Sam's Shutters and Blinds Blog

Blackout shutters

2010-03-02T17:24:00.003Z

A new blackout shutter is now available.

A blackout blind comes pre-fitted within a 76mm deep shutter frame with removable light stops. The blind is fitted behind the light stops at the back of the shutter and is pulled up and down with a side cord usually fitted on the right hand side.

A great solution if you work nights or don't like the early morning sun. The blinds will also reduce noise and increase insulation. Blackout shutters are generally better than Solid shutters due to the flexibility the louvres offer during the day and the blind at night.

They can be ordered with DIY shutters or Fitted shutters in the Standard, Standard Plus and Elite range.

Available to order now online, if you would like any further details call Sam on 0844 8584025.

Easy to Fit Interior Shutters

2009-10-20T09:05:00.002+01:00

I am often asked how easy it is to fit interior shutters, however, as my DIY customers will tell you, it really is that easy! There are many comments in my DIY testimonials to this effect.

The interior shutters I supply are extremely easy to fit as they are all completely pre-made so need only be fitted together. The frame system has pre-drilled holes, so just needs to be fitted into the window recess. The frame has a set of inserts that pop or slide out and are easily replaced once the frame is screwed in place, hiding the screws that hold the frame and creating a neat finished appearance to the overall window.

All of my frame systems come with the easy fit hidden fixings including the side fix and deco frames, making fitting easy regardless of the type of window you may have. I have a wide range of frames available making it easy to find the right frame and interior shutters for any window.

Quality Window Shutters

2009-10-15T08:29:00.001+01:00

When shopping for window shutters it’s easy to be confused by the range of products out there. I have tried to make it easy for my customers by stocking what I believe is one of the best products currently available.

For me what sets my products apart from others is the overall high quality and detail that has gone into both making and finishing each shutter. The panels are 28.6mm thick, making them solid and sturdy, they are properly jointed with mortice and tenons to ensure they remain secure. Each of the window shutters has a 7-layer paint finish making them less likely to chip back to the base material and to protect them from daily wear and tear. Each shutter door is interlocking so that there is minimum light seepage, with magnets to hold the doors in place – these also prevent the doors banging or knocking if you leave windows open for ventilation. All of this also comes in an easy-fit frame system which ensures the final finish looks professional even if you have ‘done it yourself’.

If you are shopping around make sure that you are getting a ‘like for like’ comparison, and that other window shutters you are considering have been finished to the same high standard.

Shutters before Christmas

2009-10-02T13:49:00.002+01:00

If you want shutters delivered before Christmas you don't have long to place your order. This year my cut off date is 21st October.

As usual it's the transport time that necessitates the early ordering, as containers fill up with the latest toys and games all winging their way to the UK shops for December. Orders are usually made within as little as 24 hours of the order being placed, but it can take up to 5 weeks to transport the shutters and get them through customs.

The best way to get advice if your unsure about measuring is to email me some photos of your windows along with some rough sizes, and I will then call you back with some advice.

The DIY shutter kits all have easyfit frame systems making fitting shutters really easy, however, if you would prefer us to fit them for you, you will need to call us as soon as possible to book your survey.

DIY Shutters without frames

2009-09-25T08:07:00.001+01:00

I was recently asked if I could supply diy shutters without frames, and I am always happy to do this if required. While the frames make fitting easy, there are times when using panels only is the right option.

In this case the customer wanted to fit the shutter panels either side of a front door, so they would not be opened, and I have done this myself as part of a fitted service for another customer. They can assist in protecting privacy, but its important to make sure that if you want to adjust the louver blades you have clearance between the surface you fitting them to and the blades themselves.

Another instance in which I supplied diy shutters with panels only was for a window with a particularly spectacular view in a property that isn’t overlooked, but is only used for weekends and holidays. In this case the panels were held in place by magnets and removed when the property was occupied so as not to inhibit the view.

If you would prefer your diy shutters without a frame feel free to ask. You can always use the photo upload service so that I can view your windows to ensure this is possible or the best option for you.

