Types of roller shutters

Roller shutter systems are multifunctional structures that are installed on a door or window opening to provide room protection.

This design is more functional than classic ones and has a number of advantages. Depending on the purpose, there are different types of roller shutters. The classification is carried out based on their main functions and the material used for their manufacture.

Classification by function

Most modern manufacturers produce a wide variety of roller shutters, the types of which can be divided according to their functional purpose:

mechanical;
anti-vandal;
transparent;
fire protection

An ideal option for the private sector and low-budget commercial properties are mechanical roller shutters. This type does an excellent job of closing windows, doors, utility rooms, utility units and garages.

The positive side of mechanics is that it can work even in the absence of electricity. The profile height of mechanical roller shutters varies within a fairly wide range; the most common standard options are with a height of 50, 75, 105, 115 mm.

Manually operated structures can be mounted by any in a convenient way, be it installing a box over a window or doorway(indoors or outdoors), or installation inside the opening.

To control the leaf of mechanical roller shutters, a special lever is used

In terms of safety, it is preferable to use surface mounting with inside premises - thus no access to the mechanism with outside will not be. The locking device is usually installed from the inside. Locks are placed at the bottom of the products, on both sides.

The only case when it is impossible to install the box indoors is when there is not enough distance between the ceiling and the top of the opening. In this case, the box is placed outside. The control of some mechanical roller shutters can be automated. In particular, the spring-band mechanism is easy to automate.

Designed in such a way as to protect the premises as much as possible from burglary. Designs are produced that are successfully used to protect shops, car dealerships, offices and banks.

Anti-vandal look of metal roller shutters

Despite their primary role, protective roller shutters often have an attractive appearance. High-quality paint and varnish coating is applied in the factory, which guarantees its maximum quality.

The outer coating is resistant to accidental and targeted mechanical stress, to the effects of water and moisture, detergents and chemicals.

Vandal-proof roller shutters, due to their design, are also a good way of thermal insulation. Closed doors can reduce heating and air conditioning costs.

In addition to the typical functions of roller shutters, transparent roller shutters have an additional advantage: people inside the room can see the outside environment through the closed profile.

At the same time, transparency works only in one direction - it remains impossible to see what is happening indoors from the street. In addition, closed transparent doors partially transmit sunlight, preventing only thermal radiation from entering.

Polycarbonate slats on translucent roller shutters allow daylight to pass through perfectly

Thus, an open canvas during the day does not lead to the need to use electric lighting. In addition, during the hot season there is no need to use air conditioning.

Fire shutters can be used as a more technologically advanced alternative to solid doors and window bars. If doors or bars can become an obstacle during evacuation, then protective roller shutters provide the possibility of using an emergency exit.

The fire profile is made of steel or aluminum. Such profiles do not use polymer fillers; voids remain inside.

Fire protection structures are used as an additional barrier to the spread of fire

This type of roller shutter can limit the spread of fire by isolating the burning room from all others. At the same time, there will be no problems with opening the lowered canvas to extinguish the fire.

The fire protection roller shutter drive is connected to fire alarm. Thus, when the alarm is triggered, the drive will automatically close the opening. In this case, you can configure the system so that the escape route, on the contrary, automatically opens.

Automatic control is always supplemented by manual control, so that in case of failure fire protection systems, closing and opening the canvas remained possible. Depending on the degree of fire hazard, it is possible to install structures with the required degree of fire resistance.

For relatively safe premises, it is recommended to install products with a fire resistance time of 30-60 minutes, while for warehouses with flammable materials, it is advisable to install isothermal roller shutters that can resist intense fire for several hours.

Classification by materials

Plastic protective structures for windows

Based on their components and materials used for the production of protective structures for windows and doors, the following types of products are distinguished:

plastic;
steel;
wooden;
polymer.

To create a comfortable environment in your home in any weather, plastic roller shutters are ideal. Plastic roller shutters are designed for small openings; in addition to some protective functions, they also have a decorative role.

