Homeowners often think of window shutters as a stylish way to control light and enhance privacy, but there’s a question that occasionally pops up — just how strong are these shutters?
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, some might wonder if the materials used in shutters can withstand an attempt to force entry.
It’s a practical concern, especially when thinking about how your choice in window coverings could add a layer of security, even if that’s not their primary function to serve as a security feature.
That’s why understanding the strength of the shutter materials can be reassuring for those seeking added durability and peace of mind.
The strength of materials used in plantation shutters
At Shutters Factory, we offer plantation shutters made from three key materials, each with distinct properties that contribute to their overall strength: Mimeo Composite, Classic Douglas Fir, and Select Ash Wood.
Let’s take a closer look at the durability of each material.
- Mimeo Composite Shutters: These shutters are crafted from a robust engineered composite material that’s designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood.
While lightweight, Mimeo composite shutters are surprisingly tough, offering high resistance to wear and tear. They are particularly resilient against moisture and warping, making them an excellent choice for areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
When it comes to strength, the composite material can handle everyday impacts but isn’t designed to withstand direct, forceful break-in attempts.
- Classic Douglas Fir Shutters: Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, Douglas Fir is a softwood that punches above its weight in terms of durability. It’s frequently used in building structures, which speaks to its solid, reliable nature.
For plantation shutters, this material is strong enough to resist regular impacts, though it’s not invulnerable to determined forced entry.
- Select Ash Wood Shutters: As a hardwood, Ash is renowned for its toughness. It’s often used in furniture making and woodworking because of its ability to withstand heavy use without cracking or splintering.
Among the three materials, Select Ash wood shutters offer the highest level of resistance to impacts, making them the best choice if you’re looking for a combination of beauty and strength.
Can shutters act as a deterrent against break-ins?
While plantation shutters are installed on the inside of your windows, they can add an additional barrier for anyone attempting to break into your home.
Of course, it’s important to remember that shutters are primarily designed for privacy and light control, not as security systems.
However, the strength of their materials can play a role in slowing down or deterring a break-in.
In one real-world case, a Shutters Factory customer experienced an attempted burglary. The intruder managed to break the glass of a window and damage one slat of the shutter panel.
But after encountering the shutter’s solid construction, the burglar gave up, likely finding the process too noisy or difficult to break through the entire shutter structure.
This example highlights how plantation shutters can act as an unexpected layer of security, adding a deterrent factor by making entry more challenging.
Does installation impact strength and security?
While the material strength is crucial, how plantation shutters are installed also makes a significant difference.
Properly installed shutters, securely anchored to the window frame, are much more difficult to tamper with.
At Shutters Factory, all of our shutters are installed by trained professionals, ensuring that they are securely fitted, reducing the risk of dislodgement or easy removal.
A well-installed shutter with a solid frame acts as a reinforcing element to your window structure. This not only enhances the durability of the shutters themselves but can also make it harder for intruders to bypass them.
Is material strength enough for security?
While our shutters can withstand day-to-day wear and minor impacts, it’s essential to recognize that they are not security systems.
If home security is a priority, we recommend looking at other security measures alongside shutters, such as security windows or alarms.
However, the added layer of difficulty presented by shutters can offer an extra degree of reassurance to homeowners.
Have you ever thought about how your choice of window coverings could impact your home’s security?
Shutters may not be a complete solution, but their strength can give you peace of mind.
In summary, plantation shutters, while not designed to be security devices, offer significant durability due to the materials they are crafted from.
Whether you choose the composite, Douglas Fir, or Ash wood, you can trust that each material provides its own level of strength.
The story of the attempted burglary shows how plantation shutters can add a layer of protection, making entry more challenging and acting as a deterrent.
If you’re considering plantation shutters and want to explore options that fit both your aesthetic and practical needs, book a free survey with us or request an estimate today. Our team will help you find the perfect solution for your home.