Stylishly SECURE

Lisa Raleigh

Health & Wellness celeb Lisa Raleigh delves into why Blockhouse Shutters was the obvious choice for her family’s luxurious home in Johannesburg.

What triggered installing security shutters in your home?

I ticked a major to-do off my list recently by installing the ultimate Blockhouse Shutters all around my lounge and outdoor patio area. This is one of those massive steps we’re required to take in a new home, but the stage-fright is real when it comes to pulling the trigger.

Was safety and security a factor or was it window dressing and aesthetics you were looking for?

I knew I wanted security shutters rather than blinds because I love the clean look, the simple open and shut mechanism, and the secure durable material. But I’d previously had wooden ones in my Durban home, and wasn’t sure what to expect with these. Well, all I can say is I’m hooked! The Blockhouse aluminium shutters are incredible and I’ve never felt safer in my home.

How did the need for privacy and light control play a part in your selection process?

Lucky for me, these shutters have a lot more going for them than just looks. Unlike blinds or shades – or even less tough shutters – the Blockhouse ones are durable too. That means that my solution for managing light in my house now serves as my security measure too. The security shutters from Blockhouse are also accepted as a security barrier by most insurance companies – make sure to check with yours. They sure beat ugly burglar bars.

Was it important to you to find a weatherproof solution?

These shutters have transformed my once-outdoor patio as well. It’s so hard choosing furniture for an area that’s vulnerable to bad weather, and you also lose that space for entertaining when the rain and wind comes. My husband, Stafford and I spent ages trying to figure out whether we really needed to enclose our outdoor area with shutters, and now that we’ve done it, we can’t imagine not having them! Our furniture is completely protected, and now we gain that space back when the weather turns. The Blockhouse shutters have an up-to-ten year guarantee on them too, so that durability isn’t just all talk.

How would you compare cleaning the shutters to other window dressings?

Like, ridiculously easy. A wipe and some soapy water (at the most) is all it takes to keep these shutters sparkling. As an added bonus, these shutters have been covered in an environmentally-friendly powder coating.

As a home-grown girl, is it important to you to support local companies?

Absolutely. Blockhouse Shutters is a Cape Town-based company, and their products are manufactured locally. Most of their raw materials are locally sourced too. That’s no easy feat for such a sophisticated product! Blockhouse Shutters are available nationwide through trained and experienced agents.

Were your satisfied with the overall service and support that you received?

When it comes to being on the ball, these guys are the real deal. From quote to installation, very little time passed, and on installation day, my shutters were up within a few hours. Blockhouse Shutters only use registered resellers with well-trained installation teams and in my case, the staff from one of their JHB resellers, Magnador, were quiet, capable, tidied up after themselves, and generally professional from start to finish.

Do your shutters enhance your way of living, if yes, in what way?

Yes definitely. It has been challenging with our young daughter who likes to play on our patio/outside living area - which leads directly onto our pool. The shutters offer a sense of safety for us and we are now able to relax with full peace of mind in this zen space.

Do you feel that it adds value, and if so, could you elaborate?

Shutters are a big investment after all, and once it’s done, it’s DONE. I believe it can only up the value of one’s property. The shutters also add a beautiful backdrop to many of my photoshoots I have done at home, so no need to venture out and find suitable locations.

Would you recommend Blockhouse Shutters to your family and friends?

Yes I would absolutely recommend Blockhouse Shutters.

Is there anything you would like to end off with?

Just that I have been incredibly impressed with the entire process and end product. My husband and I are both thrilled that we decided on Blockhouse Shutters to secure our home.