Aluminium Security Shutters for the Garden Route
The elegant alternative to burglar bars. Coastal-tough shutters that actually look good.
Looking for aluminium security shutters in the Garden Route? Custom Blinds provides premium security shutters for homes and businesses in Knysna, George, Plettenberg Bay, and Mossel Bay. Our shutters offer:
- Marine-grade rust-proof aluminium construction for coastal durability
- Internal key-operated locking system for maximum security
- Adjustable louvres for light, privacy, and ventilation control
- Custom manufacturing to fit any window or door opening
- Professional installation with 15+ years Garden Route experience
- Low maintenance and 20+ year lifespan in coastal conditions
Replace unsightly burglar bars with elegant shutters that enhance your property value while providing superior security.
15+ Years Garden Route Experience | Rust-Proof Coastal Construction | Internal Security Locks | Replace Burglar Bars & Curtains | Custom Made | Professional Installation
Let’s be honest about security in the Garden Route. Burglar bars work, but they make your home look like a prison. And those heavy security gates? They block the very views you moved here for.
There’s a better way. Our aluminium security shutters give you the protection you need with the aesthetic you want. They’re engineered for coastal conditions, lockable from the inside, and they actually enhance your home’s value instead of diminishing it.
After 15+ years installing shutters from Knysna to Mossel Bay, we’ve learned exactly what works in salt air, summer heat, and winter storms. These shutters handle it all.
Key Benefits of Aluminium Security Shutters
- Replace Multiple Products: One solution replaces burglar bars, security gates, curtains, and blinds
- Marine-Grade Construction: 100% rust-proof aluminium with stainless steel hardware designed for coastal conditions
- Internal Security Locking: Key-operated locks secure panels top and bottom for maximum protection
- Adjustable Light Control: 90mm louvres tilt to control sunlight, privacy, and ventilation precisely
- Custom Made to Measure: Every shutter manufactured specifically for your windows and doors
- Low Maintenance: No rust, warping, or painting required—just occasional cleaning
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter
- Increases Property Value: Premium appearance enhances home appeal and resale value
- Garden Route Expertise: 15+ years installing shutters from George to Knysna to Plettenberg Bay
- Professional Installation: Expert measuring, manufacturing, and installation included
Why Choose Custom Blinds® Aluminium Security Shutters?
Built for the Coast, Not Just Borrowed Design Inspiration From It
Garden Route homes face unique challenges. That relentless UV. Salt spray that corrodes everything. Summer days that bake your bedroom by 9am. Winter winds that rattle windows.
Our shutters are constructed from marine-grade aluminium with stainless steel hardware throughout. No rust. No corrosion. No warping. Just smooth, reliable operation year after year. We’ve got installations from 2010 in Knysna beachfront properties that still look and work like new.
Stainless Steel Hardware
Powder-Coated Finish
UV Resistant
Salt Air Proven
Security That Doesn’t Scream “Security”
Here’s what we hear constantly: “We need security, but we don’t want our home to look like Fort Knox.”
These shutters lock securely from inside with a key system. The reinforced aluminium louvres and internal locking mechanism create a formidable barrier. But from the street? They look like elegant architectural shutters that belong on a high-end home.
You’re replacing burglar bars, security gates, curtains, and blinds with one sophisticated solution. Less clutter. More style. Better security.
Top & Bottom Secure
Reinforced Louvres
No Visible Bars
Control Light, Air, and Privacy on Your Terms
Those hot summer mornings in Plett? Tilt the louvres down to block direct sun while keeping air flowing. Need a dark bedroom for better sleep? Close them fully. Want morning light but privacy from the street? Angle them just right.
The 90mm elliptical louvres give you granular control. You can even split them into top and bottom sections that operate independently—privacy below, light above.
Split Operation
Light Control
Ventilation
Privacy Options
Made to Measure, Professionally Installed
Every opening is different. Every home has character. We don’t do off-the-shelf approximations.
We measure professionally, manufacture custom, and install properly. Whether it’s a standard window, French doors, sliding doors, or that odd-sized opening in your heritage Knysna home, we build shutters that fit perfectly.
You tell us your requirements. We handle everything else.
