Shutter Shack

Save Energy & Save Money With Window Treatments

2012-02-23T13:10:00.005-08:00

When it comes to reducing expenses on home heating, people try everything from doubling up on sweaters to blocking the bottoms of their front doors to avoid cranking up that thermostat, especially in this tough economic climate. One thing often overlooked is how an investment in window treatments can actually save a great deal AND give your home the new look it deserves!

Believe it or not, 50% of Solar Heat enters through your window and 40% of heat escapes through it. That means while 50% of your heat gain is through your open windows, your heating system has to provide 50% of the workload!

An option like solar shades, honeycomb shades or other window treatment option can reject incoming heat in the summer and retain heat in the winter, drastically cutting your energy bills. Changes in temperature results in energy spikes and, therefore, higher energy use. In fact, from 2009-2011, purchasing custom window coverings allowed up to a $1500 tax credit from the federal government, thanks to a stimulus bill, to encourage Americans to "go green" and consume less.

Aside from Federal Tax Credits and reducing your energy costs, having an energy efficient window treatment installed can:

Reduce fading of interior furniture
Reduce Glare by 90%
Result in more consistent temperatures
Give your home an updated, elegant look
Be motorized to provide convenience

Fashion can meet energy efficiency. Let's take a quick look at different options!

Sheerweave: Sheerweave Shades are yarns that are coated with vinyl and woven into an inconspicuous mesh fabric. They reduce glare and help control solar heat making any room a comfortable environment. The "difussed" look is more decorative than solar shades.

Undistorted Vision.
Washable.
Daytime Privacy!
One Way Vision Lets You See Outside!
Reduces Glare!
Filters 95% of the Sun Load.
Blocks Ultra Violet Light.
Clutch System Makes Operation Easy.
Designer colors to meet any decorating requirement.

Solar Shades: Solar Shades are the best energy saving option! Mylar Film Solar Shades are available in a wide selection of colors. These shades have an aluminum coating laminated between two glare-reducing sheets of Mylar Film. 99% of ultraviolet rays are rejected, heat is reduced by 74%, and glare is reduced by 90%. They provide daytime privacy, eliminating vision from the street side.

Cellular Shades: From 2009-2011, manufacturers of these energy efficient options promoted them as a way to get a Federal Tax Credit. Honeycomb shades are available in both vertical and horizontal pleats and come in a variety of fabric and color choices. Blackout shades are ideal for an infant's room, light sensitive areas, home theaters, and offices where privacy is key. Also known as "privacy shades," these are a great option for those looking for optimal control over the amount of light entering a room.

Wooden/Vinyl Blinds: Even something as simple as blinds can offer insulation, light filtering, and the ability to block out heat when the weather becomes warm. Granted, these options don't offer quite the same look or efficiency that other products can provide, but they are still an option some people might choose to go with.

No matter what option you choose to go with, you can find a wide variety of options through Shutter Shack. With over 40 years of experience, we can help you solve your heating, lighting or other issues without compromising style. You can even e-mail us shuttershk@gmail.com with a picture of your window and we'll show you before ordering what your window will look like with various interior and exterior shutter options!

See it BEFORE you buy it!

2012-02-23T06:51:00.020-08:00

Shutter Shack is proud to introduce our "see it BEFORE you buy it" option for shutters!

A difficult problem for our customers has always been the decision process since there are so many options with Custom Interior Shutters.

What size Louver do I choose?, How many Panels should I treat the window with? Should I do a Paint or Stain Finish? etc.

Now with our state of the art program you can see just how your window will look like in numerous configurations, finishes, and louver sizes.

option 1

Just email us with a picture of the window you are considering covering with shutters and we can provide you with a picture of your exact window with the different scenarios!

Option 2

This customer knew she only wanted to cover the lower half of the window area, commonly know as "Cafe Style". But What size Louver? How many? Color? These were all choices that in the past had to be "visualized" in the customers mind.

Option 3

After the customer was able to actually view all of the possibilities, the decision process was a snap!

