Category Archives: protective shutters

What To Consider When Matching Your Home With The Right Awning

Awnings are a fantastic addition to the curb appeal of your home, increasing its aesthetic appeal as well as functionality. Awnings provide shade as well as outdoor spaces that are more useable in all kinds of weather. Furthermore, they provide a pop of color, helping to embellish your home’s exterior appeal. However, before you fix an awning to your home, you must consider how to match it to your home in the best way. Here are some aspects to consider when matching your home to the right awning.

  1. Material

The material you choose for your awning will determine the amount of maintenance and upkeep it will need over the years. The two main materials used for awnings are aluminum and outdoor fabric. Naturally, aluminum requires less maintenance due to its sturdy nature. However, this material is harder to customize in terms of color and design. On the other hand, outdoor fabric comes in a huge variety of colors and designs, but it requires more maintenance as compared to aluminum.

  1. Type

Awnings usually come in three different types which are stationary, free-standing or retractable. The type of awning you choose should be determined by your budget as well as preference. Stationary awnings are the most common based on the price factor as compared to the other two. Retractable awnings offer the best versatility as they can be adjusted according to the weather. Furthermore, automatic retractable awnings are more advanced now with weather sensors. Free standing awnings are great for business as they can be used for advertising as well as segmenting spaces.

  1. Size

A decorative awning is usually smaller as it has little functionality beyond aesthetics. However, an awning that is more functional is bigger to cover a larger area and offer more shade.

  1. Color

When choosing the color of your awning, remember that functionality overrides aesthetics, while at the same time being careful to match your home’s exterior color. It is advisable to settle on a lighter colored fabric as it reflects light and offers cooler shade. Moreover, it is important to note that your awnings should also complement your interiors.

  1. Style

There is a wide range of awning styles to choose from to match your home’s overall look. From the traditional style with closed and open sides, waterfall, semi-circular walkway, the styles are many and varied. Speak to experts like us to settle on the best style to suit the architectural design of your home.

  1. Angle

This is another important aspect to consider, which most people do not pay much attention to. The angle of an awning determines its overall performance. The side a window is facing will determine the angle at which an awning will drop. Additionally, the side the deck is facing in relation to the sun will determine the angle of the awning. Be sure to consult experts like us for the right advice.

In general, awnings are a great enhancement to any house, and will be sure to increase your home’s resale value. Be sure to talk to awning experts like us to settle on the best and most functional awnings for your home.

 

 

 

5 Different Ways Shutters Increase The Price Tag Of Your Home

Shutters have become a tag on property listings as one of the reasons a house will cost a bit more. Shutters are a premier window treatment that is no longer just viewed as an enhancement to your house’s beauty, but as a functional part of it that increases the price tag of your home. There are various types shutters such as plantation shutters, cottage and wood shutters among others, but all these serve to increase your home’s value. Below are 5 ways that shutters help to increase the price tag of your home.

  1. Enhanced light control

In warmer climates, light control is a huge issue when buying a house. Since the weather tends to be warm throughout the year, shutters plays a huge role in keeping the house cool. Basic shutters control light better than curtains or blinds do, and are more hard-wearing for the same function. The light control function of shutters helps to keep rooms in the house cool, and also lets in light and warmth whenever you adjust the angle of the shutters. It is no wonder shutters increase the price tag of any home they are installed in.

  1. Enhanced curb appeal

Most real estate agents will attest to the fact that a house with shutters sells faster than one without. Most people love the appeal of shutters, but consider them a luxury item therefore they may not want to incur the cost of installation. Additionally, shutters offer a timeless and classic appeal to any home, upgrading its aesthetic look. Curb appeal is a huge plus for any home owner, and shutters raise this significantly.

  1. Enhanced privacy

Well-installed shutters will give you the privacy you desire in your home. At any angle, closed shutters will keep out any observation from outside your home. In comparison to blinds and curtains which may blow open at even the slightest breeze, well-installed shutters give you the privacy you desire in your home. Even when opened, shutters can be kept at angles that afford you maximum privacy.

  1. Versatility

Shutters are a great architectural component in any home. Their different colors, styles and designs can fit into any home décor to complement it. No matter what the taste of different home owners is, shutters can be blended into any interior décor style without a problem, making re-decorating a breeze. This makes the resale value of any home installed with shutters remain high.

  1. Durability

Well-installed shutters can last a house its entire life-time. Well-designed shutters made with durable materials are installed to put up with daily use in the home. Additionally, shutters are installed to be a permanent fixture in the home, making them a better alternative to blinds or curtains. This durability helps to raise your home’s resale value.

Shutters are universally recognized as a premium upgrade to any home – a factor that increases your home’s value. In the event that you are considering installing shutters, then these 5 factors should convince you that you are sure to increase the value of your home significantly.

Different Ways Protective Shutters Can Keep Your Home Safe From Burglars

For a home that has taken years to acquire, decorate and furnish, you cannot gamble with its safety. Besides, since you are not always present to keep watch, you need a reassurance that your house is safe even when you are away. By installing shutters, you can rest assured that the place looks invincible to would-be intruders. To get a glimpse on how these safety features work, look at a doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or retail store. They need not look cute, but if you are the stylish type, you can still get material the blends with the interior décor.

Why bother with shutters when you can secure your house in other ways?

They distract an intruder’s motive

An intruder with the intention of breaking into your house will find it difficult. Why? No thief is brave enough to gain unauthorized and forceful entry into a home when he or she cannot see what is inside. If your house is in a busy or crowded neighborhood, you may consider discouraging the prying eyes of a passer-by. For instance, a large flat screen TV is sure to draw the attention of anyone near your house. On the other hand, the sight of your state-of-the-art music system is sure to whet a burglar’s appetite. Installing shutters keeps your home private and does not provoke a robber.

