Should I replace my windows before having shutters installed?

Unlike other window treatments such as blinds or curtains, plantation shutters are fixed in place and are made to stay put for years to come. It is their durability and permanence that attract homeowners in the first place. But SHOULD you install new shutters onto old windows, or CAN you install new windows where you already have shutters? We’ve put together this short blog to help answer these commonly asked questions.

Do I have to remove shutters before having my windows replaced?

The short answer is yes, your plantation shutters must be removed before replacing the window behind it, and no reputable window installer would run the risk of installing new windows with shutters in place.

How do I remove my plantation shutters?

Just because you need to remove your existing shutters for new windows to be fitted, it does not mean that the shutters can no longer be used. If removed properly, your shutters can be reinstalled following your window installation and can continue to be used as normal.

The majority of window and door installers will not agree to remove and reinstall your shutters, as they are not trained to do so, or if they do, it will come as an extra charge. It is important to note, that your original shutter guarantee is likely to be invalidated if a firm, other than the original installers, touches them. If it is feasible, it would be best to contact the company who installed your shutters and ask them for advice and/or if they can remove and reinstall them.

Is it worth installing shutters onto old windows?

With all this in mind, you may be thinking that you should not install new shutters if you have not had your windows replaced in recent years, but this is far from true. In an ideal world, you would have new windows and then shutters after, but if this is not possible then you can most certainly still have new shutters onto older windows. In fact, you may even find that new window shutters are a cheaper solution to replacement windows, as they improve energy efficiency by trapping the heat in winter and allow you to ventilate your room in the warmer months, helping to save on energy bills. Find out the further benefits of plantation shutters here.

Have your windows and shutters installed by Emerald: The perfect solution

Windows and plantation shutters go hand in hand, which is why at Emerald, after almost 20 years of installing quality windows and doors, we decided to add shutters to our product range. If you have shutters installed by the Emerald team and decide to replace your windows later down the line, we can take care of the whole process, without invalidating any warranties.

If you are planning to install shutters after replacing your windows, it helps to work with a local specialist who understands how both products fit together. Emerald Windows installs shutters across a wide area, including Middle Winterslow, Ramsbury, Box, Great Bedwyn, and Bratton, as well as many surrounding towns. Each installation is measured and fitted to suit your property, helping you get the best result from both your new windows and shutters.

When planning improvements like new windows and shutters, the order of installation is only one part of the decision. Budgeting often plays an equally important role, particularly if you are upgrading multiple elements at once. Emerald Windows and Doors provides finance options across Swindon and the wider Wiltshire area, including buy now, pay later arrangements, interest-free credit over set periods, and longer-term plans that allow costs to be spread over several years. This can make it easier to coordinate work such as window replacements, shutters, or new doors without needing to complete everything in one stage.

If you are based in one of these areas or nearby, you can explore your local shutters service page or contact the team to discuss your project and arrange a quote.

If you are interested in windows, shutters, or both, contact the team today via our online form, or by calling on 0800 612 4154.

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