Exterior shutters are a popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce heat gain and save energy. They create an air gap between themselves and the window, acting as a natural insulating barrier that prevents direct heat transfer from the shutter to the windowpane, ensuring the interior remains cool. Operable window coverings offer flexibility in keeping the covering open or closed for privacy, maximizing natural light, taking advantage of sun heat in winter, and reducing heat gain in summer.
Sliding shutters offer a minimalist and modern design that complements any architectural style and are space-saving. Proper maintenance not only enhances the appearance of the shutters but also ensures they function optimally for years to come. External shutters can reduce heat build-up inside your home, particularly during the summer months, saving up to 50 in energy costs.
Shutters can help prevent excessive heat gain by blocking or reflecting the sun’s rays, reducing glare and filtering daylight, reducing overheating, and reducing glare. Research has found operable exterior shutters to be particularly effective at limiting solar heat gain by being able to close snugly over windows and control natural light as desired.
When choosing the right shutters for your home, consider aesthetics, budget, and durability. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that exterior window coverings like shutters and shades are the most effective window treatment option for reducing solar heat gain. Operable louvered shutters are particularly effective at reducing solar heat gain during the summer months, as they allow ocean breezes to flow into the home while blocking most of the hot sunlight while still allowing some sunlight to illuminate the room.
There are two main types of window shutters: interior shutters and exterior shading. Interior shutters help reduce heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter, while exterior shading is more effective in shading and cooling a home and preventing the harmful effects of the sun.
📹 How To Block The Summer Heat From Entering Your Home! (Cools Down Your Home Instantly..)
In this video, we go over the best ways to keep your home much cooler during the summer time that you may not have considered.
When should you not use exterior shutters?
Shutters are not necessary for every window, as they should cover the entire window when closed. Double-mulled, picture, bay, and most dormer windows should not have shutters. If shutters aren’t affordable, adding shutter hardware can be a simple detail. Mismatched windows can appear sloppy, especially with differing muntin patterns. Some muntin patterns are endemic to certain architectural styles, so “Prairie” muntins should be avoided unless the house is of the Craftsman, Arts and Crafts, or Prairie style. Adding shutter hardware can add a touch of elegance to a house.
Do external shutters keep heat in?
External shutters are a cost-effective and stylish way to enhance the value of your home by preventing heat and cool air from entering. They also help lower energy costs, control sunlight, and have good thermal properties. In Australia, high electricity costs necessitate the focus on energy efficiency in home design. Shutters can improve window efficiency and home energy performance by protecting the windows from the sun. During hot weather, running the air conditioner day and night is essential to prevent heat transfer, which can cause discomfort and even danger.
Are exterior shutters a good idea?
The installation of custom exterior shutters can serve to enhance the visual appeal of a residential property. This is achieved by providing a polished and unified appearance when the colours of the shutters match the existing colour scheme of the building. In addition, the shutters can also add an individual and distinct touch to the overall aesthetic appeal of the property.
Are exterior shutters out of style in 2024?
Classic louvered shutters are timeless and versatile, complementing various architectural styles like colonial and Cape Cod. They can be customized in various colors, materials, and sizes to match your home’s unique look. In 2024, there are numerous options available to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, including classic, rustic, and contemporary styles. This Homeowners Guide will explore the top five decorative shutter options for 2024, highlighting their features and benefits. These shutters can make a significant difference in adding charm and character to your home’s exterior.
Will shutters help keep a house cool?
Plantation shutters are a popular choice for those seeking to improve their existing window coverings and improve insulation or shade. They provide an additional layer of insulation in windows, keeping hot air trapped between the window and the louvres when closed. This keeps the room fresher and helps to keep the heat out during the summer heatwave. Additionally, plantation shutters have adjustable louvres that allow for easy regulation of the light or sun’s heat entering the room.
As the summer heatwave continues, it’s essential to consider the effectiveness of existing window dressings and consider plantation shutters as a potential solution for keeping the heat out and the heat in during the winter months.
Do shutters keep heat out better than blinds?
Shutters provide more temperature control and insulation than blinds, allowing natural solar heat to reach through windows. They should be tilted fully open to maximize sun heat, while closed in colder weather to retain heat. Shutters also offer more control over light and privacy, allowing for more control over how many lights filter into a room and where they reach. The thickness of wooden louvres allows for natural light and privacy when tilted at a specific angle. Overall, shutters offer a versatile solution for maintaining a comfortable and controlled environment.
