Everything you need to know about roller shutters

A roller shutter is a key element for your home, providing additional security, improved thermal and sound insulation, as well as optimal comfort. Familiarize yourself with the different types of roller shutters, the materials available and their respective advantages. Also discover the points to know to make an informed decision on the installation of roller shutters in your home.

What is a roller shutter?

Definition

A rolling shutter, a closing and opening device , consisting of a set of articulated blades which wind around an axis, the whole being integrated into a box . It allows you to protect your home against prying eyes, bad weather while providing thermal and sound insulation.

It is found on windows, bay windows, garage doors and many openings. The historical term for the rolling shutter is “ roller shutter” , an expression very little used today.

Operation of a roller shutter

Raising and lowering of the shutter

The basic principle of the operation of a roller shutter lies in the winding and unwinding of the apron , which is the set of slats forming the roller shutter itself.

When you open the roller shutter, the apron wraps around an axis located in a chest, located at the top of the window. Winding is facilitated by a spring located inside the shaft, which contributes to the tension required to lift the curtain when opening the shutter. For example, in the case of a manual roller shutter, when you turn the crank, you rotate the axis, which wraps the curtain around it.

Conversely, when you close the roller shutter, the curtain unrolls along the guides, which are side rails attached to the wall or window. These tracks, also called slides , guide the apron as it descends, ensuring that it stays straight and covers the window properly.

To illustrate, imagine pulling on a chain or rope attached to the bottom of the apron. As the apron unwinds from the centerline, it runs down the runners until it reaches the bottom of the window, blocking light and providing some insulation.

mechanical parts

The roller shutter is made up of several mechanical parts that are essential to its operation. The axis, as mentioned earlier, is crucial for rolling up the apron. This axis is often associated with a drive mechanism, which can be manual (a crank or a strap, for example) or motorized (an electric motor activated by a switch or a remote control).

The slats of the apron can be made of different materials, such as PVC or aluminium, each having their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of strength, insulation and cost. For example, an aluminum roller shutter may be more weather resistant and offer better security, but it may also be more expensive than a PVC roller shutter.

The box, which contains the roll-up axle and the rolled-up apron, can be integrated into the wall (for a more aesthetic appearance) or fixed outside the wall or window. In addition, the roller shutter can be equipped with various features, such as additional insulation, an anti-tearing system for security, or even a solar motor for greater energy efficiency.

Advantages of a roller shutter

• Visual barrier : your neighbors will no longer be able to observe your every move.
• Thermal insulation : up to 7% heating savings in winter; roller shutters help maintain a pleasant temperature in your home, by creating an airtight space between the outside and your window.
• Acoustic protection
• Security : in the lower position, an automatic lock is there to prevent lifting.
• Comfort: with an electric shutter, handling is done with a simple press of a switch or remote control

Disadvantages of a roller shutter

• Slight loss of brightness for “ renovation ” models with the presence of the box
• Beware of models that are too “discount”: finish (solid casing, poorly finished), operating noise and durability

The maneuvers of a roller shutter

Roller shutters can be operated in different ways , either by hand or with the assistance of a motor.

Manual roller shutter

As its name suggests, this type of shutter is operated by a manual mechanism, without any assistance. To ensure the movement , the person activates an oscillating rod (or crank) or by pulling on a strap.

To facilitate the movement, a winch with a reduction to limit the effort required.

Advantages of the manual roller shutter

• Simple , economical and reliable
• Works without any electricity
• Reduced maintenance
• Easy to identify faults

Disadvantages of the manual roller shutter

• Physical effort , especially on large rolling shutters
• No centralization or automation possible

Electric roller shutter

It is simply a shutter operated by a motor .

Movement is done with a remote control, a switch or even automatic control with a home automation system. This motorization is positioned within the axis, which makes it possible to keep a compact box.

Advantages of an electric roller shutter

• Effortless handling
• Possibility of centralization
• Time programming (subject to the correct motorization)
• Energy saving with intelligent integration into a home automation system (subject to motorization and suitable accessories).
• The most modern versions are compatible with voice commands (Google Home, Siri, Alexa) with the add-on.

