With outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas becoming an extension to the home we have had many customers use shutters to enclose porches and cabanas as well as provide a privacy barrier to a neighbour’s curious eyes.

Also, did you know that by shading your westerly facing windows from direct sun contact you can block 80-90% of the sun’s rays. This is 5-7 times more effective at controlling heat transfer than putting window coverings on the inside of the room.

Just imagine how comfortable your home can be with both an awning shading the window area externally and having internal window shutters. Those hot summer rooms can be cool again!

When awnings and shutters are exposed to the elements 24/7 you have to feel confident that the construction materials and techniques used are going to stand the test of time. Shutters Australia have been manufacturing for over 40 years in Sydney so they know from time tested experience what works best both for your comfort and peace of mind… and theirs!

Whether they are used to add a sense of style to your home, to shut out the light, or for protection from neighbours or weather, shutters and awnings by Shutters Australia has the solution you’re looking for.

You see, approximately 30 per cent of your home’s energy costs in the summer can be spent controlling energy gain & loss through your windows and doors, and the biggest windows in your home are the ones that often cause the biggest problem.

Windows facing west present severe heat gain challenges due to the direct summer sun in the afternoon. Make it your top priority to install window treatments on those windows that feel the warmest in summer as about 53 per cent of all heat entering the home in the summer comes through windows that aren’t covered.

By using timber shutters which are made from a dense material, rather than a flimsy material like fabric curtains, means a greater efficiency in stopping the transference of heat into a room.

While anything is better than nothing when it comes to covering your windows, and reducing UV damage, installing timber shutters can offer you a great combination of superior energy efficiency, outstanding UV protection, and the opportunity to control light and temperature throughout the day. This all adds up to a far more comfortable home for you and your family.

Remember too some of your home’s worst problems with glare, UV exposure and energy loss can be traced to those specialty-shaped windows. That’s because they’re the ones least likely to have window treatments and those odd-shaped windows are often the hardest to reach, which makes it worth considering shutters that don’t need to be adjusted frequently.

Considering new window treatments for your home is about more than just what looks good. With shutters from Shutters Australia you can have it all – timeless elegance, energy efficiency, a comfortable home and good looks – what more could you want!

Window shutters have proven to be timeless decor not only because of their grace and elegance but also because of their extreme functionality and easy maintenance.

Shutters are actually an investment, and should be thought of as fine furniture. They are the only window coverings that are appraised into the value of your home. Their rich natural appearance makes them a perfect choice to add value and beauty to your home.

But window shutters are not all constructed in the same way. Variations in the quality of construction can be found in every part of the shutter, from the selection of the material to joints, tension systems, hardware, finish and installation. Only the best quality shutters will last for decades.

Some of the reasons why shutters from Shutters Australia are the best quality money can buy:

• Shutters are custom made to fit your windows exactly. We create a frame that is slotted snugly into the window opening. The shutters are then hinged to that frame. A cheap building practise some other companies use is to hinge the shutter directly to your window opening which leaves gaps that can look unsightly and also cause draughts and a reduction in your energy savings.
• Our timber shutters are made from Kiri rather than Basswood. Both are classified as hardwoods with Kiri being exceptionally stable and durable which makes for excellent quality furniture. It’s light yet strong for its weight and doesn’t easily warp or split. Kiri is also a very fast growing wood farmed in plantations so no old forests are cut down.
• We use Kiri timber as it has excellent dimensional stability and water repellency. It also has a high resistance to insect damage, rot and decay. By using Kiri our shutters and blinds are durable, long lasting and highly resistant to weather and warping.
• Because Kiri has a very smooth grain and is knot free you will find that it gives an exceptional paint or varnish finish. Of course we can colour match your shutters to any existing furnishings.
• We also use aluminium for our window shutters. This material is especially suited to outdoor areas as it truly does last a lifetime and looks good the whole time. Of course these shutters also withstand the rigours of life with children. Knocks and bumps are no problem whatsoever.

When considering shutters remember that Shutters Australia is an Australian company who have been manufacturing shutters and awnings for over 40 years. Our quality manufacturing practices ensure that your shutters are made to last and we’re so sure of that we’re happy to guarantee them for life!

