Heritage Shutters FAQ | Shutter And Blind Info | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Interior Plantation Shutters?
Interior Plantation shutters are louvered panels hinged in a frame, installed over windows and doors. Plantation Shutters originated in America and the West Indies and date back to before the American Civil War. The term Ante Bellum means pre-war and is used to describe a style of plantation shutters. The louvered shutters offered by Heritage Shutters, Inc. are Ante Bellum.

Are they custom-made shutters or do you sell the shutters off the shelf?
We only supply and fit custom-made interior plantation shutters. All window and door recesses are different and require extremely accurate measuring.

How much light do shutters block out when closed?
Our louvered shutters are manufactured with rabbit edges to minimize light lines around the perimeter of the shutter. However, a 100% light block out is not possible with the louver shutters as the nature of the louvers is to allow light through. Even so, when closed, less light is visible than a blind due to the styles and framework surrounding the shutters. In addition, we use specialist frame options to block out the light further.

Can I measure for and install the shutters myself?
Yes. We offer a discounted price for customers that are installing our product themselves. However we do not supply screws, catches or knobs. The shutters are delivered pre-hinged and include magnets to hold the shutter panels into position.

When ordering shutters please make us aware of where the shutters will be installed and if any handles or other obstructions are protruding in/from around the windows or doors. The opening should always be measured for shutters after the dry walling and flooring has been completed. All products are guaranteed against warping and defects of workmanship for life. However, any error made by the customer when self measuring and installing will be at the customer’s expense.

How easy is it to fit Heritage Shutters?
 The actual fitting of the shutters is almost as easy as measuring. All quality shutters are supplied ready-hinged for easy, screwed-together assembly and fitting inside a 4-sided frame. The panels slot into position with drop-in hinge-pins, with ready-fitted magnet catches and frame reveal edges ensuring a secure fit with little fuss.

How do I measure for Heritage Shutters?
Measure the width of your window inside the recess, in three places: across the bottom, middle and top of the window. Then, do similarly for the height. Take the smallest measurement of each to give you the width and height for calculating the cost. Shutters are priced by the size of the opening, so how many panels or hinged sections you choose should not affect the cost.

For measuring more awkward shapes and bays, the overall width and height is normally all that is required initially. Then, any angles or curves requiring templates or detailed drawings can be achieved via expert advice to obtain accurate measurements for a perfect, professional finish.

Do you offer onsite measuring and installation service for your shutters?
Unless requested all our estimates include quality measuring and installation of our products.
If you opted for the full measure and fitting service then rest assured, we have been designing and installing shutters for over 39 years. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Shutter Lingo
Stiles: The structural right and left vertical parts of a shutter panel. They house the nylon bushing that the louver rotates on.

Rails: The top and bottom horizontal bits. We cut these bits to get the height exactly right. Divider (Mid) Rails provide additional strength to the shutter panel & allow separate operation of the louvers above & below the divider rail.

Louvers: Our shutters come in 3 ½”, 4 ½”, or 5 ½” louver sizes. The louvers rotate on a nylon pin in a nylon bush and are connected to a tilt rod by staples.

Tilt Rod: Coordinates the rotation of louvers for light, privacy and ventilation. The tilt rod is mounted on the center of the louver on the face of the panel.

How long will it take to get my shutters?
Shutters are custom manufactured to fit individual openings and are ready for installation in 6 to 8 weeks from the date of the order and receipt of the deposit. We now offer a Premium Service at an additional charge to have your shutters ready in approximately 2-3 weeks.

What kind of maintenance do shutters require?
Shutters are easily cleaned using a feather duster, or run a vacuum cleaner over them. The finish shouldn't need repainting if cared for properly. Occasionally tension screws on the side of panels will need to be adjusted.

Do the shutters warp, shrink, or change color?
Our shutters are made from premium quality wood and are guaranteed NEVER to warp or fade.

What if my windows are not square?
There is virtually no such thing as a window that is perfectly square. This is why high quality custom fit shutters are the best choice.

Can shutters be installed on any window?
Shutters can be installed on any window including French doors and patio sliding doors. Shutters can also be used effectively as room dividers. If the window/door opens inwards then the shutters can always be mounted outside of the reveal. Bi-pass tracking allows for shutters to slide past each other and are used where there are overhangs preventing the panels from swinging out.