Plantation shutters are the right choice for period properties

Many people who own Victorian or Edwardian properties want to maintain decoration in keeping with the integrity of the property, which means double glazing, even if allowed by planning, is not necessarily the right choice asthecially. So what's the alternative, especially when dealing with large areas of window, like bays?

Last weeks news that interior shutters are more effective than double glazing in helping to insulate your home suggests that plantation shutters could be the answer. Not only because they are so efficient at heat retention but also because they suit period properties so well.

Many midsized period properties have bay windows of various style and size, certainly of all the period properties we fit, this is true of about 40%. They are popular with home owners today and that's no surprise when you look at the benefits of bays...  Not only do they fulfill the normal function of a window they also create the illusion of a larger room and, because of the three sided configuration, increase the flow of natural light into the building as well as providing views of the outside that would not be available with an ordinary window. 

Curtains can be awkward to fit into bays, they can look bulky and cumbersome taking focus away from the beauty of the windows; and they can cut out light. Plantation shutters, on the other hand, are elegant and cleanly hung.  In short, shutters add to the feeling of space in a room with bays by accentuating the existing shape of the window rather than covering it up. 

Beautiful, sympathetic to your home and cosily warm.... What other choice is there!


 

Shutters more effective than double glazing

New research by the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust has determined that window shutters are more effective than double glazing and can drastically reduce peoples energy bills.

The research was conducted using thermal imaging cameras to reveal where heat is leaking from a buildings. The results from the survey were consistent throughout, where shutters were used in properties, they proved to be extremely effective in keeping in the heat.

As part of the conclusion of the survey people owning period properties were advised on the benefits of acquiring window shutters and blinds for their homes. Chiara Ronchini of the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust stated,

 'We know that improving energy efficiency in historic buildings is very important if we're to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty'.

'There are issues, of course, with historic buildings, but they are so well designed that they need a little push to make sure that they are performing as well as most modern buildings'.

'The thermal imaging exercise really proved that very simple measures, like closing shutters at night and using full length curtains, can have a dramatic effect and make a dramatic improvement on the amount of heat being lost through the windows'. 

The research was funded by the climate challenge fund    

We're pleased to report this research doesn't come as a surprise to us at Lifestyle Shutters, the news only came a few days after our last blog on how you could reduce your heating bills after all!

If you want to know more about how to reduce heat loss with window shutters, contact us, we'll be happy to talk through your individual requirements.

Reduce Your Heating Bills With Red Cedar Wood Shutters

I'm sure you've all noticed we're now in the grips of Winter, we've all certainly noticed the days are shorter, wetter and colder. So you might, therefore, be thinking about how to keep your homes warm and cosy. The answer could be plantation shuttering. 

The protection against heat loss internal shutters provide is probably obvious. But did you know that the wood they're made with will also impact on this efficiency.  Here we explain why Red Cedar Wooden Shutters are the best choice for a cosy result. 

Red Cedar Wood Shutters 

The beautiful western Red Cedar Wood Shutters collection, available from us, is recommended by architects because of the woods strength, durability and exceptional thermal properties. Red Cedar wood is also a favorite of timber builders as it's resistant to rot and, due to its natural oils, even repels insects.

As a premium grade timber, it’s a dimensionally stable wood which allows it to be constructed into any style of shutter to fit any window.  It's strong too, making it a great choice if you want natural looking window shutters with optimum durability.

Red Cedars ability to reduce the transfer of heat makes it ideal as a natural room insulator

                                                                                                                              

Its low density and unique cellular structure creates interior air pockets that give it an insulation value higher than most other woods. Its thermal efficiency is equivalent to four times its thickness in concrete.

Selecting Red Cedar Wood Shutters retains heat in your home throughout the winter.

As well as a lacquered finish an ‘Oiled only’ version of louvre and solid shutters is available in natural grain. These shutters are coated and rubbed in linseed oil to enhance the natural and richly textured grain of the wood.

Our Red Cedar Wood Shutters are classic in style yet they sit perfectly in contemporary living areas too. So whatever your style of house and decor you can cosy up behind our Red Cedar Wood Shutters and keep the Winter outside where it belongs!

Contact us for more information. 

New Blackout Shutters Available Now

At Lifestyle Shutters we are delighted to continually offer innovative new products and new to our showroom this month is an exciting range of Blackout Shades.

Blackout Shades sit neatly and cleanly behind your shutters to provide privacy, darkness and seclusion whenever you feel the need!

• Blackout Shades are extremely popular in premier homes as they help prevent discolouration of carpets and antique furniture.

• Blackout Shades are a must in premier homes with a home cinema installation. 




• For homes that are without a home cinema installation, blackout shades can help create that home ‘cinema experience’. The virtual blackout experience is a perfect way to watch a blu-ray DVD on your plasma screen TV.




• Easy light control that can offer ‘virtual blackout’. 

• A perfect solution in the summer when the sun comes up at 5am.   




• Blackout Shades are a great option for individuals who have an irregular work pattern as they can offer ‘virtual darkness’ in your rooms even in the middle of the midday sun. 




• Blackout Shades will improve the insulation in your rooms by reducing heat loss through your windows.

To find out more about Blackout Shades contact us at Lifestyle Shutters