Australian homes, especially older ones, are often known for being poorly built in terms of insulation. From flimsy fibro exteriors and thin metal roofing to single-glazed windows, we haven’t always built in a way that best protects us from the elements.

While insulation can be added in walls and ceilings and newer homes are built to a much stricter energy efficiency code, when it comes to windows, very little has changed. This means most homes are still very susceptible to summer heat and winter chill.

You may be wondering, aside from replacing all windows with double glazing, what can be done to improve this?

The answer is simple, roller shutters.

Roller shutters come with a wide variety of benefits, from added security for your property to helping to protect your loved ones from outside factors such as harsh weather, excessive noise and prying eyes.

But that’s not all; they can also be an excellent insulation feature for your home. Read on to discover how insulated roller shutters can help you beat the heat in your home while also reducing your energy bills.

What Are Roller Shutters?

Roller shutters are a type of external blind that securely covers the windows of your home to block sunlight, heat and noise while also deterring burglars. They are not to be confused with decorative timber shutters, plantation shutters or awnings which all deliver different benefits.

Made from durable materials, such as aluminium, roller shutters feature interconnected slats that can be raised or lowered from a headbox fixed above the window.

Guided by a track within its frame, these shutters can be operated manually using a hand crank or via an automated mechanical system. Most modern shutters favour the latter as they are easier to use and install.

The Origin Of Roller Shutters

In Australia, roller shutters were originally designed and introduced for security and protective purposes. Not much thought was given to their other potential benefits, including as a barrier against hot summer temperatures.

Conversely, exterior window coverings have been used for centuries across Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa and other parts of the world to block heat rather than for security.

Thankfully, modern roller shutters combine the best of both and now incorporate insulative properties alongside excellent security features.

Today, for these reasons and many more, roller shutters are a popular choice for homeowners everywhere.

How Do They Work?

When lowered, the slats of the roller shutter are guided down to the base of the window by side channels. The slats left with a small gap between them for light to enter and for airflow or closed completely for darkness.

Optimal Thermal efficiency is best achieved when the roller shutter is fully closed as this leaves no gaps for light or heat to enter. Privacy, security and protection from wind, rain, hail or similar are also best when fully closed.

Roller Shutters And Heat Reduction

When it comes to regulating the internal temperature of your home, roller shutters can be a great long-term investment for your property. But how effective are they?

This largely depends on the type of shutters involved and how they have been manufactured. Due to this not all shutters will provide the same level of protection against heat.

However, quality roller shutters that incorporate insulating material as part of their design can be incredibly effective at blocking heat and keeping the inside of your home cool.

Through the prevention of radiant heat transfer, a closed shutter will keep heat within your home during winter, and keep outdoor heat and light from entering on hot days. This allows you to take control of your home environment and benefit from lowered bills too.

The Importance Of Professional Installation

While the shutters themselves are capable of providing excellent insulation, this can be compromised if installation is not properly handled.

A well installed shutter is not only vital for optimal insulation but also extends the durability and usability of the shutters. Engaging a professional for installation is key to guaranteeing that the shutters function at their best and have an extended lifespan.

How Are Roller Shutters Insulated?

At Titan Shutters, our roller shutter slats are made from double-skinned aluminium, and injected with an insulative polyurethane foam. This foam expands to completely fill the hollow slats and hardens once set.

This foam serves two purposes:

1. It enhances the strength of each slat and the shutter as a whole and
2. It provides effective thermal insulation

Containing thousands of tiny air bubbles, the foam has a high thermal resistance as air is a poor conductor of heat. This means heat is kept outside as it cannot easily transfer through the shutter.

As a bonus, this insulation is also excellent for soundproofing. Making it a great choice for those living near busy roads or within a noisy neighbourhood.

Can Roller Shutters Also Keep Heat In And Cold Out?

Yes, they can do this too! Whether you’re looking to keep warm during the winter or cool in summer, roller shutters are a great solution for managing the temperature within your home.

As Melbourne residents experience both the extreme heat of summer and bone-chilling winters, shutters are a great solution for year-round comfort.

Roller Shutters & Energy Efficiency

Due to their capacity to insulate against cold and heat, roller shutters can also help to reduce your energy bills.

By making it harder for heat and cold to enter your home or escape it, you’re supporting better energy efficiency.

This means you won’t be as reliant on air conditioning or heaters to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Quite simply, this efficiency supports reduced energy usage and therefore lowered bills.

Why Choose Titan Shutters?

Titan Shutters’ range of insulated roller shutters is specially designed to provide unbeatable insulation. Whether you’re dealing with too much heat or lack thereof, our insulated roller shutter could be just what you need.

Our electric roller shutter system allows you to choose the level of coverage that’s right for your home and preferences. You can effectively control the amount of external light and heat able to enter it, at the touch of a button.

Custom-made and manufactured right here in Australia, our skilled technicians also handle the expert installation of all shutters. This ensures a seamless process from start to finish with zero compromises on customer care or quality outcomes.

Also available to assist with aftercare, maintenance or repairs as needed, our team is the one you can trust to handle all your shutter needs.

Equip Your Home Against Summer Heat Today

When it comes to roller shutters, Titan Shutters offers unmatched service and premium products designed to last for decades.

We understand the challenges of Australia’s climate and seek to give you greater control over your home’s temperature for a truly comfortable environment all year long.

Whether you’re looking to replace older shutters or are fitting them for the first time, we’re here to help. No matter if you wish to select a few key windows to cover, install in stages or do every window at once, we welcome your enquiry.

To find out more about how roller shutters can benefit your property, or to arrange your obligation-free quote reach out to us today online or at 1300 020 001.