Roller shutters for windows: 2 opposites guarding privacy

Mullvatt September 18, 2016Specialization: Capital construction work (laying a foundation, erecting walls, constructing a roof, etc.). Internal construction work (laying internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communications, high technology, computer equipment, programming.

Roller shutters will preserve your privacy and protect you from sunlight

Recently, roller shutters have become quite popular. Moreover, this term refers to two products: protective structures that prevent unauthorized entry into the room, as well as fabric roller blinds for windows that protect from the sun, but do it very effectively.

In today’s article I will talk about each of the mentioned varieties in more detail.

No. 1. Roller shutter design

Roller shutters are often called roller shutters and security blinds, and their design includes the following elements:

• canvas made of lamellas. The latter can be aluminum, steel or plastic;
• a shaft onto which the fabric is wound due to its not monolithic, but lamellar design;
• box , which covers the shaft with the fabric wound on it, makes the overall appearance more aesthetic and protects all elements from the negative effects of the environment;
• guides that allow the blade to move up and down.

Roller shutters are operated either mechanically or electrically. Externally, roller shutters look quite simple, but aesthetically pleasing, they reliably cover the window opening and prevent unauthorized access. The color can be absolutely any, as well as the size. Today it is also possible to make roller shutters for windows of non-standard shape, for example, for an arched opening.

Digging a little from the topic, we note that roller shutters are used to protect garage doors, retail areas and offices. Naturally, roller shutters for garages are available with thicker and wider slats. There are even sanitary roller shutters for the toilet, which allow you to hide not-so-nice communications. They are not assigned protective functions, which is why their design is lightweight.

No. 2. Roller shutter material

When choosing roller shutters for windows, the material of their manufacture :

• aluminum _ The vast majority of roller shutters are made from aluminum. This is a fairly light material that allows you to make the entire structure as compact as possible and use a manual drive or the simplest electric drive with it. Aluminum roller shutters look great, come in a huge variety, provide good protection from the sun and are cheaper than their steel counterpart. Such roller shutters cope well with protective functions, although they are inferior to steel ones;
• steel _ Such roller shutters can be called a model in terms of strength and reliability. If you need maximum protection, then you can safely choose them. On the other hand, steel roller shutters weigh a fair amount, they can hardly be called compact, and in terms of aesthetics they are inferior to aluminum ones, but at the same time they are more expensive;
• plastic roller shutters are not installed to protect the window from intruders, but only to reduce the intensity of sunlight in the room and to protect yourself from prying eyes. Such systems look great, amaze with their variety and can become a façade decoration;
• wooden roller shutters are also designed not to block the path of an intruder, but to protect from sunlight, which is especially important in the summer for windows facing south. The design made from natural material looks great and provides a decent level of heat and sound insulation.

Roller blinds for windows

The product performs the function of curtains and is a necessary and necessary attribute. There are a wide variety of models of roller blinds, you can choose them for any interior of the room - both residential and office. The mechanism is so simple that even a child can handle it.

The curtain fabric is treated with a special compound, thanks to which direct sunlight does not enter the room. This composition makes it possible to use the canvas for many years.

It is best to buy this accessory in a store , where experts will help you choose not only the curtain material, but also a reliable fastening system. If you fail to take the correct measurement yourself, the company’s representatives will do it correctly so as not to have to redo it in the future.

No. 3. Roller shutter profile type

Despite the fact that steel roller shutters can provide maximum protection, today the greatest demand is for aluminum roller shutters, which can be made from various types of profiles :

• foam-filled roller profile - the simplest and cheapest option. Thin sheets of aluminum are used for rolling, so even foam filler does not protect against possible deformation under severe mechanical loads. Such roller shutters have good thermal and sound insulation properties, but they are not particularly resistant to burglary. If they are used with a protection function, then only together with other means, for example, an alarm;

• reinforced solid-drawn profile Much more durable than the previous version, it can be an excellent obstacle in the way of attackers. It is more expensive than a roller-rolled profile, but if your goal is reliable protection of window openings, then it is better to choose it. Such roller shutters are well suited for a summer house;

• lattice seamless or perforated profile It also has excellent reliability and durability, resists burglary well, and is used mainly for installation in commercial premises, because with the proper level of protection, such roller shutters provide an acceptable view of the display case, even when it is closed. Sometimes they are installed at home so that even with the roller shutters closed, a little light penetrates inside.

