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!