Langley, British Columbia — If you live in the Greater Vancouver region – you will most certainly be familiar with shuttering. Whether they come in many different designs, materials such as vinyl, aluminum composite material or plastic, custom options, colors and sizes, these shutters provide homeowners with energy savings while adding protection against weather damage, keeping condensation away from windows as well as making them more attractive overall. However, this type of window coverings can be incredibly expensive; some manufacturers charge upwards of $10 per panel installed plus shipping costs. While this price tag seems steep, it doesn’t really factor in how long those panels typically end up staying inside your home. After all, a single door opening or patio door could keep your house closed to the outside world. As such, in order to enjoy the benefits of having high quality but affordable shuttering solutions available today, you should consider investing in a motorized solution. A good example of a motorized system would include a track style design which is often seen in luxury homes that cost thousands of dollars or less. These types of systems allow you to simply slide the louvers inside the tracks when required instead of manually sliding each piece of fabric into place every evening. When considering motorization, however, you must first determine whether or not a manual version actually exists because a lot of times companies like ours offer both. So why buy our products if there is already an existing manual model? Because as technology improves; as automation begins to take precedence, we believe that you cannot ignore these advancements in society anymore. You simply cannot afford the wait.
While shuttering does serve a purpose, it isn’t perfect. Not only do many people find them ugly, but they lack insulation qualities as well. While many people love the idea of being able to roll them up during harsh winter months when snowfall makes temperatures plummet, the fact remains that they aren’t fully effective. Therefore, for anyone who wants something better than traditional shuttering, then you should seriously consider adding a solution to your home.

We believe home and building interiors should be beautiful, functional spaces that enhance everyday life while allowing people to enjoy privacy during those private moments. We strive to provide premium quality shutters and siding products through innovative processes that reduce manufacturing costs without compromising safety standards. And, unlike many other companies in this industry, we actually offer our clients complete solutions: custom exterior design, fabrication, project management, delivery, and post install service. So if you’re looking for exceptional customer service and superior building material options, then come visit us at ShutterBoys today! Read More…

Social media is no longer just a tool used to broadcast news or promote brands. As digital users become ever busier, they’re increasingly turning toward social media sites to discuss topics ranging from politics to parenting struggles — and that trend isn’t going away anytime soon.
“This means business owners must be prepared,” said John Wrenn, director of sales and operations for social listening software company Brandwatch Analytics. “They need to ensure their content reaches users’ timelines and keep track of whether these conversations are helping them reach key audiences.”
If you find yourself wondering whether social media will remain relevant in 2020, consider this sobering statistic: Facebook’s active monthly users worldwide fell 18 percent for the first half of 2019, according to Statista. On Twitter, the decline was 16 percent. Instagram saw a 20 percent drop globally, though U.S.-based users posted fewer statuses than usual because we were hit with Hurricane Dorian. Snapchat suffered a 13 percent dip after launching Stories enhancements earlier this year; YouTube saw similar losses. LinkedIn, meanwhile, grew slightly — adding 7 million members in Q1, representing 1.2 percent growth rate versus 2018.
But while some brands have found ways to adapt to the shift towards self publishing, others aren’t quite ready yet. A recent study conducted by Cision indicates that only a third of B2C marketers feel competent enough to handle questions sent via social media posts — and only 12% have implemented live chat capabilities to help customers solve issues.
While social media remains a powerful driver in search engine optimization (SEO), most experts agree that SEO needs to go beyond merely posting links to online articles.

In this article I will be discussing the top five products I would suggest installing in Langley homes or condos this winter, including which ones are trending for 2020. These recommendations include some of my favorite shutters brands and are not a comprehensive listing of every single shutter available in Canada, but they represent the most commonly used styles in our region.
I will also talk a bit about why these particular products work well for us, and what makes them special and unique. We hope this information helps you decide which type of shutter is perfect for your home. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me via email ([email protected]).
California Shutter Brands Trending For 2019/2020:
We have seen great success with several popular shutter manufacturers in recent years. Here are just a few of our favorites, but there are many more options available in Canada. We recommend trying different types until finding products that suit your needs and personal style best.
1.
This popular and highly rated shutter is made from high quality aluminum and steel materials. They feature beautiful patterns, colors, textures, and designs that look amazing on almost all kinds of windows, doors, and skylights. Their modern design and clean lines make them ideal for contemporary spaces or traditional architecture. The Aluminae Series offers both vertical blinds and Roman shades.
2.
This company was founded in 2007 and quickly became known across North America for making stylish, functional blinds. Today, they offer many types, shapes, sizes, color choices, finishes, and fabrics to fit any window or door. Many people prefer these because they come ready to hang without having to measure first; however, they are slightly less customizable than other types. Also worth mentioning: their Roman Shades are designed specifically for use in rooms with sloped ceilings.
3.
This is another brand that started in 2007 but has grown significantly since then. Like their competitors, they provide a wide range of styles and finishes. However, their shutters are manufactured exclusively in China, and therefore, they tend to cost a little more than others. But, we love these shutters because they look fantastic in almost every situation.