Separately, we can highlight armored roller shutters; they can be made of both aluminum and steel, but are not used in private construction - they are so powerful and massive that they can become reliable protection for financial institutions.

Fabric roller blinds – what are they?

By their design, window blinds are a combination of fabric, a box for it and locks that do not allow the fabric to move freely in the horizontal or vertical direction.

When adjusting the length of the product, the web is gradually wound onto the shaft and straightened out. A distinctive feature of such systems is that they can only be controlled while inside the building.

Fabric roller blinds on plastic windows perform the following functions:

• Protection of the interior of the room from exposure to sunlight and the penetration of extraneous sounds from the outside;
• Aesthetic finishing of window openings. Fabric roller blinds allow you to choose a fabric of any color, pattern and texture;
• Creating thermal insulation to maintain a stable temperature in the room.

No. 4. Types of roller shutter control

Roller shutters on windows can be controlled in two ways:

• mechanically , i.e. through human physical effort. This is a budget option, suitable when the weight of the structure and the number of windows with roller shutters is small;
• automatically using an electric drive. More expensive, but also more comfortable way of control. As soon as you press a button on the wall or on the remote control, the roller shutters will begin to move.

No. 5. Mechanical roller shutter control

Mechanical control wins in terms of practicality, because it does not depend on electrical power and will not suffer from voltage surges or lack of electricity. Depending on the weight of the structure, several drive options are used for manual control:

• The belt drive is suitable for roller shutters up to 15 kg. The name of the system suggests that its key element is the tape, which is attached at one end to the tape layer and at the other to the shaft. To set the structure in motion, simply pull the ribbon. A common option for small window openings, one of the most budget-friendly;
• cardan drive suitable for structures weighing up to 36 kg, allows you to control roller shutters by rotating the cardan handle. It is also inexpensive, reliable in operation, and its design allows you to install an automatic top lock on it;

• the cable drive can lift roller shutters weighing up to 100 kg; it works by changing the degree of tension of the cable, which is attached to the cardan shaft. Control is carried out using a handle, the system is quite reliable and relatively inexpensive;
• spring-inertial today it is the most common, it can withstand a maximum weight of 80 kg, and you can close and open the roller shutters using special handles that are located on the bottom rail. To guarantee it, it is better to equip such roller shutters with a bottom lock.

Types of roller shutters for windows

You can find two types of roller shutters on sale, which are shown in the diagram below.

Types of roller shutters for windows.

These types differ significantly from each other in purpose, technical characteristics and operational properties. I'll tell you about each of them in more detail.

Roller shutters for windows to protect against intrusion

Protective roller shutters on windows.

I’ll start my story with protective roller shutters, which are responsible for the safety of your home and the safety of property acquired through back-breaking labor. In terms of their purpose, they are similar to window grilles, but unlike the latter, they do not spoil the appearance of the building’s facade and do not interfere with your ability to contemplate the surroundings.

Window security rollers in the open position leave the window opening open, but if necessary can be closed in a matter of minutes, protecting the property along with solid steel doors and secure locks. In this case, the attacker will not only not get inside, but will also not be able to damage the glass.

To choose the right model, you need to pay attention to several important factors:

1. Material of manufacture. Now there are varieties on sale made from polymers, wood and aluminum.

Aluminum protective roller shutters for windows and doors.

If you really want to turn your home into a fortress, I advise you to opt for the latter variety. Aluminum slats of protective roller shutters have the same strength as steel ones, but due to their high corrosion resistance (inertness to moisture), they retain their performance properties longer.

Plastic and wooden roller shutters belong to the decorative class. They can only protect from direct sunlight, indiscreet views from the street and extraneous noise. Wooden roller shutters, by the way, very effectively complement the appearance of the facades of wooden houses.

1. Control method. According to this parameter, all existing types of protective structures can be divided into several types, which can be seen in the table.

It is necessary to think about the way to control security roller shutters.

It is also important to take into account the method of installing protective roller shutters, but I will talk about this a little later when we talk about the installation technology of purchased products.

Decorative roller shutters

There is another group of products - fabric roller shutters for windows. They are rectangular textile sheets that are attached to a cylinder located at the top of the window block.

