Over the last 20 or 30 years, more and more owners of shops, offices and other commercial properties rely on security shutters to secure their premises at night and when empty. It has changed the look of our town centres over the years but is often considered an absolute necessity for business owners.

However, on the continent, and in France, in particular, domestic properties always have shutters. Older properties have traditional wooden shutters which are opened out attractively during the day and closed at night. More modern properties have shutters which are rolled or pulled down from inside, either manually or by remote control.

It appears that the idea is slowly beginning to catch on in the UK and firms are reporting increasing sales of shutters for domestic properties. Shutters offer an impregnable barrier against burglars and other intruders. They also offer added benefits of extra sound insulation, heat insulation (both during a heatwave or a cold snap) and privacy from outsiders.

Depending on your requirements, the shape and style of your window, shutters can be installed outside or inside the window. Electric shutters usually include a manual override for use in case of a power cut. However, the very best controls are programmable so home owners can lower or raise shutters at specific times of the day or set different opening and closing times for when away on holiday, thus giving the appearance that someone is at home.