Install roller shutters according to the rules: types of roller shutters and installation tips

Since ancient times, people have been using pieces of fabric to decorate their homes. Today, not only classic curtains are used for this, but also roller blinds (also known as Roman blinds), which are gaining popularity. They have many advantages, so every day more and more people choose them. Installation of roller blinds on plastic windows is most often done by a specialist, but you can cope with this task yourself. Today there are several types of roller shutters with their own installation features.

Purpose of products

Roller shutters are an improved version of conventional shutters. The roller shutter system includes a metal sheet that runs along the side guides when opening and closing. When fully opened, these products are rolled into a box mounted above the window opening. The functions performed by modern roller shutter systems are as follows:

Protection against unauthorized entry and vandalism. Modern models have been improved. Their designs are monolithic, which allows you to reliably protect property. To crack such structures, you will have to use metal-cutting tools. Their use is impossible without noise. Additional security for your home can be provided by installing an alarm system.
Improved sound insulation characteristics. This feature is relevant for houses that are located near the roadway. When closed, roller shutters reduce noise levels by up to 15 decibels.
Control illumination of the territory. Roller shutters allow you to partially open the area, adjusting the optimal amount of light. Models have been developed in which the degree of illumination is adjusted by directing the lamellas on the canvas.
Improved thermal insulation. A roller shutter system with lamellas, equipped with insulation, reduces heat loss during the cold season by 20%.
Giving the facade decorative properties. Roller shutter sheets are available in a wide range of colors. To order, you can make lamellas with images of trees and flowers, and other designs that harmonize with the exterior of the home .

Profile type

Steel structures are reliable and wear-resistant, but aluminum models remain the most popular solutions. They are created from different profiles:

Roller-rolled profile filled with foam. It is the simplest and most affordable option. Thin aluminum sheets are used for rolling, so even a thick layer of foam filler does not guarantee protection against deformation under heavy loads. Roller shutters have good heat and sound insulation, but cannot resist burglary.
Reinforced profile. It is characterized by increased strength properties and does not allow intruders to enter the facility. The cost of the product is much higher, but this is justified by the possibility of using the system to protect the home.
Lattice perforated or seamless. Representatives of this group are characterized by strength and reliability. They are burglar-resistant and suitable for decorating commercial buildings.

A separate type are armored roller shutter systems, which are made of steel or aluminum. They are not in demand in private construction because they weigh a lot and look massive. The main area of application is financial institutions.

System classification

The material used to manufacture the structure remains a key criterion for choosing roller shutter systems. This parameter directly affects the reliability and durability of these products . Facade blinds are classified into 8 groups, focusing on burglary resistance:

P1-P2 - this is how classic, or plumbing, systems are designated. First of all, they protect from noise, wind and dust. These models do not protect against vandalism and unauthorized entry into the territory. Roller shutter systems are usually roller rolled.
P3-P5 - extruded or steel profiles. Provide additional protection against vandalism. Gates and window grilles are often made from the same material.
P6-P8 - improved protection is provided thanks to these models. These systems are armored and bulletproof. There are manual and automatic modifications, according to the control method.

Models can be opened and closed by hand or using a mechanical handle. These systems are equipped with an external lock to lock the roller shutters. The location is automatically controlled by pressing the sound button on the control unit.

The canvas is most often made from steel and aluminum lamellas. Each of these materials has both its pros and cons. Steel modifications have good thermal insulation and noise absorption properties. Their internal void is filled with polyurethane foam. What are the disadvantages of steel roller shutters:

Large dimensions. This is an additional load on the entire system if only automation is used;
Possibility of corrosion formation on steel lamellas. The issue is resolved if decorative impregnation is used.

Aluminum structures are characterized by excellent decorative qualities. They are easy to manage. In addition, roller shutters protect premises from dust, noise, sun and unauthorized entry. Additionally, they boast the advantage of low specific gravity.

Caring for the mechanism

Before washing the window, the curtains should be rolled up, and if possible, removed completely. Contaminated fabric can be refreshed using a regular soap solution and a soft cloth or washcloth. To dry it, just leave it unfolded.

You can remove stains from curtains using a regular stain remover. If you fail to achieve the result, you can turn to the cleaning company’s specialists for help.

For the kitchen, it is best to install closed-type fabric roller shutters, since the box will protect the fabric from dust and kitchen soot. Such curtains will not need to be washed often.

Components

Before you begin installing the protective sheet on the windows, you need to determine what elements are included in its design. Everything is quite simple here . The components are as follows:

Canvas. It is regarded as the main part of roller shutters. Includes elements of the same width and length, connected to each other.
Guide profiles. They guarantee uniform movement of the slats near the canvas.
Mechanism for control. It is placed in a box. Consists of various elements, for example, a handle, a control panel.
Locks that act as a locking system.