The plastic profile protects from heat, bright sunlight and the gaze of strangers. Plastic roller shutters can protect windows from storm winds, mechanical damage and hooligans.

Of course, to protect against targeted hacking it is better to use a steel profile - however, even plastic types there is a psychological effect - an attacker will most likely prefer a simpler “object”, and will not climb into an additionally protected opening.

Steel roller shutters can provide significant protection for valuable property. Steel roller shutters are used to replace grilles and gates in buildings where significant attention is paid to security.

Protective roller shutters for windows are often made of fire-resistant steel. From steel profiles you can make both small roller shutters for windows and fairly large gates measuring up to 13x8 meters.

The steel profile of roller shutters provides the greatest protection against burglary and penetration

With all this, steel structures have decorative qualities that are not inferior to other types. Steel roller shutters are further subdivided by size, presence of perforation and area of use.

The greatest protection against burglary and other harmful influences is provided by profiles without perforation. Perforated look protective structures are used when it is necessary to ensure the transmission of daylight and visibility of what is happening outside the room.

If protective functions steel roller shutters are excessive for you, but it is impossible to use plastic roller shutters (for example, the opening is too large), it is advisable to use aluminum roller shutters.

Wooden roller shutters are great for interior decoration. They will be an original alternative interior doors, can be used instead of curtains or to hide plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and toilets.

Wood is safe for health and is an environmentally friendly material. Wooden roller shutters last much longer than doors, and roller shutters will look much more extravagant.

Polycarbonate is a translucent material that provides good performance product rigidity

Polycarbonate roller shutters differ from all others in that they partially transmit light. It is polycarbonate that is used to make the transparent types mentioned above. The cellular structure of the material provides the structure with lightness, strength and partial transparency.

Polycarbonate does not transmit thermal radiation, but it transmits light so well that there is no need for electric lighting when the roller shutters are closed during the day. Despite such transparency, the material hides what is happening in the room from prying eyes. At the same time, the opportunity to observe the external situation from the inside remains.

Polycarbonate provides good noise and heat insulation, and also has good mechanical strength.

In short, roller shutters are a structure consisting of two guides located vertically along which a roller shutter made of aluminum slats moves.

Mainly roller shutters in shops and financial institutions. However, today cottage owners are already interested in these products, country houses and even apartments.

In order for the device to work without breakdowns and not cause trouble, it is important to know how to choose roller shutters for windows.

What types of window shutters are there?

What it is?

As we have already said, the device resembles one in which the guides move by means of a manual or electric mechanism, it all depends on the shutter model. The devices are skillfully fixed in closed position using a special lock, and when open, they are twisted upward and placed in a box fixed above the window opening.

When choosing roller shutters in a store, you need to pay attention to the material from which they are made - the final service life, price and functions performed by the device depend on it.

The modern manufacturer produces aluminum, steel and plastic models. We recommend that you avoid the last sample - after a while you will see that the plastic is short-lived, scratches easily, loses its shine and original color, the plates, in turn, are susceptible to deformation and may even break.

Take a closer look at aluminum that is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and at the same time combines reliability and elasticity. Steel roller shutters, protecting the room from burglars and having sufficient strength characteristics, due to their heavy weight, are fixed exclusively to strong window structures.

Why roller shutters?

When thinking about ensuring the safety of a dacha, the owner considers several types of shutters, each of which has a number of pros and cons.

In most cases, swinging products are made of metal and steel, with the surface covered with wood to give the product a more aesthetic appearance. Swing structures are quite reliable. It is almost impossible to get rid of products while outside the house, so a dacha whose windows are closed in this way can be safely left for the winter season.

Roller shutters provide greater security

Main disadvantage swing doors - their heavy weight, as well as bulky dimensions.

A more compact option are roller shutters. Thanks to their implementation, they are able to decorate the façade of a building, provide the proper degree of thermal insulation, and protect from prying eyes, the sweltering summer sun, and impacts on glass.

