Do Shutters Add Value to Your Home?

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When it comes to home improvement projects, homeowners often ask themselves, “Will this increase the value of my home?” One popular renovation is adding shutters to windows, but do shutters increase home value? 

 

In this blog post, we will explore the answer to that question and provide some insights on how shutters can enhance your home’s kerb appeal.

 

Enhanced Kerb Appeal

One of the most significant benefits of adding shutters to your home is that they can improve your home’s kerb appeal. Shutters come in various styles and colours, which can complement the architectural design of your home. 

 

When you choose shutters that match the style and colour of your home’s exterior, you create a cohesive look that enhances its appearance. A home with attractive shutters can make a positive impression on potential buyers or passers-by, which can ultimately increase your home’s value.

 

Energy Efficiency

Shutters can also add value to your home by improving its energy efficiency. Exterior shutters can reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, resulting in lower energy bills. They also provide an extra layer of insulation, which can help keep your home more comfortable year-round. 

 

When it comes time to sell your home, potential buyers will appreciate the energy-saving benefits of shutters, which can help increase your home’s resale value.

 

Increased Security and Privacy

Another advantage of adding shutters to your home is increased security and privacy. Exterior shutters provide an extra layer of protection against burglars and intruders. 

 

They can also help block out unwanted noise and light, providing you with a more comfortable and peaceful home environment. When potential buyers see the added security and privacy features that shutters provide, they may be willing to pay more for your home.

 

Low Maintenance and Longevity

Shutters are also low-maintenance and can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment. Unlike other home improvements that require frequent upkeep or replacement, shutters can withstand harsh weather conditions and require minimal maintenance.

 

This can be an attractive selling point for potential buyers who want a home that requires little maintenance.

 

Do It Right for Optimum Benefit

If you’re considering adding shutters to your home, it’s essential to choose a style and colour that complements your home’s exterior design. When done correctly, adding shutters can be a simple yet effective way to increase your home’s value.

 

If you’d like more information about adding shutters to your home, get in touch with our team at Totally Shutters. We’ll be happy to assist you. Call 020 3960 6963 today.

Are Shutters Good for Insulation?

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Curtains, blinds, shades and shutters. There are a variety of different shutters but which one comes out on top? All of these window coverings come in all types of shapes and sizes and they’re no doubt stylish in their own right. However, do they offer insulation? For most of these window coverings, the answer is no.  Fortunately, we have one knight in shining armour that offers excellent insulation: window shutters! In particular, wooden and plantation shutters. Aside from their bespoke beauty, window shutters are famous for their excellent insulation.

 

Is Insulation Important?

 

For many of us, insulation is incredibly important. There’s nothing worse than an annoying draught that creeps into your home and makes you cold. You’re left with no choice but to turn on the heaters which means your energy bills will go up. That’s why window shutters make a great addition to your home.

 

Window shutters keep those annoying draughts out and trap heat inside. This naturally means that your home will be kept warmer without relying on your heating. Due to their energy efficiency, you will soon see your energy bills decrease.

 

Unfortunately, curtains and blinds aren’t as energy efficient. This is because they merely cover the window without acting as a barrier. Thus, pesky draught will manage to infiltrate your home.

 

The Benefits of Shutters in the Summer Months 

 

Shutters aren’t just good for winter heat loss; they also reduce heat gain in the summer. It’s common for heat gain to take place in the home during the summer. This causes stuffy and suffocating rooms. While curtains and other methods can keep the heat out, they often completely block out light, and heat still sneaks into your room

 

That’s not the case with shutters. You can control how much heat you let in when you have plantation shutters. All you need to do is move the louvers up and down until you feel comfortable with the heat and light in your room. So, no more depending on the AC during the summer.

 

Which Shutters Offer the Best Energy Efficiency

 

There are a variety of different shutter styles, and each has its own unique beauty. However, their insulating features depend on their style.

 

Solid Shutters– Wooden shutters are great for insulation, but solid wooden shutters? Well, they’re in a league of their own. Solid shutters completely block out light and they offer incredible insulation.

 

Full Height Shutters– Full-height plantation shutters offer excellent insulation, but they also allow for temperature control.

 

Cafe Style Shutters– These shutters are known for their beauty, but they compromise on insulation.  The upper portion of your window will remain uncovered, which has an impact on the temperature of your room.

 

Are Shutters Right for You?

 

There are a variety of shutters you can choose; from solid shutters to plantation shutters- the options are endless! Aside from offering incredible insulation, they also offer a chic beauty that you can’t find with other window coverings.

 

Take a look at our shutters to find your perfect, insulating shutters.

Money Saving Tips to Reduce Energy Bills

The price of bills has soared and, as of November 2022, shows no signs of slowing down. This can have you feeling deflated, but fear not, this handy blog post will give you a few tips on reducing your energy bills.