Completed Project

Making It Look Real

2012-02-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

When it comes to modern homes, most outdoor shutters are not functional. While the look of functional shutters is appealing, since the advent of glass windows, there’s no longer a need for the shutters commonly seen in the movies and cartoons. Rather, most homes tend to have decorative shutters, whether wood, vinyl, or vinyl that looks like natural wood . What most people don’t realize is that one very important feature of decorative shutters is to make them look like they’re operational.

Clearly for Decoration, these shutters add an elegant, traditional look.

It can often be a challenge to properly size a pair of shutters to have them properly close over a window and achieve the proper look. Equally important to the look of your shutters is shutter hardware.Even the slightest measurements being off can result in your shutters not properly fitting. While there are a wide range of do-it-yourself options available for interior shutters, as well as interior shutter hardware, it’s often a much better investment to have a local professional, measure, install and assess your window treatments.

Let’s take a look at the hardware that makes operational shutters functional and can also be used on economical, decorative vinyl shutters as well:

Shutter Stays: Also known as “S Hold Backs,” these are what keep your shutters from slamming shut in the wind. They hold shutters open and away from the window. “S” stays are most popular for non-functional decorative shutters and are placed on the bottoms and sides of the units.

Faux functionality: Strap hinges and "S" shutter stays add a realistic touch to these cutouts.

Shutter Ring Pulls: Ring pulls are what allow you to easily close your shutters from the inside, should you so choose to do so. They allow you something to hold on to.

Shutter Hinges: Obviously, a shutter can’t open or close without hinges. Functional hinges come in a wide variety of styles, but most commonly, “strap hinges” are most commonly used on decorative shutters.

All hardware works together to give your home the unique look it deserves. It’s important not to overdo it with hardware; a little hardware goes a long way in giving your shutters a more realistic appearance. Purchasing a shutter hardware kit specially designed for use with decorative shutters is highly recommended.

There’s no need to settle for a bland look when it comes to your outdoor shutters. There are many customization options available for functionality, as well as decor. Can’t decide? The Shutter Shack can show you what your windows will look like before you order! Just email a photo to our experts!

Shack News

2012-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

We've been quite busy with both past projects, as well as working on enhancing our product line! Here are a few examples of some recent Exterior Shutter projects.

This project included real wood shutters with a Combo-panel and cut out configuration. The burgundy constrast with the home worked well. Please visit our Before and After gallery to see just how much these shutters finished the exterior of this beautiful home.

Another product we have been

proud to introduce is our

Custom Wood Radiator Covers

These Covers are made of real

wood come unassembled, but

they are a snap to put together.
All that is required is a phillips
head screw driver.

Take a look how much these covers can enhance and update your home.

Be sure to check us out on fiverr.com where you can purchase $50 gift cards for just $5!

"Like" us on Facebook for EXCLUSIVE additional discounts

Follow Up on Storm Protection... Irene...Only the Beginning??

2012-01-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

We strive to make our Blog not only a source for product information but also a source for Storm Preparation Information and invite any comments or suggestions to help the public!

I had the unfortunate experience to witness much of the devastation Irene cause to Vermont during my last ski trip.

I could not believe how Vermont was so profoundly effected by Irene. All the rivers had huge trees in the middle of them. Much, if not all vegetation that was adjacent to all the rivers, let alone mountain gully's were it seems for ever decimated by this storm....

The video and picture above is from West Bridgewater VT, a location we frequent many times when we visit VT.

We were especially surprised by how well the state of Vermont has recovered from this unexpected event.
Had this type of flooding occurred in any Metro area on the East Coast it would of been disastrous and would of taken years to repair or replace!

We city folks on the Northeast Coast missed a bullet with Irene as seen by the above images.
Hopefully, we will never have to deal with another storm like Irene for a long time.

Irene came in as a weak Category 1 storm. Many Long Island residents have told me we have had Nor' Easters which were more powerful than Irene was.

We welcome comments and suggestions from residents from the Hurricane Belt...Florida,Carolinas, etc. for advise you may have for us up here in the north, as to what we should do (at least sea-side) to protect our homes should we really have a serious storm! (Irene was a tease!)

