Non-Outgassing Shutters: Limiting Harmful Indoor Emissions

Traditional shutters constructed using adhesives, binders and finishes with high VOC levels frequently outgas unpleasant odors and vapors. Thankfully non-outgassing options limit emissions to maintain indoor air purity.

The Outgassing Problem

Outgassing refers to off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that lowers indoor air quality and produces “new shutter smell”. Materials like adhesives, paints and composite woods release contaminant-laden vapors.

How Outgassing Harms Health

VOCs contaminate air with lung irritants and carcinogens linked to headaches, asthma, allergies and sick building syndrome at high concentrations. Pollutants accumulate in tightly sealed modern homes.

Where VOCs Originate

The main shutter outgassing offenders include:

• Formaldehyde adhesives bonding composite wood particles
• Conventional stains and paints with solvents and biocides
• Standard PVC plasticizers and fire retardant additives
• Uncured adhesives and finishes after installation

Low-VOC and VOC-Free Materials

Non-outgassing shutters are constructed using ultra low-VOC and VOC-free materials. These create far fewer emissions:

• Zero-VOC stains and plant-based finishes
• Formaldehyde-free wood glues made from soy or other renewables
• Exterior-grade vinyl, acrylic or water-based paints and primers
• Phthalate-free PVC plasticizers
• Unfinished solid wood slats that offgas naturally outdoors first

Inorganic Mineral-Core Panels

Some luxury composite shutters feature an internal inorganic mineral slab instead of wood. The impervious core prevents VOC absorption and re-emission. Aeron Shutters by Shuttercraft exemplify this odorless technology.

Edge Banding and Encapsulation

Fully sealing wood composite shutter edges with vinyl encapsulation bands prevents exposed particleboard from off-gassing indoor air contaminants. The edges safely outgas minimal VOCs outdoors first.

Extended Offsite Curing

Responsible brands cure shutters for days or weeks within climate-controlled warehouses to complete VOC off-gassing fully before installing in homes. This prevents new shutter smell.

Factory Wrapping Until Installation

Pre-wrapping shutters in plastic sheeting immediately after production prevents off-gassing until unwrapped onsite for installation. Wrapping maintains purity and prevents exposure while warehoused.

Bamboo and other Rapidly Renewable Materials

Bamboo, PVC and reclaimed wood shutters made without excessive VOC binders and finishes offer non-outgassing renewable options. Their raw materials regenerate rapidly through short harvest cycles.

Audited Outgassing Testing

Top manufacturers subject shutters to third-party audited emissions testing to verify low VOC levels before introducing new products. Seek brands that openly share outgassing performance data.

Natural Off-Gassing During Transport

Allowing shutters to off-gas naturally enroute from the factory while in transit helps dissipate VOCs instead of concentrating buildup indoors. Unwrap and ventilate immediately upon arrival.

Conscientious brands engineer shutter materials and construction to preserve healthy indoor air. Specify non-outgassing shutters if airborne chemicals are a health concern.