Breathable Shutters: Allowing Proper Ventilation and Airflow

Proper ventilation is crucial for a healthy home environment. Shutters that allow adequate airflow prevent humidity buildup that leads to mold, peeling paint and high energy costs. Read on to learn how breathable shutter materials, louvers and gaps can maintain proper ventilation.

Use Breathable Materials

Shutters constructed from permeable materials naturally allow some passage of air. Top breathable options include:

• Wood Shutters – Basswood, poplar and pine enable airflow. Denser hardwoods are less permeable.
• Bamboo Shutters – The woven bamboo structure permits air circulation.
• Perforated Aluminum Shutters – Small holes throughout aluminum panels facilitate ventilation.
• Breathable Fabrics – Linen, cotton and hemp fabrics on rolling or panel shutters let air pass through.
• Roomside Venting Vinyl – Some vinyl shutters feature vents or louvers on the room-facing side to permit airflow when closed.

Louver Size, Shape and Openness

Adjustable louvered shutters optimize ventilation control. The louver size, shape and arrangement impact overall airflow:

• Larger Louvers – Wider and taller louvers enable greater airflow when open.
• Smaller Louvers – More numerous narrow louvers restrict airflow for privacy.
• Louver Angle – Steeper angled louvers fully closed block more air.
• Hollow Louvers – Hollow plastic or metal louvers maintain more airflow than solid wood.
• Perforated Louvers – Small holes in the slats improve ventilation when shutters are closed.

Strategic Louver Placement

Locating louvers strategically aids ventilation where needed most:

• Across Tops of Windows – Allows rising warm air to escape while keeping lower portion closed.
• Near Ceilings – Facilitates hot air removal from upper room areas.
• Across Bottoms of Windows – Enables fresh air intake while maintaining privacy through upper closed louvers.

Install Lintel Vents above Windows

Lintel vents installed above the window casing improve airflow and attic ventilation when shutters are closed. The vents blend discreetly between the top of the window and eave.

Leave Gaps Around Shutter Edges

Avoid sealing shutters completely air tight. Leave small gaps between shutters and window trim to maintain some airflow. Quarter-inch gaps are ideal for circulation without light leaks.

Only Partially Close Louvers

Rather than keeping shutters fully closed, leave louvers partially open to balance light, privacy and airflow needs. Bottom louvers may be closed while top louvers remain ajar.

Open Interior Shutters During Day

Make a habit of opening indoor shutters fully during the day to facilitate cross breezes with windows open. Draw louvers closed at night for privacy.

Use Breathable Window Treatments and Sheers

Layer sheer curtains behind shutters to further enable healthy airflow while maintaining privacy.

Proper louver sizing and strategic operation keeps air circulating and prevents a closed-in feeling, even with shutters covering windows. Discuss options like venting, louvers and gaps that meet your home’s airflow needs.