We remain ever so complacent, perhaps arrogant (a trait of us Easterners) and could maybe use some expert advise and tips as it seems we may have to deal with these severe storms more frequently, not to mention, on more severe basis.

Thanks. B.

SHUTTER SHACK PREMIERS OUR NEW "QR" TAG-LOGO

2012-01-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

Here at Shutter Shack, we're proud to introduce our new Quick Response (QR) Tag!

A quick scan of this code with your mobile phone's QR or barcode scanner application will provide you with with instant access to our products and services, as well as exclusive deals!

We look forward to enhancing our website, product line, and customer service to serve our customers with that "old fashioned care" for years to come and thank our customers for their continued loyalty and business!

There's a First Time for Everything...Even with Shutters!

2012-01-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Pocket Shutter Door Design and Furnish Project.

Shutter Shack recently had a customer visit our retail outfit requesting an out of the ordinary design for her home under construction.

Even with having over 40 years of experience performing custom installations, we've never done a job like this- until now!

Here you see the Master Bedroom under construction with no dry wall in place. The Client preferred 3 1/2" Custom Plantation Shutters to act as Pocket Doors and slide into her exitsting walls.

After many hours with Designers, Architects, and the on-site Foreman, we were able to come up with a plan to install the tracking prior to closing the walls. Measuring could only be done at certain periods of the project, and we all had to loose a little weight get the doors in the pockets. :)

Well after a few months of planning, ordering, and finishing construction of both the Shutters as well as the room itself we came up with the following results...

The project was quite a challenge, and we did need to close the louvers to stack the panels into the wall. We were quite pleased with the results, as was the customer!

Security Facts & Tips

2011-11-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

According to FBI Statistics for 2009:

In 2009 there were an estimated 2,199,125 burglaries.

Burglary accounted for 23.6 percent of the estimated number of property crimes committed in 2009.
Of all burglaries, 61.0 percent involved forcible entry, 32.6 percent were unlawful entries (without force), and the remainder (6.5 percent) were forcible entry attempts.
Victims of burglary offenses suffered an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property in 2009; overall, the average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,096.
Burglaries of residential properties accounted for 72.6 percent of all burglary offenses.

Shutter Shack's Security Film is an important tool in the securing of your home.

A broken window is both an open invitation and a sign to intruders that other entry points may be just as neglected. Apply Security Film to make your glass shatterproof; tinted film can further prevent thieves from window-shopping and even block out UV rays so furniture won't be damaged by the sun.

In the event a burglar breaks your window, Shutter Shack's Security Film will hold the majority of broken glass fragments together, and will continue to resist penetration from wind, rain, and intruders.

Safety/Security/Solar Window Film(s)

2011-10-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Safety-Energy Efficiency-Ultraviolet Ray Protection-Security-Comfort.

Security/Safety/Solar Film(s).

Now there is a simple way to enhance your home or businesses window integrity by adding our These films come in numerous thicknesses and tints to address your specific needs. This film is bonded by a special adhesive, and becomes part of the window.

It will help the window maintain its integrity and will increase the strength of the glass. We can use a thicker film if security needs are the issue, or use tinting films for energy efficiency needs.

Even the clear Security film will give you over 90% reduction in UV Rays. These are the rays that fade furnishings, carpeting, artwork, window treatments, etc.

When violent acts of nature, natural disasters, vandalism or accidents shatter your window, flying glass and compromised windows can be responsible for most damage,and injuries.

Security film helps increase the strength of the windows and possibly prevent additonal damage to your home or business.

These layers of polyester film bond to the inside of your home to give this added protection. For extreme security and storm protection optional frame attachment hardware or silicone can be added.

Check out this YouTube vide demostrating the product...

Pros

-- never have to install or remove film, its always there!
--Comes in numerous thicknesses and tints to address your specific situation.
--Increases the strength of the glass.
--May help prevent the window from caving in.
--Helps prevent scards of glass from shattering.
--Helps prevent quick break and grab thefts.
--All films reduce at least 90% of fading UV Rays.

