Rollup shutter mechanics 101

01.07.23

Hurricane shutters are an important part of protecting your home from the destructive winds and flying debris of a hurricane. They are designed to secure windows and doors during a storm, preventing them from being smashed by strong winds and flying debris. There are several types of hurricane shutters available, each with their own unique features and benefits.

1. Accordion shutters: These shutters are made up of a series of interlocking panels that are connected by hinges. When closed, the panels stack on top of each other to cover the entire window or door. Accordion shutters are easy to operate and can be quickly deployed in the event of a storm. They are also durable and can withstand high winds and flying debris.
2. Bahama shutters: These shutters are mounted above the window and are hinged at the top. They can be opened to allow light and air to enter the home, but can be easily closed and locked in the event of a storm. Bahama shutters are attractive and can add a decorative touch to the exterior of a home.
3. Colonial shutters: These shutters are mounted on either side of a window and are hinged at the side. They can be opened to allow light and air to enter the home, but can be easily closed and locked in the event of a storm. Colonial shutters are attractive and can add a decorative touch to the exterior of a home.
4. Roll-up shutters: These shutters consist of a series of horizontal slats that are connected to a barrel-shaped tube. The slats can be rolled up around the tube to allow access to the window or door, or unrolled to cover the window or door. Roll-up shutters are easy to operate and can be quickly deployed in the event of a storm. They are also durable and can withstand high winds and flying debris.
5. Storm panels: These shutters are made of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate. They are installed on the exterior of a window or door and can be easily removed and stored when not in use. Storm panels are durable and can withstand high winds and flying debris. Impact-resistant windows: These windows are made of a special type of glass that is designed to withstand the impact of flying debris. They are also designed to withstand the high winds of a hurricane.
6. Impact-resistant windows are a permanent solution for protecting your home and can be used in place of traditional shutters. Each type of hurricane shutter has its own unique features and benefits. Accordion shutters are easy to operate and can be quickly deployed in the event of a storm. Bahama and Colonial shutters are attractive and can add a decorative touch to the exterior of a home. Roll-up shutters are durable and can withstand high winds and flying debris. Storm panels and Impact-resistant windows are a permanent solution for protecting your home. When choosing the right type of shutter for your home, it is important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your home and the level of protection you need.

In this blog we will talk about item number #4 and their respective mechanics

A roll-up shutter is a type of door or window covering that consists of a series of horizontal slats that are connected to a barrel-shaped tube. The slats are typically made of metal, such as aluminum or steel, or plastic and are connected to one another with hinges. The slats can be perforated, solid or have a combination of both. The perforated slats are mostly used in places where ventilation is required and the solid slats are used for privacy and security. The slats can also be coated with a UV resistant coating which helps to protect the interior of the building from the harmful rays of the sun.

When the shutter is opened, the slats roll up around the tube, allowing access to the window or door. The barrel-shaped tube is usually located at the top of the window or door and is connected to a shaft that runs the length of the shutter. The shaft is connected to the slats through a series of gears and sprockets. When the barrel is turned by the manual or electric motor, the gears and sprockets engage with the slats and move them up or down. The rolling mechanism of the shutter is designed to be smooth and quiet, with minimal noise and vibration, ensuring that the shutter can be operated without disturbing the occupants of the building.

When the shutter is closed, the slats are unrolled from the tube and lay flat against the window or door, providing security and privacy. The slats are held in place by a locking mechanism that is activated when the shutter is closed. This locking mechanism can be manual, such as a latch or lock, or it can be automatic, such as a magnetic or electromagnetic lock. The locking mechanism is designed to be secure, ensuring that the shutter cannot be easily pried open by an intruder.

Roll-up shutters are typically operated by a manual or electric motor. A manual system uses a crank handle to turn the barrel and move the slats up and down. An electric motor, on the other hand, uses an electric current to power the gears and sprockets and turn the barrel. Electric motors can be connected to a switch, a remote control, or even a smartphone app, allowing for easy operation of the shutters. Electric motors are designed to be durable and reliable, with minimal maintenance required. They can also be configured to be operated by a timer or a sensor, such as a motion sensor, which can automatically close the shutter when the building is unoccupied.

Additionally, roll-up shutters can be used for security and weather protection. When the shutter is closed, it creates a barrier that can protect the window or door from intruders, as well as from weather damage. The shutter also provides a level of insulation, which can help to keep the interior of the building warm or cool, depending on the season. The insulation provided by the shutter can help to reduce energy consumption and lower the cost of heating and cooling the building.

Roll-up shutters can also be used for privacy and light control. When the shutter is closed, it blocks out light and provides privacy. Some shutters are designed with a slat spacing that allows for some light to pass through, while others are designed to block all light. This can be useful for areas of the building that require a certain level of privacy or light control, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.

Roll-up shutters are typically operated by a manual or electric motor. A manual system uses a crank handle to turn the barrel and move the slats up and down. An electric motor, on the other hand, uses an electric current to power the gears and sprockets and turn the barrel. Electric motors can be connected to a switch, a remote control, or even a smartphone app, allowing for easy operation of the shutters. Electric motors are designed to be durable and reliable, with minimal maintenance required. They can also be configured to be operated by a timer or a sensor, such as a motion sensor, which can automatically close the shutter when the building is unoccupied. Additionally, roll-up shutters can be used for security and weather protection. When the shutter is closed, it creates a barrier that can protect the window or door from intruders, as well as from weather damage. The shutter also provides a level of insulation, which can help to keep the interior of the building warm or cool, depending on the season. The insulation provided by the shutter can help to reduce energy consumption and lower the cost of heating and cooling the building. Roll-up shutters can also be used for privacy and light control. When the shutter is closed, it blocks out light and provides privacy. Some shutters are designed with a slat spacing that allows for some light to pass through, while others are designed to block all light. This can be useful for areas of the building that require a certain level of privacy or light control, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.