Ways to reduce your energy bills

Saving money on your energy bills can be implemented with a few changes. There are several things you can do today that will save you money tomorrow:
Don’t leave appliances on standby
Use the heating sparingly
Wear extra layers to avoid turning on the heating
Avoid leaving the lights on
Keep windows and doors closed to help with insulation
Buy draft excluders

Keeping your home warm with shutters

Trying to keep your home warm during the winter is a large proportion of energy bill costs. Keeping energy output low is vital to reducing your bills. One of the best ways to achieve this is by making sure your windows are up to the task.

Lots of warmth is lost through the windows, and this is noticeable with single-glaze windows. By upgrading your windows to double or triple-glazing, you will notice a huge difference in how quickly the home heats up.

Adding plantation shutters to your windows can also help reduce energy bills. A stunning window dressing that will impress your visitors, plantation shutters prevent heat from escaping or drafts from entering the room..

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Are Plantation Shutters Good for Insulation?

With the cost of living crisis and heating rising rapidly, you may be looking at ways to reduce your energy costs during the colder months without breaking the bank. Plantation shutters may be the solution for you.

Most heat lost from homes is through the windows and doors, so having these areas sealed will help prevent this. However, your window dressing can play a part in preventing heat from escaping.

Plantation shutters are an investment 

Choosing your window dressings can be a long-lasting investment in your home that may help prevent heat loss.

Plantation shutters are permanent fixtures in window spaces. As they are bespoke, they fit the intended space perfectly, acting like an extra layer to the window area, helping insulate the room.

Further, plantation shutters absorb heat from the room and provide a physical barrier between the window and the room space, preventing more heat from being lost to the window.

All year-round benefits 

Temperature-controlling benefits aren’t just limited to insulating the home during the winter but are an excellent choice all year-round. In summer months, plantation shutters can be used to create ventilation throughout a room while keeping privacy and shade maintained.

Plantation shutters really are an investment. The long-term benefits of adding shutters to a window include increased privacy and light control.

For more information on the benefits of plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

4 Ways to Soundproof Your Nursery

Babies and young children need an ample amount of sleep, ranging from 8 hours a night to 14-17 hours a day for newborns. Making your nursery soundproof is incredibly important to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible and their sleep is undisturbed.

Here are four ideas to help you soundproof your nursery and ensure your children have a good night and day sleep:

1. Soundproof your door

Most homes have hollow-core doors and these can let in a lot of noise. Opting for a solid-core door will prevent noise from seeping into the room.  Adding door strips around the edge of the door is also a great option to stop sound from entering the room. 

2. Consider your flooring

Sound echoes in an empty room, and this applies to rooms with solid floors. Opting for carpets in your child’s nursery can help to keep the noise levels down. If you have a wooden floor and would rather keep it, opt for a rug or two instead. 

3. Decorate your room

An empty room is a noisy room. Filling up the space with things like bookshelves, couches and picture frames will help muffle sound and make a huge difference. Placing as much furniture against the walls as possible will help optimise soundproofing.

4. Invest in plantation shutters

Noise from outside can be incredibly disruptive. Even if you’re in a rural area, outdoor noises such as birds can ruin your baby’s or young child’s sleeping pattern. Ensuring you have the correct window covering is essential. Plantation shutters can reduce outdoor noise from coming in. 

 

For more information on nursery plantation shutters for your child’s bedroom or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How Long Do Plantation Shutters Last?

When shopping for a window covering, one of the main things to consider, along with the look and practicality, is its longevity. Plantation shutters boast a range of benefits, one of which is they’re built to last.

How long do plantation shutters last?

At Totally Shutters, we give customers the best value for their money, producing high-quality products that withstand the test of time. All of our ranges, both hardwood and vinyl, come with a 5-year warranty as standard, but with the right care and attention, there is no reason they shouldn’t last for twenty years or more. 

Long-lasting plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are incredibly low maintenance and easy to clean, requiring a wipe-down with a damp cloth. With regular maintenance, your plantation shutters will last a lifetime. 

Plantation shutters require less maintenance than curtains or blinds and are easier to clean. Whether you decide on full height, tier-on-tier, cafe style or solid shutters, you will enjoy your plantation shutters for years to come. 

 

For more information on plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How Can I Improve My Window Privacy?

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We all value privacy. It’s why our homes have doors and why we dress our windows. However, windows are also our view of the outside world. We must choose our covering wisely, allowing maximum privacy levels while allowing sunlight to dazzle through. 

Improve your window privacy with plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are the best window covering for increasing your privacy levels. Made to measure the exact dimensions of your window, they will ensure all of your window is hidden when closed. 

