Parts, boxes, rails and mounting · Rolling Shutter Guide
What is furring (build-out), and when does a rolling shutter need it?
Furring, or a build-out, is spacer material fixed to the wall so the shutter's box and rails stand off it. A shutter needs it when a door handle, window hinge, trim or an uneven face would block the closing curtain. Roll-A-Shield's furring is 1 x 2 in aluminum tube, giving 1 or 2 in of clearance.
Key facts
- Roll-A-Shield furring is 1 x 2 in rectangular aluminum tube, powder-coated to match and cut to the shutter's size. Roll-A-Shield data
- Laid flat the tube stands the shutter 1 in off the wall; on edge, 2 in. Pieces can be stacked or mixed. Roll-A-Shield data
- Furring is ordered for all sides, or only the top, bottom or sides that need it. Roll-A-Shield data
- Furring behind the guide rails runs their full height; it is fixed level and plumb, aligned to the shutter's outer dimensions, before the rails go on. Roll-A-Shield data
- A 1-3/4 in door handle is cleared by laying the 1 x 2 in tube on its edge for 2 in of build-out. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Surface-mounted rolling shutters of any make over windows and doors with something proud of the wall; Roll-A-Shield shutters with factory furring.
A surface-mounted rolling shutter normally sits flat against the wall, with the curtain running just in front of it. That works until something sticks out of the wall in the curtain's path. Furring, also called a build-out, moves the whole shutter forward so the curtain clears it.
What is furring on a rolling shutter?
Spacer material fixed to the wall around the opening, which the guide rails and box then mount on. It turns an uneven or obstructed wall into a flat mounting surface that stands a set distance off the wall. Roll-A-Shield supplies it as 1 × 2 in rectangular aluminum tube, powder-coated to match and cut to the size of the shutter.
When does a shutter need furring?
Whenever part of the window or door sticks out past the wall surface and would block the shutter going up or down. Without it, the closing curtain hits the obstruction and the shutter will not close.
| What sticks out | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Door handle or knob | The curtain hits it and the shutter will not close |
| Casement window hinges or cranks | They project past the frame into the curtain's path |
| Trim or molding | It sticks out past the wall, so the shutter cannot sit flush |
| Tile, brick, stone or rough stucco | The face is uneven, and the rails and box need a flat mounting surface |
| Protruding bolts or fixtures | Something has to be bridged |
Furring is also how a shutter is mounted where the wall does not give enough depth. On patio and carport shutters that take a storm bar, a length of 1 × 2 in furring ships with the storm bar kit. See Does a patio shutter need a storm bar?.
How much clearance does furring give?
1 in or 2 in per layer, depending on which way the tube is laid.
| Furring | Clearance |
|---|---|
| 1 × 2 in tube laid flat (short side out) | 1 in |
| 1 × 2 in tube on edge (tall side out) | 2 in |
| Two tubes stacked flat | 2 in combined |
Measure how far the obstruction projects and pick the furring that beats it. On one storefront, a 1-3/4 in door handle was cleared by laying the tube on its edge for 2 in.
Does furring go on every side?
Only where it is needed. Order it for all sides, or just the top, bottom or sides. You might need it only along the top, for example; agree which sides with Roll-A-Shield when you order.
Tip: If you are not sure of the width, order a slightly narrower shutter and add a build-out, rather than an over-wide shutter.
How is furring installed?
Furring goes on the wall first, then the shutter mounts on it as if it were the wall.
- Fix the furring to the wall in line with the shutter's outer dimensions.
- Keep it level and plumb even if the building or opening is not.
- Run the furring behind each guide rail the rail's full height, with the top and bottom pieces fitted between the side pieces.
- Mount the guide rails and box on the furring as in a normal install.
The fasteners now pass through the furring as well as into the wall, so choose them for the full depth; see what screws to use. The full sequence is in Install a strap or crank shutter.
Is furring the same as a U-channel?
No. Furring moves the shutter off the wall. A U-channel is a channel across the bottom of the opening that the curtain closes into; it is needed only when the opening has no flat surface for the shutter to rest on, or for an extra light seal. See Do I need a U-channel?.
What next
Note the furring and which sides need it on your measure sheet, with a photo of anything that sticks out. Call Roll-A-Shield at (480) 921-0200 or request a quote.
Watch it done
Product Overview – Furring
The written steps on this page are the reference; the video shows the same job.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make my own furring?
Yes. You can fur out a shutter with wood or another material that matches the building, as long as it gives a solid, flat mounting surface for the rails and box. Roll-A-Shield's own furring is color-matched aluminum tube.
Is furring the same as a U-channel?
No. Furring stands the shutter off the wall; a U-channel is a channel across the bottom that the curtain closes into, used when the opening has no flat surface to rest on or for a better light seal.
Can I add furring after the shutter is ordered?
Furring specs can still be changed after the quote, before the shutter is built. Roll-A-Shield reviews the change and confirms the corrected furring in writing for each shutter on the order.
Can I get a deeper build-out?
Stack the 1 x 2 in tube, or ask Roll-A-Shield about a larger tube. Sizes other than 1 x 2 in are ordered for the job, which adds lead time.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
Replacement motors, remotes, straps, slats and hardware ship from our Tempe, Arizona factory. Phoenix-area owners can book a service visit; everywhere else, our technicians help by phone. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.