How to install a curtain over a window

Before answering the question of how to install roller blinds on a window, you need to make sure that the size is chosen correctly and that the package contains all the necessary components. Print the packaging and check the availability with the list, which must be in the manufacturer’s instructions. Assemble the curtain by placing the inserts into the brackets and connecting them to the shaft.

Unwind and attach the curtain to the window, mark the places of intended fastening. The canvas should be wider than the glass. The overlaps are made the same in each direction. Decide on the location of the panel and the winding mechanism. Insert the winder on the side you chose. On the reverse side, insert a plug with a projection under the holder. Insert the holders into the brackets. A click will indicate that it has entered completely.

Installation methods

People who want to provide effective protection from noise and direct sunlight for their home are increasingly thinking about how to install roller shutters. Installation of roller shutters is carried out in various ways.

External method , also called overhead, is the most common. It also assumes the greatest ease of implementation. There is no need to make a niche for the box. The canvas is placed above the opening , the guide rails are located on the side of it. Key characteristics of surface mounting:

used for furnishing finished buildings with installed windows;
the method is suitable for installing various drives;
roller shutters do not cover the light opening;
the box can be seen outside the plane of the facade.

The overhead system will cost more than the built-in one. The difference in cost varies from 2 to 3 thousand rubles.

Built-in installation involves installing the box and guides directly in the window opening, that is, on the internal slopes . This method has its own characteristics:

It is suitable for large windows, since this installation scheme involves partially covering the light opening with the rear wall of the box and guide elements.
Built-in installation involves the use of an electric drive.
The installation system is considered to be extremely burglar-resistant.

Combined installation requires the formation of a special recess in the upper part of the window opening. It must be provided for at the stage of construction of structures or during reconstruction. Combined installation allows for several options for fixing the box and guides.

Velcro blinds

Velcro curtains are considered universal. In the case of a mini mechanism, one of the important elements is the double-sided tape that is attached to the back cover of the box with the drum during installation. For installation, you only need to carefully mark the location of the drum attachment on the blind or opening sash.

Remove the protective tape from the tape. The product should be attached to the marked place very carefully. The secured tape creates a strong connection. If you make a mistake, the adhesive layer will have to be completely removed from both the frame and the sash, and then repeat the procedure again: attach the adhesive tape with one side to the product, remove the protective tape and try to install the drum again.

The second stage is the installation of fabric guides. Aluminum runners are also equipped with double-sided tape. They are attached in the same way, only directly to the glazing bead in such a way that the fabric tucked into them moves along them without interference.

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Selection of fasteners

Before installing roller shutters, you need to select the correct fastenings. What to pay attention to:

If elements made of monolithic brick, natural stone or concrete are installed in the window opening, it is better to use plastic dowels with a nail screw as fasteners. You can also use screws. As an alternative, expansion steel anchors are used. Fastening is carried out at a depth of 3 cm, at least.
When installing on a window opening made of material containing voids, steel expansion anchors should be used. The depth of the bookmark is 6.5 cm.
Self-tapping screws are recommended for metal structures as fasteners.
If you have to deal with a wooden rule, through screws or tie rods will come to the rescue.
Nail screws or plastic dowels are used for system controls.

Features of fabric roller shutters

Fabric roller curtains are the fastest and most effective way to decorate a window opening in any room. They can be attached to a wall or ceiling, and with this method they completely close the opening.

There are models that are placed separately on each sash. They save space, are easy to install and maintain - thanks to these qualities they have gained popularity among consumers.

Fabric roller curtains are made from:

cotton;
polyester;
flax;
bamboo

Thanks to the wide range of colors, they practically match any decorative style. Manufactured in standard and custom sizes. The fabric is treated with special compounds that protect the fabric from fading, moisture absorption and dust settling.

Self-installation

Preparatory activities are a mandatory part of the installation of roller shutters. This stage consists of the following points:

Check the evenness of the window opening. To do this, take a tape measure and measure the diagonal of the window, and then compare the obtained indicators. The difference between the diagonal sizes should be no more than 5 mm. If these indicators are neglected, the structures will subsequently be installed leaky and will not provide the required level of safety. The dimensions of the diagonals must be aligned.
Check the horizontality of the lower upper slope using a building level. Plumb lines are used to ensure the verticality of the sides of the window opening. The deviation should be 1.5 mm per linear meter.
Remove irregularities, cracks and chips on slopes. Finishing is done with plaster and special overlays are installed. The use of additional devices affects the appearance of the building facade and increases the cost of installation work.

