With such a diverse and, at times, extreme Australian climate, home and business owners are looking for systems that do more than just tread water. Roller shutters are now well recognised as a flexible and efficient enhancement to homes all over the country, and they offer a powerful range of benefits that span from improved security and fantastic insulation to complete weather protection and superior lifestyle control. These custom-made window and door coverings, in a host of different styles, such as traditional, reliable manual roller shutters, are so much more than just blinds or shutters; they are multi-faceted systems created to combat many of the issues that plague Australian homeowners.
In this guide, we take you through the main advantages and types of roller shutters, providing you with an insight into their practicality for use in homes and businesses across Australia.
Securing the Safety and Peace of Mind in Australian Homes
One of the first reasons people have outdoor roller shutters installed in Australia is the level of protection they offer properties. In times of great peace of mind, everyone loves the security of these shutters, both of which act as a clear and effective deterrent to uninvited visitors.
A Formidable Physical Barrier
Once fully closed and locked, these durable commercial roller shutters, which are usually made from strong interlocking aluminium or steel slats, form a solid physical barrier for windows and doors. This is much more challenging to penetrate than standard glazing for would-be intruders. The inherent strength of the product and how the slats are locked into place make it very difficult to gain entry to the premises, forcing potential ‘opportunist’ intruders to think again. Simply having the physical presence can be a strong deterrent.
Securing Valuables and Inhabitants
Security is about more than just protecting possessions at home or in business. The security that outdoor roller shutters provide goes beyond safeguarding the physical contents of a property.
For families, having their windows and other vulnerable entry points secured offers an added level of safety and peace of mind, especially after dark or when the property is unoccupied, such as during holidays.
Businesses also benefit from protecting their inventory, equipment, and confidential information when the premises are closed.
The Importance of Security When Choosing Manual Roller Shutters
Manual roller shutters in Perth, both direct and remote, are the most convenient option; however, we often find that many do not understand that manual is still an excellent option, offering excellent security. If well-installed and locked, manual shutters are very hard to lift or pry from the outside. Sash jammers are a cost-effective additional security measure for those worried about the security of the home or office, in particular for small windows or more rarely used openings. Manual operation options, such as internal cord or strap winders or geared crank handles, all hold the shutter in the down position.
Mastering Climate with Insulation Advantages for Australian Weather.
The temperature in Australia’s climate can span from hot summer temperatures to rather cool temperatures during the winter months in several areas. Outdoor roller shutters are enhanced contributors to heating and cooling comfort.
Combatting Summer Heat
High solar radiation entering through windows during the hot Australian summer can result in high internal heat load, causing discomfort and increasing air conditioning costs in many residential houses. Externally fitted roller shutters do a very good job of limiting that. They help keep the sun’s rays from entering the glass in the first place by forming a type of insulating barrier on the glass exterior that is said to stop as much as 90% of solar heat (some say a more modest 75%) from passing through to the window. This has the effect of significantly reducing the heat entering the building, which in turn leads to cooler internal temperatures and fewer demands placed on energy-hungry air conditioning units. The majority of roller shutter slats are also foam-filled, making them even more insulating.
Retaining Warmth in Winter
Alternatively, in the cold winter months, roller shutters prevent heat loss. The world’s biggest heat leak in buildings. Shutters keep the heat from exiting as much by adding an extra layer of insulation, which means your house maintains a steadier and more pleasant internal temperature. This can also result in lower heating bills and a more comfortable living or working space.
Energy Conservation and Savings
Reducing summer heat gain and winter heat loss, when combined, dramatically enhances the energy efficiency of Australian homes. As heating and cooling systems are often the biggest drain on a property’s electricity use, roller shutters have the potential to significantly reduce household or business energy consumption and bills, which is particularly useful as energy prices continue to climb.
Protecting You in the Harsh Elements of Australia
In addition to thermal insulation, external roller shutters offer great protection from the elements for a huge range of climates in Australia.
Storm and Hail Protection
If you live in an area with heavy rain, strong winds, or hail, roll shutters are a great protective measure for your fragile glass windows or breakable glass doorways. Strong aluminium or steel shutters are tough enough to resist heavy impacts from debris or large hailstones, preventing glass breakages followed by water penetration into the building or damage to the interior. A feature that’s of particular value to wild-eyed Australians who dwell in pressure-to-find coastal/storm-battered regions.
Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)
For bushfire-prone homes, a top concern for most Australians, there are special kinds of roller shutters that can deliver essential protection. Most Australian-made shutters are tested and rated to meet certain Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) as outlined in Australian Standard AS 3959—Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas. BAL-rated (such as BAL-40) shutters are intended to defend against ember attacks and intense radiant heat, protecting window openings and preventing separate ash from gaining access to the building. This potentially forms an important part of an overall bushfire defence plan for a property.
Improved Lifestyle: Privacy, Light and Sound Control
There are also a lot of advantages to be gained with outdoor roller shutters when it comes to controlling the indoor environment, increasing comfort and increasing liveability.
Complete Privacy on Demand
In an overly crowded city, privacy is a luxury. The great flexibility of roller shutters allows homeowners to obtain 100% visual block-out with the shutters pulled right down. Perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms or any street-facing windows where privacy is desired, protect your private life and enjoy a comfortable personal space, fast and easy to apply.
Versatile Light Management
Apart from the fact that they fully block out, roller shutters can usually also be controlled for the amount of light that comes into the room. By lifting the shutter to one of several intermediate positions or by choosing a profile with perforated or ventilated slats, occupants can permit diffused natural light and fresh air to pass through while maintaining the desired level of privacy and cutting the glare. This level of flexibility makes it easy to regulate the interior environment at any time of day.
Significant Noise Reduction
For homes close to main roads, train lines, airports or loud neighbourhoods in general, outdoor roller shutters can provide a significant contribution to acoustic comfort. The insulated slats and the barrier they provide can do a lot to muffle outside sound, with some manufacturers quoting cuts of as much as 50% or more. As a result, indoors is calmer, more peaceful and less pressured.
Manual vs. Electric Roller Shutter – Operational Considerations
There are a number of operating systems for Australian consumers to consider for their roller shutters, each with their own benefits.
The Convenience of Manual Roller Shutters
Roller shutters are manually operated with an internal winder box, activated by a cord, strap, or direct crank handle, and, in the case of larger, counterbalanced shutters, a spring-loaded operation. The only advantage of manual roller shutters is that they are cheaper when first purchased, as there are no electrical parts or electrical work needed for electricity to be used. They are also not reliant on mains power, so they can function freely during power failures—an especially invaluable feature in some of our more rural areas. Hand operation can be perfectly adequate and economical for small windows, lesser-used shutters or where the budget dictates. Less can also be more in that simpler designs are fewer things that could go wrong.
The Ease of Electric Operation
Have roller shutters that are motorised for better ease of use—these are ideal for those with bigger windows, numerous installations, or individuals for whom manual operation might be a bit of a strain. They are usually controlled by a wall switch or handheld remote or can be installed as part of a smart home automation system that enables them to run on a schedule or be adjusted by a mobile phone app. Electric is a more expensive option up-front, but the convenience is a winner for many Australian households!
Selecting and Fitting Roller Shutters in Australia
Choosing the best product and proper installation is important in order to get the most out of your roller shutters.
Material and Slat Type Selection
Materials most commonly used in the production of outdoor roller shutters in Australia are aluminium—a strong yet lightweight material that is very resistant to corrosion (perfect for coastal locations); steel—providing the greatest level of security and strength for the most at-risk applications; and occasionally PVC, which is commonly used for customers on a tighter budget who do not require the level of robustness that it goes hand in hand with. Slat profiles also differ, with most residential shutters using foam-filled aluminium slats for added insulation and sound dampening. Aluminium extruded slats for more strength and security.
Why Professional Installation is a Necessity
To have the best performance, safety, weather sealing and lifespan, using a professional installation service as outlined in this article on professional bidet installation is equally important, as is professional roller shutters installation by experienced professionals in Australia. Proper fitting in/over the window reveals, secure attachment of guide rails/head box and correct commissioning of the operating mechanism, be it manual or electric, are vital. A shoddy installation could defeat the very purpose.
In Summary
Roller shutters are simply a fantastic investment for Australian homes. More than just window coverings, they offer robust security, enhance thermal insulation for year-round comfort and energy savings, protect against weather, including storms and bushfires, and provide excellent control over light, privacy, and noise. Whether investing in the trusted efficiency of manual roller shutter convenience or the superior, motorised ease of use, these products improve both the safety and the comfort of the people and property that call the various parts of Australia home or the workplace. Homeowners are advised to take into account their circumstances and seek advice from their local trusted suppliers and installers to find the right roller shutter solution for them.