Why have white shutters?

2009-09-23T07:12:00.001+01:00

Many customers ask me for stains and occasionally colours, however, I always recommend white shutters. Silk white is the most popular colour I supply, and this is primarily because:

it matches white upvc windows and painted white window frames, overall creating a more fitted finish
it won’t date or go out of fashion
it matches a range of décor, so there is no need to re-spray them if you change the colours or furnishings within your room
white shutters reflect light making the room feel lighter, airy and gives a feeling of space
if you are considering selling in the near future white will appeal to buyers as it will match whatever furniture they have and will fit with any colour scheme – it can also create the right impression for the property as the buyer approaches the front door for the first time and can attract people to a property.

While colours and stains have their place, and in particular colour can create a feature in a room such as a child’s bedroom or bathroom, white shutters are timeless and may end up saving you money in replacing window coverings when you decide its time to update your room.

Luxaflex Duette & Plisse Blinds

2009-09-04T19:58:00.001+01:00

Luxaflex blinds have recently revamped their Duette and Plisse range to include some new options. Having been through the product range I was pleased to see the introduction of a 64mm blind, including in the blackout option, as this matches the shutter range I supply.

I sell a number of the Duette blackout supplied by Luxaflex blinds, and I have chosen these for several reasons. Firstly they are excellent quality, and I prefer to supply a quality product that will be durable, secondly there are several benefits relating to heat retention/loss that are invaluable. The blackout version incorporates a clever silver backing, which isn’t visible when the blind is raised or lowered, but with the honeycomb structure of the blind helps to trap valuable heat during the winter. During the summer the same backing helps to repel the sun’s rays, reducing the amount of heat entering the room, helping to keep temperatures down.

I hope to update the website to reflect the new 64mm addition shortly as part of the Luxaflex blinds collection, but in the meantime if you would like to know more please feel free to call me Tel: 0844 858 4025 or send me your question by message or email.

New Roller Blinds

2009-08-29T07:50:00.001+01:00

Roller blinds are one of the most popular blinds in the Sunway range, and the range has now been made even better. With 150 colours to choose from in this refreshed collection there is more choice than ever.

There will be new Fire retardant fabrics along with wider patterned materials and some bright colours like Hot Pink and Lime in the new Empire range. The accessories such as braids and pulls will now include leather, acrylic and metallic options.

Sunway blinds are an affordable stylish range and with the latest update of colours and style providing stunning options for you to choose from there will be something to suit every home or office.

It’s easy with the new options to make a feature of your window, add a splash of colour or pattern to your room, or update it to feel refreshed and modern. Many designers opt for blinds to add that special touch, and Roller blinds have always been a popular option from Sunway.

Shade in a heatwave

2009-08-19T20:46:00.001+01:00

With the summer temperatures it’s hard to keep cool, especially at night, but your choice of window dressing can play an important part and wooden window shutters can certainly help provide shade and keep the temperature down.

I have wooden window shutters in all my rooms (no surprise there!) In this heat they have played an important part in keeping the temperature down by providing much needed shade and keeping the suns rays out. Much as I hate to shut the sun out, as I often feel we don’t see much of it, it’s key to staying cool and getting a good nights sleep.

There are several ways they help:

Shade – they allow you to angle the louvres so that you can angle the sun away from where you are sitting or working and cut down on the heat entering your room.
Fading – the louvers have a UV filter built in to prevent the wood colour or paint fading, but angling them away from furniture also means that you can prevent furnishing or furniture fading in the harsh rays.
Ventilation – although the louvers can be angled to prevent sun entering it still allows the air to flow freely through them, letting what little breeze there is in to circulate and cool the room.
Blackout – you can also include the blackout option, and this prevents the rays of the sun waking you up early, but also reflects rays away, reducing the amount of heat and harsh light entering the room early in the morning. While you may not want to leave the blackout in place all day, you can while you are at work or not using a room to help keep the room temperature lower.

If you would like to know more, just give me a call, or register and send me a message through the message service in your account.