Shutter Configurations for Every Application
Replace Burglar Bars with Style
This is where these shutters really shine. Instead of ugly burglar bars that block views and trap heat, you get elegant shutters that secure your windows, control light, provide insulation, and eliminate the need for curtains or blinds.
We fit the frame into your window opening or face-mount to the wall around it, depending on your specific situation. The result looks intentional, architectural, and premium.
Perfect for: Bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, bathrooms, anywhere you want security without visual barriers
Hinged & Bi-Folding Configurations
Patio doors. French doors. Room dividers. Bathroom doors. When you need shutters that open and close like doors, these configurations work beautifully.
Choose hinged panels that swing left or right, or bi-folding panels that stack neatly to one side. The louvres include reinforced internal tubing for extra strength, essential when panels get daily use.
Perfect for: Patio access, bedroom doors, bathroom privacy, dividing open-plan spaces
When Space is Tight
Not every situation allows for panels that swing or fold. Sometimes you need shutters that slide parallel to the wall or window. That’s when sliding configurations make sense.
They’re particularly useful for exterior installations where you want shutters to slide across windows or doors without protruding into your living space. Lock them closed for security, slide them open for access.
Perfect for: External security shutters, narrow balconies, shopfronts, areas where swing clearance isn’t available
The Real Benefits (Beyond Just Security)
One Product Replaces Four
Think about what you’re actually getting with aluminium security shutters:
- Security: Lockable barrier that replaces burglar bars and security gates
- Privacy Control: Adjustable louvres replace curtains and blinds
- Light Management: Precise adjustment from complete darkness to full daylight
- Thermal Insulation: Reduces heat gain in summer, minimizes heat loss in winter
- Storm Protection: Shields windows from coastal weather and wind-driven debris
- Noise Reduction: Creates additional sound barrier against outside noise
That’s six functions from one architectural element. The cost makes more sense when you realize you’re not buying a single product—you’re replacing an entire security and window treatment system.
Property Value Enhancement
Here’s something estate agents in the Garden Route tell us: homes with quality shutters sell faster and for more money than comparable homes with burglar bars.
Buyers see shutters as a premium feature. They see burglar bars as something to remove. It’s that simple.
Add in the energy efficiency, low maintenance, and multi-functionality, and you’ve got a genuine value-add to your property.
Virtually Maintenance-Free
Aluminium doesn’t swell, warp, rot, or rust. The powder coating doesn’t peel or fade. Stainless steel hardware doesn’t corrode.
Maintenance? A quick wipe or hose-down when you wash your windows. That’s it. No painting. No treating. No replacing rotted components.
We’ve got 15-year-old installations in direct coastal exposure that still look and operate beautifully. These shutters are legitimately fit-and-forget.
Why Work With Custom Blinds®?
15+ Years Garden Route Expertise
We’ve measured, manufactured, and installed shutters in conditions from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. We know what works in salt air. We know what lasts through summer storms. We’ve learned through experience, not theory.
Professional Measuring Service
You don’t measure. You don’t calculate deductions. You don’t worry about getting it wrong. We handle all of that. Our team measures professionally, accounts for all the variables, and ensures perfect fit.
Custom Manufacturing
Every shutter is made to your exact specifications in our local workshop. We use imported quality components assembled to your requirements. No compromises on odd sizes or special requests.
Proper Installation
Shutters only work as well as they’re installed. Our installers have years of experience with coastal homes. They understand structural considerations, weather sealing, and achieving smooth operation.
Ongoing Local Support
We’re here in the Garden Route. If you ever need adjustment, advice, or repairs—we’re a phone call away, not on the other end of a national call centre.
Transparent Process
From quote to installation, you know exactly what’s happening. No hidden costs. No surprise charges. No vague timelines. We communicate clearly throughout.
