Window shutters: a variety of views and design ideas.

The shutters on the windows are considered by many to be a relic, a kind of archaic element that in old times protected windows from the sun and wind. But even today, sash windows have not lost their relevance, only now their role has expanded significantly - they not only protect against bad weather, but also prevent the penetration of robbers and vandals. But in addition, the shutters are stylish elements that emphasize the architectural concept of the exterior.

Shutters play a very important role - this is a comprehensive protection of a country house. In previous years, shutters were guarded only from excessive sunlight and prying eyes, Today, the functionality is much broader, and the shutters cope with a variety of tasks:

• protect against ultraviolet radiation;
• keep warm air inside the dwelling;
• prevent the penetration of excess noise from the street;
• create an aesthetic and stylish exterior;
• resist the penetration of thieves and burglars.

Most often, the shutters are mounted in the dacha farm, as well as in private houses and mansions, where they are mainly assigned the function of protection against theft, but they, like blinds, help control the temperature regime in the rooms and protect from wind, drafts and freezing air.

Shutters that are installed in order to create an effective system of protection against burglaries and thefts, as a rule, are made of metal. Such a barrier determines the maximum level of security for any attempt to enter the house. These are very durable structures that can withstand severe loads, up to the effects of welding machines.

The material for the production of such shutters is stainless steel, as a rule, they are solid shutters or grille, complemented by a constipation system,which is impossible to open outside. That is why such installations are a serious obstacle to intruders. The dimensions of the shutters, which ideally correspond exactly to the window openings, make it possible to protect the rooms of a dwelling house from precipitation: snow and rain. At the same time installation does not create any obstacles in the way of air circulation. Thus, there is a constant air exchange, excess condensate is removed and a favorable microclimate is formed.

In hot weather, the shutters create an obstacle to direct sunlight, thanks to which the room is always fresh and cool. In addition, the shutters allow you to control the degree of illumination of rooms, retain shade in the upper floors and reliably protect from the wind.

Well and, of course, the shutters perform a decorative function, they are very often used as an interior facade design, decorated with carvings. forging and other decorative elements.

Modern industry offers a large selection of shutters of various modifications, while there are many reasons for their classification. According to the method of opening emit:

• swinging devices - they, in turn, can be single or double;
• rollers - assume rolling of a protective cloth on a rotating drum;
• folding - operate according to the principle of an accordion, while changing the position of the valves, it is quite simple to change the level of illumination in the room;
• sliding along the guides.

By type of location of the sash distinguish:

• internal - as a rule, are installed in an apartment in high-rise buildings;
• outdoor - mounted in private homes and cottages.

Separately, it is necessary to dwell on the materials from which the shutters are made. Most often for this purpose they use metal, plastic and wood.

Wood shutters are made from clapboard, tongue-and-groove boards or a special profile. Such products always look attractive and highlight the unique architectural style of the building. The following types of wood are commonly used:

• oak;
• juniper;
• Pine;
• cypress;
• thuja;
• larch.

Other rocks dry out quite strongly when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, and, on the contrary, swell with excessive moisture, which is why they are not used in the decoration of decorative window elements. The advantages of wooden doors are obvious:

• simplicity of design;
• performance of all main functions of window shutters (anti-vandal, protective from wind and sunlight);
• attractive and aesthetic appearance.

However, the drawbacks should not be forgotten:

• wooden shutters can not become a serious obstacle for robbers;
• like all products from natural wood, have a rather high cost.

Such products are made from stainless steel or galvanized steel. They are classified into several types.

• Simple shield - it is good to give, for the period of absence of their owners they are closed in order to protect the building from thieves.
• Paneled - represent a steel frame and several plates installed between its racks.
• Shutters blinds - consist of a metal frame and lamellae fixed between its posts. Slats are attached at an angle to the frame and can be movable or not. In the first case, their angle of inclination is easily adjustable; in the second, it remains unchanged.

Iron shutters can have an external or internal system of constipation, most often they are equipped with safe locks from the inside, which allows not only to close the doors on both sides, but also to save the room from uninvited "guests" as much as possible, and in addition, this design prevents the doors from slamming under gusts wind The advantages of metal doors include:

• reliable protection against intruders;
• easy installation
• high decorativeness.