New Metal Venetian Blinds

2009-08-11T22:17:00.001+01:00

The Sunway Metal Venetian Blinds have been updated this year. This will mean that there will be over 100 different colours to choose from, perforated slats and new trend colours such as Lilac and Pink incorporated into the range.

A safety cord lock will now be fitted to the 16mm and 35mm standard ranges and I believe they have also changed the toggle design.

This is exciting as metal venetian blinds are extremely popular, and I have supplied them to some of the designers for ITV 60 Minute Makeover shows. They can be used to create a very modern look in almost any room in the house, and with the expanded range of colours can be used as an unusual feature or to add a splash of colour.

This year also sees new Sunway collections for Woodslat blinds, Rollers and the new Multishade blinds. Look out for my other Blog’s to keep you to date on these collections.

New Wood slat Blinds

2009-08-07T20:28:00.001+01:00

Sunway blinds have bought out a new wood slat range to improve their current range. This includes three new options:

Bamboo

A bamboo wood slat blind boasting 5 colours and 3 slat sizes, 35, 50 and 64mm. Bamboo is environmentally friendly, fast growing, and is sustainable as it is harvested every 3-5 years making this an environmentally friendly option.

Premier Wood FSC

A new hardwood from well managed forests, available in 3 wood stains with a natural grain.

Designer Wood

Introducing 7 new colours in a 50mm slat size. Striking and rich designs, free from knots and other imperfections due to advanced production technology.

Faux Wood Impressions will also have two new colours, Alba and Rufa, and the standard Basswood range and Rapide wood slat blinds which have both had extra colours added to the current selection.

Look out for the new colours and materials on the website coming soon, as I will be updating my current blind section to show the new products and colours for wood slat blinds shortly.

Safe window shutters and blinds

2009-08-04T09:14:00.003+01:00

I recently watched and read a number of interesting articles as part of Child Safety Week about window dressings, including window shutters and blinds. As a parent myself I am always interested to hear about things that may affect my family, and in particular one item focussed on safety features on blinds.

Blinds are more likely to present a hazard due to the range of cords running through them, whereas window shutters are essentially a solid fitting with few moving or expandable parts making them less of a safety issue. Many blinds are operated by cords, and these should include a safety feature which means the loop of cord can split if something falls into it or is caught in it. Consider having a hook on which the cord can be wound at a safe height away from window sills that children may climb on, or choose a blind operated by a pole rather than cords. If you are considering a wood slat blind or something with pliable slats, if there is a chance a child could get their head through it you may want to consider a material panel roller blind instead, or make sure blinds are pulled up out of reach during the day.

Window shutters can be a useful safety feature for windows that open when there are children present. The panels are held closed by magnets, but a catch can be added to prevent children from opening them and accessing windows. This can prevent children from getting to an opening window, but still allow ventilation as the window can be left open safely. There is little chance a child could get their head through the louvres as they are solid, and of course there are no cords.

If you have any questions about safety or would like further information or have any suggestions for safety please let me know, as I am keen to consider these aspects of my window shutters and blinds and share them with other parents.

60MM Bay Window Shutters

2009-07-31T20:36:00.002+01:00

I filmed another 60MM (60 minute makeover) a few weeks ago where we fitted shutters for a programme in the new series which will be on air later in the year.

Having done a number of TV show I am starting to feel like an old hand. However, this was the first time I have fitted a double glazed angled bay window on a 60MM show, as many of the windows we have done in the past are straight forward.

While fitting shutters to an angled bay window is one of most popular things I do, and one of the most popular windows among diy customers as well, it’s not the quickest of tasks when they are double glazed. It takes a while to fit the battens/sub frame into which the actual shutter frame is screwed, so this time there was a great deal more to prepare and to actually squeeze into the 60MM. Of course we did it within the time, but I have to say we had to work quickly, and I was glad to have one of my long term fitters Richard with me just to make sure we managed it.

