ᐅ Roller Shutters: Aluminum vs. Plastic

Created on: 1 Aug 2013 09:34
K
kaho674
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?
kaho6746 Aug 2013 08:18
We have now found an association specifically for roller shutters. They focus solely on this topic. It’s incredible how much there is to know. In any case, the person there said that wind load is the main factor to consider. Aluminum might be somewhat better but is not always necessary. Poor quality can occur with both materials. Well, now we’re trying to find out what wind load would be acceptable for us. Maybe then we will know more.
M
Mauersegler
8 Aug 2013 08:53
My opinion
Pros of plastic: price
Pros of aluminum: stable, colorfast, more secure against break-ins
My favorite is and remains aluminum, even if I have to invest a few more euros for it...
I don't really think they deform, but I have no experience with that.
D
DerBjoern
8 Aug 2013 10:24
My parents have had plastic roller shutters installed for 30 years. No discoloration (well, they are light gray) and not a single defect so far, despite daily use.
M
Mauersegler
9 Aug 2013 10:36
hm... I'm curious to see what you all decide...
sirhc18 Jan 2016 14:11
I would like to add my question here. Do aluminum roller shutters actually provide better burglary protection? What exactly are insulated aluminum roller shutters? I can't quite imagine how that works.

Thank you and best regards
H
HilfeHilfe
18 Jan 2016 14:28
sirhc schrieb:
I’d like to join this discussion. Do aluminum roller shutters actually offer better burglary protection? What exactly are insulated aluminum roller shutters? I can’t really imagine how that works.

Thanks and regards

Yes, they do provide better burglary protection. Try lifting an aluminum roller shutter on floor-to-ceiling windows. Good luck with that.