Aluminium Security Shutter Applications
Residential Applications
Our aluminium security shutters are ideal for Garden Route homes:
- Bedroom Windows: Complete darkness for better sleep, security when away
- Living Room Windows: Light control without curtains, unobstructed views
- Patio Doors: Bi-folding or sliding panels for flexible indoor-outdoor living
- French Doors: Hinged panels that secure both doors with single lock system
- Bathroom Windows: Privacy control with ventilation, rust-proof in humid environments
- Ground Floor Security: Replace burglar bars on all accessible windows
- Beachfront Properties: Salt-air resistant protection for coastal homes
- Heritage Homes: Sympathetic security solutions that preserve architectural character
Commercial Applications
Businesses throughout the Garden Route trust our security shutters:
- Retail Shopfronts: Secure overnight without industrial security gate appearance
- Restaurants & Cafes: Control sunlight and temperature while maintaining visibility
- Guesthouses & B&Bs: Guest room security and privacy with upscale aesthetics
- Office Buildings: Professional security that complements modern architecture
- Medical Practices: Patient privacy with flexible light control
- Vacation Rentals: Protect properties when unoccupied between guests
Garden Route Locations We Service
Professional aluminium security shutter installation throughout the region:
- Knysna: Waterfront properties, heritage homes, Thesen Island, coastal suburbs
- Plettenberg Bay: Beachfront homes, hillside properties, Beacon Isle, Robberg
- George: Suburban homes, commercial properties, Garden Route Mall area
- Mossel Bay: Coastal properties, Diaz Beach, Hartenbos, Dana Bay
- Sedgefield: Lagoon properties, village homes, surrounding estates
- Wilderness: Beachfront properties, forest homes, elevated locations
- Great Brak River: Coastal suburbs and inland properties
- Entire Garden Route: From Stilbaai to Nature’s Valley
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recyclable aluminium, no corrosive components |
| Hardware | Stainless steel throughout, powder-coated to match |
| Louvre Size | 90mm elliptical profile with reinforced internal tube |
| Frame Options | Z-frame (recess) or L-frame (surface mount) |
| Locking System | Internal key lock securing top and bottom |
| Hinges | Industry-standard aluminium, colour-matched |
| Folding Hardware | Hillaldam gear systems for bi-fold and sliding panels |
| Finish | Powder-coated in your choice of colours |
| End Caps | Nylon, colour-coded to match powder coat |
| Track Options | Surface-mounted or recessed for sliding panels |
| Split Operation | Available for independent top/bottom louvre control |
| Coastal Rating | Engineered specifically for harsh coastal conditions |
Common Questions About Aluminium Security Shutters
Are aluminium security shutters strong enough to replace burglar bars?
Yes. Quality aluminium shutters with proper locking systems provide effective physical security. The reinforced louvres, internal locking mechanism, and marine-grade construction create a formidable barrier. Unlike burglar bars that are permanently fixed, shutters also give you the option to open fully when you’re home and secure when you’re away or sleeping. Many Garden Route homeowners have successfully replaced burglar bars with our shutters and feel more secure, not less—especially with the added benefits of privacy control and storm protection.
Will these shutters rust in coastal conditions?
No. That’s precisely why we use marine-grade aluminium and stainless steel hardware. Aluminium doesn’t rust—it forms a natural protective oxide layer. We’ve got installations in direct salt spray environments along the Garden Route that are over 15 years old with no corrosion. The powder coating adds another layer of protection. Unlike steel security bars that rust within years in coastal areas, these shutters are engineered specifically for harsh marine environments.
Can I install aluminium shutters on sliding doors or French doors?
Absolutely. We custom-make shutters for all door types—sliding doors, French doors, single doors, wide openings. You can choose hinged panels, bi-folding panels that stack to one side, or sliding panels that run on tracks. We’ll assess your specific door configuration and recommend the best solution for your space and usage patterns. The shutters can be installed inside or outside, depending on what works best for your layout.
Do these shutters block natural light completely?
Only if you want them to. That’s the beauty of adjustable louvres. You have complete control: close them fully for total darkness, angle them to diffuse light while maintaining privacy, or open them completely for full daylight and views. You can even split them so the top section is open for light while the bottom is closed for privacy. It’s infinitely adjustable to your preference at any given moment.
How do I clean and maintain aluminium shutters?
It’s remarkably simple—wipe them down with a damp cloth or give them a quick hose when you wash your windows. That’s it. The aluminium and powder coating don’t require any special treatments, polishing, or painting. There’s no wood to treat, no rust to manage, no degrading components to replace. For coastal homes, an occasional rinse to remove salt buildup is helpful, but even that’s not mandatory. These are legitimately fit-and-forget for years.
