The choice you make for your window coverings can make all the difference not only in how they look but also in the comfort, enjoyment, and how safe you feel in your home. Whether you go for the classic charm and look of traditional window shutters or for robust, functional external roller shutters comes down to your priorities and preferences. After looking through dozens of product reviews, it all comes down to weighing up the benefits and differences between them, which Roller Smart Shutters, a family-owned business with over 10 years of experience, can help you with. They can also help you understand how they can add value to your home.
Overview of roller shutters versus window shutters
Traditional window shutters are installed internally and typically chosen for their style, lighting and privacy control. They are often seen on and used to preserve older architectural styles, such as those of farmhouses, cottages, and other historic buildings. Examples include blinds, louvre shutters, solid-panel shutters, café-style shutters, accordion shutters, and Bermuda shutters. One of the most common examples of traditional window shutters is the type that consists of wide horizontal slats made of lightweight materials such as fabric, wood, or vinyl. You can control the amount of natural airflow and light entering the home by tilting the slats.
Roller shutters are external shutters comprising horizontal slats made of more robust materials, such as aluminium and steel. Available in manual or electric operation modes, the slats roll up and down as you please, and it’s a solution people often choose when security, improved energy efficiency, insulation, and weather and noise protection are their priorities.
There is a lot to consider between roller shutters and the more traditional window shutters, each with unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you compare and make a well-informed decision.
Security and privacy
While traditional shutters offer some privacy, they can expose the interior of the home, depending on the material used and whether the wind can blow them around.
Roller shutters provide superior, comprehensive visible and physical privacy and security, given the stronger materials they are made of. Some, like Roller Smart LockSafe roller shutters, designed by CW Products, feature cutting-edge, enhanced locking technologies such as the Anti-Lift shutter design and patented 3-step locking technology. As they are installed externally, roller shutters provide a barrier against entry at the outset and serve as a stronger deterrent to protect your home sanctuary. These are ideal for street-facing windows that require this level of defence.
You can now also conveniently secure your home from your phone and smart home systems. Control and monitor the shutters remotely from another room in the house or when you are out, perfect if you are often on the go.
Classic versus modern aesthetics
Traditional shutters are often chosen for their timeless elegance and sophistication, which complement a variety of home styles, particularly those with period charm. Meanwhile, roller shutters offer a sleek, modern touch. Both come in a variety of colours and finishes, so you can choose the ones that suit your home’s architectural style.
Energy efficiency and insulation
When closed, traditional shutters can provide some internal temperature control, insulation and control of air ventilation. Roller shutters offer a high level of insulation, reducing the use of your heating and cooling systems and saving on your energy bills. With Perth’s baking sun on most days of the year, homes here require a strong solution to guard against such heat, while also retaining warmth during Winter.
Shutters that provide weather protection
Traditional shutters offer a barrier against external elements such as wind and rain, but only on the inside, so they may not protect the window glass. Roller shutters, installed on the outside, shield you from extreme weather events such as storms, hail, strong winds, and even cyclones. They can deflect the heat and light from Perth’s harsh sun. Some roller shutters, such as Roller Smart Shutter’s, offer specialist and university-tested protection, such as cyclone-rated CycloneSafe shutters and bushfire-rated CSIRO-tested FireSafe Bushfire Shutters, made of commercial-grade materials.
Shutters that provide noise reduction
Traditional shutters can help reduce external noise. Roller shutters’ dense materials provide a robust acoustic barrier against outside noise, ensuring peace and quiet in your home to support mental wellbeing. In that sense, roller shutters are ideal for shift workers, who need quality sleep, and those who work from home who need focus.
Ease of maintenance features
Traditional shutters require minimal upkeep, depending on the materials and quality. For example, timber slats may need cleaning, and fabric blinds need cleaning and may discolour over time. Roller shutters are made of durable materials. For instance, Roller Smart Shutters are rust-free, ensuring high-quality performance for many years, and even the electrically operated roller shutters are designed with a perfect seal and materials to prevent grime from building up in the electronics. All that’s needed for your aluminium shutters is a clean with warm soapy water.
Cost comparison of rollers shutters vs traditional window shutters
Traditional shutters cost more than roller shutters due to their wider slats and the customisation they often require.
Roller shutters can incur costs due to automation installation, though energy bill savings from improved energy efficiency can help offset these costs and deliver long-term savings.
Roller shutters offer automated convenience
Both roller shutters and traditional shutters will add value to the home with their aesthetic appeal and functionality. The choice comes down to your needs and preferences. If you are only seeking to elevate your home with a timeless look that still offers some lighting, ventilation and privacy, traditional shutters may be enough to suit these goals.
For comprehensive functionality, roller shutters provide high security as a strong visible deterrent for potential intruders to even consider approaching. In addition, roller shutters offer durable protection against weather elements, insulation from Winter cold and Summer heat, excellent privacy, and contemporary aesthetics.
Get trusted quality roller shutters installed by local experts
If you have decided to experience the benefits of security and protection, as well as the modern look of roller shutters, look to Roller Smart Shutters to guide you through the process of installing a high-quality solution complete with a warranty and guarantee.
We understand the local demographics and unique aesthetics of Perth homes, which are custom-built for the dry, hot summers and high winds. With this local expertise, we can assist you with customised local craftsmanship and materials.
Get ready to invest in a more secure, energy-efficient and stylish home that will add years of comfort, value and protection. Talk to our professional, friendly team about your needs and preferences to get a free quote and learn about our premium, customised solutions available at competitive prices.
