All About Polymer Plantation Shutters
ne of the most critical options to determine when installing is the construction material, with the three primary materials being and Polymer.
In this article, we explore the characteristics of Polymer shutters to ensure you have the knowledge to make the best choice for your home.
Polymer, commonly known fire shutters sydney
as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is a synthetic plastic polymer made from petroleum. It is one of the most versatile thermoplastics. It is used widely in many home construction applications due to its ease of manufacturing into numerous shapes, non-toxic, water resistance, corrosive resistance, and overall durability.
You may have concerns about using PVC as a construction material, but this will be quickly waylaid when you learn how extensively it is already used throughout your home.
PVC is the most extensively used plastic material for building and construction products, finding application in pipes, cables, window profiles, flooring, and roofing.
PVC is replacing many traditional building materials such as wood, concrete and metals in many applications. Versatility, cost-effectiveness and an excellent safety record mean it remains the most important Polymer for the construction sector.
Now that we have set the record straight about any concerns over using a polymer like PVC for your shutters, we can now focus on their advantages and disadvantages compared to the other key materials used in constructing plantation shutters.
100% Water Resistance.
Polymer shutters are ideal for humid areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, as the material is not affected by high moisture levels. While Timber is resistant to moisture, it may not be the best choice in very humid conditions.
Polymer shutters are also an ideal pick for houses in coastal areas and around lakes or rivers.
Economical to Produce.
There is no arguing that Polymer shutters are cheaper and easier to produce than Timber or Aluminium shutters. The starting material is low cost, and the extrusion techniques used make mass production easy.
The result is that Polymer shutters will, in general, be of a lower cost and a more economical choice if you are on a tight budget.
Colour and Styling Options.
Due to the requirement to have expensive tooling when mass producing Polymer shutters, you will find that the breadth of styling options is a bit more limited than Timber.
Polymer shutters will come in a range of simple colours, while Timber offers a far more comprehensive range of styles, from a natural finish, stained Timber to a wide range of painted options.
Polymer plantation shutters are great for contemporary homes where a light modern styling is required.
Shutter Width.
Polymer shutters do not possess that same high strength to weight ratio as Timber shutters. This means that if required to span long distances, they risk sagging in the middle.
This will not occur with reputable Polymer shutters as the manufacturer knows exactly how long they can be made before issues arise. However, it is worth discussing your requirement with an experienced installer as for large windows you may need to go to 3-4 panels per window, rather than 2.
This is where a mix of Timber and Polymer plantation shutters can work well in a house.
UV Resistance.
Modern PVC polymers are designed to resist ultraviolet light to avoid fading or becoming brittle over time. However, Polymer is still only recommended for internal use.
For external use where they are directly exposed to the harsh Australian climate, it’s best to look at Aluminium plantation shutters.
Insulation Properties.
Polymer provides exceptional insulating properties, being superior to both Timber and Aluminium. This is the reason why Polymer windows frames are becoming so popular.
The outstanding insulation properties make Polymer shutters an excellent choice if you are looking for something to help manage your home’s energy efficiency during Summer and Winter.
Durability and Maintenance.
Polymer shutters are designed to withstand rough handling by children and pets. They will never rust or warp from moisture. Most are reinforced with rods to ensure they never sag. They will never require any maintenance and, with their smooth surface, are easy to clean as needed.