Should I Replace Windows Before Getting Shutters Fitted?

Shutters are a great addition, helping to improve insulation, add timeless elegance for modern and traditional styles, and can also increase the value of your property.

But what order should you have your shutters fitted? At The Shutter Studio, as the experts in the South East for all things window shutters, we’re here to answer your questions.

Do you need to swap your windows before installing window shutters?

It depends. If your windows are modern and have been fitted in recent years, you likely don’t need to swap them out before having shutters installed.

But if you plan on having your windows replaced soon, or the thought has crossed your mind, it’s sensible to have your windows changed first before ordering and fitting shutters.

But why does it matter?

Unlike other window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, window shutters are designed to fit the exact dimensions of your windows to ensure a precise fit. They are also designed to be permanently fixed to your windows with both screws and caulk – which can also make it more difficult to remove them easily. This helps them stay in place for years to come.

If you’re planning to swap your windows, this may change the dimensions of them and could require you to remove your installed shutters. This can run the following risks:

Damage to your shutters during removal
Shutters may not line up with the new windows
Shutters may not match the new window style and functionality

If you’re looking to invest in window shutters like our made-to-order, custom shutters from quality hardwoods or waterproof composite materials, it’s a best bet to ensure your windows are up-to-date first.

After all, window shutters can be customised to your exact type of window. At The Shutter Studio, we can craft shutters for shaped windows, bay windows, sash windows, and more. See our full range here.

If you’re changing your window style, for instance, from a traditional window to an opening window or sash window, your shutters can be made specially for that type, helping you get the most out of them.

What to do if I’ve had shutters fitted, and now need to swap/work on my windows?

Don’t worry! Changing your windows is a common part of owning a home. Even high-quality, double or triple-glazed windows may need changing every 15-20 years.

If you’re looking to swap your windows out, or if you’re having work done on your home, it doesn’t mean the end of your shutters. Carefully remove your shutters as necessary and store them safely. If possible, we recommend when replacing your windows, that they are replaced with a “like for like” style, as the shutters are made bespoke to not just the size of your windows but also the style. For example, if you have sash windows that have a natural split – the shutter midrail or hidden split will be measured to the height of these; therefore, if this is changed, the shutters will not match.

If the shutters were installed by us previously, we ask you to contact our team to arrange one of our experts to remove your shutters. These will just need to be stored safely somewhere in your home until your windows have been changed. Once your new windows are in, our team can come back and reinstall them to fit as good as new.

If you’re changing your windows and the dimensions are changing quite significantly, then it would be hard for the team to then reinstall the shutters again, and it may be worth having them replaced completely. We are happy to help with any questions you may have, so please get in touch with our friendly team.

Quality, great-value, made-to-order window shutters

Want your house to feel more like your home? Window shutters are a great way to do it.

Whether you lean towards a modern, contemporary, or more traditional style, our window shutters add timeless and practical elegance to your home.

At The Shutter Studio, we’re proud to make custom, made-to-order window shutters to suit your home. No matter the size or shape of your windows, we have a style to suit you. We can even combine functional designs, such as bi-folding, tier-on-tier, and blackout shutters, for shutters that let you enjoy your home, your way.

And with a full selection of materials and colours, we can bring your interior vision to life. Interested? We offer free measuring and consultations to help get you started.

Speak to our friendly team today.