Roller shutters are made using a hinged system of bars or panels. Such panels or bars have a considerable horizontal length, but their vertical height is quite short in proportion. Doors are made by using several panels or bars that are hinged together tightly. A roller shutter door can be opened very quickly. Also, when they are in the open position, they have a flat shape and occupy a minimal amount of space.
Roller shutters can be used to cover big openings such as garage doors or window openings with a minimum height of 3 meters (10 ft). It is possible to install several roll shutters together to form an automatic closure over an opening that has the same width as the length of each panel or bar. There are special types of roller shutters that can be adapted for high-rise buildings – up to 20 floors. That type is called “sideloaders”. They use hydraulic cylinders instead of springs to store potential energy so they do not stretch too much but still allow the panel or bar to move up and down easily.
Roller shutters are used as a safety feature on some car garages, as they fall automatically if there is a power failure. The panels can also be locked in place, such as on the front of shops, which display goods for sale. Depending on the type of roller shutter installed, it may be impossible to use them manually once closed. For example, using a remote control device is required to open an electronic roller shutter. In other cases, manual operation is possible by way of a crank or a lever located inside the garage or at ground level below a sidewalk-mounted shutter. Some types of rolling shutters have been made with solar cells into their surface to power electric devices embedded in the shutter frame.
Roller shutters are an adjustable system that can be adapted to any opening or protection requirement. The large widths of the bars (panels) store great potential energy when stored horizontally in their housings by means of springs; they can also be manually lifted up and down with ease in order to close the opening. Most roller shutters today offer significant security against forced entry because they are reversible, which means that once closed (upright), they do not open again. Electronic types allow a remote control device for easy use from a vehicle or a wall-mounted control panel. They serve as a safety roll-down door on some car washes or automatic garages where exits need to lock automatically if there is a power failure. Roller shutters are also used for exterior storefronts to protect against burglary, vandalism and inclement weather conditions.
Some types of roller shutters have been made with solar cells into their surface to power electric devices embedded in the shutter frame perimeters or inside panels-bars. A system can be set up so that the electronic components are powered only when it is dark outside, which enables users to fully operate the shutter until they receive daylight again.[1] This type is considered more secure than an electrical connection for several reasons: firstly, there is no cable that can be severed or otherwise tampered with; secondly, there is no electricity running through the bar or panel structure of the device; thirdly, there is no risk of electrocution in the event that someone tries to tamper with the shutter.
A roller shutter has several advantages over other systems for controlling access to buildings, sites, or equipment. A major advantage in some applications is that when it rotates upright, the surface of the rollers becomes virtually flush with its housing unit in a door opening so there are no protruding parts, making it very difficult to cut through. Roller shutters also have much less tendency than standard hinged doors to swing open accidentally because they are equipped with self-locking devices that automatically engage when they are closed and are designed so that they cannot be pulled apart without using tools. For these reasons, commercial garages often use this type of door to create a fire barrier between work areas and vehicle service booths.
Roller shutters consist of at least two panels (called “bars” when in bar form) that move along tracks mounted on top of the garage door header. Each panel is outfitted with rollers, one stationary end stop and an end-of-travel device that stops its movement abruptly when it reaches either limit of travel in the opening. These devices include: Kwik Lok closures, self-latching edge (SLE) devices and magnetic door holders. The most widely used closure is the Kwik Lok; this type is held securely closed by a spring system within each clamping unit. Both units are made from space-age materials such as molded plastic compounds and stainless steel that provide greater strength and corrosion resistance than aluminum alloy.
Roller shutters also come in two basic types: single panel and sectional panel. Single-panel units consist of one bar with several panels, each covering a separate area or opening within the structure to be protected. Sectional units have one continuous bar with several interconnected individual panels mounted on it: They can be opened and closed by means of a chain coupled to an electric motor, eliminating the need for manual cranking devices such as turnbuckles used in traditional shutter systems.[1] Their only disadvantage is that they cannot cover openings shorter than their own length because bars cannot bend or flex like cables can when they are extended outwards from their center point.
One type of roller shutter that is designed to be operated by solar energy without the need for electrical connections are smart shutters. Unlike standard roller shutters, they have solar cells or photovoltaic cells integrated in or on their surface. These devices are considered more secure than an electrical connection for several reasons: firstly, there is no cable that can be severed or otherwise tampered with; secondly, there is no electricity running through the bar or panel structure of the device; thirdly, there is no risk of electrocution in the event that someone tries to tamper with the shutter.[1] Additionally, a system can be set up so that the electronic components are powered only when it gets dark outside which enables windows and doors to be secured during the day as well as at night.