Materials and tools

To install roller shutters yourself, you need special tools. What you will need for installation:

perforator;
drill;
drills for concrete and metal;
screwdriver;
rivet gun;
a set of wrenches and screwdrivers;
metal scissors;
building level and tape measure;
hammer;
marker;
ladder - for working at a height of more than one and a half meters;
multimeter and indicator screwdriver for connecting the drive;

Sealant and a nail gun are required to securely seal the joints in the walls and tracks. Before starting installation, you need to check the existing tool kit for the presence of all necessary components. These devices must also be free of defects.

Tools

Naturally, installing a roller blind on a plastic window requires a tool, but everyone has one:

Pencil and measuring tape.
Regular bubble level.
A good construction and installation knife.
Electric drill or screwdriver.
Acetone, double-sided construction tape and polymer glue (for installation without drilling).

Box assembly and installation

Roller shutters can be installed in a familiar manner . How does this happen:

Prepare the side guides. To do this, lay out these products in pairs, apply markings under the hole, the step of which should be from 40 to 50 cm. The first mark is made at a distance of 10 cm from the edge of the guide rail. Drill a through hole with a diameter of 8 mm. On the upper side, a diameter of 11.8 mm is made in order to later place a decorative plug here.
A lid is attached to the box. Drill 2 holes through on each side with a diameter of 4 mm. Upon completion of all work, rivets are placed in them. Determine the location of the holes for fixing the box. For built-in installation, this is done from above, and for external installation - from the opposite side of the box.
They mark and drill a hole with a diameter of 8 mm, and create another slot to accommodate the drive. Connect the guide rail to the box.
Carry out markings for fasteners. A frame of roller shutters is applied to the opening. All elements of the system should be located on the wall. Check the horizontality of the box and vertical guides. Compare the lengths of the diagonals. The deviations allowed in this case are 2 mm. Transfer the hole markings to the wall from the box. We are talking about those holes that were equipped earlier.
Drill holes for fasteners. Slots are created according to the markings. Install the dowels into the wall, drill holes with a diameter of 12 to 20 mm, depending on the roller shutter model. Places a safety spring in the hole. If necessary, make a hole for mounting locking elements in the lower part of the guide.

Next, the frame is woven. Remove the protective film from the rear panel of the frame. The assembled structure is taken to the installation site. Compare the markings of the holes and fix the frame using a screwdriver. Installation of the control system is carried out as follows:

the interior of the room is marked on the wall;
drill holes;
secure the guides and the tape stacker.

Types of roller shutters

Roller shutters with tape control. Such structures are small in size and light in weight, not exceeding 15 kg, and are very convenient for installation in small areas. For example, this type of roller shutter is used for a closet. They are also used to protect windows, sewer block in the toilet, in the bathroom. The main advantage of such roller shutters is their price.
Roller shutters with inertial spring. They have larger dimensions than the first type, and their weight reaches 55 kg. They are operated by retracting a spring and secured with a bottom lock and side latches. When using such structures, it is possible to output control through the wall.
Roller shutters with cardan reducer. The operation of this mechanism is based on a cardan transmission. Such roller shutters can be closed with both upper and lower locks. When using them, control occurs through the wall by rotating the gate. The main advantage of such roller shutters is the ability to install them on any profile, low price and fairly light weight.
Roller shutters with cable reduction control. Such blinds are controlled by simple mechanisms and can be done, including through the wall. The weight of these structures does not exceed 55 kg. They can be installed on any profile, and installation is carried out on an opening of any width. Such roller shutters are closed with a deadbolt lock and side latches and are most often used as roller shutters for windows.
Roller shutters with electric drive. Powerful designs with a motor that can lift roller shutters weighing up to 150 kg. They operate silently when closing and opening, and it is possible to control them remotely. Roller shutters can be installed on any profile. The price of such mechanisms is higher than that of previous types.

The photo shows the installation of roller shutters on windows

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Installation of the canvas

At the next stage, spacer rings are installed with a distance between elements of 40 to 50 cm. They are installed on the upper shaft. There will be crossbars on both sides of the final profile of the canvas. The blade is wrapped around the upper side of the shaft and guides it into the guide bars. The traction springs are fixed from the upper edge of the web and secured in the perforated holes of the shaft.

As soon as the roller shutter sheet is installed, close the assembled box and remove the film from the front side. Following this, plugs are installed and treated with silicone sealant.

Arrangement of the roller shutter system drive

The final stage of installing a roller shutter system is connecting the automatic curtain control. When performing such work, certain rules are followed. First of all, all components of the electrical circuit connections are placed in a junction box.

When calculating the minimum wire cross-section, the power of all devices is taken into account. To connect automation, it is possible to use a wire with a cross-section of 0.75 square meters. mm or more. Do not use wires that have a polyethylene sheath. A separate cable is used for each motor group.