Why Tracked Shutters Are the Perfect Solution for Patio Doors, Bifolds & Open-Plan Living

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When it comes to covering wide openings like patio doors, sliding doors, and bifolds, traditional window coverings often fall short — either they don’t fit properly, restrict access, or simply don’t look the part. At The ShutterShack, we specialise in elegant, functional solutions, and tracked shutters are one of the most versatile and stylish options we offer.

Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, manage light, or define open-plan spaces, tracked shutters deliver beautifully on all fronts. Here’s why they’re such a great choice for modern homes:

Designed for Large Openings

Modern homes often feature expansive glass areas — such as bifolding doors, large patio doors, or wide sliding units — to let in natural light and create seamless indoor-outdoor flow. But covering these spaces can be tricky.

Tracked shutters are specifically crafted to span wider widths with ease. Using a smooth track system, the panels glide effortlessly, distributing the weight evenly and making operation simple, even for larger setups. This makes them ideal not just for light control, but also for maintaining easy access through your doors.

Style Meets Functionality

With options for bi-fold, by-pass, or floating track systems, tracked shutters can be tailored to your preferences and lifestyle.

  • Bi-Fold Track: Panels fold concertina-style to one or both sides. A great option when you want to open the space completely.

  • By-Pass Track: Panels slide past one another on separate tracks — perfect where folding isn't feasible due to furniture placement or space constraints.

  • Floating Track: Offers flexible stacking configurations, allowing you to move and stack panels as needed for full control over light and privacy.

This range of configuration options means tracked shutters can adapt to the needs of any home, whether you're looking for access, airflow, or privacy — or all three.

Room Divider Functionality

Tracked shutters don’t just belong on windows and doors — they’re also an incredibly smart way to divide open-plan living spaces. Whether you want to create a dedicated workspace, add privacy to a dining area, or close off a playroom, tracked shutters offer a flexible, stylish solution.

And when you want to open up the space again? Just slide the panels back and enjoy a fully open-plan layout once more.

Durable, Elegant, and Custom-Fit

Our tracked shutters are crafted from high-quality hardwood — strong, durable, and surprisingly lightweight. They come with a sleek, sophisticated finish and are available in a range of colours and custom options, ensuring they blend seamlessly into your home’s design.

At The ShutterShack, all our tracked shutters come with a 10-year hardwood manufacturer’s guarantee and a lifetime workmanship warranty, so you can enjoy peace of mind alongside premium style.

Tailored to You

We know every home is different. That’s why we offer free home surveys, where we take precise measurements and talk through your needs to create a truly tailored shutter solution.

Whether you’re considering tracked shutters for doors, large windows, or as a room divider, our expert team is here to help.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

We offer free home surveys for accurate quoting, but if you’d prefer something quicker, take advantage of our Quick Quote service by sending us photos and rough dimensions — we’ll be happy to provide a ballpark estimate to get you started.

For beautifully made, professionally installed tracked shutters in Dorset and surrounding areas, get in touch with The ShutterShack today.

👉 Book your free survey or request a quick quote

The ShutterShack Proudly Sponsors Ringwood Town Girls Panthers ⚽

/ The Shutter Shack LTD/

At The ShutterShack, we believe in supporting our local community—not just through exceptional window shutter installations, but by getting behind the passions that bring people together. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to sponsor the Ringwood Town Youth U16 Panthers Girls football team for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

The Panthers are a talented grassroots team competing in the Hampshire Girls Youth Football League U16 Division 2, representing determination, teamwork, and local spirit. As strong advocates for equality and opportunity in sport, we’re thrilled to be backing girls' football—helping to inspire the next generation of players and leaders.

Our sponsorship includes both home and away kits, ensuring the Panthers look sharp and feel confident, whether playing under the floodlights or travelling for weekend matches.

We’re excited to follow their progress this season and wish the team every success on and off the pitch. Go Panthers!

