Do You Need Shutters With Those Windows? A Guide for Burlington Homeowners
When you are replacing windows, it is natural to start thinking about what goes on them. Shutters are one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Burlington and across Halton. Do they add value? Do they help with comfort? Should you plan them at the same time as your new windows?
The honest answer is that shutters are a style and lifestyle choice, not a requirement. Here is what to consider so you can decide what makes sense for your home.
What Shutters Do Well
Interior shutters, often called California or plantation style shutters, are solid panels with adjustable louvres mounted inside the window opening. Homeowners like them for a few reasons:
- Light control. Tilting the louvres lets you go from full light to near darkness without opening or closing anything else.
- Privacy. On busy Burlington streets or in closely spaced subdivisions in Oakville and Milton, shutters let in light while blocking sightlines from the sidewalk.
- A clean, built-in look. Shutters tend to look like part of the house rather than an add-on.
- Durability. There are no cords or fabric to fade or tangle.
What Shutters Do Not Do
Shutters are a window covering. They do not replace the job of the window itself. If your current windows are drafty, fogged between the panes, or hard to open and close, shutters will hide the problem without solving it. Cold air coming through a failing window will still find its way into the room.
That is why it usually makes sense to fix the window first and choose the covering second.
Plan Coverings Around Your New Windows
If you are replacing windows, think about coverings early in the process. A few practical tips:
- Think about how each window opens. Casement and awning windows crank outward, while sliders and hung windows move within the frame. Make sure whatever covering you choose leaves room to reach the crank or latch.
- Consider the depth of the window opening. Inside-mounted coverings need enough depth to sit properly without hitting hardware.
- Match the room. Bedrooms and media rooms may benefit from more light control, while kitchens and family rooms facing the backyard may be better left open.
- Wait for final measurements. Order coverings after your new windows are installed so they fit the finished openings.
Start With Windows You Can Count On
At The Door Centre, we install windows by Frank Windows and Doors. They come with a lifetime non-limited, non-prorated warranty, and our installations are backed by a 10-year installation workmanship warranty. That means the window behind your shutters, blinds or drapes is built and installed to last.
We serve homeowners throughout Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Waterdown, Ancaster and Hamilton, and we can walk you through window styles that suit how you plan to cover them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do shutters make my home more energy efficient? A covering can add a small buffer, but the window itself does the real work. If you are feeling drafts, the window or its seal is usually the issue.
Should I install shutters at the same time as new windows? Plan for them at the same time, but measure and install coverings after the new windows are in so they fit the finished openings.
Does The Door Centre sell shutters? Our focus is windows and doors. We are happy to talk through which window styles work best with the coverings you have in mind.
Visit Our Burlington Showroom
Want to see window styles in person before you choose coverings? Visit our showroom at 4280 Harvester Rd, Burlington, call 905-333-4044 or email info@thedoorcentre.ca to book your free quote.