Can shutters help reduce energy costs?
Yes. The aluminium construction and louvre design create an insulating layer at your windows. In summer, closed or angled shutters reflect heat before it enters your home, reducing cooling loads significantly—especially valuable on those brutal eastward-facing Garden Route windows. In winter, they provide an extra barrier against heat loss. The energy savings won’t match dedicated insulation products, but they’re a meaningful bonus on top of all the other benefits.
Do aluminium shutters work indoors as well as outdoors?
They work excellently in both locations. Indoor shutters give you privacy, light control, and insulation while looking architecturally elegant. Outdoor shutters add security and storm protection. Many clients use them both ways—exterior shutters on ground floor windows for security, interior shutters upstairs for privacy and aesthetics. We’ll help you determine the best approach for each opening based on your priorities.
What’s the difference between Z-frame and L-frame mounting?
Z-frame is designed for recess mounting inside the window opening, creating a cleaner look with the frame hidden within the reveal. L-frame is for surface mounting to the wall around the window, used when there’s insufficient depth in the opening or when you want to cover more of the wall for better security. We assess your specific window architecture and recommend the appropriate frame type during measuring. Sometimes we use a combination of both across different windows in the same home.
Can I still open my windows with shutters installed?
Yes, if that’s important to you. We can configure shutters to fold or slide away completely, giving you full access to your windows. However, many clients find they rarely need to open windows once shutters are installed the adjustable louvres provide all the ventilation they need while maintaining security. We discuss your usage patterns during consultation to design the right solution.
Are aluminium shutters suitable for commercial properties?
Very much so. We’ve installed them on guesthouses, B&Bs, shops, offices, and restaurants throughout the Garden Route. They’re particularly popular for shopfronts because they provide security at night without the industrial look of security gates, and during the day they can be opened to welcome customers. The professional appearance, durability, and low maintenance make them ideal for commercial applications.
How long do aluminium security shutters typically last?
With proper installation and the kind of quality we provide, 20+ years is realistic, even in harsh coastal conditions. We have installations from 2010 that still operate smoothly and look excellent. The aluminium doesn’t degrade, the powder coating is highly durable, and there are no mechanical components to wear out beyond the hinges which are built to last. This is a long-term investment, not a replacement product.
Can shutters be colour-matched to my home?
Yes. The powder coating process allows for a wide range of colours. We can match your window frames, architectural trim, or overall colour scheme. The most popular choices for Garden Route homes are whites, greys, and earth tones, but we can accommodate virtually any colour preference. We’ll show you samples during consultation and help you choose colours that complement your home’s aesthetic.
What’s the installation timeline from order to completion?
After measuring and final sign-off, manufacturing typically takes 3-4 weeks. Installation time depends on the number and complexity of openings, but most residential projects are completed in 1-2 days. We’ll give you accurate timelines during the quotation process and keep you informed throughout. The actual installation is professionally managed—we’re not leaving your home half-finished.
Do you offer a warranty on aluminium security shutters?
Yes. We provide warranty coverage on both manufacturing and installation. The aluminium itself is extraordinarily durable and unlikely to fail, but we stand behind the entire system. The specific warranty terms depend on the configuration and application, which we detail in your quotation. We’re also local, so warranty service isn’t about shipping products back to some distant warehouse—we’re here.
Can children safely operate these shutters?
The louvres are easy to adjust—even children can tilt them. However, the locking mechanism requires a key, which is a security feature. For panels that fold or slide, the weight and operation require adult strength. If child safety is a concern (preventing fingers in hinges, ensuring secure locks), we discuss this during consultation and can recommend the safest configurations for your family situation.
How do shutters perform in strong Garden Route winds?
Excellent. When properly installed, they’re secured top and bottom and engineered to handle wind loads. We’ve had zero failures from wind in our 15+ years, including installations that have weathered significant storms. In fact, shutters protect your windows from wind-driven debris and reduce wind noise significantly. For particularly exposed locations, we can incorporate additional reinforcement if needed.
Are these shutters fire-rated or fire-resistant?