How to Clean and Maintain Your Shutters: The ShutterShack Guide

/ The Shutter Shack LTD/

At The ShutterShack, we believe your shutters should look just as beautiful years down the line as the day they were installed. With a little regular care, your shutters will stay looking pristine and performing perfectly — no matter the style or finish.

Here’s our simple, no-fuss guide to cleaning and maintaining your shutters:

1. Dust Regularly

Use a microfibre cloth, feather duster, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove surface dust. Close the slats and wipe them horizontally, then tilt the louvres in the opposite direction to reach the other side.

Tip: A dry cloth or duster is perfect for regular cleaning — no need for sprays or polishes.

2. Tackle Build-Up Gently

For slightly sticky spots (especially around kitchens or bathrooms), use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soapy water. Wipe gently and then dry immediately with a soft towel.

Avoid: Excess water, harsh chemicals, or abrasive sponges, which can damage paint finishes or warp the material — especially on MDF or wooden shutters.

3. Mind the Hinges

Check the hinges and tilt rod mechanisms every so often. If they begin to squeak, a tiny drop of silicone-based lubricant can help keep things moving freely.

4. Cleaning Waterproof Shutters

Waterproof shutters (like those we install in bathrooms and kitchens) can be wiped more thoroughly. They’re moisture-resistant, so damp cloths are perfectly safe to use — just make sure to dry them off afterwards to avoid water spots.

5. Shutter Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Do clean gently and regularly
✅ Do check louvre tension if slats become loose
❌ Don’t use bleach, polish sprays, or ammonia-based products
❌ Don’t leave shutters soaking wet or exposed to steam for long periods

Maintaining Their Beautiful Finish

All of our shutters — whether hardwood, composite or waterproof — are made to last. Regular light cleaning will help prevent build-up, keeping them fresh and sharp.

And remember: shutters don’t require intense upkeep. A quick dust every few weeks is usually all that’s needed.

Need Help?

If you have any questions about your shutters or would like advice tailored to your exact installation, we’re here to help. Contact us at enquiries@theshuttershack.co.uk or visit our contact page.

🌍 Ethically Made, Beautifully Crafted Shutters

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At The ShutterShack, we understand that when it comes to your home, every detail matters — including where your shutters come from. While we’re proud to be a British business, we also believe in sourcing the very best products, even if that means looking beyond our borders.

That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted manufacturers in China who share our values: quality, sustainability, and ethical manufacturing. And we’re confident that choosing our shutters is a decision you can feel proud of.

✅ Ethical Manufacturing You Can Trust

Our shutters are manufactured through partners who are part of the Mzuri Group — a British-founded business with over 40 years of heritage in quality window furnishings. These suppliers follow globally recognised ethical standards and are regularly audited under SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) guidelines, ensuring safe working conditions, fair labour practices, and environmental responsibility.

🌱 Sustainable, Responsible, and Built to Last

Our hardwood shutters are made from sustainably sourced timber, often harvested locally to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation. The manufacturing process also uses low-emission paints and waste recycling systems, all with the goal of protecting the planet while producing exceptional products.

🛠️ 10-Year Hardwood Product Warranty + Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee

Not only are our hardwood shutters backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, but at The ShutterShack, we go one step further: we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty on all our installations. That means peace of mind for years to come.

🇬🇧 A Note on UK Manufacturing

We completely understand that some customers prefer to buy British-made where possible. While UK-manufactured shutters are available, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • They are limited to plastic or vinyl materials

  • Design options are more restricted

  • While assembled in the UK, components are typically sourced from China

  • They offer faster lead times (around 4–6 weeks)

  • In our experience, however, the quality and elegance of hardwood shutters from China are well worth the extra wait

If you’re after durable, sustainably made wooden shutters that elevate your home, we’re confident that our ethically sourced range offers unbeatable value and long-term beauty.

🏡 Supporting British Service — With Global Quality

We may source our shutters globally, but everything else is proudly British — from your first consultation to your final fitting. Our expert team manages the design, measuring, fitting, and aftercare right here in the UK. You get the best of both worlds: world-class craftsmanship and local, personal service.

