Roller shutters are one of the more popular choices for exterior shutters due to their ease of use and strong durability. Generally made out of a metal, such as aluminum, roller shutters are popularly used for hurricane shutters but have several other uses as well.
Roller shutters are one of the stronger and more durable exterior shutters choices, making them great for use as hurricane shutters. When the shutters are rolled down, they create a solid barrier over the window or door, making it very difficult for anything to pass through them. There are no cracks or separate parts for wind or debris to target and it would take an incredible amount of power to force an object right through the roller shutters.
The main drawback to roller shutters is the big, bulky box that is used to store the shutter when it’s not in use. This box fits right on top of the window or door and is more or less permanent, so you have this big box hanging around even when you don’t need the shutter. Due to this, roller shutters are often used only for protecting larger objects, such as sliding glass doors and bay windows. Using them to cover every window of your house would look pretty odd and wouldn’t do much for the overall decor of your home or condo.
Maintaining your roller shutters is really pretty simple. They are made out of alloys, so they won’t rust, and there aren’t a ton of things that can go wrong with them. Inspecting the shutters after use, to make sure they haven’t been too badly damaged by a storm, and a regular yearly inspection should be plenty. Check for any cracks in the metal or any places that might have become worn. If you have a motorized roller shutter, check that the motor works by unrolling and rolling the shutter once or twice a year. It can also help to oil the hinges when you check the motor. If the motor ever dies, chances are good that there is a hand-crank backup, so you could still get the shutter out if needed. A professional would most likely have to come out and inspect the motor to be able to fix it.
Cost for roller shutters varies with the size of the area you are trying to cover, but you can generally find an un-motorized version for around $100 that is large enough to cover a standard sliding glass door, and motorized versions of the same size will run you about $200 or so.