Unlike curtains and blinds, plantation shutters allow for maximum privacy levels while allowing sunlight to enter your home by adjusting the louvres accordingly. As plantation shutters are built to last, they will save you money in the long run. 

Plantation shutters come in a range of styles, so you will always find a design that will meet your needs:

Full-height shutters cover the entire window. They have movable slats that allow for as much or as little light to enter your home as you like. For complete privacy, keep the panels closed. 

Cafe-style plantation shutters usually only cover the bottom half of the window, but they can stop at any point of your window. This allows for privacy while still brightening up your room. 

A versatile option, tier-on-tier plantation shutters consist of two sections: one on top and one on the bottom. This allows you to open the panels separately, leaving the bottom closed while the top is open.

Solid shutters are comprised of panels of wood with no movable slats. If you’re looking for a window covering that offers maximum privacy, this option may be for you. 

 

For more information on improving your window privacy with plantation shutters or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Improve your conservatory’s temperature with plantation shutters

For anyone fortunate enough to have a conservatory, you will know that they can be one of the most pleasant areas of your home, but with so many windows and glass, they can be unbearable in the Summer sun. 

Further, it can be difficult and expensive to control the temperature in Winter too making it hard to control the temperature all year round. Plantation shutters can improve your ability to control the temperature in your conservatory while making it still look great.

Keeping cool in the Summer

Plantation shutters can help your conservatory stay cooler in the warmer months by blocking out the hot rays from the sun shining directly into your conservatory. Blocking direct sunlight is one of the best ways to help keep a room from getting too hot, especially in a conservatory. 

Staying warm in the Winter

If your conservatory gets chilly in the Winter, it can cause your heating bill to skyrocket. Made to measure, plantation shutters fit the windows in your conservatory perfectly, allowing you to create an extra layer to keep the warmer indoor air from being chilled by the windows. Since shutters are so easy to open, you can take advantage of sunny mornings and early afternoons in the winter months.

 

For more information on conservatory plantation shutters for your home or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

Where Should Plantation Shutters Be Installed?

A question we often get asked is: “Should I install plantation shutters on every window?” And whilst we would for you to benefit from the style and practicality of having plantation shutters on every window, we understand that sometimes this isn’t possible. 

At Totally Shutters, we offer our customers tailored advice to suit their style preferences and budget to help them determine where plantation shutters would be best suited to their property. Here is some comprehensive guides to follow:

Installing plantation shutters in rooms with high levels of light

Plantation shutters hold multiple benefits, helping improve practical aspects of daily life in your home. Sunlight pouring through your windows is a sight that we all like, however, this is often impractical. 

Whether you work from home and the sunlight is affecting the glare on your computer, or you’re someone that works a night shift and requires darkness during the day, plantation shutters in specific areas can provide the solution required.

Installing plantation shutters to every window within a room

There is no rule to say that plantation shutters have to be installed throughout your home. However, there are many homeowners who would prefer a uniform look throughout their property, increasing their curb appeal. 

There is no right or wrong with this option, perhaps you could create a uniform look by installing plantation shutters on every window downstairs rather than every window, this is completely a design preference for you to choose. 

Installing plantation shutters over a period of time

If plantation shutters are the aesthetic you’re seeking but your budget is staggered, why not install plantation shutters in one room at a time? This will allow you to stretch out the costs rather than paying a single lump sum.

 

For more information on plantation shutters for your home or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.

How Big Can My Shutter Panels Be?

When investing in plantation shutters, many people have an image of what they’re trying to achieve. This vision will include the size of the panels and panel configuration, often forgetting key decisions such as style and material. 

The panel size is an important decision to factor as it will influence the look you’re trying to achieve, so it is useful to know from the offset if there are any limitations in place on the panels and how this may affect the overall shutter design.

Material impacts shutter panel size

One of the most significant features that impacts panel size possibilities is the shutter material. Heavier shutter materials need to have smaller panels to ensure longevity and avoid warping over time. If a bigger panel is desired, a lighter material will be needed. MDF is the heaviest shutter material, whereas Hardwood is the lightest material. 

Once sizes of your window are available, whether measured yourself or during your FREE in-house survey, we will be able to advise the panel possibilities for the shutters, including material and size.

What are the benefits of choosing large shutter panels?

The bigger the shutter panels, the more natural light that will come through into your home as there will be fewer solid section divides where framing and rails separate the shutters and slat sections. Pairing large panels with the largest slat size will also help assist this.

Further, in summer months when you’re looking to ventilate your room with an open window behind open slats, less panels will avoid the blockage of the breeze.

 

For more information on shutter panels or to book your FREE in-house survey, call Totally Shutters today on 0203 960 6963. All plantation shutters come with a 5-year guarantee.