Installing roller shutters is not particularly difficult, regardless of whether the window openings are attic, log or timber. Of course, this does not mean that the house does not need additional protection from the outside (video recording, animal protection).

Advantages and disadvantages

Having installed roller shutters, with the onset of cold weather you will almost immediately find that the products maintain the air temperature in the room well. It has been established that they reduce heat loss of wall structures during the winter season by 20–30%, and if there is glazing in a large area in the room, this characteristic can be up to 40%.

How is this effect achieved? The secret lies in the choice of lamellas coated on the inner surface with monolithic polyurethane foam, resulting in the formation air bag without passages through which the cold could penetrate.

Roller shutters will reduce heat loss in the room

As for summer, lowered devices will allow, firstly, to protect yourself from the hot scorching sun (if the windows face south) and, secondly, to further reduce the air temperature in the room by an average of 3-5 degrees Celsius.

Another noticeable advantage is that the consumer is offered a variety of options for controlling the operation of the shutters and adjusting them. For example, setting mechanical method lifting and lowering, you can adjust the operation of the mechanism in conjunction with sensors responsible for illumination, or with a timer - as a result of which the roller shutters will move depending on the appearance and disappearance of the sun.

The bright light from the street lamp may be obscured by a lowering device. Using roller shutters, you create your own closed space, a personal territory in which there is no room for street noise and dust emanating from the nearest highway.

If you have enough money, you can afford a model with a built-in Viewer program. It is nothing more than a perpendicular rotation of the lamellas relative to .

Roller shutters have good sound insulation properties

Of course, any mechanism, especially an automatic one, is not immune from breakdowns. Among the most common failures are premature chafing of the cable or tape, failure of the guide motor.

Of course, the product can be repaired, but this will require sacrificing some amount. Therefore, it is in your interests to familiarize yourself with the operating rules of the devices in advance:

Before raising the shutters, be sure to make sure that the locks are open, otherwise high tension on the components of the device cannot be avoided.
Raise the guides slowly; do not jerk them.
In winter, remove the ice from the slats carefully, remembering the fragile surface of the slats.

Depending on the installation method

When conducting installation work you may encounter an important technical difficulty. up to the third floor is possible if there is a ladder, but for installation higher you will have to hire construction climbers who will go down to the desired floor from the roof.

And one more thing - as a rule, people purchase products at the stage when the construction of a dacha or house has already come to an end, the windows are in their place, all that remains is to do the exterior decoration of the building. Which models should you choose in this case?

There are several options for installing roller shutters on an existing building. How to install the device - inside the window opening or on top of it - is decided by the customer himself. The size of the box is determined by the height of the window opening. When choosing a frame and roller shutters, pay attention to good combination shades.

The opinion of many experts is that it is better to avoid the option of placing products on top of the window - such shutters are easy to break into and do not retain heat indoors well.

Therefore, if you are interested in which roller shutters to choose, give preference to built-in structures - more effective and reliable devices. Overhead models are distinguished by insufficiently strong guides, which can be bent and even torn out.

The reliability of built-in products is due to the fact that they are flooded concrete mortar, in order to bend the parts, you will have to dismantle the entire wall, which, of course, burglars will not do. That is why it is important to decide on roller shutters at the stage of building a house.

Manufacturers

The highest quality roller shutters are produced by German companies. In comparison with them, Italian-made samples are significantly inferior in terms of strength characteristics, however, they also weigh 2 times lighter.

First, decide for what purpose you are making a purchase. If you wish, choose a German thick steel profile, which has also passed sustainability certification.

Now you will have a better idea when choosing roller shutters

Conclusion

Now you can see that roller shutters can not only protect inner space home from prying eyes, but also from robbers, heat, cold and have the necessary degree of sound protection from noise coming from the street.

Many variations of shutters allow you to choose the most suitable option for the interior of the room and the exterior of the building.

Fabric roller shutters for windows are one of the types of blinds designed in a special way.