I will of course be adding pictures of the 60MM to the showroom online, and there is a range of advice on the site regarding this type of window. If you want to save and opt for diy, don’t be put off by what might initially appear to be a difficult window, I have helped a large number of diy customers successfully fit shutters onto this type of window and am always happy to talk you through it.

Shutters on The Home Show

2009-07-29T17:58:00.003+01:00

If you read my blog you will know that I recently provided shutters for Channel 4’s The Home Show as part of the latest series.

The lady who owns the home being ‘made over’ specifically requested shutters, and with the final design complete the house now looks stunning.

If you want to see the finished result from last Thursday, go the channel 4 website.
Of course if you like what you see or have some questions about the shutters you can always call me direct or email me via the website or your account.

New Multishade Blinds

2009-07-22T07:31:00.001+01:00

Sunway blinds will shortly be bringing out a new collection called Multishade. This is an innovative new collection as the blind rotates the fabric around a bottom bar, allowing two parallel sets of fabric to cross over each resulting in different light levels entering the room.

This is a new alternative to nets and curtains, allowing you to adjust light levels and privacy in your home by using the two sets of crossing fabric.

These blinds can be used in any room of the house, some of the fabrics are flame retardant, and there will be a wide range of colours and textures available.

As part of the Hunter Douglas group, along with Luxaflex, Sunway blinds are of a high quality and their range is continually being updated and improved and the new multishades will make an interesting and versatile addition to the collection.

New Luxaflex blinds

2009-07-17T09:18:00.001+01:00

Luxaflex have brought out a new range of Metal Venetian Luxaflex blinds. One of the reasons I choose to use Luxaflex as my blind supplier is that they continue to bring out new products and innovative designs.

MegaView Blind
The new blind looks like a standard 25mm blind, but it uses a technology that sticks two slats together which means you can double the view out from the blind. I have yet to see one in action but it sounds great. They close like a normal blind and look the same when hanging down against the window.

70mm Venetian Blind
Luxaflex have also introduced a wider slat size to suit large windows either in your home or office. It can be motorised, but also uses the standard cord operation and is available in 30 colours. You can add extras such as fabric tape or decorative print along with the design Fusion valance.

Remember in this range of Metal Venetian Luxaflex blinds you can also choose Ondulette and Variozone. The Ondulette is available in four shapes, Cube, Diamond, Wave and Kite along with three slat structures, Ocean, Valley and Desert.

The Variozone can open in different segments, top open, bottom closed or top closed, bottom open, or just in the middle. These are great for privacy and allowing light into your room.

Look out for further blogs as the range expands and updates. Luxaflex blinds continue to be excellent quality, and they have often been the choice of designers I have worked with on DIY makeover programmes.

Shutters for Channel 4 The Home Show

2009-07-14T08:24:00.001+01:00

Last week I filmed an episode for the Channel 4’s The Home Show. I was asked to provide shutters for the show a month ago, which meant air freighting them to ensure they arrived in time for the filming.

This is the first time I have provided shutters for Channel 4’s The Home Show, and it was a very different experience from working with the other home renovation or makeover shows I have worked on. The show took place over several months, and filming over a number of weeks, in contrast to the hectic pace at which we normally work.

My team and I were able to take a day to fit Basswood shutter panels on a Z frame, as the windows were curved with angled recesses. We fitted 14 windows in total in 2 large curved bay windows with 6 individual windows in each, plus 2 windows in the office. The impact from both inside and outside the house was stunning. You will be able to view photos in the Showroom section of my site once it has been shown on TV.

The show should go live this month so I will be posting the time and dates once I know.

It’s always nice to be asked to work on the DIY shows, and providing shutters for Channel Four, The Home Show was certainly a new experience and one I hope to repeat.

Shutters for ITV 60MM again

2009-07-13T10:35:00.001+01:00

In the last couple of weeks I have been involved in 3 TV shows, providing shutters for 2 new ITV 60MM (60 Minute Makeover) and a show for Channel 4 which I will blog about later this week.

