Security Rolling Shutters Guide
Enhancing the security of your home or business can involve a variety of measures, from investing in a guard dog to installing a high-tech alarm system to reinforcing your window and door locks. There are as many suggestions for improving the security of your home or business as there are just as many potential entry points for intruders.
At Rollac, one security feature stands out among all our other products: security shutters. Whether you’re considering security shutters for windows or roll-down security shutters for your doors, these protective barriers provide an unmatched deterrent, discouraging potential thieves.
Also known as rolling shutters, these metal barriers offer numerous benefits for your business and home. So, if you’re unfamiliar with security shutters or are intrigued by the idea but still have some questions, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about rolling shutters.
Are Rolling Shutters Good for Security?
Yes! Heavy-duty security roller shutters over your storefront windows and doors, for example, are a powerful tool against break-ins and vandalism because they play two significant roles.
Psychology of Deterrence
Psychological deterrence uses fear or perceived difficulty to discourage people from engaging in unwanted or harmful behaviors. It makes a potential intruder think twice before attempting a crime. This means thieves and vandals will avoid homes, businesses, and high-risk targets like pharmacies that have installed heavy-duty rolling shutters because it takes too long to penetrate them. The more time it takes criminals to break into a business, the greater the risk of being caught. Instead, they’ll usually move on to an easier target.
Physical Barrier
Though no security measure can prevent crime by 100%, commercial and residential security rolling shutters offer a tangible barrier that’s difficult to penetrate. Most break-ins occur when a business or home’s windows or doors are breached. For example, security shutters over a gas station’s windows and doors protect the business’s most vulnerable areas.
Additionally, Rollac’s commercial shutters are available with a variety of locking options, including slide, turn knob, turn key, or high-security tumbler locks, which provide an added physical barrier preventing shutter pull-up.
How Do Security Shutters Work?
Security shutters for windows work by interlocking aluminum or steel slats together, creating a very strong wall of solid metal.
Deploying from a housing box above the window, they move along side-mounted vertical guide tracks that completely cover the window opening. This deployment is triggered either manually (with a crank or spring-loaded strap system) or by a motorized deployment with a wall switch, remote control, or smart-home activation.
High-quality versions can include a variety of locks, including slide locks, turn-key locks, turn-knob locks, and high-security tumbler locks, which all prevent access from the outside.
Studies show that the mere visible nature of roll-down security shutters deters 95% of opportunistic break-ins, with their robust aesthetic instantly off-putting.
What Are The Different Styles of Security Shutters?
The traditional storefront security shutters for windows and doors are solid in style. When they are locked shut, natural light cannot penetrate them.
Perforated security shutters are suitable for protecting expensive window displays while remaining visible to shoppers. Though the measurements vary depending on the manufacturer, punched holes are typically 3 millimeters in size, with an average of 10 holes per centimeter. Another choice is punched security shutters. This type of covering is available in a rectangle or square pattern.
Many security shutters are also customizable, allowing businesses to choose from different materials, colors, and designs to match their storefront’s aesthetic while maintaining strong protection.
Other types of rolling shutters vary in operation, installation type, and material. They can be manual or electric, and installation options include built-in, integrated, exterior, or built-on designs. Additionally, they are available in aluminum, steel, or a combination of both, providing different levels of durability and security.
Where Can I install Security Shutters?
Residential and commercial rolling shutters can be installed in various locations to protect against break-ins, vandalism, and environmental damage.
Commercial Properties
- Storefronts
- Warehouses & Storage Facilities
- Pharmacies
- Banks & Financial Institutions
- Restaurants and Cafes
Residential Properties
- Doors & Windows
- Garages
- Patios & Balconies
Industrial & Government Buildings
- Military & Government Facilities
- Factories & Manufacturing Plants
- Storage Facilities
Public Spaces & Specialty Uses
- Kiosks & Pop-up Shops
- Schools & Universities
- Hospitals & Medical Facilities
- Malls & Shopping Centers
Are Security Shutters Good for Hurricanes?
Yes, rolling shutters can offer tremendous protection during a hurricane. They can prevent flying objects and water damage from impacting the inside of your home or business, and they can also protect against vandalism, which is frequently seen after a significant storm. Automated rolling shutters provide an added convenience, allowing users to quickly secure their properties by pushing a button or tapping their Smartphone. Additionally, they enhance privacy by blocking visibility from the outside, giving homeowners and businesses greater control over their space.