What are the disadvantages of shutters?
Shutters and blinds offer various benefits and drawbacks in home decoration. They can be attractive, not completely blocking out light, easy to clean, and can help control temperature. However, they can be more expensive and may not be easily changed. When choosing between shutters or blinds, it’s crucial to consider your home’s interior trends and budget. This guide aims to help you make the right choice for your home and budget, ensuring you choose the right option for your home and needs.
How much heat do shutters keep in?
To enhance energy efficiency in your home, consider adding shutters to all windows. A recent study by the English Heritage found that shutters can reduce heat seeps through windows by over 50%, resulting in more heat trapped indoors and reducing the need for your heating system to generate heat. This can save money on your monthly electric bill. If your location experiences cold winters, investing in high-quality shutters can help retain heat while saving money.
However, there is no guarantee of how much heat will be saved or lost. Closing slats and panels of window shutters can save over 50 percent of indoor heat, while adding secondary glazing can save over 60 percent. Combining thicker windows, shutters, and curtains can also help reduce heat loss. Blocking cracks and passageways in the frame can make it harder for heat to escape.
What are the disadvantages of exterior shutters?
Shutters are a popular window treatment that can be used in various ways, such as controlling light and providing privacy. However, they can also cause dampness if exposed to high levels of moisture and not adequately ventilated. Shutters can darken a room when closed, and even when open, they won’t allow as much light in as some other window treatments.
When considering the use of shutters, it is important to weigh their potential drawbacks and consider factors such as budget constraints, style preferences, window shapes, and the specific needs of each room. Shutters can obstruct your view, require regular maintenance, and may not suit every style of decor. They can also contribute to dampness if exposed to high levels of moisture and not adequately ventilated.
Shutters can help insulate a room by providing a barrier against the outside weather, which can help keep a room warmer in winter by preventing heat loss. However, they might also make a room warmer in summer if they block breezes from coming in.
To make an informed decision about using shutters, consider factors such as your budget, style preferences, window shapes, and the specific needs of each room. A free consultation and measuring at a time can guide you through the process, provide expert advice, and suitable blinds and shutter recommendations. Contact a professional to help you transform your home with the perfect choice of window coverings.
What are the alternatives to exterior shutters?
Numerous shutter alternatives offer privacy and light control, including Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, faux-wood blinds, Roman blinds, pleated honeycomb blinds, and roller blinds. ABS and aluminium shutters are excellent alternatives for those who prefer wood but don’t have the practicality of wood. A shutter and shade combination can also provide more light control. Venetian blinds, with their horizontal slats, resemble shutters at first glance. These options provide a wide range of looks to suit your home.
What are the downsides of shutters?
Window shutters have several cons, including high costs, difficulty in installation, limited light control flexibility, cleaning difficulties, non-blackout capabilities, and potential resale issues. Full height shutters offer versatility and benefits, while tracked shutters are ideal for wider openings like bifold doors or room dividers. It’s crucial to understand these factors before purchasing plantation shutters to ensure a successful installation and maintenance.
📹 Best Blinds to Keep Heat Out
What are the best blinds keep the heat out? What are the best shades to keep out? What is the best shutter to keep the heat out?
I prefer using pure white curtains it’s self because they reflect a lot of sunlight just like how the reflective films reflect a lot of sunlight and using reflective films could be hard to remove them for the winter. Unless if you live in the south, then you can use those reflective films for sure to keep them on and add the white curtains on the window to close the curtains to combine with that for it to be double the cooling affect 👍. And using very bright white roofs reflects a crazy amount of sunlight and it will really keep your house temperature down compared to a darker coloured roof.
How much does this cost? Can I do it myself or do I need it professionally done? I have 2 patio sliding doors facing west and 2 other west facing windows. When the sun swings around to hit in these windows my AC can hardly keep up. I also think the west facing windows may help heat the house in the winter on sunny days.
I’ve come to appreciate all the information you show and explain in your articles … Can you PLEASE help with this issue .. I have 4 sliding patio doors that face my green grass and 3 huge green trees … My walls in my home are light grey, except they look green at times due to the yard ..which film would you recommend to block the green from outside, coming in ?? Thank you so much and keep the articles coming !!