The Pen | Thibaut Suys

Shutters versus screens? 'Every disadvantage has its advantage'

When building or renovating a house, I sometimes compare the choice between roller shutters or screens to a soccer derby. Often a loaded choice between two products that au fond have much in common, where the advantage of one is often the disadvantage of the other. Soccer legend Johan Cruijff could not have put it better: "Every disadvantage has its advantage. 

Not that there is a soccer fanatic in me, but the comparison does apply to the choice between shutters and screens. Especially nowadays, when the snow can be ankle-deep in the winter and the heat can be so intense in the summer. Wouldn't it be better to choose a roller shutter to keep the heat in during the cold winter? Or screens, to protect our home from overheating during the summer months? 

A searingly topical choice, with young people playing hooky every week to rally by the thousands in marches for the climate. In my optimism, I like to believe that we in our industry are doing a small part for the better, with sustainable and energy-efficient solutions that mount a strong defense against the changing climate.

Solar screens put energy-guzzling air conditioning systems out of action and ensure a pleasant indoor climate. And shutters also offer thermal insulation. They not only block out the bright sun, but also contribute greatly to heat retention in winter. The market is constantly evolving towards new, sustainable solutions. Just think of solar-powered roller shutters and screens. So I can safely say that both products score well in terms of energy performance. 

Equally in terms of living comfort, both are at an advantage. They are easy to use and operate, can provide needed privacy and, above all, provide a pleasant, comfortable indoor environment. 

When it comes to a sense of security, however, shutters are ahead of the game. The fixed closure of windows and doors deters unwanted visitors. This is where external fabric blinds can score few points. This in turn is nicely countered by the preservation of see-through with screens, which preserves the view outside. Moreover, screens are often chosen because of their sleek design and the wide range of implementation options. Although it must be said that roller shutters counterattack on that point. For example, with a roller shutter blade, guides and case powder coated in the same color, or because the bottom bar aesthetically disappears into the case. 

So you see, for every disadvantage, one product also "has" an advantage over the other. With that, I've scored my point, or at least made it clear: the choice between shutters or screens is entirely subjective or nurtured by your parents. Just like you're a fan of a soccer team because your father is, or like you have a preference for shutters because they used to be there at home... And if someone really can't choose between two good things, let them choose both: blackout shutters for the upstairs bedrooms and solar screens that preserve the view outside on the downstairs. So I blow the whistle on a tie.    

Thibaut Suys, CEO of Building Shutter Systems