Case studies
Case studies
PVC is the first choice for coastal interiors: moisture-ready, no swelling, no mould on the substrate.
In day-to-day Garden Route use PVC shutters handle steam, splashes and high humidity well when correctly specified.
Fine salt crystals move through open windows and doors and settle in hinges, tilt mechanisms and tracks. The result is stiffer movement, squeaks and premature wear of moving parts compared with inland homes. Two identical installations can age very differently: location and maintenance routine matter as much as the product.
Light dusting or a vacuum on the soft brush setting as part of normal cleaning.
Stiles and rails with mild soapy water, then fresh water, especially on sea-facing openings. Every one to four weeks in high-exposure positions, rather than the three to six month inland routine.
Tighten visible screws and hardware; replace any low-grade steel fixing showing corrosion with stainless.
In long periods of high heat, lower-grade PVC can turn brittle or show surface movement. The material category is not the problem; the formulation is.
On homes with strong sun and long closure periods the Custom Lifestyle range uses cellular PVC with UV stabilisers and a proven record: more flexible, colour-stable, and less movement under temperature swing.
Duncan’s rule on PVC. Never treat PVC shutters as a generic product. Two white shutters can look identical on day one and behave very differently after three summers. If a room combines strong sun, large windows and long periods of closure, honeycomb blinds may give better thermal comfort.
Well-made timber shutters are warm and beautiful, but timber moves with humidity and temperature, and the Garden Route delivers both extremes.
Coastal moisture on one side, dry heat pockets on the other. Extreme dry heat and seasonal swing make timber shrink and move: hairline cracks, joints opening, finishes lifting at the edges. In wet rooms sustained moisture swells it. Timber suits stable, feature interiors where the owner accepts a maintenance routine on the finish; it does not suit the coast without that commitment.
This is why the Custom Lifestyle Shutters range is PVC and aluminium only. Timber shutters are not supplied.
Not a comfort product for interiors. An external security and weather barrier that performs well in coastal conditions when correctly specified and maintained.
Aluminium conducts heat and cold. In winter a room with aluminium shutters inside the window feels noticeably colder at the glass than the same room with PVC, and coastal homes already lose heat through large glazed areas. So aluminium is deployed where it does what no fabric blind can: a hard physical barrier against forced entry and storm debris on exposed elevations. Rust-resistant fasteners and corrosion-resistant powder coat are standard on every coastal installation, and a written cleaning schedule comes with every aluminium shutter quote. For interior comfort the answer is PVC shutters or honeycomb blinds; where security and comfort both matter, external aluminium is combined with PVC shutters inside.
PVC for most coastal interiors: it resists moisture, does not swell like timber and does not harbour mould on the substrate. For external security on exposed elevations, powder-coated aluminium shutters with rust-resistant hardware. Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings does not supply timber shutters; the Custom Lifestyle Shutters range is PVC and aluminium, manufactured in Cape Town.
They are built as a hard barrier rather than a light-control product: architectural-grade aluminium panels in hinged or bi-fold configurations, a 4-pin key lock accessible from both sides, and rust-resistant components throughout. Louvres rotate both ways for privacy and light. Panels are limited to 900mm each for strength. Suited to internal and external use, but recommended for external security on the Garden Route coast.
Yes, a warranty of up to 7 years, subject to terms and conditions. Every aluminium shutter installation includes a written maintenance schedule covering cleaning frequency for coastal conditions, hardware checks and care of the powder-coat finish. Following it is the single biggest factor in realising the full warranty period in salt air.
Dust or vacuum on a soft brush setting regularly. Wipe stiles, rails and louvres with mild soapy water, then rinse with fresh water, particularly on sea-facing openings. Check screws and hardware periodically and replace any standard steel fixing showing corrosion with stainless. In high-exposure positions, wipe down every one to four weeks rather than every three to six months.
In stable indoor environments, with a maintenance routine on the finish, yes. They struggle in extreme heat swings, very dry conditions and wet rooms, where the timber shrinks, swells or cracks over time. That is why the Custom Lifestyle Shutters range is PVC and aluminium only.
Four powder-coated colours: White, Light Grey, Charcoal and Bronze. Duncan advises on the finish during the site visit, taking sun exposure, salt proximity and the building’s exterior palette into account.
“Before you sign for any shutter system, work through your climate risks, comfort goals and security needs. One conversation upfront can prevent a very expensive replacement later.”Duncan Kane Founder, Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings
06 Site visit
Duncan assesses your climate exposure, comfort goals and security requirements before recommending any shutter product. WhatsApp Duncan on 079 523 5407 to book a site visit.
Garden Route onlyShutters are quoted after an expert consultation; no prices are published online.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings is a Garden Route window covering specialist established in Knysna in 2010, serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel Bay and surrounds. The Custom Lifestyle Shutters range is manufactured in Cape Town. Roller, honeycomb, venetian and no-drill blinds are supplied nationwide through the online shop.
Content reviewed by the Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings team.
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings | South Africa’s trusted blinds, shutters and awnings specialists since 2010.