Roller shutters are a trendy choice for bolstering your home’s security and improving its energy efficiency, especially in a bustling metropolis like Melbourne. Here, the fluctuating weather can range from blazing sun to torrential rain. Thus, roller shutters are essential in protecting the home against the elements. However, choosing the suitable material for your roller shutters is a decision that requires careful consideration.
In this blog post, we’ll dissect the various types of roller shutters, pinpointing their unique features, their benefits, and the factors to consider before making this crucial investment in home improvement.
The roller shutter overview
Roller shutters, part of the building’s fabric or add-on units, are curved vertical slats joined together to form a door curtain. This curtain is then discreetly rolled above a door or onto a cabinet, ensuring maximum space savings. Roller shutters have evolved into a diverse range of styles and materials, widely used to secure building openings and provide light and weather protection. In Melbourne, the options have multiplied as homeowners’ awareness of safety and energy conservation has increased.
PVC roller shutters – The contemporary choice
PVC roller shutters are renowned for their ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions without deteriorating. They’re an excellent option for coastal areas or anywhere where exposure to moisture is a daily occurrence. Melbourne’s busy lifestyle and proximity to the bay make these shutters a compelling choice for easy maintenance, sound insulation, and a sleek, modern look. What’s more, they come in many colours to suit any aesthetic.
Polycarbonate roller shutters – The all-rounder
Polycarbonate roller shutters are a modern homeowner’s dream. They offer outstanding impact resistance, allow light filtration, and are exceptionally durable. Their lightweight construction is ideal for roller shutter applications, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. For homeowners who desire both safety and stylish design, polycarbonate roller shutters are a standout choice.
Steel roller shutters – The traditional powerhouse
Melbourne’s long-standing preference with steel has made roller shutters its natural home. Steel roller shutters provide immense security and can deter even the most determined intruders. Despite being heavier than alternatives, their robustness is peerless. They are famous for commercial properties and homeowners looking for a rugged, enduring solution that can be custom-designed to match their architecture.
Aluminium roller shutters – The lightweight warrior
Aluminium roller shutters offer the best of both worlds—durability and lightweight. They are resistant to rust and are relatively low-maintenance, and they can facilitate energy efficiency with foam-filled slats. Aluminium shutters could be the perfect match for the Melbourne who values security but also wants a sustainable option that is lighter and easier to handle.
Wooden roller shutters – The classic look
Wooden roller shutters offer a traditional and warm aesthetic but require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. With Melbourne’s dramatic weather changes, wood can expand and contract, potentially leading to problems over time. However, if well maintained, they can be a chic, classic addition to any home, providing solid security and a timeless appeal.
Comparative analysis of roller shutter materials
When selecting roller shutters for windows or doors, it’s crucial to consider the material’s properties because they determine the roller shutters’ functionality, durability, and appearance. Below is a comparative table of roller shutters made from PVC, polycarbonate, steel, aluminium, and wood, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages:
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| PVC | – Lightweight | – Not as strong as metal or wood |
| – Cost-effective | – Can become brittle over time | |
| – Resistant to corrosion | – Less aesthetic appeal | |
| – Low maintenance | – Poor insulation properties | |
| – Good for moderate security | – Limited colour and texture options | |
| Polycarbonate | – Extremely impact-resistant | – More expensive than PVC |
| – Can be transparent or opaque | – Scratches more easily than glass | |
| – Lightweight | – Can yellow over time due to UV exposure | |
| – UV resistant with treatment | – Less rigid than metals, may need more support | |
| – Excellent for areas needing high security without blocking light | – Thermal expansion issues | |
| Steel | – Very strong and durable | – Prone to corrosion unless properly treated |
| – High security | – Heavy, requiring substantial support structures | |
| – Fire resistant | – Can be expensive | |
| – Long-lasting with proper maintenance | – Poor insulation properties unless combined with other materials | |
| – Can be finished in a variety of styles | – Requires regular maintenance to prevent rust | |
| Aluminium | – Strong yet lightweight | – More expensive than PVC |
| – Corrosion resistant | – Prone to dents and scratches | |
| – Low maintenance | – Can conduct heat and cold, poor insulator | |
| – Modern appearance with a wide range of finishes | – Not as secure as steel | |
| – Good thermal and acoustic insulation properties with proper design | – Requires precise installation | |
| Wood | – Natural aesthetic appeal | – Susceptible to rot, mould, and termites unless treated |
| – Excellent insulator | – Requires regular maintenance (painting, sealing) | |
| – Can be customised with many finishes | – Heavy, requiring substantial support structures | |
| – Strong material depending on the type of wood | – Can be expensive depending on the type of wood | |
| – Timeless look | – Performance varies greatly with weather conditions |
Each material caters to a different set of priorities, and the right choice for you will depend on these needs. For instance, if you’re looking for the highest level of security, steel roller shutters are unarguably the top contender. If aesthetics and unobtrusive operation are your main concerns, then PVC or aluminium might be better suited.
Securetec steel and aluminium roller shutters
Securetec steel roller shutters
Renowned for their strength and durability, Securetec’s steel roller shutters are custom-made to match your requirements. With an emphasis on security and insulation, they are a preferred choice for many Melbourne. Their multi-locking system provides a robust barrier against forced entry and adverse weather conditions, ensuring peace of mind.
Securetec aluminium roller shutters:
For those seeking a balance between security and style, Securetec’s aluminium roller shutters are designed to impress. Their sleek profiles harmonise with modern architectural trends, while their lightweight construction offers effortless operation. They are also available in various colours and finishes, making them a versatile choice for any home or office.
Making the choice that is right for you
Selecting the suitable material for your roller shutters is a unique process that involves understanding your priorities and considering the specifics of your location and home. In Melbourne, with its diverse architectural styles and environmental challenges, roller shutters play a pivotal role in home security and comfort.
Remember, the right roller shutters are an investment in your home’s long-term value and liveability. Take the time to research, compare, and speak to professionals at Securetec Roller Shutters who can guide you in making an informed decision. Whether it’s PVC, steel, wood, or any other material, ensure that your roller shutters are of the highest quality so you can enjoy the benefits for years.
