Ask three experts and you get six opinions.
We want to install electric roller shutters. The building price includes shutters with plastic slats. Now we’ve heard that beyond a certain width, only aluminum is recommended because plastic slats can deform. But exactly what width is that? How much does heat affect this? Of course, the largest window areas face south.
The answers from the window installers confuse us more than they help. One says from 4 m² (43 sq ft) it has to be aluminum, another says up to 3 m (10 ft) wide and 4.5 m² (48 sq ft) plastic is still okay, and the next only uses aluminum because of the heat in the south. The manufacturer doesn’t provide any information at all – which I find really disappointing! It’s a total mess.
Aluminum is quite expensive and we don’t want to spend unnecessary money. But of course, it would be awful if the shutters deform in the sun. Our largest windows are 2100 mm (83 inches) high and 1650 mm (65 inches) wide. What would you choose?
We want to install electric roller shutters. The building price includes shutters with plastic slats. Now we’ve heard that beyond a certain width, only aluminum is recommended because plastic slats can deform. But exactly what width is that? How much does heat affect this? Of course, the largest window areas face south.
The answers from the window installers confuse us more than they help. One says from 4 m² (43 sq ft) it has to be aluminum, another says up to 3 m (10 ft) wide and 4.5 m² (48 sq ft) plastic is still okay, and the next only uses aluminum because of the heat in the south. The manufacturer doesn’t provide any information at all – which I find really disappointing! It’s a total mess.
Aluminum is quite expensive and we don’t want to spend unnecessary money. But of course, it would be awful if the shutters deform in the sun. Our largest windows are 2100 mm (83 inches) high and 1650 mm (65 inches) wide. What would you choose?
Hello,
I can’t provide information about the widths or whether to use aluminum or plastic. However, I might have another alternative. We had originally planned to install blinds on all the windows, using aluminum. That was more of an aesthetic decision than a practical one. Then an architect encouraged us to think about which rooms actually needed blinds. As a result, we decided to install them only on the rooms facing south and west. Now those rooms have exterior venetian blinds, which allow much better light control. When these blinds are controlled by sunlight and wind sensors, the shading is much more effective than manually darkening all the rooms completely. In the end, this shading solution costs about the same as blinds on every window. So consider what you really need—sometimes less can also mean more.
Ronny
I can’t provide information about the widths or whether to use aluminum or plastic. However, I might have another alternative. We had originally planned to install blinds on all the windows, using aluminum. That was more of an aesthetic decision than a practical one. Then an architect encouraged us to think about which rooms actually needed blinds. As a result, we decided to install them only on the rooms facing south and west. Now those rooms have exterior venetian blinds, which allow much better light control. When these blinds are controlled by sunlight and wind sensors, the shading is much more effective than manually darkening all the rooms completely. In the end, this shading solution costs about the same as blinds on every window. So consider what you really need—sometimes less can also mean more.
Ronny
I would not recommend PVC for several reasons. First, because of the appearance. Just look at 10-year-old roller shutters in residential areas. Plastic always looks weathered and tends to appear brittle.
With motorized operation, it’s still okay, but with manual strap pull operation, it becomes a problem in winter. If you let down the 3m² (32ft²) area too quickly, the slats can break easily at subzero temperatures. If choosing PVC, at least go for a 45mm (1.8 inch) slat, as it is more stable. Aluminum, however, is always the better alternative...
With motorized operation, it’s still okay, but with manual strap pull operation, it becomes a problem in winter. If you let down the 3m² (32ft²) area too quickly, the slats can break easily at subzero temperatures. If choosing PVC, at least go for a 45mm (1.8 inch) slat, as it is more stable. Aluminum, however, is always the better alternative...
B
Bauexperte6 Aug 2013 00:15Hello,
Regards, Bauexperte
chrizzt schrieb:According to whom?
... it is a problem in winter with manual strap tension operation. If you lower the 3sqm (32 sq ft) too quickly, the slats break easily at subzero temperatures.
Regards, Bauexperte
B
Bauexperte6 Aug 2013 08:08Hello,
If you’re unsure due to the various opinions, you could visit new housing developments and ask the homeowners there. Usually, you’ll find some under construction, new, and existing buildings. Ask those who have lived there longer about their experiences. You won’t find better information than that.
Regards, Bauexperte
chrizzt schrieb:I cannot confirm that, neither from nearly 27 years of personal experience nor from my professional background.
The one who is supposed to constantly repair those things.
kaho674 schrieb:Stick with plastic, as aluminum is expensive and not necessary. Also, your windows are not really panoramic ones, where I would already recommend aluminum frames.
We would like to install electric roller shutters. The building price includes plastic slats. Now we have heard that from a certain width on, only aluminum is recommended because plastic can deform. But at what exact width? How does heat affect this? Obviously, the largest window areas face south... Our biggest windows are 2100 millimeters (83 inches) high and 1650 millimeters (65 inches) wide. What would you choose?
If you’re unsure due to the various opinions, you could visit new housing developments and ask the homeowners there. Usually, you’ll find some under construction, new, and existing buildings. Ask those who have lived there longer about their experiences. You won’t find better information than that.
Regards, Bauexperte
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