Every house comes with some annoying inconveniences, from bathrooms that are just that bit too small to draughty entrance halls to bedrooms with a lack of storage space.
You can fix most issues, but there is one problem that many homeowners face – especially those who live in bustling cities – which is loud noise coming from the street into the home. If you live in a house on or near a busy main road, you will understand all too well the bothersome sound of passing cars that continues all day and night.
Likewise, people who live in commercial areas and shopping districts might have to put up with the disturbance of passing shoppers during the day and noisy revellers throughout the night. As Kent has many thriving commercial areas, it is not surprising that potential buyers frequently ask us if window shutters reduce noise.
If you haven’t done so already, one way to block out street noise is to upgrade your windows to double or triple glazing. Multiple panes not only reduce noise but also insulate a home making it more energy efficient. But upgrading your windows is not the only way to help block out noise, as some types of window coverings will also help overcome the issue.
So which style of shutters should you buy if your main priority is to eliminate street noise? Ultimately, since all shutters are made from thick materials, and you can fully close the louvers, any type of shutter will help reduce noise to some extent. Notwithstanding, there are some models which are better suited to homes in noisy areas. Consider using Victorian-style solid panel shutters, which comprise solid wooden panels and have no gaps for noise to enter your home. Historically, these shutters were used in Victorian homes specifically to block out noise, insulate, and deter burglars in times when window panes were thinner or non-existent.
Those looking for window shutters that block out noise while offering more flexibility than solid panel shutters might prefer full height shutters, which offer total control over light and privacy with the aid of louvers.
The only window shutters that we would not recommend for homes with noise issues are café style shutters. This shutter style leaves the top of the windows exposed, allowing plenty of light and privacy at the same time. However, this has the side effect of letting in more noise than other shutter styles. But there is an alternative for those who like the style: tier-on-tier shutters combine two separate shutters on top of one another in a single frame, allowing you to open one half while keeping the other closed. Like café style shutters, they give you the versatility to control light and privacy, with the added option is to close the upper half of the shutters when it gets noisy outside.
