Rolling shutters: advantages and disadvantages of the design

Roller shutters are quite popular today. They are not only a protective and protective element, but also look quite attractive and stylish. The design features of roller shutters will be discussed in our article.

For every motorist, the first place has always been the question of the safety of the car and the garage in which it is kept. Therefore, great attention is paid to the type of gate equipped in the room. Roller shutter gates are widely used today as one of the most reliable types of structures. They are of different types, modifications, made from different materials, but their main function is to protect the garage from unauthorized persons and bad weather.

Before equipping your garage with such protection, you need to familiarize yourself with the type of each structure and find out how it works in order to determine the best option for yourself. After all, it is quite difficult, expensive, and sometimes even impossible to adjust the poorly selected design and the intra-shaft mechanism. Automation is difficult to repair.

Roller shutters made of PVC have a number of positive qualities, which is proved by their widespread use not only by individuals, but also by government and commercial organizations: warehouses, banks, shopping centers and other facilities that require increased protection. They are distinguished by their compactness combined with reliability.

The space saving when installing such gates will be about 2 cubic meters, compared to those that swing outward. That's why to save territory, this option is the most optimal.

But here, too, there are some peculiarities:

• There are also installation restrictions for roller shutters, the neglect of which leads to malfunction and unreliability of the structure. Steel profile products should not exceed 7x7 sq. m.
• The aluminum profile is less durable, because the length of one horizontal bar cannot be more than 6 meters, while the gates themselves will occupy an area of ​​no more than 14 square meters.

The simple mechanism for opening and closing the shutters is very convenient to use and does not require complex expensive maintenance. The gate does not need to be painted, the maximum is to lubricate it once every few months... If the gate is planned to be installed in a garage, where the entire tool is constantly kept at hand, it will be easier to mount and, if necessary, repair the structure.

For example, if the lamellae break or bend, you need to open the box lid, pull it down and remove the canvas. Then carefully lay it out on a smooth surface and remove the side latches. Then it is already possible to remove the damaged strips and replace them by connecting them with the rest of the side locks.

One of the advantages of such a choice is the affordable price, which at all times corresponds to the quality. The maintenance of such gates is not costly, because they are resistant to rust and do not expand from temperature changes. As a result, the car will be stored under reliable protection for at least 10 years. Film runners will last a long time.

The density of roller shutters will limit the room from dust and moisture, as well as insulates against noise and even heat transfer (by 20%). As for the appearance, the roller shutters fit very harmoniously into the exterior of most buildings.Plus, the market offers a wide range of shades of coating products, so choosing the right design for your garage or store is not difficult.

In order to open the profile, it is enough to damage the metal by cutting it with a grinder or autogenous machine. But manufacturers often equip roller shutters with an alarm system, and therefore customers often close protected objects with such shutters. It will be safer to install metal armored gates, but it will be much more expensive.

It is impractical to install such gates in heated garages, because without insulation, they easily let air through, giving off heat. In addition, at subzero temperatures, individual elements can be covered with a crust of ice, affecting the opening and closing of the flaps. Therefore, you will have to have a can of anti-freeze liquid on hand or equip the structure with additional heating. But here is the question of the necessity and economy of this installation.

It is important to take into account that not only the safety of the contents from theft and car theft depends on the choice of rolls for the garage, but also protection from the influence of weather conditions of moisture and temperature sensitive materials and tools stored inside.

The most common types of garage doors are:

• swing;
• louvered;
• high-speed;

• roll;
• swing-lifting;
• high-speed;

• automatic;
• fireproof;
• transparent;

• recoil;
• roller shutters;
• lifting and sectional.

The lifting-section type consists of special panels or shields made of different materials (metal, plastic, wood). The panels are connected to each other by hinge hinges. Such gates are opened using a special mechanism. The standard size of such a barrier is 2-3 x 2.25-3.5 m.

When opened, the panel slides into the ceiling, saving space in the garage. This system is good for its long service life, insulating properties and noticeable strength. Cons: high cost of installation and maintenance due to the engineering complexity of the structure. Also such a gate will not protect well against burglars, therefore, you will additionally have to install an alarm.

Also, these mechanisms are dependent on the presence of electricity, and when the power is turned off, the gate may simply not open. But that's not all. It is possible to install such a product for yourself only in garages, the length of which is at least 1.5 times the width, so that the moving panel has a place to fit.

