Essential Safety Features to Consider When Purchasing Shutters for Your Home

When it comes to choosing shutters for your home, safety should be a top priority, especially in households with children and pets. Here are 12 essential safety features to consider when purchasing shutters:

1. Cordless Design: Eliminate the risk of strangulation associated with pull cords by opting for cordless or motorized shutters. For example, consider shutters with wand tilt options or voice-controlled smart shutters that can be operated with a simple command like “Alexa, close the living room shutters.”
2. Rounded Corners: Shutters with rounded corners can prevent accidental scratches or injuries. Look for designs that incorporate this feature, such as PVC shutters with integrated corner bumpers.
3. Pinch-Free Hinges: To prevent finger injuries, especially for children, choose shutters with enclosed or gapped hinges. Hidden internal hinges are a great example of this feature.
4. Ventilation: Ensure that the louvers incorporate safe, wider spacing between slats, such as 2-inch louver spacing, to promote better ventilation.
5. Secure Mounting: Shutters should be mounted flush and stable with no loose pieces. Look for shutters with recessed strong-grip hardware for secure installation.
6. Impact-Resistant Materials: Choose shutters made from durable materials that won’t shatter if hit, such as polyresin composite shutters.
7. Non-Toxic Finishes: Opt for shutters with low-VOC stains and paints for better indoor air quality. A water-based matte polyurethane finish is a safe choice.
8. Lead-Free Materials: Ensure that the materials used in the shutters, including plastics and metals, contain no lead. Look for PVC shutters with a Lead-Free Certificate.
9. Fire-Resistance: Shutters made with non-flammable materials add an extra layer of safety. Fire-rated aluminum shutters are a good choice for this feature.
10. Reinforced Edges: Shutters with blunted or integrated edge guards can prevent sharp cuts. Consider shutters with padded fabric edging for added safety.
11. Warning Labels: Choose shutters that come with warning labels indicating potential choking hazards or other risks. This is especially important if you have small children in the house.
12. Secure Hardware: Shutters should not rely solely on friction to stay closed. High-quality latches that click securely are a must-have feature.

Remember, safety is paramount when it comes to choosing shutters for your home. By considering these safety features, you can ensure a safer environment for your family while enjoying the aesthetic and functional benefits of your new shutters.