In fact, their ease of maintenance is what makes them one of the best choices in window treatments for your home.

Cleaning drapery necessitates the regular removal and rehanging of the curtains plus the cost of dry cleaning. And with the changes in fashion the patterns and colours of the drapes will eventually date and need to be replaced. (That’s without even considering sun damage and fading that will speed the need for replacement.)

The good news with shutters is that not only do they provide a timeless elegance they are also very simple to maintain. Cleaning them should be a breeze if you follow these simple steps.

Cleaning Wood Shutters

DO

• Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner every week or two and lightly vacuum your shutters to keep them free of excess dust/debris build-up.
• Spray a dusting cloth with wood polish, and dust the shutters thoroughly every now and then to keep the shutters looking like new.
• Spray an old toothbrush lightly with your spray polish and use it to clean out the hard-to-reach areas.

DON’T

• Avoid using all-purpose cleaners as these may be too harsh and may cause discolouration or staining.

Cleaning Aluminium Shutters

DO

• Use the same instructions detailed above for cleaning wood shutters.
• Additionally you can use a mild solution of dishwashing detergent.

Using the finest materials and taking no short cuts in our manufacturing processes Shutters Australia make window treatments that we can happily guarantee. Doing it right the first time means our shutters and awnings will look good while they last a lifetime.

Window Shutters – Boosting energy efficiency

Our home’s windows all need some type of covering. This includes functional blinds to beautiful drapes. Needless to say, such window covering add elegance, value and privacy as well as light control for our homes. One type of window covering is capable of so much more are window shutters for an energy-efficient home. If you’re looking for window treatments capable of doing so much more then it would certainly be worth your while to invest in shutters which are actually some of the best investment you can make for energy efficiency.

People are usually in the market for shutters Australia primarily for the beauty and value that it offers. A shutter with louvered slats enables homeowners to secure their privacy and conveniently control light levels. However, many shutters in Australia don’t just stop there but offer excellent insulation. Window shutters with its unique construction provide thermal insulation that helps keep down energy costs in the winter as well as during warm summer days. Window shutters are great for double pane windows and can also block out noise – perfect for noisy neighborhoods and homes near bustling city streets.

Curbing down energy cost with window shutters

Indeed shutters can prove invaluable for property owners who not only wish to add beauty and elegance to their homes but cut down on their energy expenses as well. As mentioned earlier, many shutters in Australia feature superior insulation. In the winter, it can curb down heating expenses by trapping heat inside your homes. In the summer, it can be used to block and keep out heat thereby improving the efficiency of air conditioning or provide adequate ventilation if the sun’s heat directly overhead the house. Think about it – one can spend hundreds of dollars on electrical expenses every year due to heating or air conditioning systems. Wouldn’t it help if you can save a sizeable portion of those expenses month after month? Window shutters can certainly help you do just that!

Should you really opt for window shutters? Why not go for other types of window coverings instead? Well Shutters present various advantages compared to its counterparts. For one thing, shutters Australia add a sense of elegance and value to one’s home that you won’t find among conventional window coverings such as blinds and curtains. Homes with window shutters are typically worth more on the market than those that don’t. However, a lot of people tend to overlook the fact that the advantages of Shutters Australia go well beyond that.

Window shutters and its advantages – more than just aesthetics

Indeed shutters in Australia present advantages well beyond aesthetics. Among the most significant of which is adaptability. A shutter can adjust light levels as well as the amount of heat or air coming through and adapt to weather conditions.

For instance, in hot and sunny weather, window shutters can prove invaluable for protecting your living space from the blistering heat. If the air is fairy humid, shutters can keep the humid air out which will boost the effectiveness of air conditioning systems. Keeping you’re a shutter’s louvers closed will provide added protection from the sun. If humidity is low, shutters in Australia can be configured to allow outside air to enter your homes while remaining slightly closed to block off the sun’s heat. It all depends on your preferences – would you like to let some sunlight in or block it off completely? A shutter can match these preferences completely.