However, it was not without flaws:

• metal shutters have a high price, and both the doors and their installation work are costly;
• over time, rust appears on metal structures, so products need regular coating with varnishes, paints and other protective compounds;
• The shutters have a heavy weight, so for their fasteners need more powerful fasteners.

These products are made of aluminum and steel slats, less often they are made of plastic. Roller shutters are more often used in office, factory and industrial buildings, as well as to protect retail outlets and warehouses, in residential buildings they are more likely to be rare. Aluminum roller blinds effectively protect against wind, and in addition, they protect vandals and burglars from entering. Lifting and lowering of these valves is done automatically through electric or manual mechanisms. The advantages of mechanisms include:

• good protection against excessive heat or cold;
• high efficiency from thieves and other external penetrations;
• relatively low price;
• ease of care;
• wide selection of colors.

Plastic shutters look like blinds and freely attached to any base (wood, brick, concrete). Among the advantages distinguish:

• low cost;
• small weight and compact dimensions;
• resistant to adverse atmospheric factors;
• no need for annual varnishing and painting;
• low maintenance and care costs;
• effective protection against wind and ultraviolet radiation;

The disadvantages of plastic doors:

• plastic shutters are not very durable; they are easy to break and break;
• low choice of colors and textures.

Separately, it is worthwhile to dwell on this variant of shutters, as internal. Such products are made very light and not particularly durable, because their main function is protection from direct sunlight and outside views, in fact, it is an alternative that is used instead of curtains. Usually internal shutters are made of wood, plastic, plywood or cardboard. The opening mechanism can be folding (like "accordion"), in the form of roller shutters and sliding along horizontal guides.

The principal advantage in comparison with blinds is the presence of a lock system, which forms some protection against the entry of unauthorized persons. Popular and mirror with shutters.

The shutters are stylish elements of interior and exterior decoration, allowing to realize the most daring interior concepts.

Such shutters are most often installed on panoramic windows, since traditional constructions are not suitable for them - even the most usual accordion turns out to be too long. Swivel design allows you to protect yourself from the sun and bad looks, but at the same time save the specific characteristics of the window.

Great solution for a building with large windows. Such flaps are several panels that are assembled in the technology of wardrobes. The only drawback is that one of the rooms will always be sheltered from the sun.

The dream of a glass house can be realized using shutters-terraces. The principle of operation here is simple: huge doors close the panoramic window and, if necessary, recline down, forming a terrace. And in the closed state, they turn the house into a box, securely sealed from robbers. The only difficulty of this construction is the impossibility of climbing alone - in any case, physical help from friends and relatives will be needed.

Such removable shutters, rising, form a shed, under which you can stay for rest with family and friends.Traditional shutters, sash can also have a variety of decorative elements.

These options in retro style are made of wood, usually to improve the decorativeness they cut hearts, flowers, Christmas trees, birds and animals. It looks very impressive and embodies all the best ideas of a village house. True, you should consider one nuance - the larger the thread, the less protection from sunlight.

This option is popular in European countries. Here the role of the shutters is performed by a wooden lattice, entwined with flowering plants, it not only protects the house from the sun's rays, but also brings a unique flavor to the appearance of the building.

If you want to. In order for the shutters to serve you for many years, it is advisable to order their production and installation to specialists. You should not deal with the doors yourself. It's simple. Metal fencing, like roller shutters, cannot be done without professional equipment, and this is their difference from wooden doors. However, woodwork, made by hand, can hardly be called works of art, since only experienced architects can turn the shutters into exquisite accessories with carved decorative elements.

If the main role that you assign to the shutters is protection against invasion, then the main requirement for them is strength. Such shields can be hard-knit wooden or durable metal. The choice is yours.

Forged shutters are very beautiful.

The shutters perfectly complement the facades in the style of Provence or Country.

The old versions perfectly embody the concept of the Russian hut.

But can be a real highlight of modern homes.

It is very important to think over the color solution of the valves, because even the roughest products will be able to transform the facade in front of their eyes if they are painted with bright colors.

In summer, the shutters can be decorated with flowers.

How to make your own shutters on the windows, see the following video.