This model is a truly universal window accessory, because fabric blinds will look great inside the room, as well as on window openings outside the house.

The choice of material from which the product will be made is also incredibly large.

The most common materials used in the production of roller blinds are: plastic, aluminum, perforated steel and fabric sheets themselves.

How not to get confused in such abundance and choose the appropriate fabric blinds for your home?

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:

Protecting the interior from exposure sun rays and the penetration of extraneous sounds from the outside;
Aesthetic finishing 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.

Models and types of roller blinds

If you don’t know how to choose fabric roller blinds that are suitable specifically for your apartment, we recommend that you look into this issue in more detail.

First of all, you need to know what models of roller blinds there are and what are their significant differences.

Open roller blind designs are the most common type today. Such models roller blinds easy to operate and do not require special care.

Note! Short curtains to the kitchen - which ones are in fashion now? 80 photos of fashion design!

They are most often mounted on the window sash, but options for mounting on the wall or ceiling are possible. The structure can be controlled using springs or remotely using a remote control.

Options for closed structures are also called box systems. Their peculiarity is that the shaft is completely covered with a canvas, which is tightly attached to the window, without leaving the slightest gap.

Once wound, the roll is stored in special box which looks very neat and stylish.

Fabric blinds as a decorative element

In order to fully appreciate the aesthetic function of this window accessory, you just need to look once at the photo of fabric roller blinds for windows - everything will immediately become clear.

The fabric part of the roller shutter acts as an element that sets the characteristics of the entire curtain. Providing the necessary darkness in the room, the fabric creates pleasant natural light.

Easy-to-manage canvases allow you to adjust color accents to suit your own preferences. To achieve maximum design effect, you can complement roller blinds with light flowing curtains to match the main curtain. This way you can create the appearance of sophistication and grace in the interior.

If you decide to make fabric roller blinds yourself, we recommend working with chintz or linen materials - they are universal and have an average permeability density.

When choosing curtains for the living room, pay attention to dense, light-proof fabrics. This advice is especially relevant if there is a home theater installed in the room.

Bamboo models are perfect for a classic-style interior, and a child’s room will certainly be decorated with chintz roller blinds.

Having decided to install roller blinds on a kitchen, you should choose a material that will be resistant to temperature changes and high humidity.

As for the price of modern roller blinds, it ranges from 1100 to 1700 rubles. It all depends on the chosen model, material and design of the product.

Photos of fabric roller shutters for windows

Roller shutters are an analogue of antique window shutters. However modern design improved, 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.

Roller shutters have a burglary resistance class of P1-P7. Models with class P1-P2 have protection against external factors and noise, and also have an insulated profile. Devices of class P3 and higher have additional function protection against burglary, 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. Mechanical view is optimal solution for a small budget and 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 a 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. Applicable 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.

In terms of installation, the built-in method provides additional protection from robbers. 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 high level 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 premises, protect owners from burglary. The systems are characterized by reliability, durability and affordable pricing. Care and maintenance of such mechanisms is not difficult.

September 18, 2016
Specialization: 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.

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.

Types of roller shutters for windows

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

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

Roller shutters for windows to protect against intrusion

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 protective roller shutters 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 massive 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 suitable model, you need to pay attention to several important factors:

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

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.

Control method. For this parameter everything existing varieties protective structures can be divided into several types, which can be seen in the table.