In Summary — Why Choose TheShutterShack?

  • ✅ Ethically made by partners in the Mzuri Group

  • 🌿 Sustainably sourced hardwood

  • 🛠️ 10-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

  • 🤝 Lifetime Workmanship Warranty

  • 🇬🇧 Fully British customer support and fitting

  • 💬 Honest guidance on UK vs overseas shutter options

We're here to help you make a confident, informed decision — one that aligns with your values and enhances your home for years to come.

Explore our range or get in touch at theshuttershack.co.uk to book your free consultation.

We Trademarked "The ShutterShack" — Here's Why That Matters

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At The ShutterShack, we’ve always believed in doing things properly — from our beautifully crafted shutters to the service we give each and every customer. That’s why, nearly a decade ago, we took the step to officially trademark our name.

It’s a quiet but important part of our story. Since 2016, The ShutterShack has been a registered trademark in the UK — giving us exclusive rights to use our name and protecting everything we’ve worked hard to build.

Why Trademarking Matters for Small Businesses Like Ours

🛡️ Protecting Our Identity

When you're a small independent company, your name means everything. It’s the trust, care, and personal service behind every job. Trademarking ensures that no one else can use our name in the same space — helping us protect our reputation and avoid confusion.

🤝 Reassuring Our Customers

You know exactly who you’re buying from. Our trademark is a sign that we take our business — and your trust — seriously. It's another way we show that we’re here for the long haul.

🚀 Preparing for Growth

As we grow and evolve, having a legally protected brand gives us a strong foundation. Whether we expand our product range or partner with others, our name is secured.

A Small Business with Strong Roots

We might be independent, but we believe in thinking big when it comes to protecting what matters. Having our trademark in place for so many years gives us confidence for the future — and it gives you confidence in us.

Thank you for supporting our journey — and for choosing a name you can trust:
The ShutterShack.

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Explore our bespoke shutters and book a free consultation at theshuttershack.co.uk.

**Trademark Information:** Trade Mark No: UK00003136726 Mark: The ShutterShack (Series of 2 Marks) Owner: TheShutterShack Ltd Classes: 20 (Furniture, Shutters), 37 (Installation Services) Filing Date: 18 November 2015 Date of Entry in Register: 19 February 2016 Renewal Date: 18 November 2035

Why FSB Membership Matters When Choosing The Shutter Shack

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At The ShutterShack, we’re proud to be a member of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)—a national organisation dedicated to supporting and championing small businesses across the UK. While it may not be the first thing you consider when choosing a shutter company, our FSB membership is a reflection of our commitment to professionalism, ethical practices, and the long-term trust of our customers.

Here’s why this matters to you:

✔️ Credibility and Trust

When you choose a business that is part of the FSB, you’re choosing a company that has taken steps to demonstrate its credibility and commitment to responsible business practices. FSB membership is more than just a logo—it’s a symbol of a business that values transparency, accountability, and customer trust.

At The ShutterShack, we know that inviting someone into your home to measure, fit, or remove shutters is a personal decision. That’s why we’re proud to show that we’re backed by a trusted organisation that promotes honest and ethical business conduct.

✔️ A Commitment to Professional Standards

Being part of the FSB means holding ourselves to higher standards. From the way we communicate with clients to the quality of our installations and aftercare, we’re constantly striving to ensure every customer receives outstanding service.

The FSB promotes best practices across its member businesses, which helps us stay up to date with important legal, financial, and customer service standards—giving you peace of mind that you're in capable hands.

✔️ Access to Expert Support and Business Resources

As an FSB member, we have access to a wide range of resources that support the way we run and grow our business. These include:

  • Specialist legal and financial advice

  • Employment law and health & safety guidance

  • Business continuity support and industry insights

This behind-the-scenes support means we’re better equipped to handle challenges, keep up with legislation, and ensure the ongoing stability and reliability of our service.