When open, the fabric is wound onto the shaft using a manual mechanism (chain) or an electric motor. When unfolded, the roller shutter completely covers the glass, regulating the access of light into the room.

The photo shows a fabric roller shutter on a window.

Unlike conventional curtains and curtains, textile internal roller shutters for windows have the following advantages:

• the product retains its appearance, color and shape throughout its entire service life;
• Roller shutter fabric is well protected from moisture, temperature fluctuations and ultraviolet radiation using special impregnations;
• the material does not accumulate static electricity and therefore does not attract dust flying in the air.

Fabric roller shutters can be installed on the entire window opening, window frame, or separately on each sash. A weight bar is attached to the bottom of the fabric strip, which prevents the fabric from curling into a tube.

There are models of the described products that have side guides. They are ideal for arranging sloping roof windows. Guides installed at the beads prevent the fabric from sagging in the open position.

Fabric roller shutters with guides.

Roller shutters are made from various types of fabric. On sale I came across products made from linen, cotton and synthetic materials. The texture of roller blinds is also very diverse. The most popular are:

• velvety and smooth fabrics;
• shiny and matte products;
• curtains, embroidered, decorated with drawings and photographs;
• dense and translucent fabrics.

Fabric roller shutters with a photo.

To best satisfy the needs of customers, decorative roller shutters can be decorated with tassels, braid, and fringe. You can easily choose an option that completely suits the interior of your apartment or house.

Types of roller shutters by mechanism design

Regardless of the type of fabric used and the size of the canvas, all textile roller shutters are divided into two groups according to the type of control mechanism:

1. Open system. The shaft and control mechanisms are located in the upper part of the window and are not decorated with anything. The blade is wound onto the shaft, which when closed forms a neat cylinder (which gave the design its name).

Fabric roller shutter with open mechanism.

In specialized stores you can purchase roller shutters that differ from each other in the length and diameter of the shaft, the width and appearance of the lower weighting fabric, as well as the length of the fabric wound into a roll.

Naturally, the more fabric and the more massive the cylinder, the more powerful the control mechanisms will be and the higher the price of the product. Although in any case, buying such a model of roller shutters will not ruin you.

1. Closed system. As in the previous case, the curtain is wound onto a shaft, but the latter is installed in a box (as is the case with protective roller shutters), and the lower weighting material is usually attached to the guides.

Closed fabric roller shutters for plastic windows.

This design makes it possible to place the roller shutter as close as possible to the surface of the glass, and also prevents the curtain from sagging when the window is opened for ventilation (or if the window unit is installed at an angle in the attic). The guides can be installed on the glazing beads that hold the glass, as well as along the edges of the window opening.

Types of fabric roller shutters according to the level of light protection

Sun protection roller blinds made of fabric are divided into several types according to the level of light transmission. To choose the right model, I recommend using the following table.

Fabric roller shutters day-night.

Types of fabric roller shutters by type of control

Another important point that is important to pay attention to when choosing textile roller shutters is the method of controlling the curtains. The following options exist:

1. Chain cord - installed on the cylinder on either side and activates the mechanism for folding and unfolding the canvas.

Fabric roller shutter with control chain.

1. Spring holder - is installed on the lower weight bar and serves to secure it in the desired position between the window glazing beads. To fold the curtain, just release the lock, after which the roll will rewind automatically due to the stretched spring.

Fabric roller shutters with a spring holder roll up independently.

1. Electric motor - in this case, the fabric roller shutter shaft is driven by a motor, which, in turn, is controlled by a remote control, timer, light level sensor, and so on.

Roller blinds can be controlled using a remote control.

No. 6. Automatic roller shutter control

The electric drive allows you to set the roller shutters in motion with one press of a button, this is convenient, but costs additional financial investment. The motor is integrated inside the octagonal shaft and does not increase the structure at all. The electric drive allows you to safely raise and lower roller shutters weighing up to 200 kg, use the top automatic lock for reliability, but there are also limitations: it cannot be used with roller shutters less than 60 cm wide.

There are two ways to control roller shutters automatically:

• radio control , when the structure is set in motion by a button on the remote control, and the command is broadcast over a radio channel;
• wired control using keys, locks and rotary switches.

A significant advantage of automatic control is the ability to combine several roller shutters into groups. This allows you to activate several roller shutters at once, usually up to 4, by pressing one button.