No one knows whether you are home or not

Shutters drawn over the windows or glass paneled doors leave burglars confused. They do not know whether there is someone in the house or not. In that state, no stranger would attempt a break-in. If you like, you can request the installation company to provide you with an advanced system that allows you to simulate scenarios. Before leaving the house, you can set the mechanism to close the shutters automatically and trick strangers into thinking that there is someone in the house. Without knowing it, you protect not only your household assets but also your family.

Creates an anti-burglary barrier

Thieves consider windows and glass doors as weak points of entry. They capitalize on this; all it requires is for one to smash the window using a brick. However, with shutters, robbers will hesitate and think twice before making a move. Take roller shutters, for example; they can be inbuilt into a steel frame with automatic locking mechanism. Besides, by embedding foam material around guide rails, contractors make them difficult to open.

Sturdy material choice

You are at liberty to choose between stainless steel and aluminum. Besides giving you anti-burglary protection, these materials withstand all types of weather.

Burglars always look for weaknesses in your home’s security. Window shutters reinforce your safety layers by acting as a distraction. One can hardly see the items you have inside the house. They also confuse intruders such that they cannot tell whether you are in or not. At the same time, some of the materials used are strong enough to withstand a break-in attempt or harsh weather conditions. All these benefits give you peace of mind.

 

Advantages of Shutter Screens Over Traditional Curtains

Shutters or curtains; which are the best window solution for my house? Many homeowners have faced this dilemma at least once. While traditional curtains have been the go-to interior décor solution, modern shutters are fast taking over the industry. In fact, some interior designers are saying that curtains are outdated and shutters are the future. So, what are the advantages of shutter screens over curtains?

Looking for a long-lasting option?

Unlike curtains which wear out within a few years, shutter screens can last up to 20 years and still look good. If you don’t want to keep thinking about buying new curtains every year, choose shutters and they will serve you for generations to come. Most people choose curtains because they are cheaper but the cost of maintenance and changing them every few years is more than the cost of installing shutter screens once.

Want to regulate your home temperatures?

Energy bills can be pretty high if you are relying on your HVAC unit to heat and cool the house all year long. While very thick curtains can act as insulation when it’s cold, shutter screens offer more insulation and can help the house to remain warm during the cold season. During summer, you can just open up the louvers and let some air in to cool the house down.

Why not allow light and protect your furniture?

Light is very important especially during the day. However, you do not want to allow in light at the expense of your furniture. You have to open up curtains to get in some light meaning you will also be allowing in direct rays of sunlight to your house that cause your furniture to fade. On the other hand, shutter screens allow in light all day long whether they are open or closed and they keep the sunrays off your furniture. Even if you have to open the louvers, you can put them in an angle where the sunrays won’t be able to come inside.

Want to reduce the maintenance hassle?

Maintaining curtains is hard work because they collect all sorts of dust and moisture from the environment. You have to take down the curtains every now and then to clean them and some require dry cleaning before putting them up again. Shutter screens require little to no maintenance because they are made of composite materials that do not collect or absorb dust so you can just wipe them or use a dust brush to remove some dust if you have to. Shutters also come in different materials that can be painted so you can change the color scheme of your house as often as you want without taking down the windows treatment.

Indeed, traditional curtains have come a long way over the years and designers are making them more beautiful and elegant than ever. However, shutter screens are slowly taking over in window treatments as they provide versatility, elegance and convenience. If you have professionals install the shutters for you, you can enjoy the benefits for many years.

 

5 Benefits Of Protective Shutters

There is increasing popularity on the use of shutters to shore-up your home’s security. Indeed as a discerning homeowner, investing in anything that offers protection to your home as well as deters theft is a sensible decision. However, while you may decide to make investment in your home security all about deadbolts and screens, you also need to factor in protective measures for your windows.

While deterring burglars may be the primary reason for having protective shutters installed, you will also enjoy many more benefits. For instance, did you know that your house needs protection against harsh weather elements, for energy efficiency as well as special aesthetics?

Benefits of protective shutters

The following are some of the benefits you will get when you install protective shutters in your house:

  1. Protects your investment

The home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. It is therefore, upon you to ensure it is thoroughly protected at all times. While installing protective shutters does not guarantee you 100% home security, they go a long way in giving you peace of mind. Indeed with them in place, you are assured of a significant degree of privacy and security.

  1. Boosts energy efficiency

Many people are now considering various ways to achieve sustainable homes. You need to adopt various practices that conserve the environment while at the same time reducing utility bills in your home. Shutters are considered a significant way to achieve these goals since they regulate indoor temperatures, as well as stop 90%, and 70% of heat and cold respectively.

  1. Control natural light

Protective shutters are ideal because they enable you to control the amount of light that gets into your home. They are effective in that you can regulate the glare of the sun without blocking natural light in its entirety. The benefit of controlling the natural light is that your give your interior furnishings a longer lifespan, as well as prevent damage on other indoor pieces such as carpets, flooring shine and color.

  1. Noise reduction

Shutters are used to reduce outside noise. High quality shutters have capacity to reduce noise levels by up to 60%. This implies that you do not have to worry about living in noisy neighborhoods.

  1. Protects windows

Preventing damage to your windows is often a rather tall order but having protective shutters in place can help. Since shutters adjust accordingly, you enjoy a cost-effective solution while shielding your doors and windows from moisture, dust and harsh weather elements.

Choosing the best shutters

Without a doubt, protective shutters are an important element in home security. However, choosing the best types of shutters can be a rather daunting task. Keep in mind that appropriate shutters should meet the necessary safety requirements, they should be UV stabilized, available, and competitive in terms of price.

Perhaps, you are wondering where to get the best and most reliable shutters. PSS will not only give you high quality shutters but also ones that align with all your needs for total home security, contact us.