Cons
--Does NOT meet Florida Hurricane Codes
--While glass will be stronger, there is no gurantee against breakage. If something is heavy enough, or someone is determined enough, they will gain entry.
--Glass can still break, but depending on each specific situation, the glass may or may not be compromised.
--Least protection available for storm protection.

Cost
--Without optional attachment hardware aprox $14-$16 per square foot installed. (Average thickness Film)

Hurricane, Storm, and Security Guide

2011-10-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

With the increasing severity of storms, hurricane and storm and protection products are becoming more imperative for your home or business.

This Blog will help you compare the pros and cons of various home/business protection products.

Protecting your home before a storm is the most economical and proactive way to protect your family and property. There are numerous products which we explain below.

Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters

These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around window and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm Panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

The style incorporates both track and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts or tracking permanently attached beneath the window.

The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. they can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners don't check them they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.

Pros

-- Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.

--Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use

--Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

Cons

--Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space

--Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.

--Sometimes don't line up properly

--Have sharp edges.

Cost

Approx. $ 20.00 per square foot.

Roll-Down Hurricane/Security Shutters

These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by motorization. You can also have motorized with a manual override. These shutters have side channels where the slats slide to cover window or door area's. We have also used these shutters for garage doors and outdoor kitchens and cabana houses.

Pros

-- Are permanently affixed above the window or doors and don't require any extra storage space.

--Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.

--Offer some of the best Storm and Security protection, they make an excellent Security deterrent.
--Meets Florida Hurricane codes.

Cons

--Most expensive of the Storm/Security Protection Products.

--Motorized system may require optional manual override for use during power outages.

Cost

Approx. $ 20.00-$75.00 per square foot.

Cost depends on many factors...material we are attaching unit to, 1st/2nd floor etc., motorized or manual, wall switch or remote control, etc . . .

Hurricane Fabric and Hurricane Roll-up Fabric

Hurricane EZ Slide Screen

This material is very similar to that used in our Sheerweave Shades but can withstand exterior elements. It is similar to the material used to cover swimming pools in the winter. Few, if any, types of window film as storm protection meet Florida hurricane codes, but many give some limited protection if properly installed. For this reason these fabrics screens should be initially installed by a experienced installed, not the home owner.

There are numerous types of installation possibilities with these fabrics. Standard Mount Hurricane Fabric is the least expensive and we attach the Fabric directly to your home with hardware designed for this application.

We have multiple ways to utilize the Fabric for each specific preference and application needs.

We have the EZ Slide Panels (seen above) where we mount channels to your home and the screens slide into these channels.

We can also apply the Hurricane Fabric to a Roll-up system where the screen rolls into a box (or pack) over the window area. Side channels are used to hold the fabric in place. This is a great product because it can also be used for Solar Control and does not block your inside to outside view, will reduce UV ray and Solar Radiation.

--Pros

Fabric is very energy efficient, blocks at least 90% of UV Rays and significantly reduces Solar Radiation (heat).

Easy to store. can be rolled or folded.

Meets Florida Hurricane codes.

Does not make your home feel like a cave, you are able to see outside.

Many application types. Roll-up screens can even be motorized.

--Cons

Must be mounted and unmounted with some applications types.

Middle of the line protection, even though it meets Florida Hurricane codes.

Some applications have hardware showing on the exterior of your home of business.

Cost

Depends on the type of application that is desired . . .

Please see our next blog on an extensive discussion on Safety/Solar/Security Films

Hurricane Irene: We Were Lucky!

2011-09-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Given our recent NY weather, it's apparent that storms are becoming stronger and more frequent, especially over the past decade.

Shutter Shack has always offered storm, security, and protection products.

Coincidently, our February Blog was dedicated to these products as the Hurricane season was approaching.

Irene hit Long Island and New England on August 27th. It was downgraded to a Tropical Storm just as it passed over Cape May, New Jersey. Long Island had winds of about 80 MPH.
Irene caused over 1 billion dollars in damage across New York. Vermont lost roads, towns were cut off my home Ski Area; Killington Vt. had their base lodge severely damaged.

Some residents of Long Island were without power for over 2 weeks. Make no mistake, this was a minimal storm? Was it a 20 year storm?, or is becoming the norm?
Who knows? But of couple things we definietly do know.....