Control type	Description
Belt inertial	Roller shutters that open and close manually. Such mechanisms are equipped with products whose web weight does not exceed 15 kg. Typically, such roller shutters are used for arranging small openings and niches (including inside the house). I once used such a roller shutter to disguise the pipes in the toilet.
Gear-corded	The mechanism for opening and closing the protective structure completely replicates a similar unit used to control roller blinds and blinds. The maximum weight of the roller shutter in this case should not exceed 20 kg. The control unit can be installed inside and outside the protected premises.
Cordoba-collar	It is operated by hand, but thanks to gearboxes it can be used to open and close roller shutter curtains weighing up to 80 kg. For control, a handle is used, which is inserted into the hole of the mechanism (the whole thing is somewhat similar to a regular meat grinder).
Spring-inertial	The drive for controlling the protective blinds is equipped with a spring, which facilitates the opening of the curtain. In the closed position, the actuator spring is stretched, and to open the structure it is enough to simply release it from the latch. With such a rolling mechanism, you can use roller shutters whose canvas weighs up to 100 kg.
Auto	To raise and lower the roller shutters, a drive connected to an electric motor is used. The cost of such models is quite high, but they offer maximum convenience and significantly expand control capabilities. Protective structures can be controlled by a signal from a remote control or operate according to a schedule.

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 over the entire window opening, window frame or separately for each leaf. 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.

Roller shutters are made from various types fabrics. On sale I saw 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.

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:

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).

In specialized stores you can purchase roller shutters that differ from each other in the length and diameter of the shaft, width and appearance bottom 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.

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.

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.

Variety	Description
Transparent roller shutters	Designed not for protection, but to diffuse sunlight coming from the street. Typically, such roller shutters are used together with regular curtains or curtains. Play a role decorative element in the design of the room.
Dimout	Special fabric curtains, which transmit the luminous flux, filtering out thermal energy(infrared part of the solar spectrum). Used for additional temperature control in living rooms And production premises. Often used in greenhouses and winter gardens to protect plants from overheating.
Blackout	Textile roller shutters, completely impenetrable to sunlight. Most often they are installed in bedrooms, presentation rooms, rooms with home theaters, and so on. With their help, you can completely isolate the room from the light flux from the window.
Day Night	Double-layer fabric roller blinds, consisting of strips of different transparency. By changing their position relative to each other, you can flexibly adjust the lighting in the room.

Types of fabric roller shutters by type of control

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

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

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, just release the latch, after which the roll will rewind automatically due to the stretched spring.

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.

Installation of roller shutters

Now let's figure out how to install roller shutters on windows with your own hands. I’ll start with installing protective roller shutters, and then I’ll tell you about attaching fabric rolls to plastic windows. However, if you have wooden window blocks installed, the technology will not change.

Installation of protective roller shutters

I would like to note right away that protective roller shutters must be installed in strict compliance with the technology approved by the manufacturer. After all, it depends on how efficiently and reliably they will perform the task assigned to them to protect your property.

Methods for installing protective roller shutters

Before installing, or better yet, before buying protective roller shutters, I recommend deciding on the technology for installing the product in the window opening. In this case, manufacturers offer several options:

Outdoor installation. The most common installation method. To implement it, you do not need to modernize the opening slopes in any way, changing it in accordance with the roller shutters. The box with the canvas and the shaft is installed above the window opening, and the guides are installed on the sides.
When closed, the canvas completely covers not only the window block, but also the entire opening, as it is located flush with the surface of the front wall.
Indoor installation. The control mechanism and box for storing roller shutters when open are built inside the window opening, and not on the wall surface.
Thus, the roller shutter canvas will not protect the entire window opening, but the window block itself. It is important to consider the direction in which the window sashes open. They should swing open in the direction opposite to where the box is mounted (the reason, I hope, is clear).
Combined installation. In this case, a special recess is made to install the box in the upper part of the window opening. Typically, this installation method is used in cases where the installation of roller shutters was initially provided for by the building construction project. Otherwise, the amount of work carried out will be too large.

The combined method is good because it allows you to conveniently position the box (it will not spoil the facade of the building or the interior of the room), but it will not interfere with the opening of the window sashes.

All installation diagrams for roller shutters are shown in the illustration.

Below I will talk about the features of each installation method.