California Shutters can be made with different types of materials including real wood, bamboo, vinyl/polymer composite shutters, aluminum and steel. Each material offers certain benefits and disadvantages. For example, vinyl/polymer composite shutters are inexpensive but they’re often flimsy and weak. Wood doors offer great strength but high maintenance costs and are susceptible to mold and mildew. Aluminum slabs provide excellent corrosion resistance and long life expectancy and are available in white, gray or black color options. However, most homes built prior to 2010 had aluminium windows rather than modern window frames which typically use steel framing. Steel makes up 75% percent of window frame construction today however aluminum frame costs less than half of a steel frame. So why buy California Shutter systems instead of conventional siding products like brick veneer, fiber cement board, stucco, paintable cladding, pvc cladding and other alternatives? All these alternative siding techniques are still fairly expensive to install depending on the style of house being renovated. But with California Shutters there is no need to compromise aesthetics when considering exterior home renovations because the cost per square foot remains affordable regardless of the design scheme. Another benefit is that California Shuttering is usually installed during construction and therefore eliminates costly retrofitting of existing structures adding value to property owners with investment potential. Most Californian building codes require minimum 50mm thick weather resistant glass panels (with 2″ gap in between panels). These requirements ensure structural integrity while offering ample protection against UV damage and fading. Many home builders will only accept this type of glazing, whereas California Shutter manufacturers use the highest quality American sourced custom cut plywood substrates to supply the widest range of sizes, shapes and styles. A well fitted and correctly designed California shutter system can dramatically improve the energy efficiency of a structure and help reduce heating & cooling expenses. With each system coming standard with a lifetime warranty. Also see my post here where I discuss the difference between Vinyl Composite Panels versus Polycarbonate sheets. Some homeowners have expressed concern regarding the longevity of shutters made from poly carbonate sheeting due to issues with adhesion.

The most recent trend is for single panel shutters instead of multiple panels; however some builders still prefer double walled double hung doors and multi-panel shuttered windows. Single panel shutters tend to be easier options for DIY installers because they allow for faster installations due to fewer parts. As always, wood color choices are wide ranging and will vary depending upon personal preference and style preferences. We recommend picking colors similar to existing home paint choices, keeping in mind that dark colored California Shutter products are less common. If you would like help selecting custom wood tones call us today @ 866.965.9071 or visit http://www.shuttersbyshuttyboys.com/customized-wood/ to learn about our Custom Wood Consultation.
We offer 2 styles of blinds which include vertical roller blinds(vertical slats), horizontal roller blinds(horizontal slats) and cellular shades(a 3D fabric). Some homes and condos use both style blinds while other homeowners opt for either type. Cellular Shades are becoming increasingly popular for window coverings since they provide light control (opacity control via shade density) without having to raise or lower windows. They come in various densities so homeowners can decide just how opaque they want things outside while maintaining good natural daylighting. For instance, a cellophane or translucent shade could be used during daylight hours then gradually transform into a heavier, blackout shade at dinnertime allowing for energy savings and privacy.
If you already own your home and are planning on adding additional insulation, consider installing a weather strip seal kit, this way you won’t even notice the added thickness of your walls once installed. Weather strips should ideally wrap around the entire perimeter of exterior glazing for maximum energy efficiency. Also note that the weather strip must remain sealed against moisture, which is why we suggest getting them professionally installed. Another great addition is InsulTect’s premium thermal caulking paste. Its highly water resistant qualities prevent air infiltration through gaps and cracks, making it ideal to seal areas around doorways and windows. Caulk these areas thoroughly after adding the protective coating layer of thermal tape to prevent mold accumulation behind the caulked wall.