Why This Is Good News for You

When you choose The ShutterShack, you're not only investing in beautifully crafted, bespoke shutters—you're also choosing a small, local business that’s committed to doing things the right way.

As proud members of the FSB, we operate with professionalism, integrity, and the backing of a respected UK-wide network. Whether we’re measuring up for a brand-new installation or carefully removing shutters for a window renovation, you can be confident that you’re working with a company that values quality, trust, and customer care.

Want to Learn More?

Visit the FSB website to discover more about what FSB membership means, or get in touch with us directly to find out how we bring these values into every aspect of our service.

Thinking shutters? Think local. Think trusted. Think The ShutterShack.

Need to Replace Your Windows? We’ll Remove and Reinstall Your Shutters With Care

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Shutter Removal & Reinstallation During Window Renovations

Planning to replace or renovate your windows? If you already have shutters installed, it’s important to factor them into your renovation plans. At The Shutter Shack, we offer a professional Shutter Removal and Reinstallation Service

Why Is This Service Necessary?

If you're having new windows fitted or carrying out renovation work around your existing ones, you may be asked to temporarily remove any window dressings to allow for access. Understandably, this can raise concerns—especially if you’ve invested in custom shutters.

Shutters are bespoke and custom-made to fit your specific windows and reveals. This precision-fit is one of the features that makes plantation shutters so appealing—but it also means that any changes to the window area, such as new window frames or plastering work, can affect the way your shutters fit and operate. In some cases, minor adjustments may be necessary, and the final result may differ slightly from the original installation.

Things to Consider Before Ordering New Windows

To help preserve the look and fit of your shutters, it's worth taking a moment to think through how your new windows will differ from your current ones. Here are some key points to bear in mind:

  • Like-for-like replacements: If your new windows match the existing ones in size, shape, and layout, it’s usually fine to remove and reinstall your shutters without major issues.

  • Your shutters were likely built around your original handles, so we strongly recommend asking your window supplier to fit slimline espagnolette handles instead of standard ones wherever possible.

  • Bay windows: These can be tricky. It's important to keep the same number of panes and the same angles within the bay. Even small changes can impact how your shutters fit or function.

  • Window breaks and divisions: If the natural breaks in the window (like mullions or transoms) are changing position, it might not affect the physical fit but could impact the aesthetic and alignment of your shutters.

  • Sills, architraves and reveals: Shutters are usually installed to the window surround or architrave, so it’s crucial that these stay in the same place during your renovation for the best reinstallation outcome.

Our team will keep you informed throughout the process and will highlight any concerns that arise during removal. Once the shutters are safely taken down, we will leave them with you for safekeeping until you are ready for them to be reinstalled.

What to Expect During Removal

Removing shutters is a delicate process. Your shutter frame is sealed and secured with fixings hidden behind the trim, which means we must first remove the trim to access those fixings. While we always take every care to minimise disruption and damage, it's important to understand that some minor damage may occur, especially to the surrounding trim or décor.

What Happens After Your Window Work?

Once your new windows or repairs are complete, we will return to refit your shutters, subject to availability in our installation schedule. We’ll aim to book your reinstallation as soon as we have availability after your project is finished.

In many cases, shutters can be reinstalled with excellent results. However, if your window dimensions or reveals have changed significantly, some adjustment may be required, and minor decorating touch-ups to the surrounding decoration may be needed. These touch-ups will be your responsibility, but we will ensure that the shutter installation itself is completed to the highest possible standard.

In rare cases, it may not be possible to reinstall your shutters exactly as they were due to alterations made during the window renovation. If we determine that the original shutters no longer fit as intended, we will only charge 50% of the refitting cost to account for the situation.

Ready to Book or Need Advice?

If you're planning window replacements or renovations, speak to us early in the process. We’ll work with you to schedule the safe removal of your shutters and coordinate a smooth reinstallation once your window work is complete.

