The Ultimate Guide to Off-Season Screen Storage (Stop Shoving Them in the Shed)
Cottage season’s over. The leaves are turning, the dock is stacked, and you’re standing there…
If you’re like most Ontarians, winter is when your house starts leaking heat, your hydro bill explodes, and your patio doors feel colder than your in-laws.
Rolling window shutters might not be the first solution that comes to mind—until you realize they do more than just keep out burglars and bugs.
Let’s talk about what these things actually do during a Canadian winter… and whether they’re worth the price tag.
Rolling shutters are like garage doors for your windows—only sleeker, smarter, and a lot less ugly than that sounds.
They’re made of interlocking slats (usually aluminum) that roll up into a box above your window or door. With a push of a button (or a crank, if you like vintage suffering), they roll down and lock into place.
They’re used year-round… but winter is where they shine.
Here’s why homeowners in Barrie, Orillia, and all across Simcoe County are asking about shutters in February, not just July:
Rolling shutters create an air gap between the shutter and your window—like an extra layer of insulation.
Less heat escapes. Less cold gets in. Your furnace doesn’t have to fight so hard.
Translation: Lower hydro bills and no more standing by the window in a hoodie.
If you’ve ever heard your windows rattle during a storm, you know what we mean. Shutters block cold wind from directly hitting your glass. That’s less stress on seals, and fewer winter drafts creeping in at 2 a.m.
Winter storms can throw branches, hail, or ice chunks at your windows. A shutter takes the hit. Your glass stays safe.
Leaving town? Heading south for a few months?
Rolling shutters lock down your home or cottage while you’re gone.
No peeking. No prying. No worries.
Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Financial Benefit |
|---|---|
| Thermal insulation | Reduced heating bills (10–30% in some homes) |
| Storm protection | Avoid costly glass replacement |
| Home security | Potential insurance premium discounts |
| Durability | One-time install lasts decades |
Installed cost (ballpark):
That may sound steep — until you factor in the energy savings, window protection, and no-call-to-the-glazier moments.
Yes. Especially the motorized ones.
Push-button or app-controlled shutters still work in -30°C, unlike your fingers. Manual ones work too, but let’s be honest — if you’re going out in your slippers to crank down a shutter in January, you probably also chop your own firewood and make your own jam.
If you:
Then yes. Rolling shutters are one of the smartest winter upgrades you can make.
And we install them all over Barrie, Innisfil, Muskoka, and everywhere in between.
Need better security? Explore shutters now