Preparatory stage

Before starting work, you need to take some measurements:

Measure the dimensions of the window opening diagonally (the distance between opposite corners). The difference between the obtained values should not exceed 5 mm. Otherwise, skew will occur and the canvas will not close.
Perform sidewall check window slopes. They must be strictly vertical. The deviation should not be more than one and a half millimeters per meter of length.
After this, you should make sure that the finish of the slopes is strong, that there are no uneven areas on the surface, crumbling putty, chips or other defects. If deficiencies are found, they must be eliminated before installation begins.

For installation work you will need the following tools:

hammer drill for making holes in concrete;
a screwdriver with a set of attachments for it;
gun for installing rivets;
scissors for cutting metal;
pliers and blade;
screwdrivers and wrenches;
level, tape measure and marker.

If you are going to install protective roller shutters at a height of more than 1.5 meters, then make sure you have scaffolding or a reliable stepladder. If you intend to install a device with control electronics, take also a multimeter, an indicator screwdriver and insulating tape.

To seal the joints, you can use sealant installed in the mounting gun.

The last thing you need to do before starting installation is to make sure that the roller shutters that were delivered to you are complete. The photo below will help with this.

Installation of roller shutters

I tell you how to install protective roller shutters:

I am preparing the side guide strips for installation. To do this, I use a tape measure and a marker to mark the holes into which the dowels will be driven. They should be located at a distance of 10 cm from each edge of the plank, and then along its entire length with an interval of 40 cm. The recommended diameter of the holes is 8 mm.

If the installation is carried out on a window opening, then you need to drill two shelves of the guide at once, after which the upper hole needs to be expanded to 11.8 mm in order to then insert a decorative plastic plug.

When overhead-type roller shutters are installed, the holes can be moved closer to the outer edge of the guide strip.

I am preparing for installation a box in which the roller shutter sheet will be stored in the open position. To do this, I apply the cover of the protective structure to the sidewalls, and then drill them through with a drill with a diameter of 4.2 mm. They are needed to install rivets.

Then I drill holes in the sides through which the box will be fixed to the wall. Their location depends on the installation technology. For external installation, holes are drilled in the rear wall, for internal installation - in the side walls, and for combined installation - both here and there.

The diameter of the drill used, as in the previous case, is 8 mm. You also need a hole into which the drive mechanism will be attached.

Also, if it is assumed outdoor installation, you need to trim the box a little with metal scissors so that you can easily dock it with the guides.

I notice a wall for attaching protective roller shutters. For this in advance assembled structure must be attached to the window opening in which it is installed.

For external installation, the entire frame should be located on the front wall; for other installation options, it should be located on the upper slope and sides of the opening. Immediately you need to check that the guides are installed correctly vertically and the box horizontally. It would be useful to check the diagonals so that the difference between the values is no more than 2 mm.

Having completed all this, you need to use a marker to place points on the wall that correspond to the holes made in the guide strips and the roller shutter frame.

Drilling holes for installing roller shutters. To do this, you need to remove the frame on which the markings were made, and then use a puncher to make holes at pre-made points. You need to insert into the resulting holes plastic dowels corresponding diameter.

I immediately advise you to make a hole for the drive. Depending on the design, its diameter can be from 1.2 to 2 cm (look in the documentation for the roller shutters). A spring is inserted there.

If the protective roller shutters you purchased have additional locking elements with outside, you also need to mark and drill holes for them. They are usually located at the bottom of the two vertical guides.

I am installing the frame of protective roller shutters on the wall. To do this, first of all, you need to remove the protective film from the guides and the box. Then install the frame in place, aligning the holes made in the guides with the dowels inserted into the wall.

After this, you need to take the screws and screw them into the dowels through drilled holes, securing the guides to the wall or inside the window opening. It is better not to hammer the screws in, so as not to damage the frame of the product.

Installing roller shutter controls. The opening and closing mechanism is attached inside the building through a hole made in the wall. To do this, holes are placed on the wall into which the tape layer is attached.

I am installing the main roller shutter leaf. To do this, spacer rings must be placed on the perforated shaft in increments of 40 cm. Crossbars are installed on the end (lower) profile of the blade on both sides. Then the blade is wound from the shaft down onto the guide bars. The springs of the unlocking mechanism are installed in the upper part and secured in the shaft holes.

