What is a rolling shutter?

My sister asked me, "does everyone know; what are rolling shutters?" I thought I should offer some explanation.

Rolling shutters are really an overhead rolling door, but used for windows. They originated in Europe. Rolladen is a common name for them there. Mostly they are mounted exterior and operated from the interior. They are made up of a set of side tracks, a panel that rolls up onto a tube or axle, and usually a hood or box to contain the roll above. Operating mechanisms? It might be a pulley with strap or rope, a spring-lift, a motor or a crank. Uses for roll shutters include hurricane protection, security, sun control (before the suns heat enters the building), heat loss prevention, screen porches, store fronts, or really anywhere a roll-up door is practical. Here is a link to our sight to look at them .

The panel material or slats are made of various material depending upon the application. They can be foam filled aluminum, extruded aluminum or PVC. Most of this type are opaque, with a vent in the hinge part to allow you to position the shutter to let in some light and ventilation. There are clear Lexan panels and grill type panels for store fronts and windows. We have a new line specially made to prevent smash and grabs.

Most of the shutters were made in Europe until recently. Now it's nice to know you can get roll up shutters made in the USA!

Cost of a rolling shutter for a standard 6' patio door ?

Wish I had a nickel for every time I answered that question....You know what? I bet I earned more than a nickel!

Here is how I usually answer that question from a local customer.

The price for a motorized roll shutter using 40mm foam filled alum slat would run about $1310.00 before installation and electrical wiring. Manual operation would cost $1098.00 before installation. Install usually costs about $150 - 200 on most projects but can vary significantly if conditions warrant it.
It doesn't cost anything to have me come have a look and give you a firm price with all tax and labor.

Pella patio door handles often require significant build outs for clearance.

If you consider motorized; We don't employ a licensed electrician. We often work with our client's own electrician or we recommend one to work directly with you. Sometimes our clients prefer to have the electrician work as our subcontractor. Any of these are fine with us. I've seen enough projects to be able to give you an idea of what wiring for the shutter may entail.

Give me a call with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Thanks,
David
Little Blind Spot/Shutters N Shades
17 8th Ave South
Hopkins, MN 55343

recent local store closings

I'm concerned about other window covering store closings in our areas. I guess it is a sign of this very difficult economic time.

Some of the stores in the west side of the Twin Cities that have had to closed are Home Value Interiors, and a couple of Viking Locations. We at the Little Blind Spot in Hopkins are here to help anyone who maybe is affected by the closings. We try can help with manufacturers warranty issues or can even attempt to work with mutual vendors to clear up projects that might be in progress.