The lift-and-turn type includes a steel shield fixed to the frame. Typically, owners will equip such gates with a remote-controlled electric drive so that the garage can be opened from the car's cab. The raised door is placed under the ceiling parallel to the floor, without taking up the space of the garage space.

The stainless steel surface can be coated with a variety of paints and finishes. The main thing is that the coating is light, otherwise you will have to install auxiliary lifting mechanisms. This door is able to protect the premises from burglary and bad weather.

The nuance of installation is the need for a wide (wider than height) opening. It should be borne in mind that after installation, the entrance will be about 20 cm lower. It is advisable to open a garage with such a door no more than 20 times a day, because mechanical parts wear out quickly. If there is a serious malfunction of one of the components of the installation, the entire structure will be subject to replacement, which will cost a serious amount. Standard gates are made with a size of 2-2.7 x 1.8-2.2 m.

Classic swing gates consist of hinges attached to the posts. The door can open inward or outward. In one of the doors, the owners often additionally make an entrance door.

This option is durable and relatively low cost. They are used in heated garages.But to install such a door, you need to take care of a flat area on the side of the opening, so that the door does not cling to anything when moving. Sizes and materials for manufacture may vary.

Sliding gates are equipped with special rollers that slide when the shield or grate moves to the side when the entrance is opened. But for installation, you need to have a place equal in width to the sash, so that it can be fully located on the side in the open position. So, if the gate is installed outside the garage, it is necessary that there is enough free space on the street near the entrance, and if inside, then the garage should be wide enough, having a wall margin.

Of the advantages of the design, it can be noted durability, ease of maintenance and space saving before leaving. The disadvantage is the specific installation requirements. Sufficient space at the side of the entrance (at least 1.5 times the width of the gate). This is not a suitable option for garage complexes and cooperatives, where buildings are built close to each other. Rather, such gates are suitable for tall, long fences with a wide driveway.

Rolling gates (roller shutters) are a widespread type of structures in developed countries for garages and other buildings that require security. They are manufactured in sizes 150-450 x 150-270 cm. The cost of the product depends on the material, additional devices and its size.

The design of a roller shutter for a gate with a wicket is quite simple to equip a garage with it without the involvement of a specialist. It is presented in the form of specific blinds and includes main and auxiliary elements.

Main part:

• a sheet of metal strips;
• two guide tracks along which the canvas moves;
• a roller on which the web is wound when it is lifted;
• box in which the roller is located;
• drive that lifts the web;
• locks fastening the lamellas together.

The structure is supplied with additional elements if necessary. This could be:

• security alarm;
• remote control actuation mechanism;
• heaters and rubber seals;
• heating system of the structure, necessary in a harsh climate.

The material can be steel or aluminum:

• The sheet of steel lamellas is resistant to burglary and soundproofing. But this option is very expensive.
• Aluminum is more susceptible to deformation, but unlike steel, the product is less expensive, lighter, rust resistant and looks aesthetically pleasing.

According to the method of actuation, the lifting mechanism can be electronic and mechanical:

• Electronic is equipped with a drive that is triggered by pressing a button on the panel or remote control. And even if the current supply is interrupted, the charge will be enough to open the door, but with the help of a special key - a measure necessary to protect against burglary.
• Mechanical type opens manually. It is much cheaper and easier to maintain, but it is relevant for canvases weighing less than 30 kg.

According to the degree of protection, roller shutters are divided into three classes:

1. Low (classic) - protects from dust and sound vibrations, as well as from changes in weather conditions.
2. Medium - this includes a sheet of steel lamellas with good damage resistance.
3. High - a type of armored roller shutters that are resistant to bullets and fire.

Depending on the place and method of installation, products can be:

1. External (overhead) - installed outside. The box is located above the opening.
2. Built-in (internal) - mounted inside the opening, being a more reliable structure.
3. Combined - require additional space above the opening.

It will not be difficult to install roller shutter gates if you have the right tool. The installation instructions should be straightforward. The main thing is that all auxiliary equipment should be prepared before work:

• hammer;
• construction foam;
• screwdriver (screwdriver);
• pliers;
• mounting level;
• drill;
• nippers;
• roulette;

• drill;
• puncher;
• riveter with rivets;
• scissors for metal;
• sealant (acrylic / silicone);
• keys;
• voltmeter.

