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One of the best ways to reduce your utility bills and save money is to simply cover your windows with plantation shutters. When compared to the roof or insulated the walls, even standard double-pane windows allow 10 times more energy to escape. Up to 50% of a home’s heating and cooling escapes through the windows. EFFECTIVENESS OF WINDOW TREATMENT IN REDUCING HEAT LOSS
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If properly installed, a wood shutter can reduce heat loss by 75-90% and provide an insulation value (or R-Value) between 4.0 and 10.0. According to a study conducted by the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University, a shutter must be properly installed to ensure the air buffer and insulative properties. In a typical single-family home, 25% to 35% of the heat is lost through windows. RON CARTER DESIGN TIP: Windows are a major source of heat loss but, they are necessary for light, ventilation, and view. The cost is negligible when compared to the 25-50 years that your shutter will last, fully covered under the manufacturer’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.
#ELONGATED WINDOWS ON TOP FULL#
You can avoid this and utilize the full warranty by choosing a dealer with factory-certified installers. It has to be tough, to begin with, but when an inexperienced installer does not take the time to get the frame perfectly level, the shutter will ultimately bend to the new shape, causing cracks, warpage, and damage. Remember, the shutter is going to take 100% of the UV rays coming through your window.
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Attention to detail is important when installing wood shutters, so the frames are kept perfectly true and square, to avoid pinched hinges and stress on the shutter panel that can cause warpage. You must have a qualified installer to ensure the shutters are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements, or they might void the warranty. 9) Installation Matters for Several Reasons Nothing beats an in-home consultation–and it is free. You can look through your windows from the street and see the improved curb appeal before you buy. We even have a sample to place in your window with all three sizes in one. Our design consultants can make recommendations for you to consider based on aesthetics and your personal taste. Louver sizes usually depend on the size of the window larger windows can take larger shutters. Generally, this type of shutter is used on larger windows and has the largest louvers. You may hear or see the term “plantation shutters.” Wood shutters are traditionally called plantation shutters because their size and look are often reminiscent of antebellum plantations in the American Southeast. LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Why are they called “Plantation Shutters?” Also, see my blog, “ The Perfect Solution for Window Coverings in 2019” for more tips on plantation shutter design.
#ELONGATED WINDOWS ON TOP HOW TO#
Here is a link to one of our manufacturers with more info on how to decide which louver size to pick, “Plantation Shutter Sizes”. We combine this wide louver with hidden or “Invisible” tilt rods, so all you see is the openness of the large louver, which updates the traditional shutter look and brings it into today’s updated home interior. RON CARTER DESIGN TIP: We like to use the widest 4 1/2″ louver for transitional and contemporary homes.