It was the worst power outage in Long Island's history!

Had wind speed been just 30-40 MPH more (category 1 or 2) the scenenario on Long Island would of been quite different! The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale gives us some idea of specific damage we can expect during Storms.
Some Customers have even mentioned some of the Nor'easters we receive are more severe than Irene!

Shutter Shack, has been swamped with calls from customers who are seeing Irene as a wake up call!

Shutter Shack has always provided all types of Window Products...Decorative, Functional, both for the Interior and Exterior of your home, office, etc.

But most importantly Shutter Shack is proud to help residents of the Northeast protect their homes, businesses, and families.

We are in the process of upgrading our Hurricane/Security section. The next Blog will explain all the products old and new that can be used to protect your home, as well as benefits, drawbacks, even basic costs for each specific protection product.

We currently offer...

Hurrricane Fabric

Roll Down Security Shutters

Storm Panels
Impact Shutters

Security/Safety Film

Hurricane Screens

We will be updating this section on a ongoing effort to provide detailed information about each specific product to protect your home. Please feel free to call (toll-free) 877-913-3100 if you would have any questions concerning any of these products.

We aim to make our Blog not only a source for product information but also a tool for Storm Preparation and a detailed resource guide. We invite any comments or suggestions to help the public.
We especially welcome residents in the Hurricane Belt...Florida,Carolina's, etc. for advise you may have for us yanks. (Met fan here tho!)
We ever reamiaing compancent and arrogant (me to) could use some expert advise on and tips as it seems we are having to deal with these severe storms more frequently, not to mention, more severe.

Shutter Shack Room Dividers

2011-08-05T13:45:00.000-07:00

The Shutter Shack's Room Dividers and Shoji Screens can be used in many different ways. Looking to create a functional section out of a large room or do you just need a screen for privacy? Our Room Dividers and Shoji Screens also can be used simply as a design element for any homes decor.

Our Room Dividers and Shoji Screens come in a wide variety of sizes and colors.

Learn More

Archive; ShutterShack.com featured on CBS's Early Show.

2011-05-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

We found an archive on CBS.com we did a few years back which featured some of our Exterior Shutter Choices. We decided to post it because we found it to be very informative.

This was a segment featuring Harry Smith and Danny Lipford in how to "Dress Up Your Home With Shutters"

Window Shutters have been around for hundreds of years. In addition to the practical aspects of providing privacy and protection from the elements, there is a wide range to choose from to enhance a home's appearance.

Shutters were originally used on the inside of windows before glass to protect indoors from the elements and pests. In the 19th-century, they slowly made their way to the exterior of homes. People chose to use them not only for protection, but also for decoration. Since then, shutters have come a long way and are now available in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes.

Danny Lipford mentioned shutters can be used on the inside and outside of a home. Plus, they can be painted or stained -- depending on the overall look that you want to create.

The following are the shutters that were featured on the show:

Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters are available in two styles -- fixed and operable. Fixed shutters are those that are attached permanently to the outside of your home. Since the shutters cannot be moved, they simply serve as a decorative feature to your home. Lipford says adding this type of shutter to your home can help increase its curb appeal by adding color and architectural accents. Operable shutters are hinged so that they can close over the glass of your windows. This type of shutter helps ward off intruders, provides protection during storms and protects you from the glare of the sun.

There are numerous options for shutter materials. Lipford highlighted a few of the most popular on the market.

Wood Shutters
Wood Shutters are the most common shutters on the market. They come in a variety of patterns. If you choose to use wooden outdoor shutters, they must be not only finished correctly, but maintained properly for them to last.

To enhance the look of wooden or composite shutters, many homeowners add shutter hardware. This hardware has evolved over the years into stylish shutter accessories. It is available in many styles and finishes.

Composite Shutters
Provide a great alternative to wood shutters. These shutters, which are virtually maintenance free, are custom manufactured from state-of-the-art PVC and thermally stable fiberglass.

Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters are the most reasonably priced shutters on the market. They are lightweight, easy to install. ShutterShack.com sells many different types, styles, and even custom made exterior vinyl shutters.