The designer for both 60 MM (60 Minute Makeover) shows I am working with is Richard Randall, and for the first show Richard chose shutters for the nursery in a house in Normanton. They were ideal for this room, as you can use the louvres to angle sunlight away from the baby or to darken the room when they need to sleep. I chose the blackout frame so that a blackout option could be added at a later date if required, with full height wooden panels in Pearl and 64mm louver blades. I have the same configuration in my own home in silk white with the blackout option, and it helps the children sleep even though it’s light outside when they go to bed during the spring and summer months.

I have just advised one of the 60MM team on how to measure the UPVC bay window we are working on for the second show, and the shutters are ordered ready to fit shortly. I will be blogging about that experience shortly.

Both shows are due to go live as part of the next series, if you keep an eye on my blog and site I will be posting the dates when I have them. The show has changed slightly as the designers themselves are now presenting, rather than have a professional presenter, but the format remains the same with the makeover completed in 1 hour. It’s chaos as there are so many people working in each room, but somehow it all gets done.

As always, its great fun to be part of the team and I will also be putting pictures of the finished makeover and shutters for ITV 60MM (60 Minute Makeover) in my showroom once the show has aired.

Maximum width shutters can be?

2009-07-11T15:08:00.001+01:00

Many homes have wide windows that look wonderful with internal window shutters, but obviously every customer is keen to make sure what they purchase is guaranteed and will be durable. With this in mind my current guaranteed panel sizes and widths are as follows:

Panel widths

If you just want one panel on a single wide window you can order any material up in a width of up to 750mm. However, this width can only be made in a single shutter. Wooden shutters can be made in a width up to 890mm.

If you need two or more panels bi-folding together the maximum guaranteed width for any shutter is 550mm per panel. For wooden shutters this width increases to 660mm per panel.

Standard

My standard shutters can be made with a maximum of 2 panels bi-folding together, so up to 4 panels across a window, 2 left and 2 right.

Standard Plus, Elite, Basswood and Cedar

All of these materials are light in weight, so are able to be made with up to 4 panels bi-folding each side of your window, so a maximum of 8 panels with 4 folding left and 4 folding right. The total width of the 3 or 4 shutters must be less than 1320mm. This would mean that it is possible to cover a window up to 2640mm wide with 8 bi-folding internal window shutters.

Very wide openings

If you have a window that is wider than 2640mm and would still like internal window shutters there are options to make this possible. For example the panels and shutter frames can be mounted on T posts, used to match the design of the windows, these can then extend the width of the window that can be covered.

You can always track mount for wide windows, this is ideal if you have a wide and tall opening such as a wall of windows or several sets of French doors.

If you have any queries about your opening and what’s possible its easy to make an account on my website and send me photo’s, I am happy to offer advice and answer any questions you may have about internal window shutters.

Measuring UPVC bay windows

2009-06-22T22:15:00.001+01:00

Double glazed bay windows are a very popular window to fit shutters on and many customers choose the DIY option. This means learning how to measure up, so to help, I have put together the following video blog.

This video shows you the basics of making a template out of an A4 piece of paper.

Bay windows can all vary in design especially at the sides where the window meets the wall. They can also have plastic infill’s and quadrant running around the frame, these can be removed or battens moulded around them to suit.

Making a paper template to help you measure is usually the same for each window, with just a few little adjustments, depending on the style of the window and surrounding plastic trim.

The idea of the template is to be able to accurately measure the shutter frame width. As most bays have large handles that protrude you will need to fit battens around the window first to space the louvre blades away from the handles. This means you have to allow for the battens when making the templates, the size of which depends on the handle depth.

There are also different frame depths depending on the material chosen and if you require the blackout option. The Standard and Standard Plus shutter frame is 46mm deep and the Elite and Basswood shutter frame is 50mm deep. When fitting blackout shutters the frame depth increases to 60mm or 64mm.

Once you have this information you can mark out the battens and frame depth on your templates which will allow you measure the width.

For the best advice on measuring your bay, create an account on my website and upload photos of your windows and the templates you have made and I will be happy to check them for you.

What if my window handles protrude?

