Perth homeowners turn to roller shutters as heat, power bills and break-ins rise
More Perth homeowners are installing roller shutters as they look for practical ways to cut energy bills, reduce street noise and protect their properties from opportunistic break-ins.
Industry operators say demand for roller shutters in Perth has climbed steadily over the past few years, driven by hotter summers, growing concern about crime and a focus on making older homes more energy efficient.
Energy costs and extreme heat push interest in shutters
With Western Australia recording a run of above-average temperatures in recent summers and power prices remaining a pressure point for many households, shading and insulation have become a priority for suburban owners from Joondalup to Rockingham.
Roller shutters, typically installed over windows and glass doors, act as an external barrier to heat and sunlight, and can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering a home during Perth’s hottest months.
Energy efficiency researchers have consistently found that well-fitted external window coverings can be more effective at blocking heat than internal blinds or curtains, because the sun’s warmth is deflected before it reaches the glass.
“On a 40-degree day, a standard west-facing window can turn a living room into a hot box,” one Perth-based energy consultant said, adding that external shutters can help keep internal temperatures lower and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Local suppliers say many enquiries now come from owners of older brick homes in established suburbs, where large windows and minimal eaves can make houses difficult to keep cool.
Security concerns also driving demand
Alongside energy concerns, household security remains a key factor in the growing market for roller shutters in Perth, particularly in outer suburbs with higher reported rates of property crime.
Steel and aluminium roller shutters create a visible physical barrier, which security specialists say can deter opportunistic intruders and make forced entry more difficult and noisy.
“People aren’t just thinking about burglars when they go on holiday, they’re also thinking about feeling safe at night,” a Perth security advisor said, noting that ground-floor windows facing streets or laneways are common points of concern.
Some Perth homeowners report using shutters to secure rear sliding doors and bedrooms that back onto public open spaces, saying it offers extra peace of mind when children are home alone or when properties are left vacant for extended periods.
Noise reduction and privacy in busy suburbs
Roller shutters are also being used to manage noise and privacy in suburbs experiencing higher levels of infill development and traffic, including areas along key arterial roads and near new commercial centres.
By enclosing the window cavity, quality roller shutters can soften traffic, aircraft and neighbourhood noise, with residents saying the difference is often most noticeable early in the morning and late at night.
“We hear a lot from shift workers and young families living on busier streets who just want proper darkness and quiet in the bedroom,” one Perth installer said, adding that many homeowners had tried double glazing but found external shutters more effective for blocking light.
The shutters can be partially lowered to filter light while maintaining airflow, which some residents say helps them feel more comfortable leaving windows open for ventilation in the evenings.
Technology changing how shutters are used
The roller shutters Perth homeowners are requesting today differ markedly from the manual, industrial-style units installed on some properties decades ago.
Electric motors, remote controls and smart home integration are now routinely requested, with customers seeking the ability to raise and lower shutters from inside the home, via smartphone apps, or on timers.
“Automation has been a game changer for uptake,” a local business owner in the roller shutters sector said, explaining that many new installations in Perth now feature motorised systems rather than traditional manual winders.
For some households, particularly older residents, the option to operate shutters at the touch of a button is a key factor in deciding to retrofit the product on existing homes.
Local manufacturing and coastal conditions
Suppliers in Western Australia say coastal conditions around Perth, Fremantle and the northern beaches have influenced the way modern roller shutters are designed and installed.
High-grade aluminium, powder-coated finishes and corrosion-resistant components are now standard offerings aimed at withstanding salty air and strong coastal winds, which can accelerate wear and tear on external fixtures.
Local manufacturers argue that Perth-made roller shutters are often better suited to the city’s specific climate than imported alternatives, because profiles and installation methods can be adapted for local building styles and conditions.
“Every suburb has its own challenges, from strong afternoon sea breezes to intense western sun, and we tend to design around that,” a Perth shutter specialist said.
What Perth homeowners are asking for
Suppliers report that the most common enquiries relate to bedroom and front-facing window installations, along with shutters for large glass sliding doors that open onto patios and backyards.
Customers typically ask about security performance, noise reduction and how much roller shutters can realistically save on cooling costs during Perth’s summer peaks.
While exact savings depend on the home and how the shutters are used, industry sources say they can help keep rooms cooler for longer and may allow air conditioners to run less frequently or at higher temperature settings.
Colour choice is another priority for many residents, with lighter shades often chosen to reflect heat and comply with estate design guidelines in newer developments around Perth’s fringes.
Balancing cost with long-term benefits
As with many home improvements, the initial outlay for roller shutters can be a sticking point for some, particularly when installing on multiple windows across a property.
However, homeowners weighing up quotes are increasingly factoring in the potential for lower cooling costs, reduced need for internal furnishings, and benefits such as improved sleep and a greater sense of security.
Industry observers say the market for roller shutters in Perth is now broad, with interest coming from first-home buyers, investors, downsizers and long-term owners seeking to update older properties without major structural changes.
With demand for practical security and energy solutions expected to continue, local installers anticipate roller shutters will remain a common sight on Perth homes, from inner-city terraces to new builds on the urban fringe.
Residents considering roller shutters are encouraged to seek quotes from established Perth-based providers, ask about locally suited materials and warranties, and inspect examples of recent installations before deciding on the best option for their home.