Storm Shutters
For those of you who are concerned about hurricanes or tornadoes, you may want to invest in storm shutters. These aluminum shutters protect glass from high winds and blowing debris. Storm shutters are available in several different types.

Interior Shutters
Interior shutters are becoming more popular with homeowners across the country. Wooden "plantation shutters" with working louvers serve as interior window treatments that allow you to control both light and privacy. This type of shutter can be painted or stained and used on almost any type of window or door.

Lipford says a few of the benefits of wooden plantation shutters are that they require virtually no maintenance, enhance your home's resale value, consist of a one time investment and the insulation and reflecting properties of shutters help conserve heating and cooling costs.

Please feel free to call us if you have questions about any of our products.

877-913-3100

Shutter Shack Prepares for Hurricane Season!

2011-02-19T13:36:00.001-08:00

Just as our miserable winter is hopefully coming to an end, now we have to focus on what might be our next peril . . . The never ending fear of a major hurricane striking the NY Metro area, especially, our home . . . Long Island! . . . not to mention the whole Northeast in general.

We at Shutter Shack pride ourselves with being one of the foremost companies to provide multiple Storm Protection Products, as well as providing expert advise concerning protecting your home. Unfortunately, we have become very complacent in regard to a massive storm similar to one the likes of "Hurricane Katrina" or "Hurricane Andrew" striking the NY/Metro area.

According to the United States Landfalling Hurricane Probability Project of 2010 there is a 90% probability that the NY City/Long Island area will be hit with a major hurricane (category 3 or more) within the next 50 years. We are LONG overdue! (no pun intended, Long Island) for a major hurricane.

The last big Hurricane that hit Long Island was Gloria in 1985. Since that time there has been a ten-fold increase of construction, and development in our direct hurricane danger zone's. If a storm similar to the
"Great Long Island Express" strikes our area, Gloria will be minuscule in scale compared to that 1938 storm.

Gloria came in as a minimal category 2 storm and caused over $900 million in economic loss. For you that remember, there were certain area's which didn't have power for over 2 weeks, Dune Road in the Hampton's was totally under water and some homes on the East End of Long Island washed away. Imagine all this damage, and Gloria struck at low tide! If a storm such as the '38 storm were to strike today, the damage would be similar to the horrible images we witnessed during the Katrina catastrophe. Loses in our region might top over $100 billion! Everything south of Merrick Road could be under water!

(Here's an old newsreel about the '38 storm)

The NYC/Metro area is ranked the 3rd most dangerous area in the USA for a major hurricane. It is a fact that the NY/Metro area is in a very precarious geographical hurricane location. (Here is a YouTube Video if you are really curious!).

We have been receiving more and more calls about storm protection from home owners and businesses being "proactive".

We just finished a large project at a Westchester Country Club using our Storm/Hurricane Panels.

These affordable lightweight Aluminum or Clear panels interlock and create a substantial barrier between your home and harsh exterior elements. They are lightweight, easy to install and store, and don't impede on the exterior details of your home. They even meet tough Florida Hurricane codes.

We also carry many other Hurricane/Storm as well as Security Protection Products that may suitable for many different solutions.

At Shutter Shack we consider ourselves to be a service orientated business. Feel free to call or email us if you any questions, or comments concerning our products or website. We always strive to please our customers and better ourselves. We sell only top quality products with top quality customer service.

Thanks

Bruce

Shutter Shack Introduces our new product..."DIY Shutter Kits"

2011-02-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

Traditional 1 1/4" (Shutterettes) are becoming more and more difficult to find. We have in the past used some overseas companies that offered a shutter that did not meet our quality standards. Now we are proud to offer a "Made in the USA" high quality Interior Traditional Louver Shutter Kit.

http://shuttershack.com/products/intshutters/shutter-kits-main.htm
Our Bass Wood DIY Shutter Kits come Unfinished, with all necessary hardware and mounting accessory's.
These shutters can be trimmed to suit your needs, and ordered in either paint or stain grade woods.
Please feel free to call or email us if you have any questions.

