Trouble free design and engineering, combined with long term performance and value have made AMERICAN shutters market leaders in South Africa. We share our secrets in these advice articles to help you purchase the best quality shutters and blinds.
Test the quality of shutters
- 06 November, 2009
Like any investment, only shutters of exceptional quality will provide long term value. There are a number of checks that can be done to help ensure you select a shutter that will provide long term performance and value.
Louvre mechanism
An adjustable louvre shutter comprises of a perimeter frame with two side stiles, a top rail, bottom rail and depending on the height of the frame a divider rail. Fitted between the stiles of the frame are the louvers which rotate within a tension mechanism positioned in the stiles.
The tension mechanism is the most important component of your shutter. A high quality tension mechanism endures frequent use without wearing and failing to hold position. The tension mechanism is designed and manufactured to ensure that the louvres operate silently and hold firmly at any angle. It should permit minimal sideways movement of the louvre between the stiles.
You can distinguish shutters designed and manufactured by AMERICAN shutters from the unique tension mechanism which meets all of the above requirements.
Precision for optimum light control
The gaps between the stiles of the frame and the edges of the louvre should be consistently uniform and minimal so that when the louvers are closed the amount of light sneaking through is minuscule and regular. The closed position of the louvres is achieved by moving the tilt rod upwards into the mouse hole of the top rail. Louvres should be manufactured from quarter sawn wood which resists warping ensuring tight closure to eliminate as much light as possible.
Beetle resistant timber
Borer (a type of wood beetle) attacks have become more prevalent in areas that were once free of infestation. Certain timbers are more prone to beetle attack but timbers used by AMERICAN shutters are all resistant to borer attack.