For more information and to discuss your removal service, contact us today:

🌐 www.theshuttershack.co.uk

📨 enquiries@theshuttershack.co.uk

📞 01202 287 205

Child Safety Week 2025: Prioritising Window Blind Safety

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At The Shutter Shack, the safety of your family is our top priority. As we observe Child Safety Week 2025 (2nd–8th June), we're taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of child-safe window coverings — and why shutters are one of the safest and smartest choices for homes with young children.

Understanding the Risks

According to the Make It Safe campaign, unsecured blind cords and chains have tragically led to accidents and fatalities involving young children in the UK. These incidents can happen silently and in seconds, which is why it’s so important to ensure that all window treatments are safe by design or fitted with appropriate safety devices.

Why Shutters Are a Safe Choice for Families

Unlike many traditional blinds, shutters are completely cord-free, making them one of the safest window coverings for homes with babies, toddlers, and young children.

Here’s why shutters are a child-safe solution:

  • ✅ No cords, chains or loops
    Shutters operate with solid panels or louvres, eliminating any risk of entanglement — a key safety concern in homes with children.

  • ✅ Durable and secure
    Once fitted, shutters are fixed in place and can’t be pulled down or tangled, unlike some lightweight blinds.

  • ✅ Low maintenance and long-lasting
    Shutters are robust and easy to clean, ideal for busy family homes where durability and hygiene matter.

  • ✅ Adjustable light and privacy
    The ability to tilt louvres means you can control light and privacy without compromising on safety.

Choosing shutters gives you peace of mind without sacrificing style or functionality — and it's one of the main reasons so many families turn to The Shutter Shack for their window dressing needs.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

As proud members of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), we strictly follow the Make It Safe guidelines and only offer products that comply with the latest child safety regulations. Whether you're opting for shutters, cordless blinds, or motorised solutions, every option we install is chosen with your family’s safety in mind.

Visit our dedicated Child Safe page for more information about our safe window treatments and advice on maintaining a child-friendly home environment.

Going Beyond Products

Even if you're not ready to replace existing blinds, there are still important steps you can take:

  • Install safety devices such as cleats or tensioners

  • Keep cords well out of reach

  • Move furniture away from windows to prevent climbing

  • Regularly inspect all window coverings for wear or damage

As we mark Child Safety Week 2025, we encourage all parents and caregivers to consider the safety of their window treatments — and to explore shutters as a beautiful, functional, and family-safe alternative. At The Shutter Shack, we're proud to support safer homes with products that meet the highest safety and design standards.

Want to know more?
Browse our Child Safe collection, or get in touch with our team for a free survey.

Verwood Business Award WINNERS!

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We’re absolutely thrilled to share some exciting news — The Shutter Shack has been awarded Silver for Independent Business of the Year at the Verwood Business Awards!

Organised by Marketing West, the Verwood Business Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of local businesses that help shape and support the community. To be recognised among such a strong group of independent businesses is an honour we’re incredibly proud of.

We’d like to thank the judges, the team at Marketing West, and most importantly, our amazing customers. Your continued support and trust in our business have helped us grow from a local supplier into a proudly recognised name in the community.

A Big Thank You

This award means so much to our entire team. It’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion we bring to every project — from helping customers choose their perfect shutters to delivering expert installations across Verwood and beyond.

We’d like to thank the judges, the team at Marketing West, and most importantly, our amazing customers. Your continued support and trust in our business have helped us grow from a local supplier into a proudly recognised name in the community.

Why It Matters

Being acknowledged as a top independent business in Verwood is more than just a moment of celebration — it's a reminder of why we do what we do. We remain committed to providing top-quality products, honest advice, and exceptional service, all while supporting our local community and other small businesses along the way.

What’s Next?

We’re looking forward to building on this success as we continue to serve homes and businesses with beautifully crafted shutters, expert advice, and a personalised experience from start to finish.

Thank you again for being part of our journey — here’s to even more exciting milestones ahead!

– The Shutter Shack Team

Proud to Be Accredited Members of the BBSA

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At The ShutterShack, we take pride not only in the quality of our shutters but also in the standards and safety practices that underpin every aspect of our work. That’s why we’re proud accredited members of the BBSA – the British Blind and Shutter Association.

