How Roller Shutters Work: Parts and Operations

Our PTX™ Roller Shutters are a great option for hurricane and security protection. They are easy to operate, offering exceptional convenience to homeowners. And while they operate smoothly they also have more moving parts and components than any other shutter. So a lot of times folks want to better understand how roll-down hurricane shutters work before buying them (or installing them). So in this guide we give an overview of how rolling shutters work. Without getting overly technical, we will discuss the components of roll downs and how they are operated. This is meant to serve as an introduction, making you feel more comfortable with what they are, their components, and how roller shutters work. If you have more in-depth questions you can contact our team directly.

Key Roll Shutter Components and Mechanisms 

Roller shutters have a sleek, minimalist appearance. But looks can be deceiving. In reality, they have many components that allow them to work so smoothly, even if they look simple on the outside.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main parts of roller shutters: 

• Housing Box. The housing box sits neatly above the window, door or other opening. It contains the mechanical and electrical components that make the shutter move. The housing box also houses the rolled-up shutter curtain when it is not in use (when the shutter is in the open position). Some of the key components in the housing box include:
• Roller assembly – a tube shaped assembly that rolls and stabilizes the shutter curtain. For automatic versions it also includes a tubular motor.
  • Motor – usually a tubular motor, this is what makes automatic roller shutters roll open and close. It also has the break mechanism, which serves as a safety feature to prevents the shutter from moving when it is not supposed to.
• Shutter Curtain. The curtain is the part of the shutter you see when it is closed. It is the component that actually covers the window, door, or opening. It is made from durable, interlocking, aluminum slats. The curtain moves up and down along vertical tracks. It is what physically shields your windows and doors from impacts and intense wind. 
  • Slats – the curtain is made up of individual, aluminum slats with varying profiles. With most roller shutters these slats can be opened, closed and adjusted.
• Side Guide Rails. Vertical guide rails are mounted on each side of the window, door, or opening. These rails are fastened to the structure of the property. They allow the curtain to roll smoothly acting as guides and also providing reinforcement to the structure of the shutter. 
• Bottom Bar. This bar is positioned on the bottom of the shutter curtain. It reinforces the rigidity of the shutter on the bottom. It also creates a seal when closed. This component also includes the lock.

The result is a flush, secure fit that can handle hurricane-force winds and debris (without compromising your home’s look the remainder of the year). 

Learn more about hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida.

How Roll Shutters Operate

When it comes to operating your roll-down shutters you have two options: manual or motorized (automatic) shutters. Both get the job done, but they cater to different homeowner preferences. As you would expect the manual versions are lower cost, but the automatic versions offer more convenience and ease of use.

Manual Roller Shutters 

Manual roller shutters are operated with either a manual crank or strap either inside or outside the home.

They’re reliable, still easy to use, and are more budget-friendly when compared to automatic versions. However, compared to automatic versions they do require more time, effort, and muscle to open and close. This is especially true if you have several windows to secure. 

Motorized (Automatic) Roller Shutters 

Automatic roller shutters are controlled with an electric or solar motor. They effortlessly open and close with either a switch, remote control, or smartphone app. Some motors integrate with smart home systems or offer automation features. They are ideal for second-story windows or larger homes (with many windows and doors) or those looking for extremely quick and easy deployment. They make frequent use of the shutters easier (and faster).

One common concern with motorized roller shutters is what happens when the power goes out. But our automatic shutters come equipped with a manual override in case of a power outage. You can also opt to install a battery or generator backup system in case of power outages. 

Automatic shutters are great for those who prioritize ease of use or plan to open and close them frequently even if you are not home.