We are also looking into manufacturing for the Spring, (if it ever arrives), a "Shutter Plant Stand"

Welcome to the Shutter Shack Blog!

2011-01-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our "Shack Blog"

My name is Bruce, owner of Shutter Shack.

Through our Blog we will seek to provide our customers with information, answer questions, and will keep the public informed of new and innovative products.

Please watch for our website improvements and updates.

Currently we are working on our "How to Install Custom Shutters" manual.

This book will be available free of charge for all our customers who make a shutter purchase or for a nominal fee, available online.

Also, on an ongoing basis, we will post photo's of current jobs both with before and after images for your own brainstorming ideas.

Here is an image of a job we are currently working on, where we are going to apply exterior "Storm Panels Shutters".

We will post the "after" photo once the Storm Panels are installed.

Please feel free to call, email, or fax us any questions you may have concerning any of our products.

We are also looking to start a "Installer/Contractor Resource List."
If you are mechanically proficient or have carpentry experience, let us know, our customers may be interested using your expertise.

"Shutters, not just another pretty face!"

2011-01-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Like many architects who design homes, when clients ask for windows flanked by shutters, I shudder.

Shutters have long challenged the modernist aesthetic sensibility of American architects, primarily because architects view most shutters as fakery.

Shutters seem especially alien to contemporary facade compositions because non-traditional window and door patterns, state-of-the-art construction materials and details, and sometimes complex exterior wall "topographies" do not lend themselves to shutters.

So why are shutters so ubiquitous?

Chalk it up to popular taste. Most Americans prefer traditional styled homes, no matter how historically incorrect. And shutters served a function. Today, most are inoperative, a kind of non-functional, referential emblem whose purpose is solely decorative.

Take away the shutters, though, and most homeowners are likely to feel that their houses appear naked, cheap and deprived of style.

Shutters on today's houses often share common characteristics.

They are usually too narrow in relation to window size. Even if they could be closed, they would not fit over the windows properly. Often shutters are placed only on the front facades facing streets, not on visible side facades, and rarely on rears. This saves money but serves to underscore the role of shutters as pure ornament. And most are made of vinyl or aluminum, not wood, the material from which shutters historically have been fabricated.

Thus the modernist critique of ersatz shutters is partly about authenticity. If you want to live in a dwelling that aspires to look as if were built 200 years ago, why not correctly replicate shutters installed 200 years ago?

But the architectural critique also relates to the original function of louvered shutters: to simultaneously provide privacy and natural ventilation; to filter daylight; and to help insulate against summer heat and winter cold.

In fact, operable shutters have long been a simple and effective architectural element. Fundamentally, they are environmental control devices.

With architectural sustainability becoming a major issue for designers, developers and builders, and increasingly a government policy concern, it's time to rethink shutters.

Why not use shutters that really work? With 21st-century technology, a modern shutter could contribute significantly to improving energy efficiency and comfort.

Operable shutters-- pivoting, sliding or rolling -- could have arrays of adjustable louvers to respond to varying environmental and human needs. Shutters could be made of different materials, even glass, which today can range from transparent to translucent to opaque. And shutters also could be an integral component of pre-engineered window systems, well insulated and detailed to form tight seals when completely shut.

When it's cold, or at night, shutters could be closed either manually or automatically, to substantially reduce heat loss -- via conduction, convection and radiation -- through window frame and glazing. By trapping a layer of still air between shutter and window, and by blocking the wind, a shutter can greatly enhance the comfort of occupants.

When it's hot, shutters could be positioned not only to shade windows from direct sunlight, but also to insulate against heat gain through thermal conduction, in turn reducing air-conditioning loads and increasing comfort.

Of course, shutters can be opened and closed at will to frame views or to ensure privacy and security purposes that have served for centuries.

However, for modern shutters to succeed, they must be designed to be opened, closed and adjusted easily. And they must be easy to maintain.

I don't doubt that a 21st-century shutter could be fashioned to look either traditional or contemporary. But no matter what the style, let's at least make shutters that are real, that do some work for us, and that contribute something measurable to our planet's sustainability.

Roger K. Lewis is a practicing architect and a professor of architecture at the University of Maryland.