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Plantation Shutters for Arched Windows

12/29/2014

You see them everywhere. They are remarkably beautiful and add character to your home - both inside and out. To what are we referring? Arched windows. The curved top window - or specialty shape circle - hexagon - triangle - etc. - all add some interest to your design. The downside of this geometry is that it limits your options as to window coverings.

Many people will put a specialty shaped blind in their arched window - but while it is functional - it often removes the original architectural charm of the window. Now, please understand, there are exceptions to this rule, but generally speaking, most blinds do not compare to plantation shutters in specialty shaped windows. There is something about the way plantation shutters accentuate the beauty and charm of specialty shaped windows that other applications simply can not match.

Here is the good news - plantation shutter prices have become very competitive as compared to other window fashions - and while still a little more pricey - they are generally more than worth it. Shutters tend to make the special shape of your window "pop" and, as such, the extra cost of your homes architectural window upgrades can be fully appreciated.

So, bottom line, consider taking full advantage of your specialty shaped window by adorning them with shutters - fully louvered or fan top.

We would love to help you with your specialty shaped window project and your plantation shutter project. Also, enjoy the ease of budgeting your project by utilizing our online shutter cost calculator.

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The History of the Plantation Shutter

12/22/2014

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Plantation shutters, have a long history with origins considered to date back to ancient Greece. It is understood these first shutters were constructed from a natural stone like marble with fixed louvers. These early shutters were designed to control the light and breeze of a Mediterranean climate.

“Technically a shutter is either a solid or slated window cover. It is believe that the first shutters originated from Greece and that they were originally designed for light control, ventilation and protection from the elements in a tropical environment.” Life of an Architect, Bob Borson

With the benefits of light and ventilation, the concept spread through the Mediterranean. However, wood replaced marble in construction and allowed for the flexibility of movement of the louver blades. This innovation was first believed implemented in England where the need for protection from the cold and harsh weather was a must

In time, shutters were brought to the Americas by the Spanish, where in the South, they gained the name plantation shutters as they were used in many grand homes and mansions of the cotton plantations. Here the louvers became wider and movable. Since this application, Americans have embraced plantation shutters as a timeless classic look with both beauty and function.

Plantation shutters have several key benefits:

Flexible louvers allowing airflow and ventilation
Easy operation to open up for light and shade
Quality timber construction

We would love to help you with your plantation shutter project. Check out our online shutter cost calculator for a rough idea as to the cost of your project.

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The R-Value of Shutters

12/15/2014

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Did you know that plantation shutters have one of the best R-values on the market for providing insulation for your windows. According to studies, the insulating factor for a low-e window can double with plantation shutters. The studies also indicated that wood is a little bit better than poly when measuring the R-value.

So, for an average house, assuming an R-factor of 2.5 to about 4, you would see about $150 per year in energy savings, compared to a lesser blind solution. Couple this energy efficiency with the great light control and timeless beauty of shutters and you can begin to see why the trend line for shutters is consistently up.

We have done several jobs for customers, who have older homes with drafty single pane standard windows. In these cases, the resultant effect was dramatic. You could literally feel the room cool down once the shutter was in place. For hot windows, a wood plantation shutter is very similar in climate control to fitting a Styrofoam board to the window.

Bottom line, if you enjoy the look and light control offered by plantation shutters, you will not be disappointed by your ability to reduce your energy bills with greatly enhanced climate control of your windows. For the environmentally conscience, shutters are hard to beat.

We would love to help you with your plantation shutter project. Check out our online shutter cost calculator for a quick dollar estimate of your project.

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Polycore Shutters for Your Commercial Project

12/8/2014

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One of the more interesting trends in medical facilities and hotels is interest in plantation shutters for their project. In the past, these sorts of projects stayed in the traditional realm of heavy drapery or office style mini blinds - depending on the tradition of the establishment. However, with the development of GreenGuard certified and flame retardant certified poly shutters, this tradition is beginning to change. Now, we can provide you a shutter with 36" wide poly panels with aluminum reinforcement in the core, which is the backbone of a 25 year warranty against any warping.

Never-mind that our shutters provide innovations and certifications that are top of market, now we can also provide a privacy shutter feature that prevents even the slightest possibility of inside view. It is because of these innovations that we are seeing a growing interest, by hotels and medical facilities, in poly shutters.

Interestingly, we do compete well with drapery options, and we eliminate the dust and odor collection problems associated with fabric drapery. Additionally, cleaning is super easy and the design possibilities can be classic with a modern flare.

We stand ready to help you with your plantation shutter project for your commercial application. We are convinced that you will find that it is a differentiator for your customers and employees. Please contact us if you would like a commercial quote from your takeoffs.

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Standard Tilt or Hidden Tilt for Your Plantation Shutter

12/1/2014

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Did you know that there are a couple different options for how you tilt your shutters. Stated simply, there are two types of tilt option - standard tilt and hidden tilt.

The standard tilt is the bar that runs vertically down the center of the shutter panel. This bar is attached to each louver with an interlocking staple system. This feature is standard in the price of your shutter and is a classic look. Your second option is a hidden tilt - meaning no vertical center bar. Instead, this is a system attached to the back of the louver to one side and is virtually invisible when looking at your shutter.

The advantages of the standard tilt are the classic look and the fact that the price is built in as a standard feature to your shutter. The disadvantages to the standard tilt bar are that you are adding another element to your window - otherwise breaking up the look. The vertical bar interferes with ease of cleaning and dusting your shutters, and the staples do create a point on your shutter where an occasional staple can work itself free - creating the need for repair.

The advantages of the hidden tilt are the clean modern look. It is a less busy look. It makes the louvers super easy to clean and there are no staples to fail as a result of accidental misuse. The disadvantages are the added cost and abandonment of the classic plantation shutter look.

Bottom line - consider your decor - modern or classic. Consider your view - open or more segmented. Consider your budget - tight or some wiggle room. Consider your cleaning and maintenance requirements - Simple or slightly more involved. With these points you can make an informed decision what type of tilt option is best for your plantation shutter project.

We would love to assist you with your project. For a quick cost estimate, which includes the opportunity to compare standard tilt and hidden tilt, visit our plantation shutter cost calculator.

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Plantation Shutters for Arched Windows

The History of the Plantation Shutter

The R-Value of Shutters

Polycore Shutters for Your Commercial Project

Standard Tilt or Hidden Tilt for Your Plantation Shutter

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