Aluminium itself is non-combustible and won’t add fuel to a fire. However, these are not fire-rated assemblies like specialized fire shutters. They offer better fire resistance than curtains or timber shutters, but they’re primarily designed for security, privacy, and weather protection rather than fire containment. If fire rating is critical for your application, let us know during consultation.
Can I lock each shutter panel individually?
Yes. Each panel has its own key lock. For convenience, all locks can use the same key, so you’re not juggling multiple keys for different windows. This is particularly useful if you want some shutters open for ventilation while keeping others secured, or if you’re securing only ground floor openings while leaving upper floors open.
What happens if I need repairs years down the line?
You call us. Because we’re local and because we’ve been doing this for over 15 years, we’re not going anywhere. We stock common components and can fabricate custom parts if needed. The beauty of quality aluminium construction is that repairs are rarely necessary, but when they are, they’re typically straightforward, replacing a hinge, adjusting alignment, servicing a lock. We handle it.
Do these shutters reduce outside noise?
Yes, noticeably. The solid panels and louvres create an additional barrier that dampens sound transmission. It’s not soundproofing, but it’s a meaningful reduction in traffic noise, neighbour sounds, and wind. Many clients in busier areas or near roads comment on how much quieter their homes are with shutters closed. It’s one of those secondary benefits you don’t expect but quickly appreciate.
Can aluminium shutters be installed on heritage or period homes?
Absolutely. In fact, they often suit heritage properties better than modern security solutions. The clean lines and ability to custom-match colours mean they can be sympathetically integrated into older architectural styles. We’ve installed shutters on Knysna heritage homes, Victorian properties, and Cape Dutch buildings. The key is thoughtful design and colour selection—which we help you with.
Is professional installation included in the price?
Yes. We don’t sell shutters and leave you to figure out installation. The price we quote includes professional measuring, custom manufacturing, all hardware, and expert installation. You’re getting a complete service from consultation through to finished product. There are no surprise add-ons like “installation available for extra.”
What’s the difference between your shutters and cheaper imported versions?
Quality of materials, engineering for SA conditions, and local support. Cheaper imports often use thinner aluminium, steel (not stainless) hardware that rusts, and weaker locking systems. They’re not designed for coastal salt air or intense UV. When something breaks, you’re on your own—the importer has moved on. Our shutters are engineered specifically for South African conditions, manufactured to our standards, and backed by us long-term. It’s the difference between a security product and a security system.
Can shutters increase my home’s resale value?
Yes, particularly in the Garden Route market. Estate agents tell us that homes with quality shutters are viewed as more desirable than homes with burglar bars. Buyers see shutters as a premium upgrade, while burglar bars are seen as something to remove. The multi-functionality (security, privacy, insulation, storm protection) in one elegant package is attractive to buyers. It’s not just about security—it’s about elevated living.
Do you offer financing options for shutter installations?
We can discuss payment arrangements during consultation. For larger projects, staged payments aligned with project milestones are common. We’re reasonable people working with homeowners who want quality products. If financing is a consideration, bring it up early in the process so we can explore options that work for your situation.
Ready to Replace Those Burglar Bars?
Let’s discuss what aluminium security shutters can do for your home. We’ll assess your property, understand your security and privacy needs, and provide a detailed proposal showing exactly what you’ll get.
Explore Our Complete Range
Outdoor Weather Blinds
Protect outdoor spaces from sun, wind, and rain year-round
Safety Bars
Aesthetic security barriers designed to complement, not compromise
Why Custom Blinds® Aluminium Security Shutters?
Stylish, secure and made for the coast. Our Custom Blinds® aluminium security shutters give homes and businesses across the Garden Route a smart solution for safety, privacy and weather protection without sacrificing style.
Strong and Elegant
Built from rust-proof aluminium with stainless steel hardware, these shutters stand up to salt air, sun and storms. Adjustable louvres let you control light, air and privacy while the internal lock secures the panels top and bottom. The slim frames and powder-coated finishes suit both modern and classic buildings, replacing the need for burglar bars, heavy gates or curtains.