It is necessary not to forget to make measurements of the opening, to determine the type of gate, coating and the presence of additional installations. Further, the door is installed in a clear sequence of actions.

The first step is to prepare the surface for installation. All irregularities, cracks and depressions are smoothed out with special mixtures. All kinds of bumps and roughness are chiselled with a chisel, the surface is processed.

After this, the guide rails are prepared. On them, stepping back from the end of 10 cm, a mark is applied. Through 0.5 m from it - another one. Holes with a diameter of 0.8 cm are drilled in these places. In addition, an 11.5 mm hole is made in the upper part of the guide to fix the plugs.

In order to maintain the density and free movement of the web in the guide rails, it is important that the difference in diagonal measurements of the entrance opening is no more than 5 mm. Otherwise, skewing is possible. The correct position of the sides of the opening is checked by plumb lines (sides) and level (upper and lower).

The lid is adjusted to the box, after which several holes with a diameter of 4 mm are made. There will be rivets. Then the holes are drilled separately to install the box itself. If the gate is of an external type, you need to drill in the back surface of the box, and if it is built-in, in the upper one.

Another hole is made when connecting the electric drive. And only then the slats are connected to the box. The assembled structure is adjusted to the garage opening, adjusted by the building level. Marks are made in place of the holes for the fasteners, and the structure is retracted to the side. Markings are perforated and dowels are inserted into the resulting grooves.

The protective film is carefully removed from the frame, and the entire structure is installed in the doorway, joining the holes in the frame and in the wall. After checking with a level, the frame is fixed with fasteners. All bolts and screws are tightened evenly to avoid distortions that further affect the operation of the roller shutters.

The choice of fasteners should be appropriate for the degree of stress. So, for a brick and concrete wall, it is better to take a steel anchor with a diameter of 30 mm or more. For metal surfaces - self-tapping screws. For wood - screws. A wall with voids must be equipped with anchors with a diameter of 60 mm or more

The last strip of the web is supplied with crossbar locks. The fabric itself, with the edges fitted to the grooves, is wound on a roller. Traction springs are installed on the upper part to facilitate the lifting of the structure.

Further, on the upper and lower lamellas of the part of the leaf covering the opening, stoppers are installed that regulate the maximum opening / closing of the gate. The operation of the mechanism is carefully checked and if everything is in order, the protective film is removed from the canvas, and all the gaps are blown out with foam.

The price of roller shutters directly depends on the materials from which they are made, the complexity of the design and the availability of auxiliary systems (protection against burglary, fires, etc.). The simplest and most common option is a product from an aluminum profile with a mechanical drive. This is the best option for any garage.If there is a need for increased reliability, there is an option made of armored materials that can withstand gun shots and high temperatures.

A significant characteristic in the designation of cost is the size of the sash. The shutters must correspond to the entrance opening, otherwise the course of the canvas will be tight, which will cause wear of the parts.

You should not lose sight of the brand that takes responsibility for the release of the product. This is also noticeably reflected in the purchase price:

• German company Hormann It is distinguished by the high cost of roller shutters, combined with the excellent quality of roller shutters that can serve customers for decades. The quality has been repeatedly recognized at various exhibitions and confirmed by certificates of international status.
• Belarusian manufacturer Alutech - one of the largest manufacturers of barrage structures and gates, including accessories for them. The cost of the company's products corresponds to the quality and customer reviews.
• Russian brand DoorHan leads the roller shutter market with a wide range of budget-class doors. The name of the company is known far beyond the country of origin and is popular with most garage owners.

Numerous customer reviews indicate that roller shutter garage doors are a very economical option that does not require additional costs for installation and maintenance. Despite their relatively recent appearance, roller shutters are steadily filling the security market. In addition, from year to year, the system is significantly modified, acquiring new characteristics and components.

So, today you can order a canvas with an anti-vandal coating, resistant to scratches and graffiti. Also, all kinds of lightweight seals and insulators do not let noise, sound and cold into the room, while serving as a full-fledged movable wall.

Another plus noted by buyers is space savings. Extra square meters for swing or sliding gates is a luxury, because this space can be used to the maximum advantage. Don't skimp on security.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with some examples of the design of garages and other buildings with roller shutter gates of various modifications, sizes, colors. All of them not only perform their main functions flawlessly, but also harmoniously complete the exterior of the building.

How to install electric roller shutters for a garage, see below.