Have you ever walked past a beautiful, historic home only to see its classic windows completely covered up by bulky metal roller shutters?
Depending on who you ask, those shutters are either a complete eyesore or a practical lifesaver. This exact debate recently came to a head in Australia, where Perth’s City of Stirling council took a hard stance: they voted to ban the installation of roller shutters in certain heritage areas.
Here is a breakdown of what happened and the two very different sides of the story.
Why the Council Said “No More”
For the local council, the decision mostly came down to preserving the charm and visual appeal of the neighborhood. According to Mayor Mark Irwin and the council’s official documents, roller shutters visible from the street clash with their goals for the community.
Here is why the council wants them gone:
- They hide history: Shutters obscure the original architectural features that give older homes their unique character.
- They break the mold: Bulky modern shutters are simply not typical of traditional housing designs.
- They hurt curb appeal: Let’s face it—many locals have complained that they just look “ugly” and drag down the heritage vibe of the street.
The Flip Side: Why Homeowners Love Them
On the other hand, people in the installation business are quick to point out that homeowners aren’t buying these shutters to win beauty contests.
Anthony Drysdale, owner of WA Home Installations, completely agrees that roller shutters aren’t the most visually appealing feature. However, he argues that the practical benefits far outweigh the cosmetic drawbacks.
Here is why homeowners are still installing them:
- Energy Savings: They act as incredible insulation, keeping homes warmer during the freezing winters and much cooler during the blistering summer heat, which heavily cuts down on electric and gas bills.
- Ultimate Security: They provide a serious physical barrier. A locked metal shutter is a massive deterrent that stops potential burglars in their tracks.
- Better Sleep: For shift workers or light sleepers, nothing blocks out street noise and morning sunlight quite like a heavy roller shutter.