2009-06-09T19:10:00.002+01:00

Today many people have windows with handles that protrude into the window recess, but this does not mean that you can’t have wood shutters but merely that you will need to adapt your window recess by using battens or a sub frame.

The issue with protruding window handles is that you may not have enough room to fit the shutter panels directly onto the window frame, as the handles will prevent this. Even if you can fit to the window frame you may not be able to adjust the louvers to allow light to enter as the handles will prevent them from opening.

The easy solution is to fit battens to create a surface in front of your window frame into which you fix the shutter frame. This spaces the shutter doors away from the window and allows the louvers space to adjust easily without interfering with the window handles. The size of the battens will depend on the size of the louvers you choose, the larger the louvers the wider the battens, and also the amount your handles protrude.

Fitting battens is extremely easy, as you just screw them directly into the window frame, and the screws will be covered by the shutter frame when in place. As the battens are provided in the same colour and spray finish as the wood shutters it will blend perfectly, giving a professional finish. The battens can be provided cut to length or over size if you prefer to adjust them yourself, and additional lengths can be supplied if you require them.

A large proportion of my DIY customers have windows with protruding handles and have successfully fitted battens with their wood shutters, however, if you have any concerns you can look at the information on battens on my website or call me direct with your query Tel: 0844 858 4025.

Best kind of interior shutter for my window?

2009-06-06T06:50:00.002+01:00

This is a key question, as certain rooms will place more demands on the interior shutter than others. For example, those in the kitchen or bathroom will need to be able withstand large amounts of condensation and steam or in a utility room or play room they will need to be wipe-cleanable.

There are a number of things I would suggest you consider to ensure you get the best product for your room:

Heat/moisture – is this a kitchen/bathroom where there is a lot of steam
Cleaning – does it need to be easily cleaned/wiped because of sticky fingers or constant use
Use – will the doors be opened regularly or just the louvers adjusted once or twice a day
Window size – is this a large window or doorway that will need a lightweight panel
Style – are you matching a stained floor/window frame or other furniture
Shape – is your window something other than square

For rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom or utility rooms, where there is heat and moisture or regular cleaning is important I would recommend the Standard shutters. This is a good value interior shutter that has a plastic coating, which makes it extremely durable and more likely to withstand the demands of these rooms. Made of engineered MDF it is also less likely to warp or twist.

For large window’s or doorways a light-weight wooden shutter is important so I would recommend the Elite range. Made of engineered wood it is strong, but light in weight so can be made and guaranteed with more bi-folding panels linked together than the Standard shutter.

If you have a large opening that requires track mounted shutters these are only made and guaranteed in Elite or one of the specialist wood’s, as the panels mounted on the track need to be as light as possible to ensure they are durable.

If you are looking to match a particular stain this can only be done in Elite or a specialist wood. The Basswood has a beautiful grain and would be my personal recommendation, alternatively Cedar comes in several oiled finishes. Between Elite, Basswood and Cedar it is possible to match most stains, and I can always provide sample colour chips to help you get the colour you want.

Shapes can only be made in wood, Elite, Basswood or Cedar, which can be stained or painted. An interior shutter is one of the most attractive ways of covering a shaped window – have a look in my showroom for some examples. As the shape of the shutter will follow the shape of the window it makes the most of a beautiful feature, enhancing rather than hiding the window. As it’s possible to merely adjust the louvers to allow light to enter you won’t end up with unsightly curtains pulled to one side, or a blind that will only raise part way.

For most customers with an average level of use in a lounge, dining room or bedroom you can choose from any of the materials as they will all be suitable for these rooms. It may depend on your budget as to what you choose, but if you want any advice on what material is best for your interior shutter don’t hesitate to call me or register on the website and ask me.

Can you attach them to UPVC windows

2009-06-04T18:14:00.001+01:00

I am often asked if you can fit house shutters to UPVC windows, as there appears to be a concern that you can’t screw into the plastic window frame or that they would need to be fixed in some other way. However, the fact that the windows are UPVC is not an issue, as you could screw into this if you choose to, however, it’s not necessary.