This post covers the most common questions regarding both vinyl and wood shutters. We hope this helps answer many of those burning questions.
If you would like us to help you find a great window covering specialist near you, click the link below.
https://www.shuttersbydesigns.org/locations/.
We will send them information about you and your project, including photos of your home or building. They will then be able to provide recommendations.
Wood Shutters VS Vinyl Shutters: What to Consider When Making Your Selection
1. Material – Both types of shutters use similar materials but vinyl shutters tend to offer better insulation qualities while wood shutters usually provide greater energy efficiency, durability, ease of cleaning and maintenance. If you prefer a lighter weight material than either type, look into aluminum composite shutters which weigh less than 1 lb each and will provide excellent insulating value.
2. Design Options – The design options available to you for wood shutters include classic plantation style designs and traditional styles such as board & batten, split rail, bullnose, roman blind, paneled blinds, half moon, awning and French door designs. These designs allow homeowners to customize their exterior windows with different colors, textures, finishes and hardware choices. For vinyl shutters, you typically get one standard color, although some manufacturers offer custom paint jobs.
3. Warranty Coverage – Most homeowners should be able to install both types of shutters themselves and save thousands of dollars. But if you are planning to hire someone else to complete your job, you should check whether they carry a warranty for workmanship. Some companies only cover parts and labor while other companies offer full coverage.
4. Lifetime Warranties – If you buy a California Shutter company that offers lifetime warranties, you won’t have to worry about replacing shutters after they’re installed. However, these shutters should always be maintained properly to ensure long life spans.
5. Maintenance Costs – Depending on your preference for maintenance or DIY projects, the cost for maintaining vinyl or wood shutters could vary greatly. While vinyl requires little care once installed, wood needs regular sanding and painting to stay beautiful and functional.
6.

We believe the quality of life should be measured in terms of comfort and convenience, especially for those living in warmer climates. As homeowners in sunny Southern states begin preparing for colder winters, they often ask us about the latest window treatments available for their homes—and whether these products will work well in warm climates.
This post aims to address some of this confusion. We’ll cover everything from the benefits of shuttering windows, through to which types of blinds will perform the best during winter months. Read on!
What Is Shuttering Window Treatments?
Window treatments aren’t just decorative; they’re meant to offer protection against heat loss while still allowing for natural light inside a space. These types of window treatments include:
• Blinds
• Sheer curtains
• Roman shades
Blinds, sheer curtains and roman shades are typically made from fabrics like cotton, linen, polyester or silk—all materials known for blocking solar radiation and reducing heating costs, particularly in hot regions like Florida and Arizona. While blinds, sheers and roman shades provide privacy and insulation without obstructing view from outside the home, they won’t block out all sunlight. They can help prevent overheating in summertime but won’t necessarily protect you from extreme temperatures during harsh weather events, like hurricanes. If you live in areas with high wind speeds, hurricane shutters may prove necessary.
How Do Shuttling Windows Work?
There’s no denying the beauty and function of shuttering windows, and there’s certainly nothing inherently “wrong” with them. They can improve energy efficiency and reduce glare from outdoor lighting sources. However, the type of shading material used, along with proper positioning, will determine how effective your window treatment(s) are at preventing unwanted sunrays.
In addition to blocking the sun’s rays, shutters can also help keep rooms cool and comfortable in summertime. When properly installed, shuttering can block up to 75% of UVB rays, according to research conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. When combined with other cooling measures, shuttered glass can save homeowners hundreds of dollars annually on air conditioning bills.

California Shoppes are designed to be versatile windows that provide privacy protection but allow light passage through them during daytime hours. They operate like blinds, curtains, and shades while giving homeowners complete control over the amount of sunlight they admit into their homes (or condos).
While many people use shutters for security purposes on private properties, other applications include protecting large office buildings or commercial storefronts from excessive sun exposure, blocking unwanted views from neighbors, and covering areas such as fire escapes or balconies that get hot during summer months.
What makes a good California shop shingle? A quality frame constructed using high-strength metal framing and non-corrosive hardware will ensure durability and long life expectancy. Wooden frames typically offer greater strength than vinyl frames. Metal options include aluminum, which is used because it offers both increased strength plus resistance against chemicals found inside paints. Vinyl siding should only be used with wooden frames—otherwise, the paint could deteriorate underneath.
Quality construction materials should always come first. For example, most wood shops employ morticians instead of carpenters since high visibility is not necessary around doors and windows. Instead, these workers focus solely on making sturdy and secure constructions.
Wooden frames should feature flat muntins and double hung mechanisms. All doors and windows must meet ANSI standards and they must pass safety tests prior to shipment/installation. Windows should have solid sashes made from weather tight glass and properly fitted storm window systems. Storm window manufacturers generally supply instructions along with their products and installers usually have some degree of training in this area.
Proper Installation
Installs should follow standard guidelines for residential installations. Wood shakes work great as base plates and nail down strips for hanging hardware. Installers should consult industry organizations for specifications on proper installation techniques. If installing across multiple stories, you’ll need support struts or ladders.
When placing wood sash panels on top of each other, installers should stagger them vertically rather than horizontally. Proper spacing between panels ensures the maximum protection provided by shading devices such as wood shop shutters or roller shutters. When building a custom house or condo, builders should follow the same rules as those for single family residences.