What is the BBSA? (British Blind and Shutter Association)

The BBSA is the UK’s only trade association for companies that manufacture, supply, and install blinds, shutters, and awnings. Being a BBSA member isn’t just about holding a badge — it’s about committing to the highest levels of professionalism, safety, and service within our industry.

What Does BBSA Membership Mean for Our Shutter Customers?

By choosing The ShutterShack, you're choosing a company that:

  • ✅ Follows a strict code of practice
    As BBSA members, we operate in line with a professional code of conduct, ensuring honest advice, fair trading, and clear communication.

  • ✅ Is committed to child safety
    We follow all current regulations regarding child safety in blind and shutter installations. This means using safety devices, cordless options where appropriate, and offering guidance to ensure peace of mind in your home.

  • ✅ Undergoes regular training and industry updates
    As part of the BBSA, we stay up to date with the latest legislation, technical standards, and best practices — so our customers can always expect knowledgeable service and expert installations.

  • ✅ Provides high-quality products and workmanship
    Our membership is a mark of trust. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering durable, well-made shutters, professionally fitted, and backed by the standards of an industry-leading body.

Why Does the BBSA Matter to Shutter Customers

Homeowners often invest in shutters for both style and practicality — privacy, light control, insulation, and more. But it’s just as important to choose a supplier who’s committed to doing things properly. BBSA accreditation means you can be confident you're working with a company that values your safety, your home, and your satisfaction.

We’re proud to be part of the BBSA and to offer our customers the confidence that comes with working with an accredited, trusted, and experienced shutter specialist.

If you'd like to know more about our products, our process, or what our BBSA membership means for your installation, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Please view our personal profile here: The ShutterShack Ltd - BBSA

Celebrating Success with Verwood Town FC U14s United! ⚽️🏆⚽️

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It was an absolute pleasure to present the Verwood Town Football Club U14s United team with their well-deserved medals and league trophy.

After eight seasons of proud sponsorship, we’ve had the privilege of watching these young players grow, develop, and consistently give their all on the pitch. This season, their dedication, teamwork, and determination truly paid off — culminating in a hard-fought and well-earned league title.

WINNERS!

Seeing the team lift the trophy was a proud moment for everyone involved, and we couldn’t be happier to have played a small part in supporting their journey.

We’re incredibly excited to continue our sponsorship into next season and beyond, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented group of players. Congratulations again to the U14s United – your hard work has truly paid off! ⚽️🏆⚽️

Spreading Christmas Cheer: Supporting Local Families in Need

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At The ShutterShack, community means a great deal to us — especially at Christmas. Inspired by the Wave 105 Mission Christmas initiative, which encourages people to donate new toys for children in families needing a little extra support during the festive season, we felt compelled to get involved in our own way.

Rather than buying gifts at random, we reached out to a local charity doing incredible work in our area. The lovely Shelley from Second Chance Charity in Verwood kindly provided us with details of two local families in need of support, including the ages and genders of their children.

In total, there were eight children ranging in age from just 5 months to 17 years old. We were delighted to be able to buy Christmas presents for all of them — carefully chosen and thoughtfully wrapped, ready to be placed under the tree. It was a real pleasure selecting gifts we hoped each child would be excited to unwrap on Christmas morning.

To help make the holidays even more special, we also put together festive food bundles for each family, including boxes of chocolates, tubs of sweets, savoury snacks, and mince pies — little treats to bring joy to the whole household over the festive break.

Supporting families in our community was an incredibly rewarding experience, and we’re proud to have been able to contribute in a small way. A huge thank you to Shelley and Second Chance Charity for making this possible, and to Wave 105 for inspiring such a heartwarming initiative.

We look forward to continuing our community support in the years to come.

Supporting and Sponsoring - Our Local Youth Football Team Presentation BBQ!