Versatile for Any Space
Our shutters are custom-made for windows, French and sliding doors, patios and commercial shopfronts. They can be hinged, bi-folding or sliding on tracks, stacking neatly to open spaces fully or closing tight for security. They work just as well indoors as out, protecting glass, improving insulation and softening noise. Perfect for coastal homes, guesthouses and offices where weather and security are both priorities.
Low Maintenance, Long Life
Aluminium shutters will not swell, warp or rust. A quick wipe or hose-down keeps them clean, and there is no painting needed. They are designed for years of smooth, reliable use, adding value and peace of mind to any property.
Window Shutters
Aluminium Security Shutters are the perfect solution for windows; do away with curtains and blinds and fit stylish security shutters instead of unsightly burglar guards.
The shutter frame is fitted into the window opening or, if space does not permit, it can be face fixed to the wall around the window opening.
Features:
- Two standard frame options, Z Frame and L Frame, depending on the application
- Bespoke architraves, window liners, etc to match existing windows
- 90mm elliptical louvres which can be tilted up or down for light control
- The louvres can be split into a top and bottom section for independent operation
- The nylon end caps are colour coded to match the powder coat colour
- Industry standard aluminium hinges colour matched to the shutters are used on all panels
- Lockable with a key (same key for each lock)
Door Shutters
Hinged and bi-folding panels are ideal for single and double doors. Different configurations are possible depending on the application; hinged left and right or bi-folding to the left or to the right. Typical applications would be patio doors, bathroom doors, room dividers, etc. For larger openings folding and stacking shutters are more suitable
Features:
- Two standard frame options, Z Frame and L Frame, depending on the application
- Bespoke architraves, window liners, etc to match existing windows
- 90mm elliptical louvres which can be tilted up or down for light control
- The louvres are extruded with a reinforced tube running the full length of the louvre to provide additional strength.
- The louvres can be split into a top and bottom section for independent operation
- The nylon end caps are colour coded to match the powder coat colour
- Industry standard aluminium hinges colour matched to the shutters are used on all panels
- Lockable with a key (same key for each lock)
- Hillaldam folding and stacking gear is used as a standard due to its robust construction
- Choose between a surface mounted or recessed bottom track
Sliding Panels
Sliding panels are the ideals choice when space is limited and it is not possible for the shutter panels to fold and stack or for installation on the outside of the building to slid in front of windows or doors.
The shutters can be locked when closed to provide a security barrier and ensure that unwelcome intruders do not gain easy access to your living space.
Features:
- Two standard frame options, Z Frame and L Frame, depending on the application architraves, window liners, etc to match existing windows
- Bespoke architraves, window liners, etc to match existing windows 90mm elliptical louvres which can be tilted up or down for light control
- The louvres are extruded with a reinforced tube running the full length of the louvre to provide additional strength.
- The louvres can be split into a top and bottom section for independent operation
- The nylon end caps are colour coded to match the powder coat colour
- Industry standard aluminium hinges colour matched to the shutters are used on all panels
- Lockable with a key (same key for each lock)
- Hillaldam folding and stacking gear is used as a standard due to its robust construction
- Choose between a surface mounted or recessed bottom track
Indoor Blinds
With a wide range of leading designer styles to choose from we can assist you in framing your windows in style by adding texture and colour to your design scheme.
Outdoor Weather Blinds
Looking to enhance your home with an outdoor areas or to protect it from the harsh South African weather, then we have the perfect outdoor product range for you. All custom made to fit, look impressive, and add value to your home. Entertaining outside has never been more comfortable or stylish.
Awnings: From Wedge through to Louvred
Designed specifically for the South African love of entertaining outdoors. We have a great choice for areas such as pergolas, verandas and balconies as our products provide privacy and protection from the sun, wind and rain. Whatever the weather you can alfresco all year round.
Shutters
Transform your home lifestyle with stylish, versatile and affordable Shutters providing complete flexibility with light control, privacy and insulation in mind.
Shade Port & Sails
Our Shade Ports & Sails are designed to protect your vehicles, boats and caravans from direct sunlight rain and even hail. We have solutions that are not only practical, but also look stylish enhancing your property, whilst protecting your vehicle assets.
Safety Bars
We provide a range of aesthetic security barriers to keep intruders as well as wild animals out of your home or business.