Disadvantages of an electric roller shutter

• Larger initial investment
• Some motors no longer work in the event of a power failure
• Maintenance compared to the manual version

The different electric motors

roller shutter materials

Wooden slat

Relatively rare, wooden roller shutters can be found in some homes to respect the aesthetics of the building and have the warm side of this natural material. Some top-of-the-range chalets in the mountains are equipped with this type of awning. Wood also has the advantage of being strong and durable, with good insulation. Nevertheless, its weight, its price and its maintenance limit the diffusion of model.

PVC slat

PVC is the most economical and lightest material . The thermal insulation is also of excellent quality.

However, they are less resistant and are limited to shutters of smaller dimensions. Indeed, it expands with the highest temperatures , which causes blockages. In addition, it is limited to light colors, most often white.

Aluminum slat

The aluminum blades guarantee greater resistance, which is why they are found on the largest surfaces.

Polyurethane foam is injected to improve thermal and sound insulation. This material remains more expensive than PVC.

Types of roller shutters

Traditional roller shutter

Integrated during the construction of the housing, it is installed directly in the masonry, within a box. Depending on the brand, we find the term “tradi” or “traditional” shutter.

It is mainly found in new buildings or in the most extensive renovations. main soundadvantage is that the safe is “ invisible ” because it is positioned in the wall. In addition, no loss of brightness exists.

Roller shutter renovation

As the name suggests, this type of shutter is used for an existing house. They are used when the design of the property had not been planned to receive them.

Their design allows easy installation and for the majority of windows or bay windows. You will surely also find the expression “ shutter with external box ” or “ one-piece shutter ”.

Tunnel roller shutter

In this case, the roller shutter is delivered directly in the tunnel box.

Window block roller shutter

Last variant, the roller shutter is attached to the window (or bay window). This solution is interesting for a renovation as well as for the new.

roller shutter price

Here are some guidelines: Get quotes. Many parameters influence the price:

• dimensions
• custom product
• choice of communication technology of the motorization
• colors
• blade type
• type of installation

Go directly to our site to configure your ideal roller shutter in a few clicks.

Discover our article on the installation of a solar roller shutter

The best known brands of roller shutters

In France, we have many quality manufacturers as well as in our European neighbors.

• Bubendorff
• Somfy
• The Toulouse
• Soprofen
• Franciaflex
• Griesser
• Galaxy
• C2R
• Flip
• Amc

Are you struggling to make your choice?

Our team is here for you. Our advice will help you between the different models, colors and ensure that you have taken your measurements correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are roller shutters tax deductible?

Since 2021, the installation of roller shutters no longer allows you to benefit from tax reductions in France. Only accessibility work for disabled or elderly people is still relevant.

What is the lifespan of a roller shutter?

Some brands like Bubendorff test their products on 30,000 cycles, which corresponds to as many ups/downs. The manufacturer announces that this corresponds to 30 years of use.
At Lacentrale-eco, we regularly advise clients who repair shutters over 20 years old. We cannot establish a precise lifespan, there are many parameters that come into play: quality of installation, regular maintenance, region (sea air in particular), etc.

Are there roller shutters with an integrated mosquito net?

Yes, discover them directly on our site

Are there roller shutters with adjustable slats?

Yes, this option exists at Bubendorff especially. The installation remains exactly the same as a classic model.

Discover our dedicated article on the roller shutter with adjustable slat

What is the difference between a venetian blind and a roller shutter?

We invite you to consult our article on BSOs to find out more.

What VAT on a roller shutter?

• installation by an individual: 20%
• Installation by a pro: 10% if no energy improvement. In the event of an improvement in energy performance, this increases to 5.5% (check the conditions for reduced VAT in this page of the Ministry of the Economy).

What is the current standard for this product?

This is the NF standard, which imposes a test over 14,000 cycles.