutter is important not only for allowing light in but also for how your window shutters look when compared to your windows.

The photo above is a great example of how better advice before ordering makes a big difference. Having this shutter made with 2 panels instead of 3 would allow more light into the room (less frame) and would also match the design window frame perfectly improving the look from outside the home. In this case, it’s a win-win. More light in your room and looks so much better.

PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW SHUTTERS: 3

One of the most common problems with window shutters is as the example above shows matching your shutters to your windows.

Hands up…. this example is one of ours.

As you can see the shutter frame does not line up with a frame of the window. To avoid this we can add what the trade calls T Posts. T posts are built into the main frame and can be positioned in the right places in line with window frames. (Our customer thought this looked ok, but we didn’t so the shutter was replaced)

PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW SHUTTERS: 4

Shutters are being made in the wrong material.

Window shutters can be made in several different materials, wood, faux wood, MDF and vinyl.

These different materials would be suitable for most rooms in your home. MDF and wood would never be suitable for bathrooms, ensuites and some kitchens.

Wood and MDF will over time go mouldy and warp if fitted in a bathroom or ensuite. The problem is you will not know this until a few years down the line.

I’ve been asked to visit several homes where customers were sold faux-wood shutters but mdf (cheaper) shutters were installed. You have to have total trust in the company supplying your shutters that you are getting what you pay for as it is impossible to tell the difference between the different types of shutters (even for us).

As you can see from the photos over time water, steam or condensation will work its way into the frames (These shutters were just over 2 years old).

Vinyl and faux wood shutters are great for bathrooms just make sure you have total confidence in the company that is working for you.

PROBLEMS WITH SHUTTERS: 5

Windows out of square. This is a fairly common problem, not so much in newer homes but certainly in older houses.

As I explained earlier your shutters will be installed in a frame that has to be perfectly square to allow the shutter panels to open and close freely.

When we measure and order your shutters we have to make the frames to the narrowest measurements both on the width and the drop of your windows.

This is a plan view of a shutter using a traditional frame fitting inside of your window recess.

So if your window is out of square and the shutter is fitting nice and snug and on one side there will be a gap at the other end. Depending on the size of the gap there are some different ways of covering the gap.

The most common is caulking or sealant. Neat and good for small gaps. When the gaps are bigger then timber beading strips can be used. If the gaps are fairly big then we can shape a batten in a matching colour to your shutter.

The simple way to avoid all of this is to have your shutters made and installed with what we call a Z frame.

As you can see the Z frame fits to the front edge of your window recess and due to its shape overlaps the wall. This means any gaps that there are will be hidden behind the overlapping frame.

The Z frame will be on 3 sides of your shutter, top, left and right. So there will be no need for sealant or battens.

PROBLEM WITH WINDOW SHUTTER 6

Problem 1 was about window shutters making your room darker. This is the opposite. Standard window shutters are not blackout.

You would never class this shutter as blackout but many people are being told they are.

I would describe a standard shutter as a dimout, it will make your bedroom fairly dark but not blackout.

Also, note the closure may differ slightly from Louvre to Louvre.

This problem is easily solved as long as you have to conversation BEFORE you order your shutters. Shutter and shade are the solution.

The photo shows a shutter with a blackout blind built into the shutter frame. From the front, it will look like every other shutter in your home. The blackout blind is tucked away and gets lowered at night.

As you can see with the shutter louvres fully opened the top part of this window is blackout. (We took a picture with the blind fully down and as you can imagine you couldn’t see anything… not our cleverest idea)

Hopefully, this will help avoid some of the most common problems with window shutters.

IT’S OFFICIAL……..INSTALLING SHUTTERS WILL PREVENT UP TO 28% HEAT LOSS IN THE WINTER MONTHS.

An added benefit of installing window shutters in your home is the effect they will have on reducing your winter energy bills.

We had tested the effect of windows with and without shutters with an inferred heat camera, but now it has been scientifically tested in a comprehensive study carried out by the University of Salford and the British Blind and Shutter Association. Proving that your shutters will save you money during the colder months

To find out more about these tests…https://bbsa.org.uk/householders/energy-saving/

I would always recommend getting professional advice from your local shutter supplier.

Want to know a little more about getting shutters for your home…https://www.barlowblinds.com/getting-shutters-fitted-how-does-it-work

Leicestershire and would like to arrange a home visit with our mobile shutter showroom. Give me a call on 0116 2769771 or leave your details and we will call you back https://www.barlowblinds.com/contact