Insurance companies understand the benefits of rolling shutter storm protection so well that they often offer discounts to home or business owners who invest in such protective measures. Some companies have even permitted discounts of up to 15% for properties with affixed rolling shutters offering hurricane protection.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Security Shutters?
Security shutters usually cost $300 per window. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on the window or door size, your chosen material, and how you want to operate it (e.g., manually or remotely). The manufacturer’s suggested retail price and professional installation can also affect the overall cost. That’s why it’s best to research and consult with an industry expert before investing in security shutters.
How to Choose The Right Security Rolling Shutter?
To find the most suitable security shutter, consider several factors, including the level of security needed for your home or business, location, and property value. Also, remember the material of the slats, whether you choose steel for high security or aluminum for lighter applications, the operation method (manual or automated), and any other features such as noise reduction, light control, or UV protection. Typically, the more options you add to your rolling shutter, the more expensive it will become.
Security Shutter Materials: Steel vs. Aluminum
The two most common materials used in security shutters for windows are steel and aluminum.
Steel security shutters provide the best impact resistance, proving especially popular for high-security commercial applications. We’ve seen steel shutters for windows throughout warehouses and government buildings. However, they are heavy, so they tend to require motorized operation for larger windows.
Aluminum security shutters are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for coastal and hurricane zones. Our Rollac SecuraMax hurricane shutters are aluminum and perfect for both residential and commercial use.
Some versions use a blend of aluminum slats with steel guide tracks for additional support.
With whatever material you opt for, you can get custom coloration with powder-coating, anodized, or thermal paint finishes. This will provide additional UV and weather protection.
Security Shutters for Windows: Residential Applications
Security shutters for windows are a tried and trusted method to boost your home security. Windows are the number-one vulnerability for break-ins, so the full glass covering is a game-changer, particularly when you’re away on vacation.
Aside from the storm protection benefits, security window shutters also boost energy savings, reducing as much as 70% of ambient heat (which can reduce your AC usage costs).
Our data also shows that outside noise can be reduced by up to 50%. So, if you live on a noisy street, you’ll gain some much-needed peace. That’s also true with the full blackout effect when closed, providing UV protection for your family, furniture, flooring, and personal belongings.
You can expect to pay around $300 to $1,500 per window for security window shutters, depending on size and automation.
Smart Security Shutters: Remote & App Control
In recent years, it’s become the norm to see rolling shutters integrate into smart home systems. This option sees motorized roll-down security shutters operate with a wall switch, remote control, or smartphone app.
The Somfy MyLink app is the go-to, but we can install a system that integrates with Alexa or Google Home.
The smart integration route can allow you to schedule automatic openings and closings, remote operation, and group operations. So, with one click of a button, every window in your home closes up and gains that crucial protection.
Finally, our smart security shutters provide a safety feature that stops the motors from moving if an obstruction is detected.
Security Shutter ROI & Insurance Benefits
The ROI on installing security shutters for windows is far-reaching. You can expect to see discounts of up to 15% on your homeowner’s insurance, given that the hurricane-related protection and increased break-in resistance.
That break-in prevention can also save an average of $2,000 to $3,000 in losses, given that they prevent the break-in entirely. And you can’t put a price on peace of mind, too, right?
You’ll also save on energy, with the reduced need for cooling and heating, saving you around $200 to $600 per year. Given the lifespan of a security rolling shutter is around 10 to 20 years, the cost spreads to pennies per day over time.
Maintenance Guide for Security Rolling Shutters
Taking care of retractable shutters is fairly simple, but these steps are highly recommended to increase their lifespan and efficiency:
Every month, you should operate the shutters fully up and down to ensure the mechanisms are smooth. Quarterly, we recommend wiping the slats with a soft cloth and mild soap. And annually, you should lubricate the guide tracks and locking mechanisms with silicone spray.
You should also inspect exterior shutters for dents, corrosion, or misalignment after storms, as well as test the motors and remotes.
Do not use harsh chemicals or pressure washers.
Buy and install Security Shutters for Windows with Rollac.
Significantly increase your home security and energy efficiency with roll-down security shutters from Rollac.
Our hurricane-rated residential and commercial shutters include manual and automated systems, including those with smart home integration.
We welcome you to browse our awnings and contact us today if you have any questions.