Most UPVC windows have handles that protrude into the window recess, so this is the reason that it becomes necessary to fit the interior house shutters away from the window frame rather than the material the window frame is made from being the issue. With protruding handles, as you will see in one of my shortly forthcoming blogs on this subject, the louver blades being adjusted is actually the issue rather than the UPVC.

With most UPVC windows the best way to fit is to fix the shutter frame to battens that you fit inside the window recess. These form a sub-frame around the window, but most importantly move the actual shutter doors away from the window so that you can adjust the louvers without them hitting your window handles.

Some customers are concerned that attaching anything to their UPVC windows may invalidate guarantees, and I usually advise against fitting the house shutters to them for exactly this reason although it is possible. While different glazing companies cover different things it can be best to proceed with caution.

Some UPVC windows also have a plastic trim, which can either be removed when fitting, or left in place and the battens fitted in front of it if you prefer.

If you are concerned that fitting a sub-frame or battens may not be an option for your windows you can always send me photo’s of the windows you want to fit to so that I can offer you some bespoke advice. You can register by clicking on the link to the left of this blog, or calling me direct.

The simple answer to this question is that fitting house shutters to UPVC windows is not an issue, and is simple to do whether we do it for you or you choose to do it yourself.

Can you fit shutter doors to patio doors?

2009-05-28T12:04:00.002+01:00

The simple answer to this question is yes, and in fact as you will see from my showroom shutter doors look extremely effective fitted on patio doors. I have also had several customers who have used this as an effective way of allowing ventilation by leaving the patio doors open, but keeping pets in or out by leaving the shutter doors closed.

Essentially a patio door is just a larger version of a recessed window, and when measuring you just treat it in the same way. Some of the factors which may affect both your measurements and the way you fit include:

Large protruding handles – consider how deep your recess is and how far the handle protrudes. Is there still enough room for the shutter frame to fit and the louvres to adjust or will the frame that holds the shutters need to be fitted on the outside of the recess?
Skirting board – will this interfere in any way with the fitting of the shutter frame, as it may be necessary to remove it, cut it and reposition it after fitting is complete.
Floor – if you are likely to renew this it would be worth waiting until it has been done to ensure everything is fitted at the right clearance height.
Support – consider how wide your opening is, it may be necessary to hang the shutter doors from a track for very large openings or support the doors using T-posts.

Don’t be daunted by DIY, this is just as straight forward as an ordinary window to fit, although there may be a few more factors to consider initially. Accurate measuring is the key to perfect fitting and there is plenty of advice available to help with this stage.

I offer a digital photo upload service, so I can always look at your opening and provide some bespoke advice on how to measure and fit shutter doors to your patio doors – all you need to do is send me an email, register and send me a message or call me Tel: 0844 858 4025.

What is the shadow gap?

2009-05-26T20:08:00.001+01:00

As many customers discover when measuring for interior shutters their window is not as square as it may appear. If you read my tips on measuring you will understand how easy it is to see this when you run the tape along the window sill. It would be almost impossible, especially with older windows, to make a shutter that would fit precisely into the window recess.

The shadow gap is the secret to perfectly fitting interior shutters. It’s a small clearance gap that we allow all the way around shutter frame to compensate for windows that aren’t square. It allows you to easily fit the frame in the window, but as there is a gap running all the way around the frame it is less noticeable where the window is out of alignment. The gap does not need to be filled, but allows both fitters and DIY customers alike to complete an installation that looks professionally and fully finished.

I am often asked if the gap will look odd or noticeable, but you tend not to see the shadow gap and it also means that you aren’t constantly reminded that your windows are not square.

When ordering you need to remember to indicate whether the sizes you are providing are the recess size, and therefore have no deductions for the shadow gap, or are shutter size as you have made your own deductions.

If you have any questions about the shadow gap, or whether to provide recess or shutter size when you are ordering from www.opennshut.co.uk then please feel free to call me. All the interior shutters in my showroom have been fitted with a shadow gap, you can view the images here.