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We are still the proud sponsors of a local youth Verwood Football Team, now under 13s! It has been a pleasure to support the team and watch them develop and grow from the little tiny 5 a side footballers in to the 11 aside teenagers they are now!

In July this year, we contributed and sponsored their end of season presentation BBQ, it was a glorious day spent at Avon Heath. 

The sun was shining, the coaches set up a pop-up goal on the green and the kids and parents had a wonderful time celebrating another great season and a promotion up to the next tier in the league.




Caught by Surprise!

This year there was a very unexpected additional award, a special mention and trophy from the team and coaches to Charles at TheShutterShack. A thank you and acknowledgement for the continued support of kit, coats and training tops through the past 5 years.

We are proud sponsors of the local team and feel privileged to be part of the boy’s football journey.

Summer Fayre Donations to Local Schools

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Supporting the local community, football and schools is always a priority and at the central to our business values.

Previous years we have donated Amazon Fire Tablets to the raffles, but this year we wanted to do something different and donate more prizes across a number of schools.

We were keen to donate something useful and sustainable and got our thinking hats on…

Ailsa came up with the idea of a Beach / Swim bag! We we pleased to have donated 5 of these bags, filled with a beach towel, sun glasses, water bottle and finished off with some sweets!

Needless to say the schools were delighted - we also spoke to a number of raffle winners who commented on how great the prize was and their children couldn’t wait for beach day to trial it out.

Why we are not just about Shutters

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Verwood Town FC.jpg

We know it has been some time since our last blog, we have been busy not only fitting shutters but also doing what we can around the community.

Charles, the main man behind The ShutterShack, constantly pushes for more community work, more charity donations and more ways to make our business more sustainable.

This year, we have supported the charity Cool Earth via donations, a non-profit organisation that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and its impact on climate change. We mainly use Paulownia Hardwood Shutters, one of the most sustainable hardwoods around, as a lightweight strong fast growing wood. It is plantation grown and can be traced back to source, thereby stopping illegal deforestation. It is also a premium beautiful quality hardwood.

For the last few years, we have been supporting our local schools, Verwood First and more recently Emmanuel Middle School by donating great raffle prizes for the school fayres.

We also support our local kids Football Team Verwood Town FC (a non-profit organisation working for the community) and sponsor their training kit. Look at these top footballers!

We are an ethical business, we try to avoid filling landfills unnecessarily and actively look for ways to recycle as much as we can. We recycle all our cardboard and always look for means to reuse our other packaging. We work with another local business, the amazing Glass Relief (www.glassrelief.co.uk) who uses our wrapping to pack their glass art.

We are only a small company, but we believe every litttle thing can make a difference and as we steadily grow, we will be able to increase our support to our Community and develop ways to reduce waste, recycle more efficiently and positively impact on the environment.

Enhance a Bay Window with Plantation Shutters

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Plantation shutters are becoming one of the most popular fittings for bay windows in the UK, and this is why:

A bay window is a stunning attribute in a room, one that needs to be celebrated and yet too often hidden behind heavy curtains. Interior shutters embrace the feature and enhance it. They beautifully adapt to the shape of the bay window in a way that no other furnishing can. They maintain the character of the window and emphasize its special and unique look.  Plantation shutters keep the space open and clear, allowing for radiators, furniture or simply open space. The room will look much more spacious. Bay window shutters are a feature that will also make a house stand out from the outside. 

They allow complete light intake by folding the shutters or just opening the louvres. They also afford complete darkness and privacy when closed. The amazing versatility of plantation shutters allow for a combination of open and closed louvres (split louvre array) and panels (tier on tier), or even panels only covering the bottom part of the window (café style).

As well as providing great light and noise control and fantastic privacy, shutters have been proven to be the most energy efficient covering and will reduce energy bills. There are various categories of bay windows, including splay bay windows, box bay windows (90 degree bay or square bay) and bow bay windows, all of which consist of a number of windows next to each other. Plantation shutters will offer the best option to insulate from the heat and cold that can enter from all sides of a bay window.

