There are many advantages to using plantation shutters in commercial applications, but this article will focus
mainly on PolyCore. For more information pertinent to all different types plantation shutters, you may want to
view our article on Commercial Plantation Shutters as well.
Style
PolyCore is a traditional plantation shutter with a modern flair. It has all the benefits of traditional
plantation shutters, but utilizes modern materials and manufacturing processes for superior long-term performance. They
are highly durable and will far outlast draperies and other window coverings. This is a good thing because plantation
shutters never go out of style and PolyCore will look good far after other window coverings have either broken or faded.
Fire Retardant
PolyCore has self-extinguishing characteristics. PolyCore meets the minimum requirements of flame resistance
established by the California State Fire Marshal for products identified in Section 13115, California Health and Safety Code.
The scope of the approved use of this product is provided in the current edition of the California Approved List Of Flame
Retardant Chemicals And Fabrics, General And Limited Applications Concerns published by the California State Fire Marshal.
Further, PolyCore is in process of obtaining ASTM national certification.
Commercial Installation Team
PolyCore also has a commercial installation option. You can have the factory installers actually install
your plantation shutters into your building. This streamlines the entire build-out process, reduces mistakes, and provides
for a higher quality installation. What could be better than having the factory install for you?
Fast Lead Times
Normal production time is 14 working days. For large commercial orders, an extra week or two is standard.
This makes PolyCore the fastest produced plantation shutter that I know of. This simplifies commercial project management
and streamlines the entire build out.
Durability
Finish
PolyCore is painted just like traditional interior wood shutters. However,
the paint is more durable because it is applied in a highly controlled environment. A water born finish is baked on
in a computer controlled facility to produce a fine, hard finish. You never knew that shutters could look this good!
Manufacturing and Components
When making the rails, stiles, and louvers, an aluminum core
is co-extruded into the solid polymer. This provides for enhanced rigidity and durability. The aluminum core is
hidden inside the components and makes them much stronger. It makes them so strong that PolyCore can be built with individual
shutter panels out to 36 inches wide! This does not limit the allowable window width, however. By using multiple
panels and intermediate T-posts, almost any window can be covered.
Lest you think that we are overstating our case, the next time you are in a Home Depot or some other store,
go over to the shutter displays and grab one of the louvers of those cheaper PolyWoodTM louvers in the middle and flex it
up and down. It is not difficult to flex them. (Do NOT do this with vinyl shutters as you will most likely break
the louver.) When the sun heats those cheaper louvers, they WILL sag. Further, the shutter panels themselves will
sag. This is why most other polymer shutters are only available with panel widths out to 28 inches or so. They
can not span the extra distance without noticeable sag in the louvers and the shutter panels.
One other important detail is that PolyCore plantation shutters are screwed together at the joint of the rail
and stile. The screws are run through the aluminum reinforcing in the stile into the aluminum in the rail and then capped.
This produces a much stronger joint.
Reparability
The screw together format also has a terrific advantage in that it makes the shutters extremely repairable.
Of course, it takes a lot to damage PolyCore plantation shutters, but if someone was successful in doing it, repair is quick
and easy. For example, if someone bent a stile, we would not need to ship you a new shutter panel. We could simply
ship you a new stile (or you could keep some material on hand just in case). You would remove the screw caps, unscrew
the stile, and screw on a new one. Replacing rails and louvers are done in a similar manner.
Not all polymer shutters are created equal. Not only does PolyCore have the hidden aluminum reinforcing,
but it also has a harder shell which is resistant to dents and dings. They also have self tensioning louver pins, so
you never need to adjust the louver tension.
Cleanability
With PolyCore’s baked on finish, the only way they usually get dirty is if dust settles on them.
An occasional dusting is all that is needed. Even if someone with greasy hands touches them, there is no need to worry.
Unlike wood interior plantation shutters, PolyCore can be cleaned with almost anything. Do not use anything with abrasives
or solvents, but normal household furniture cleaners are just fine.
Versatility
PolyCore plantation shutters are actually more versatile than most other types of shutters, whether they are
made of wood or poly material. They come with 2-1/2, 3-1/2, or 4-1/2 inch wide louvers. They are available in
specialty shapes to cover odd shaped windows including arch tops and lazy arch tops in both sunburst style and standard horizontal louver style. They come in rake
tops, hexagons and octagons, again in sunburst and standard style. They can even be put over French doors and sliding glass doors.
One of the best ways to cover a sliding glass door is with PolyCore shutters. A sliding glass door is
used often. Not only are the louvers tilted open or closed, but the shutter panels themselves are slid open and shut.
The durability and rigidity of PolyCore are a perfect match for this application. We highly suggest the use of overhead
tracks with sliding glass doors for PolyCore. Next are some details about PolyCore and overhead track systems.
However, be sure to reference Plantation Shutters Over Sliding Glass Doors for more details and ways to cover sliding glass doors.
Overhead Track Systems
PolyCore provides for 2 types of track systems: Bi-Fold and Bi-Pass. Both track systems contain
a 1” top header (mounting/dust board) to which the aluminum track is mounted. Two 1” side legs are also
supplied (if needed) to prevent light leakage and to stop the shutter panels. To ensure the track system stays in place,
an L frame is used as a support strip and added to the back of the top header. A three inch valance is used to cover
the aluminum track at the top to provide a finished look.
Bi-Fold Overhead Track Systems
Bi-fold Plantation Shutters contain shutter panels that
are hinged together and therefore fold against each other, similar to a closet door. The track helps to guide and support
the panels. Bi-fold panels can be configured to where panels open all to one side or to where they open to both sides
of the door. Panels must be hinged together in multiples of two. A special frame is used with Bi-Fold track systems
that supports the track and minimizes light leaks.
Bi-Pass Overhead Track Systems
Bi-Pass track systems are when two or more shutter panels
are hung from an overhead track and slide behind and past each other. Note that the louvers must be closed for the shutters
to slide past each other. Bi-pass plantation shutters are a great option for where space is an issue since the panels
never protrude into the room. This configuration is only available with a double or triple (or more) overhead track.
An extended overhead track is also available that allows the plantation shutters to be slid completely past the door for full
view.
Cost
The full life cycle cost of PolyCore plantation shutters is quite low. You can replace other window
coverings several times during the lifecycle of a PolyCore. Further, PolyCore costs much less than ANY comparable product…that
is if a comparable product exists. They cost less than PolyWoodTM which
in my opinion is not near the quality of PolyCore. Due to better manufacturing processes and higher efficiencies,
you pay less. Even better, all assembly takes place right here in the United States. For a quote, please visit
Pricing for Custom Made Plantation Shutters, or Contact Us with your details. We will be happy to price anything you require.
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