It’s that time of year again already. The birds are singing, the days are growing longer, and the sun is shining brightly Down Under. Make the most of the balmy weather by making your home as comfortable as possible. Traditional window coverings often force you to choose between enjoying the fresh air and floral scents of summer, or keeping your home shady and cool.
Savvy home owners are discovering the benefits of roller shutters, which can be easily adjusted depending on the weather, so you can keep your house’s rooms well ventilated but also shaded. Roller shutters will also provide privacy, protect your furniture and appliances from UV damage, and help you cut down on your energy bills by keeping your home cool.
Like most things, roller shutters require a little regular TLC to keep them looking and performing their best. Here’s how you can get your shutters ready for summer.
Get your spring cleaning done in time for summer
If you haven’t paid much attention to your shutters during winter, chances are they’ll need a little sprucing up by the time summer rolls around. Neglected shutters can look dirty and dull, but bright, gleaming shutters will enhance the look of your home.
To clean roller shutters, start by clearing away any debris that has built up over the months. Open the shutters slightly and brush the whole surface to remove any bugs, leaves, twigs and dirt. Next, hose the shutters down with the garden hose to remove any remaining dirt or salt build up, and then wash them down with warm soapy water and a sponge. To rinse, hose the shutters again, and then wipe them down with a dry cloth, or simply leave them to air dry in the sun. Never use harsh chemicals, steel wool, or a scrubbing brush, as you could damage the surface of the shutters.
Polish your shutters
To bring the shine back into your shutters use a micro fibre towel and methylated spirts. Place a small amount onto the rag and rub into any blemishes or stains that may have appeared from grime build up over the winter.
Test your shutters
It is important to use all of your shutters at least once a week. Similar to a car engine, the motor in your shutters needs to be run frequently so that it doesn’t seize up. Go around and test all of your electric shutters up and down, listen to the sound of the motor and if you hear any noise that is different or inconsistent to the other motors on your home you may require a service. If you have remote controlled shutters test each handset to see that the light on the top still lights up as you click to operate the shutter, the light should appear bright and consistently, if it seems weak or doesn’t appear you may need to replace the batteries in your handset
If you have manual shutters, check that the straps are in good condition. If they’re worn, or appear frayed, schedule in a service – you may also like to consider upgrading to electric shutters. Make sure the PVC internal and external guides that the tape run through are still working and rolling smoothly whilst remaining clear of any debris.
Be smart about how you use your shutters
You can use roller shutters to their maximum advantage by closing them in the morning and throughout the hottest parts of the day. This will prevent the sun’s rays from your hitting your windows directly and making rooms too hot. Open your shutters in the early evening to let the breeze in and enjoy the cool of night.
Nu-Style Shutters is Australia’s leading provider of roller shutters, window shutters and outdoor blinds in Perth. Their roller shutters are not only stylish and modern, but also built to last from superior materials. If you’re looking for airflow and light control, as well as keeping your home cool this summer, Nu-Style has the perfect roller shutters for your home. To get a free quote, call 1300 798 776 or visit www.nustyleshutters.com.au to find out more.