Most roller shutters are controlled by a SCM (shutter control module), which is an electronic device that is connected to sensors and actuators on the shutter. It controls both the opening and closing of a shutter by sending signals to a motor that raises or lowers a bar, or turns a crank that rotates panels into place.[1] It can also send signals for other automated actions such as locking mechanisms, turnbuckles and so forth. Most SCMs fit within standard electrical switchgear enclosures but others may require larger sizes such as 40″ x 24″ x 4″. For most roller shutter applications, they can be mounted either horizontally vertically with different installation methods required for each.
A remotely operated shutter has the same design as that of a manually-operated one, but is used when it is desirable to control access in or out of an area remotely, such as in remote areas where power is not readily available for motorized devices.[1] However, since this type does require electrical connections between the panel and the controller (unless it takes advantage of solar technology) they cannot be considered completely autonomous; thus there must always be someone on duty who can open and close shutters and turnbuckles. There are several types of remote controls: wired, wireless and cellular. Wired controllers use standard electric switchgear enclosures like those discussed earlier; they include two switches – one to open the shutter and another to close it – and a power supply for the SCM.[1] Wireless systems use radio or infrared signals to transmit data from a handheld keypad or wall-mounted control panel to a receiver in the shutter. Cellular-based systems utilize two components: a central unit usually attached by cable to an electric switchgear enclosure and mounted above ground, and one or more outdoor units that have sensors that detect when someone is trying to enter, leave or open/close the shutter. Some window manufacturers offer products where all of these capabilities are built into one system, allowing users complete flexibility in optimizing security levels while optimizing energy consumption.
Sectional roller shutters can be custom designed through computer modeling programs which take into account their overall design as well as environmental influences such as wind load and humidity.[1][2] The program will take into consideration factors such as the sturdiness of the shutter’s material, how it opens and closes, its movement when in use and if there are any specific requirements for recesses in which to mount sensors or other devices.
The most common materials used for making roller shutters are steel and aluminum.[3] However, wooden shutters may be preferable for outdoor applications since they can better withstand changes in temperature. In areas where rust is a concern, stainless steel might be used instead of galvanized steel to prevent corrosion. Additionally, wood does not conduct electricity like metal can [therefore no risk of electrocutions]. [In AL/MS/FL/LA/TX/AR/TN/NC wooden shutters are strongly advised for outdoor use.]
Steel shutters may be made of either galvanized steel or aluminum, but both are very common. It is not recommended to mix them within the same shutter as this would cause degradation in the material’s strength.[4][5] Wood shutters come in several varieties, including PB (pressure-treated), CCA (copper chrome arsenate) and ACQ (ammoniacal copper quat) . As with metal shutters it is important to consider environmental factors when choosing a wood species. One type of roll down door shutter which can be used outside is made entirely out of stainless steel because it does not rust. Stainless steel is also ideal inside because it does not leave unsightly fingerprints after every use.
Roller shutters are available in a number of different styles. The most common types are roll-up, horizontal slat, accordion and vertical.[6] Each has its own advantages and disadvantages based on the application requirements for access control, ventilation/lighting or aesthetics.[4][7] Roller shutters are also offered with translucent or transparent panels that allow natural light into the space while still providing security for items being stored inside.[4] Some manufacturers offer shutter systems which can enable variable transparency through an automatically controlled louvre system. These louvres keep the sun’s glare to a minimum without compromising security by offering full protection from volumetric observation.
Roll up doors are typically used for limited access areas, because the height of the door is usually limited due to ceiling height. Despite these limitations roll up doors can be incredibly versatile, since they are easy to operate and allow ventilation through the use of mesh panels.[4][8] Additionally, special coatings can be applied which can reduce noise caused by strong winds, rain or other environmental elements.[7] Roll up shutters also tend to cost less than other types of shutters.
Horizontal slat shutters do not offer as much ventilation as roll-up doors; however they tend to have a more attractive appearance when closed.[6] These doors are especially suitable for storefronts or similar applications where visibility is important. Their solid surface also provides excellent sound mitigation.
Vertical slat shutters are most commonly used in applications where it is important that the material does not obstruct air flow or visibility.[4] These doors offer a more solid surface than roll-up doors and can provide sound mitigation, depending on the size of the individual slats used. Vertical slats may also be painted to improve prevention from volumetric observation [dark colors help conceal contents].
Accordion shutters have been around for centuries and have long been associated with Mediterranean architecture.[9] In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, accordion doors provide excellent security by offering privacy even when they are open. They block out sounds while allowing natural light into an area. Accordion shutters can also be made fire-resistant through the use of fire-retardant coatings.[6]
Without any doubt, roller shutters are one of the most effective way to securing your business. Most, if not all roller shutter doors act as an extra security barrier for you and your property. They can be installed anywhere there is a need for high security or protection, which includes protecting your home from burglars. The good thing about them is that they are easy to install and requires low maintenance since it does not require regular painting or varnishing. It is also strong enough to protect whatever lies inside it from rain, wind and other elements. However, even with proper care these doors do tend to suffer damage overtime due to factors like substandard materials used in construction, harsh weather conditions and even vandalism.