I install the decorative cover of the box. First you need to remove the protective cover from it. plastic film and also clean inner surface from contamination (if any). Then fasten through pre-drilled holes using rivets.

Then limiters are installed on the end profile of the protective sheet, and all technological holes are decorated with plugs. To make it stronger and more airtight, I recommend placing them on silicone sealant(transparent).

In conclusion, all that remains is to simply check the functionality of the mechanism. After which you can proceed to the installation of internal decorative fabric roller shutters.

Installation of decorative roller shutters

There are many varieties of fabric decorative roller shutters, but they are installed according to the same principle (with the exception of some features). I will describe it using the example of installing a structure with an open mechanism and manual control.

Sizing

It is best to buy curtains whose size matches the window opening you have. However, in some cases it may be necessary to reduce the width of the roller shutter. This is done as follows:

First I measure the dimensions of the window. It is necessary to establish the distance between the outer edges of the horizontally installed glazing beads that hold the double-glazed window. This will be the length. Width, respectively, is the distance between the vertical glazing beads.
Then I unroll the entire roller shutter, remove the sheet from the shaft and cut off the excess part from the cylinder. The length of the shaft must be equal to the width value obtained in the previous paragraph. After this, end caps with projections for the brackets are put on it.
I trim the bottom weight bar. Its length should be 8-10 mm longer than the length of the shaft. For cutting, it is better to use a hacksaw with fine teeth. Then plastic decorative caps are put on the ends.

I cut the canvas to the desired width. It should be equal to the length of the shaft minus 1.2 cm. For cutting, it is better to use not scissors, but a sharp stationery tool and a metal strip. It must be applied to the marks made, and then drawn with the blade, avoiding stops (to avoid nicks).

I secure the blade to the shaft. To do this, glue a narrow strip of double sided tape, from which the top protective layer is removed. Then you need to bend 5 cm of the canvas upward, and then glue it to the tape so that the upper cut falls exactly along the axis of the cylinder. Then you can roll the fabric onto the shaft, leaving about three-quarters of the length.

All that remains is to insert the bottom edge of the curtain into the weight strip. There is a special recess on it for this purpose.

Fastening the roller shutter with self-tapping screws

The most common and easiest way to attach a roller shutter to a window is to use self-tapping screws. I'll tell you what to do and how to do it:

I attach the assembled fabric roller shutter to window block(or window sash), after which I align the structure strictly horizontally using a water level or focusing on the upper cut of the window block;

on the window profile, I make marks with a pencil in those places where the fastening corners of the structure will be fixed;
after that, I remove the mounting brackets from the shaft and place them in the marked places;
I mark on the window block the places where the self-tapping screws will be screwed in to hold the entire structure;

I remove the corners and drill holes in the sash using a screwdriver;

I assemble the curtain mechanism (to do this, you need to insert plastic capsules into the mounting corner, which are pressed from above by the side plate);

I insert a chain into the roller shutter control mechanism so that one of its edges hangs down at a distance of 10 cm (the wider part of the bracket should be positioned upward);

I insert the assembled control unit into the holding capsule so that the groove inside coincides with the spring of the mechanism;

then a side decorative cover is put on the assembled mechanism (the chain must be passed into a special recess on it);

the assembled element is mounted on the wall, focusing on pre-designated and drilled holes (after installation, you can cut the chain to the required length and connect it into a ring);

after this, you can attach the roller shutter shaft to the bracket with the mechanism, mark the installation location of the second fastening element, and then screw it on with self-tapping screws;
After that all that remains is to insert the roller blind.

Summary

Now, when you hear the word “roller shutters”, you will not be confused in terms and will immediately understand what we are talking about. And you can also install these products yourself, because the above is given detailed instructions with a description of several technologies. For more information, watch the video in this article.

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September 18, 2016

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