We’ve got some great news for residents of Northern Vancouver Island who love living in warm weather climates like Southern states but still enjoy the benefits of having temperate rainfalls. As temperatures continue rise across Canada, more people will be experiencing the pleasures of outdoor living while minimizing the effects of extreme heat. When buying your next home, investing in quality patio doors and windows could be key to ensuring your family’s health during summer days spent outside. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for custom California shutters.
1. Check Your Building Codes and Standards
Checking current building codes to ensure they’re suitable for installing your new patio door systems would save lots of headaches down the line. If your HVAC contractor isn’t familiar with this information, get them informed. They should provide details of these standards so no surprises arise once the project begins.
2. Keep Costs Low
Keeping costs to a minimum is always recommended whether spending extra on anything including window purchases, though especially for custom shutters made specifically for your home. Shop around to find good deals on high quality products from reputable manufacturers. For example, instead of paying full price on a brand new California sliding glass door system from the big box stores, go straight to Shutter Boys. We offer discounts on many of our items and have no sales tax on most of our inventory. Your savings will quickly pay back your investment when you factor in your energy bill reduction compared to standard vinyl panels and other cheap options.
3. Be Aware Of Warranties & Certification
Another common mistake homeowners make with patio doors and windows is assuming warranties apply only to the hardware used on these units. While hardware certification guarantees certain parts won’t wear out prematurely under normal conditions, it does nothing toward guaranteeing proper maintenance practices from builders, contractors or installers. Always read specifications carefully beforehand and request specific warranty coverage whenever possible. You’ll avoid costly replacements or repairs.
4. Install At Least One New Door On Each Side
Installing double sliding glass door frames on each side of your entryway ensures adequate ventilation through your whole house and keeps heat inside.

In this week’s episode, we will take advantage of winter sun to showcase some amazing windows. We’ll be taking care of the exterior shuttering while showing off our beautiful sliding style options…
If you’re ready to upgrade to better window treatment and energy efficiency, then we’ve got just the thing for you today: the ultimate guide to installing the best California Shutters for your home or condo.
This post takes an inside look at some exciting new developments coming down the pike for California Shutters including a full line of custom colors, styles, and designs; along with a focus on high quality materials like solid lumber and aluminum hardware. As always, these products come straight from our own manufacturing facility so rest assured they meet the industry’s highest standards.
We’d love to show them off, but first things first—we must install them! Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to get started.
Here are 5 essential steps for getting your hands dirty!
1. Purchase Your Sliding Style Choice
California Shutters work by blocking the view through glass allowing sunlight to shine onto whatever lies beyond. For most homeowners, this translates to warmer temperatures during the day and less glare in the evening and morning hours. But, to fully realize these benefits, the sliders needs to go well past covering only the glass, into surrounding areas of the house or building. By providing a continuous barrier across the width of your entire living space, your California Shutters effectively reduce heating costs by shading the rooms below!
To that end, it pays to buy your slider according to the size and type of openings you wish to shade. The largest opening usually goes closest to the outdoors—the larger the gap around which the slider slides, the greater the area being shaded. And because most homes have multiple entry points like doors, windows and garage entries, choosing a style and color capable of handling large gaps makes sense. But remember, no matter the shape of the gaps, they all present different issues. A double panel door has to slide completely flat over each other without leaving a small crack or hole behind. The same holds true for a wide garage bay—you want to ensure that your choice will fit perfectly across both sides.

I am proud to be “shutterboy.” I love being part of this family who lives and breaths shuttering, making great products and doing awesome work installing them. We are passionate about customer service; we care deeply about quality products and delivering excellent craftsmanship…We strive to exceed our own expectations because we believe they should always come first. Our mantra reflects everything we stand for: ‘If someone else had built it, could they afford to put shutters on every window in North America? Could they deliver superior design & exceptional value AND guarantee it would stay beautiful long after their warranty expired? If the answer was yes, why wouldn’t they take us seriously?! After all, we just did!
I encourage you to read my full credo above but below are some key points worth noting as it pertains specifically to our current business model: 1. When choosing windows, ask yourself whether you really want the cheapest price tag available. As a rule of thumb, you will save around $1 million dollars per house/condo if you select a high end California Shutter instead of getting cheap vinyl blinds — and you get better functionality, durability, long lasting beauty, plus lower energy cost in return. 2. Don’t buy the most expensive, highest performing California Shutter system available. Instead go for something that delivers real value while remaining affordable. 3. Installer referrals are king. Your experience and reputation as a builder of homes matter way more than anything else. So invest wisely in good installers and provide top notch customer support during and after the job. 4. Invest money in your customers rather than paying other people to manage them. 5. Remember, your customers won’t be happy until you’re 100% satisfied with their decision to hire you for their home improvement project. A big reason why the majority of homeowners leave contractors halfway through projects today is due to dissatisfaction with their final result. 6. Always listen carefully to what others say. They probably know a lot more than you think they do. Learn to trust their judgment and expertise. 7. Understand that building and maintaining relationships takes time and effort. 8. Keep track of your company as it changes along the way.