A lot of shutters in Australia also offer other notable advantages aside from the one mentioned earlier. Some window shutters are excellent insulators enabling homeowners to save on heating cost in cold weather conditions. Some shutters – specifically the aluminium or aluminum shutter, offer safety and security from possible break-ins.

No house can ever be truly called a home if it is not able to give you the elegance and comfort you need. Most people are bound to agree and some of the great things that you can do in order to do just that is to put up shutters Australia on your windows.

Shutters in Australia can add elegance and beauty on just about any room in the house provided that its design and color match or blend perfectly with your home’s interior. Unlike other types of window coverings they also offer functional advantages such as insulation from cold or heat and add a measure of privacy and security for homeowners. A shutter can be made out of various types of materials from wood and metal to glass and aluminum window shutters. They are also offered in a wide array of designs and function. One would certainly find no shortage of options when it comes to your choice of window coverings. There are bound to be window shutters that would suit any need or preferences.

Types of window shutters

Window shutters come in various types and are offered at different prices. Needless to say, people want to end up with the best one in terms of design and quality. Granted, they typically cost more than other kinds of window coverings but are well worth it considering the elegance and value that shutters offer.

Now among the most popular type of window shutters of today is the plantation type. It’s the most common type of window shutter in the market and you’ll typically find a lot of manufactures offering such window coverings at an affordable cost. Plantation shutters are fairly easy to recognize with its multiple slats designed to rotate open or closed in order to regulate ventilation or light levels. There are also other types of shutters in Australia such as the solid shutter. Unlike the plantation type, solid shutters are designed to be folded open or closed and feature a more holistic design.

These types of window coverings can also be classified into two general types – the internal or external shutters. As the terms may already imply, the two classifications pertain to where the shutter is actually installed. External shutters are installed outside the window to protect your home against the harsh elements and add a measure of security. Needless to say, external shutters need to be extremely durable. The most durable of which are the external aluminum shutters which are mainly used as a formidable deterrent against theft and break-ins. Internal shutters on the other hand typically focus on the aesthetics. They come in all types of alluring and captivating designs. Internal shutters in Australia aren’t exposed to the elements as much as the external ones so designers have much more leeway when it comes to design aesthetics.

Shutters in Australia make an excellent investment to one’s home. It may take you some time to end up with the right one but all the effort are certainly bound to pay off. Whatever your needs and preferences in window coverings, there is bound to be a window shutter for you!

What are some of the best ways on how to go about cleaning and maintaining your window shutters in excellent condition? If you are looking to invest in a great set of window shutters, these are probably some of your top concerns about the matter.

Window shutters are some of the best investments that you can make for your home. It not only protects and secures your windows but can add elegance and beauty to your home as well. If not kept clean and well maintained though, window shutters can spoil the beauty and aesthetics of your place. People would naturally want their window shutters kept clean and in good condition but for many property owners, cleaning and maintaining window shutters which often come in various materials and intricate designs is no easy feat. Not to worry though because as one of the most reputable names in the manufacture of Window Shutters, we at Shutters Australia can certainly help

Tips and valuable insights on how to clean and effectively maintain your window shutters

Looking for ways on how to go about cleaning and effectively maintaining your window shutters? Well one of the first things you should know about the matter is that it all depends on what type of material your shutter is made of. Shutters in Australia come in all different types of materials and needless to say, they all require different approaches when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Thus you need to know exactly what material or combination of materials your window shutters are made of and take the right approach for cleaning and maintenance. Here are some of the most popular materials used in the manufacture of window shutters today:

Plastic

You can also find plastic shutters Australia. They’re typically a lot more affordable than other materials and it’s also fairly easy to maintain. You can simply wipe it clean with damp cloth or wash it with water and detergent. You can then wipe it with a dry cloth or simply air dry it. Granted, it’s not very durable so they are typically offered as an internal shutter and kept away from the elements.

Vinyl

Many shutters Australia can also be made of vinyl which is actually the easiest and most convenient type as far as clean up and maintenance is concerned. Warm water combined with liquid detergents is a great way to keep it clean and well-maintained. You can use a hose if you’re dealing with an external vinyl shutter but make sure you wipe it dry to prevent water marks.

