Are you looking to replace your old shutters or give a lift to your facade with smart swing shutters? Swing shutters (or french shutters) are loved for their charm and for the character they add to a facade. In addition to the aesthetic side, they offer numerous advantages in thermal insulation and slow down any break-in. You have the choice of making a like-for-like replacement with classic style shutters or to add a designer touch to your facade with contemporary style shutters.
Somfy helps you find the best product for you, step by step :
Depending on the size of the apertures, you can choose french shutters ranging from one to four leaves. Usually made up of two leaves that open outwards, french window shutters can also be convenient for a small aperture. For these, one leaf will suffice. And for very large openings, a model made up of four leaves (two sides with 2 leaves each) can be made to measure.
Installing or replacing french shutters is quite simple. The key step is taking the dimensions. Depending on the measurements, you can determine whether you go for a standard version or for a tailor-made one. The dimensions must correspond to the nearest centimetre. If you feel unsure, call a professional or obtain high-performance equipment such as an electronic laser measure for extra precision. In the case of renovation, if you want to keep the existing hinges, check their condition and the sealing to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Swing shutters can be solid or perforated (louvred). The solid models, the slats of which are glued to each other, are classic swing shutters. They offer optimal thermal insulation. Louvred shutters have slats separated by a small gap and are particularly well suited to sunny areas. They allow light to enter when the shutters are closed during hot weather.
Once you have chosen your model of french window shutters, the next step is to select the material and type of shutters door. Your choice is generally your taste in terms of design and colours that harmonise best with your facade. Economic and thermal aspects can also come into play.
French style wooden shutters add character to your home, a style that is authentic and warm and is also a perfect thermal insulator. You can easily change their colour but remember that, whatever the wood (fir, exotic wood, oak or regional wood), it requires regular maintenance. It is suitable for temperate zones.
PVC is the most economical material and offers the best value for money. It is robust, easy to maintain and in terms of style, offers a large choice of colours and finishes. PVC exterior shutters provide good insulation, summer and winter, and their maintenance is easy. They are washable with soapy water. Note that PVC swing shutters are not suitable for apertures of over 2 metres.
With aluminium swing shutters you get a wide range of colours to choose from and a contemporary style. It is more expensive, but more resistant than PVC, and its maintenance is simple. It is an excellent sound insulator.
Composite swing shutters are made of a mixture of plastic and aluminium, are resistant, and offer good thermal performance. This material is ideal in areas exposed to large temperature variations or subject to severe weather conditions.
The colour of your shutters may be subject to any co-ownership regulations or to the Local Urban Plan of your municipality. It is advisable to check before making your choice.
Is opening and closing your french shutters morning and evening a chore for you? Are some of your windows difficult to access, or has reaching your swing shutter stops become a real headache? You will quickly come round to the advantages of electric swing shutters.
No more physical effort thanks to our swing shutters motorisation. You open, close and adjust the amount of light remotely with one click or one word! By opting for a TaHoma switch home automation box, you can control your device from your smartphone via the dedicated app, or by voice thanks to compatibility with smart speakers.
The energy-saving system automatically closes the french window shutters to keep the interior cool in hot weather and, conversely, opens them in winter to let in the sun's rays. Electric swing shutters allow you to optimise the thermal insulation of your home.
Swing shutters motorisation provides enhanced security against break-ins since the shutters cannot be forcibly opened from the outside once closed. It also allows you to simulate your presence by opening your shutters every day or by adjusting the lighting when you are on vacation. By connecting them to an intelligent central control, you can operate your equipment remotely from the TaHoma mobile app.
Motorised closure allows swing shutters to be locked gently and ensures their longevity. As does the automatic stopping of the french shutters in the event of an obstacle or frost.
The Yslo io motor fits discreetly into your home and offers optimum security. The motor and the two stainless-steel arms can be installed in different places around the window depending on the setting: under the lintel, on a railing/guardrail or even as a window sill.
If you enjoy a spot of DIY, installing the Synapsia motor is quick and easy with the installation template provided in the complete kit. Suitable for existing or new shutters, with one or two leaves, the casing adjusts to the width of the window.
Sunis solar sensor measures the level of sunlight while being discreet, wireless and integrated into the facade. The integrated solar cells mean the sensor is autonomous, and you define the threshold yourself. It offers better thermal comfort by automatically managing the opening and closing of the shutters, depending on the amount of sunlight.
Eolis wind sensor measures the wind speed in real-time and manages the swing shutters according to the defined threshold. In strong winds, the complete locking of the shutters when closed provides optimal protection. The information can be sent to several other devices: patio awning, pergola, directional solar shading and exterior screen.
Soliris sensor simultaneously manages the level of wind and sunshine to limit the number of sensors on your facade. If the wind starts to pick up, it automatically and gently closes the shutters to protect them. And depending on the season, it controls their opening or closing according to sun intensity for better thermal insulation.
The installation of french shutters must be done using best practices so as not to damage or weaken your facade. The same goes for the installation of the motor, This is why we strongly recommend calling a professional. However, if you are a great handyperson, you can install your swing shutter motor yourself thanks to our DIY products.
DIY motorisation kit for swing shutters
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