How the shutters fold
Easy reading
The folding options relate to the number of interior plantation shutters across the window and how you would like to open them.
One panel folding to the left = ‘1 Left’ on the order form
Two bi-folding to the left = ‘2 Left’ on the order form
Three bi-folding to the left = ‘3 left’ on the order form
Four panels across the window = select 2 Left, 2 Right on the order form, this would mean you have, 2 bi-folding left and 2 bi-folding right.
Most customers keep the actual shutter panels closed and adjust the louvres to let the light in and out, so don’t worry too much about where the panels are going to fold back too.
IMPORTANT DESIGN NOTE
The most important thing to remember when choosing the number of panels or the folding across your window is that they match the layout of the window, for example if you have 2 sections of glass, choose two shutter panels, if you have 3 sections of glass choose three. Use Tposts to help split the panels up equally where required.
Technical stuff
The guide below should help you understand the different folding options:
• Single -One shutter on its own.
• Bi-fold - Two hinged together to one side
• Tri-fold - Three hinged together to one side
• Quad-fold - Four hinged together to one side
• Track mounted - Bi-folding hanging on a track
• Sliding - Sliding on a track (by-pass)
• T Post - Folded either side of a post
Limitations
There are some size limitations, so there is an option on the order form to waive the guarantee and choose your own folding, select ‘Custom’ from the folding option on the order form then enter your preferred folding option in the notes box at the bottom of the order form.
• Maximum width for single shutter= 750mm and 890mm
More size limitations can be found on the technical sheets.
Top opening
If you choose the top opening option both the top and bottom interior plantation shutters will fold the same way, if you select 2 Left, 2 Right on the order form, you will in fact get 8 panels if you choose to have top opening.
Full height
The Standard panels are heavy and can only have one bi-folding pair each side so a maximum of 4 panels wide. Elite, Basswood and Cedar panels are very lightweight which allow for a quad fold each side (8 panels in total).
Track mounted
When panels are track mounted they require an even amount of panels on one side. For example:
and 2 folding right.
• Six panels can fold to one side, or be split 2 left and 4 right.
• Eight panels could be split equally 4 left and 4 right or they could all bi-fold to the left
or right side of the opening.
• Ten panels could fold 4 left and 6 right, or they could be folded to one side or the other.
• Twelve panels could be split equally 6 left and 6 right or they could all fold to the left
or right side of the opening.
Sliding shutter doors can be opened to the left or right or split equally, remember the more panels you have the deeper the track.
T Post folding
If you are using Tposts then the panels can be hinged from the posts or the sides of the frame depending on the width. A typical wide window with two side openers and a wide section in the centre would fold as follows:
L-T-LR-T-R (L= Folding Left, T = Tpost, R = Folding Right)
Shapes
Windows that are arched and fitted inside a recess will need to be fitted towards the front of the reveal to allow the shutter doors to wrap around the wall. Triangular shaped panels may need to fold into the centre of the window to allow them to open, depending upon the shape of the room. Shaped windows can be divided with TPosts to match the layout of the window. Panels can also be folded downwards when using T posts on shaped windows.
To see some examples on folding go to the Slideshow in the showroom where you can see how folding can open and close.
Sams tips
My best advice is to match the number of panels to the layout of the window.
Examples
If your window has 1 glazing bar running vertically splitting the window in half, I suggest 2 shutter panels or doors, folding 1 to the left and 1 to the right. This is shown as ‘1 Left, 1 Right’
If your window has 2 glazing bars running vertically splitting the window in 3 sections, I suggest 3 folding, 2 to the left and 1 to the right (or the other way around as suitable). This is shown as ‘1 Left, 2 Right’
For larger openings such as Patio doors and room dividers, interior plantation shutters can be hung from a top track, it is still important to match up the number of panels to the layout of the window.
