Blinds have been used to protect windows quite recently, previously grills were installed for this, which did not have a very attractive appearance. Modern roller shutters are beauty, aesthetics, reliability and safety. Consider the design features, types, materials of manufacture and how to care for them.
Roller functions
Modern roller shutter systems are installed to solve various problems. First of all, roller shutters are the protection of the premises.
Destination roller shutters:
- protection of the premises from prying eyes and a decorative element of the facade - this is especially true for residents of the lower floors (since there are many varieties of roller shutters, you can additionally decorate the facade of the house, making it exclusive);
- noise isolation - foam-filled aluminum street roller shutters have good sound absorption, so the sound from the street will not be heard in the room;
- protection from the weather and the sun - roller shutter systems have the function of protecting the premisesand windows from the effects of weather conditions (showers, rain, hail), and also help to keep cool in hot weather;
- protection against burglary - aluminum structures, due to the use of durable components, will reliably protect the property in the absence of the owners of the house, since by their nature they are comparable to steel bars through which it is almost impossible to enter the premises;
- maintaining the optimal temperature in the room - roller shutter systems help save energy (keep cool in hot weather and accumulate heat in the cold season).
Design features of roller shutters
The roller shutter system consists of several components, the choice of which depends on the purpose of the product, as well as its functionality.
Components for roller shutters:
1. Roller shutter.
Consists of profiles. They, in turn, can be filled with foam or be of increased rigidity, which protects the room from burglary. Profiles made of aluminum tape, covered with two layers of varnish, are distinguished by high wear resistance. They retain heat and prevent noise from entering from the outside. Available with or without perforations.
2. Extruded guide bars.
The movement of the roller shutter system depends on them when winding into a box. They can be standard, reinforced and specialized. Special rails are used to combine two or more systems or to separate a wide opening. Can be remote or angular.
3. Side covers andprotective boxes.
Choose depending on the design and preferences of the owner of the premises. They can be semi-circular, round and 45- or 20-degree, they are distinguished by rigidity - rollfirming and extruded.
4. Controls.
Selected depending on the weight and size of the roller shutter system, as well as ease of use. Control can be manual or electric. There are also intelligent systems that have a built-in timer, light and heat sensors, weather sensors to ensure an optimal indoor climate.
Shutters for windows
Rolling systems can be installed not only on windows in residential buildings. They are popular with owners of trade pavilions and various shops. They are made of environmentally friendly, durable and rust-resistant material - aluminum. It is not defeated by temperature changes, precipitation, and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, you can maintain a beautiful appearance by simply washing the roller shutter with a rag and water.
Owners of small rooms on the windows choose roller shutters with manual drive. Those who install a roller shutter system on a building with a large or large number of windows prefer an electric drive to close the system. It's convenient and fast.
The following types of roller shutters for windows are distinguished:
- built-in or internal - blinds that are installed on top of the window opening in the wall opening;
- overhead - roller shutter system over the opening;
- combined - the guides are in the wall, in the box - on top.
Garageshutters
Recently at the peak of popularity are garage shutters, which have many advantages. They save a lot of space, making the garage space more compact.
Garage type roller shutter consists of a box, a roll cloth and guide profiles. Most often made of aluminum and steel, the void in the panels is filled with polyurethane, as an additional reinforcing substance. The aluminum roller shutter system is more pliable, light and easy to use, while steel roller shutters are the most resistant to burglary.
Protective shutters (roller shutters)
Roller blinds for protection, that is, roller shutters, are installed in institutions, offices and private houses on windows and doorways. Their main task is additional protection of the premises from burglary. The style is selected depending on the external interior. Roller shutter systems can have different thicknesses (from 40 mm to 77 mm) and are made of steel and aluminum.
There are roller shutters for furniture that prevent products from fading in the sun, plumbing systems for baths and bathrooms, as well as fireproof shutters that minimize the risk of a fire in the room. Large industrial safety curtains can be made to order.
Varieties of protective roller shutters by control method:
- mechanical roller shutters are the most budget option, which is installed on a system weighing no more than 30 kg (heavier roller shutters are simplycannot be lifted manually);
- Electric Roller Shutters – Operated by an electrical cable installed inside the box to save space (can be operated by pushing a button or using a remote control).
Protective roller shutters can be mounted on or in a window/door opening. This choice depends on the personal preferences of the owner of the premises. But the installation of the system in the inner facade is considered more reliable. A “hidden installation” looks more effective, but it is only possible during the construction phase or when disassembling the window frame.
Roll shutter controls
The roller shutter drive can be manual or automatic. The latter option is used for heavy and bulky structures (up to 200 kg).
Varieties of manual control of roller shutters:
- tape - the movement of the roller shutter system is carried out with the help of tapes (used for roller shutters no more than 15 kg);
- corded - a strong cord is used (the mass of roller shutters should be no more than 20 kg);
- collar - a system weighing up to 35 kg, is driven by a special cardan;
- using a spring-inertial mechanism - a torsion spring is used, located inside the shaft of the protective roller shutters (system weight no more than 60 kg);
- cord - the method is similar to cord control, but a steel cable is used here (the weight of roller shutters should not exceed 80 kg).
An important issue is also the wayinstallation in a window opening. The most commonly used vertical type, that is, roller shutters rise up. This type can be built-in (excellent protection against burglary), on the outside of the window opening (the easiest and most budgetary installation option), as well as combined (installation in the opening itself). The latter type of installation is the least used as it reduces the space of a window or door opening.
What materials are shutters made of
Blinds are a kind of blinds that can be made from different materials depending on their function. For protective roller shutters on windows, steel or aluminum is most often used.
Aluminum shutters are strong, wear-resistant, strong and durable. The material is not exposed to external influences, but does not absorb noise well. The advantages of the material include: compactness, support for optimal room temperature, ease of installation and a large selection of colors. In addition, the cost of such a variant of roller shutters is lower compared to steel counterparts.
Steel roller shutters are more durable and overall, so they perfectly protect the room from burglary. But the disadvantage of steel is that the material is poorly affected by moisture, so they are additionally coated with zinc. If you choose roller shutters for windows purely for aesthetic reasons, then you should not choose steel (overall and heavy) structures.
Indoor shutters can be made from the following materials:
- fabric - diversitycolors, but are not installed in the kitchen, because they are fire hazardous and difficult to maintain;
- wood is a practical option, long service life and low maintenance;
- plastic - an alternative to wood, a large selection of colors, easy care.
How to choose roller shutters depending on their functions
Roller shutters are selected depending on their purpose, that is, what function they will perform. This applies primarily to the material of manufacture.
To protect the glass from stones, hail or other weather conditions, you can choose a regular aluminum profile that is filled with hard or soft polyurethane. Under the influence of impact, they can be deformed, but this will not affect the protective functions during operation.
Steel roller shutters are installed against burglary and for maximum protection of the premises. They are larger, but do their job well.
Also, the material of manufacture of roller shutters must be taken into account during installation, which can be built-in and overhead. The first option directly into the opening, although it is considered the most durable, but somewhat reduces the space. The overlay option does not reduce space, but offers less security.
Conclusion
Roller blinds are convenience, safety and practicality. After installing or installing the system, it is important to check its performance. Roller shutters should not creak or make other sounds during operation. In order to choose a roller shutter system, it is worth determiningfunctions that roller shutters should perform. Aluminum shutters are a budget option, steel models minimize the risk of burglary.