Wood

As you may already know, wooden materials can be easily ruined by moisture so it’s important that you do not buy and install wooden shutters for areas wherein it could possibly come in contact with water or any other type of liquids. Dust it clean on a regular basis or better yet, make use of a vacuum cleaner. Many often make the mistake of washing them with water and detergents and complain that it didn’t last them very long. Furniture polish is a great way to get rid of unsightly stains and bring back the some shine on your wooden shutters.

Aluminum

Aluminum shutters in Australia are bound to some of the most expensive on the market. However they are also some of the most durable and easiest to maintain. Occasionally dusting them clean is often enough to keep them well maintained. Aluminum window shutters are perfect as an external shutter since it’s practically resilient to the elements. However it would be best to take the time to remove the hinges at least once every two years and clean it thoroughly with water and liquid detergent to remove any stains. Make sure you grease the hinges before putting it back together and you should have it restored like it was brand new.

shutters.jpg" rel="lightbox[524]" title="window shutters">Window shutters are some of the best window treatments around.  Such window treatments had actually been around for quite some time. Greeks centuries ago are known to have made use of marble window shutters to protect their homes from the blistering heat of the sun. Shutter designs have evolved since then and hundreds of designers and manufacturers now offer these types of windows in all kinds of sustainable materials from wood and metal to vinyl and aluminum. Window shutter designs also vary from shaker, roller and plantation shutters to steel and honeycomb shutters.

What can window shutters do for you?

Window shutters Australia are some of the finest choices you can make when it comes to window coverings but there are factors that you need to consider if you are looking to invest in a great set of shutters in Australia and have it installed. As you may already know, window shutters are offered in either internal or external applications. Exterior ones need to be much more durable than its internal counterparts as they need to protect your windows from the harsh elements and may often cost you a lot more than internal ones. Internal ones on the other hand won’t last long very long if somehow exposed to rain or moisture but do come in more attractive and elegant designs since manufacturers have more leeway in terms of aesthetics for shutter design.

Indeed shutters Australia are becoming quite the trend these days but the task of purchasing and installing one shouldn’t be taken lightly because it’s a fairly delicate matter – it can improve the aesthetics of your home or ruin it altogether. It all depends on your choice of color, design and material.  Ensure that you match it with the interior design or theme of your house. More importantly, ensure that you are buying a window shutter with the correct dimensions and for the right purpose – the last thing you need is to end up with a shutter that is either too big or too small for your windows.

Some of the great things that can be said about shutters in Australia is that they make light and ventilation control a breeze. Shutters are also good insulators of heat and sound which adds comfort and energy-efficiency in one’s homes! Granted, they are often more expensive than other conventional types of window coverings such as blinds and curtains. However, the added cost is certainly well worth it when you consider all the advantages that window shutters offer.

Before we look at the research, did you know that you lose more heat through your windows than from any other place in your house? In fact, as much as 30% of the heat in your home is wasted through uncovered windows.

Would you willingly toss 30% of your energy dollars out the window? Not likely. On the other hand, that’s how much of a typical home’s heating and cooling is lost through its windows and doors.

So how do you prevent heat from flying out the window and lower your heating costs at the same time?

Research into different window coverings by Dr Paul Baker at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Centre for Research on Indoor Climate and Health has produced encouraging results for home owners who not only want to reduce their power bills but also preserve the beauty of their window treatments.

The highest standard has always been considered to be double-glazed windows. Double-glazing is not something we hear much of in Australia, but it’s generally considered a far better option to the single glazed window that we’re all familiar with, as the heat lost through a single glazed window is about twice that through a double glazed window.

The research shows that while installing double-glazing reduces heat loss by 55 per cent, some window coverings did extremely well also.

For instance heavy curtains reduce heat loss by 14%, which is not so good. But internal wooden shutters performed nearly as well as double glazing, reducing heat loss by up to a staggering 51 per cent!

So while our customers primarily buy our shutters for their good looks, they are pleasantly surprised that as a side effect they can also reduce their power bills.

South-facing windows present additional heat loss problems in winter as the lack of direct sun prevents the window surface from warming up.