Modern roller shutters are an excellent choice for fitting out windows and entrance areas on both residential and commercial properties. These structures deliver not only good looks but also reliable protection against break-ins, weather changes and sunlight. If you are planning to order roller shutter systems, it helps to know how to install roller shutters without frustrating mistakes and without wasting extra time and money.

It is worth noting that, to ensure a reliable and long-lasting installation, especially where professional tools and experience are involved, you are better off turning to qualified specialists. But if you have decided to install roller shutters yourself, it is important to take into account every subtlety and expert recommendation, as well as to carefully prepare the windows and/or doorways and entrance areas.

Preparatory work

Today there are two main methods of installing roller shutter systems:

1. Surface-mounted installation, where the structure is fitted on the outside of the windows and doors.
2. Built-in installation, where the shutter box and guide rails are integrated into the opening.

Before beginning the installation of external roller shutters, it is important to take precise measurements and decide how the mounting will be carried out.

Measuring before installing roller shutter systems

Accurate measurements play a key role in a successful roller shutter installation. The precision with which the shutters are manufactured for windows and entrance areas, as well as their functionality, depends on accurate measurements. Measuring involves determining where the shutters will be mounted (outside or inside), as well as the material the walls are made of and their thickness.

To ensure a smooth, even surface and to eliminate any defects, the necessary preparatory work should be carried out on the exterior or interior of the openings. If the gaps between the windows, doors and the shutter structure exceed 5 mm, prior levelling is required. The difference between the outermost points of the guide rails measured diagonally must not exceed 2 mm.

Required equipment

For a successful roller shutter installation you will need some specialised equipment:

1. A rotary hammer.
2. A drill.
3. A level.
4. A measuring tape.
5. A ladder.
6. Various fixings (self-tapping screws, clips, dowels).

Installing the roller shutters

Once all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can move on to installing the roller shutters. It is important to create the holes into which the structure will be fixed, providing protection against break-ins.

Drilling the holes

To install the roller shutter's control elements, holes are drilled as follows:

• For shutters with cord control or an electric drive - holes 12 mm in diameter.
• For shutters with strap (tape) control - holes 16 mm in diameter.
• For shutters with crank (cardan) control - holes 20 mm in diameter.

Main installation stages

Installing roller shutters usually involves the following stages:

1. Marking out the holes for fixing the shutters, and drilling the holes to secure the box and the guide rails.
2. Assembling the frame section and installing the box.
3. Connecting the electric drive and fitting the tape, cord or strap into the box, depending on the system's control type.
4. Fitting the shutter curtain into the guide rails and securing the slat holders.
5. Installing the traction springs and securing the axle of the roller tubes.
6. Fitting the stops to limit the lift height and adjusting the limit switches.
7. Carrying out testing to check that the assembled shutter works.
8. Fitting the decorative end caps.

Recommendations for installing roller shutter systems

To install roller shutters correctly, it is advisable to follow this expert advice:

1. Pay particular attention to the fixing elements, as they are crucial to the strength of the structure.
2. When installing the shutters, do not use expanding foam, silicone or wooden plugs as fixings.
3. When marking out the holes for fixing the guide rails, do not allow the spacing between them to exceed 500 mm.
4. Before putting the shutters into use, run a test to make sure the system works correctly in various positions.

If you are not confident in your shutter-installation skills or would prefer this work to be done by professionals, Magnita is always ready to offer high-quality turnkey roller shutter installation services with official guarantees and fast turnaround times.