What about the price of bay window shutters? Well, add up the cost of decent quality curtains, poles, accessories, dry cleaners, or the cost of the amount of blinds needed to cover the number of windows, as well as repair and replacement. Consider the long lasting quality of shutters and the fact that you will most likely never have to change them. And then think of how much the insulation would save on energy bills over the years and how much value shutters would add to your property. Although they might be a bigger original investment, shutters are undoubtedly the best value for money long term.

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Research demonstrates that Shutters are the Most Energy Efficient Window Covering

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GET PLANTATION SHUTTERS TO KEEP YOU WARM THIS WINTER.

As well as giving a stunning elegant look to your room, interior shutters add an effective layer of insulation to your home. In fact, this is their primary purpose in life!

Plantation shutters first appeared in ancient Greece to protect properties from weather hazards and regulate the temperature inside the home. They since spread all over Europe and comprehensive research has evidenced the excellent capabilities of shutters as temperature regulators. They keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

As such, shutters can noticeably reduce your energy bills by reducing heat loss, controlling heat gain and making your home more energy efficient. A project funded by the Climate Challenge Fund evidenced this by concluding that shutters could ‘dramatically reduce energy bills’. The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust (EWHT) used thermal imaging cameras to show the most effective ways to avoid heat loss and save energy. They established that windows with the shutters closed showed up in the images in a deep blue colour, demonstrating little heat loss.

Plantation shutters are energy efficient

Figure 1 Source: EDINBURGH WORLD HERITAGE Energy Efficiency Guide

The United Nations RENFORUS (Renewable Energy Futures for UNESCO sites) also endorsed the results of the EWHT project; wooden shutters, amongst other things, can greatly improve the energy efficiency of traditional and historic homes, ‘enabling them to contribute to local and national carbon reduction targets.’

Research by the Glasgow Caledonian University was conducted to identify the effectiveness of the various heat loss reduction options. They tested a series of measures on a single glazed box sash window (which had been draught proofed).

It concluded that ‘secondary glazing was the most effective overall option, as it reduced heat loss through the window by 63%. Timber shutters are the most effective option of the traditional methods, reducing heat loss by 51%; Insulating the panels of the shutters further reduced heat loss by 60%;  Curtains reduced heat loss by 14%; a Victorian roller blind reduced heat loss by 28%; a modern roller blind reduced heat loss by 22%.’

Research further demonstrated that fitting shutters improved the U-Value from 4.3 W/m²K to 2.2 W/m²K.

The combination of secondary glazing and shutters reduced heat loss by 75% and reduced the U-Value to 1.1 W/m²K.

With such compelling results, it is a no brainer. Whether you already have double glazing or not, shutters are definitely the way forward to make your home more energy efficient and save on your bills. As an added bonus, shutters will give your rooms a stunning makeover, add value to your house, increase privacy and security, reduce noise, save space and offer great versatility with ventilation and light control.

Save on energy bills with plantation shutters

Figure 2 Source: Thermal Performance of Traditional Windows, by Paul Baker, Glasgow Caledonian University, for Historic Scotland.

Interior Wooden shutters are the most energy efficient window covering

 Figure 3 Source: Thermal Performance of Traditional Windows, by Paul Baker, Glasgow Caledonian University, for Historic Scotland.

References

BS EN ISO 8990:1996, Thermal insulation. Determination of steady-state thermal transmission properties. Calibrated and guarded hot box, BSI, ISBN 0 580 26826 8 [6] BS EN ISO 12567-1:2000,

Thermal performance of windows and doors. Determination of thermal transmittance by hot box method. Complete windows and doors, BSI, ISBN 0 580 36028 8

http://www.ewht.org.uk/news/109/102/Thermal-imaging-survey-reveals-close-your-shutters

http://www.ewht.org.uk/uploads/downloads/Energy%20Efficiency%20Guidebook%20Final.pdf

http://www.renforus.net/

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/gcu-technical-_thermal-efficiency-traditional-windows.pdf

https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/your-home/saving-energy