Roller shutters are an analogue of antique window shutters. However, the modern design has been improved and is used for window, door and gate openings. They are compact, easy to clean and maintain.
This mechanism performs a number of functions:
- protection from ultraviolet and sunlight, environmental factors;
- protection from thieves;
- sound and thermal insulation;
- element of decoration of the facade of a building.
Types of roller shutters
Roller shutters have a burglary resistance class of P1-P7. Models with classes P1-P2 are protected from external factors and noise, and also have an insulated profile. Devices of class P3 and higher have an additional burglary protection function; the higher the class, the higher the protective level of the product (models with protective level P6-7 have an armored coating).
Depending on the purpose, the following types of roller shutters are distinguished:
- protective grilles with various openings – widely used in private homes, offices, restaurants and parking lots. They feature a stylish design.
- garage – made from a wide and durable profile.
- window and door roller shutters – have many variations in color and material,
Types of roller shutter control
Roller shutters can be controlled in several ways: mechanical and automatic. The mechanical type is the optimal solution for a small budget and a simple solution. This design is practical and less susceptible to various types of breakdowns. Unlike automatic, this mechanism does not depend on the presence of electricity and power surges.
The manual control mechanism for roller blinds has several varieties:
- The cardan mechanism is designed for structures weighing less than 36 kg. The cardan handle is the basis for controlling roller shutters. The system has the ability to install a top lock.
- The belt drive is the most cost-effective mechanism; it is installed in aluminum roller shutters weighing up to 15 kg. Control is carried out by means of a tape attached to a pulley on the shaft on one side and the free end inside the room. To raise or lower the roller blind, you need to pull the tape.
- The spring-inertial system can withstand the weight of lamellas up to 80 kg and is adjusted with special handles installed at the bottom of the blade.
- The cable reducer is designed for roller blinds weighing about 100 kg. The blade is controlled by changing the tension level of the cable, which is connected to the cardan shaft with a spring and a special handle.
The electronic mechanism is installed inside the octagonal shaft. Depending on the weight of the lamellas, rotation speed and power consumption, they are divided:
- Radio control is carried out by a special remote control by transmitting a signal over a radio channel.
- Drive control can be carried out using various switches.
- Group – control is carried out by a special remote control up to 4 engines simultaneously.
What are roller shutters made of?
The structure consists of:
- guides along which the web moves;
- canvas, which is visually similar to blinds, but much stronger (manufacturing material - aluminum, steel);
- a special box that protects the mechanism from external influences;
- a galvanized steel shaft onto which the roller shutter fabric is wound.
The most popular material for making roller shutter slats is aluminum. This material has light weight, high noise and heat-insulating properties. Due to their light weight, they are used in mechanical models. Their disadvantage is the insufficient strength of aluminum, which can deform over time. An alternative to such a product is durable and reliable steel slats. They can be used for openings of any size.
Aluminum construction is divided into 3 types depending on the type of profile:
- The lattice profile guarantees safety and also provides visibility into the room. Used in shopping centers or boutiques;
- Fully tensioned - has increased strength, the main function of this design is protection against burglary;
- The profile with foam filling is light in weight, the main functions are sound and noise insulation. The burglary resistance indicators are low.
Which roller shutters are better?
Based on the material, aluminum roller shutters are inferior to steel ones in terms of strength and burglary resistance. At the same time, they meet safety requirements, are much cheaper, lighter and simpler to install.This type of roller blinds will be the optimal solution for a home or office or store.
By type of control, automatic shutters make life much easier for the owner. The advantage of an automatic drive is the ability to control it from anywhere inside and outside the house. For heavy structures, manual drive is inconvenient.
When it comes to installation, the built-in method provides additional protection against burglars. A protective box built into an opening is much more difficult to crack than externally installed roller shutters.
Another characteristic that you should pay attention to when choosing a roller shutter is the presence of filler. For a building that is susceptible to criminal attacks and frequent break-ins, anti-vandal models are best suited. For an apartment or house, the optimal solution would be roller rolling with filler. These models have a high level of thermal insulation, as well as additional protection from external noise.
Conclusion
Modern roller shutters have not only a decorative function. They provide noise and thermal insulation of the room, protecting owners from burglary. The systems are characterized by reliability, durability and affordable pricing. Care and maintenance of such mechanisms is not difficult.