Slats, materials and performance · Rolling Shutter Guide
What are rolladen? European roller shutters vs American rolling shutters
Rolladen is German for roller shutters. A European roller shutter and an American rolling shutter are the same machine: a slat curtain that rolls onto an axle in a box above the opening and runs in side rails. The differences are in the slat, the standards it is tested to, and the motor's supply voltage.
Key facts
- Roll-A-Shield's 38 mm and 55 mm insulated slats are roll-formed aluminum with a foam core, rated to European standards: DIN EN 13125 for thermal resistance and VKF for hail. Roll-A-Shield data
- Slat profiles are named by their height in millimeters: 38 mm, 55 mm and 63 mm, which is 1.5 in, about 2.2 in and 2.5 in. Roll-A-Shield data
- Thermal resistance added (delta R, DIN EN 13125): 0.19 for the 38 mm slat and 0.20 for the 55 mm slat. Roll-A-Shield data
- Roll-A-Shield's wired shutter motors run on 120 V AC. Roll-A-Shield data
- Roll-A-Shield, founded in 1979, builds its rolling shutters in Tempe, Arizona. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Roller shutters, rolladen and rolling shutters of any make with a head box, axle, slat curtain and side guide rails; Roll-A-Shield 38 mm and 55 mm insulated and 63 mm single-wall slats, Somfy and Gaposa motors.
People search for rolladen, roller shutters, rolling shutters, roll-down shutters and security shutters, and they are usually looking at the same product. This page sorts out the names, then the differences that do matter when you buy one or look for parts.
What does rolladen mean?
Rolladen is the German word for roller shutters. In Britain and much of Europe the usual English term is roller shutter; in North America it is rolling shutter, roll-down shutter or roll-up shutter, and security shutter when it is sold for protection. All of them describe a curtain of interlocking slats that rolls onto an axle inside a box above the opening and runs up and down in a guide rail on each side. The parts are labeled on What are the parts of a rolling shutter?.
Is a European roller shutter different from an American one?
The machine is the same; three things differ. The slat may be a light roll-formed profile with a foam core or a heavier extruded one. It may be rated to European standards, American ones, or both. And the motor has to suit the local electricity supply. Roll-A-Shield builds shutters with both kinds of slat at its factory in Tempe, Arizona.
| Slat | Construction | Height | Rated to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 mm insulated | Roll-formed aluminum, polyurethane foam core | 1.5 in (38 mm) | European standards: DIN EN 13125, EN 13659, VKF |
| 55 mm insulated | Roll-formed aluminum, polyurethane foam core | about 2.2 in (55 mm) | European standards: DIN EN 13125, EN 13659, VKF |
| 63 mm single-wall | Extruded aluminum, end retention | 2.5 in (63 mm) | See the storm and wind pages |
| 63 mm perforated | Extruded aluminum, perforated | 2.5 in (63 mm) | No rating claimed |
The foam-filled slats are the insulating, quieter choice; the extruded single-wall slat is the heavy-duty one, used for maximum security, larger openings and commercial work. Compare them on insulated vs extruded slats.
What European standards do the insulated slats meet?
Roll-A-Shield publishes the slat maker's European test values for its two insulated slats, with the standard named for each.
| Property | Standard | 38 mm insulated | 55 mm insulated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal resistance added (delta R) | DIN EN 13125 | 0.19 | 0.20 |
| Hail resistance | VKF (Switzerland) | Class 4 (VKF): hail up to 40 mm | Class 5 (VKF): hail up to 50 mm |
| Noise reduction | DIN EN ISO 140-5 | +10 dB with a 100 mm air gap between curtain and glass (DIN EN ISO 140-5) | +10 dB with a 100 mm air gap between curtain and glass (DIN EN ISO 140-5) |
The European wind classes are measured to EN 13659 against German regional wind-load data, installation height and terrain, so read them with their conditions; they are explained on How much wind can a rolling shutter take?. What the thermal figure means for a house is on Do rolling shutters insulate?.
Why are shutter parts measured in millimeters?
Because the profiles come from the metric world. Slats are named by their height in millimeters, and Roll-A-Shield's standard boxes are 165, 180, 205, 230, 254 and 300 mm, sold as 6.5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 in. The 55 mm spec sheet even gives the slat count per meter of height: 18 slats per 1 m (3.3 ft). Openings in the US are still measured in inches, and Roll-A-Shield's spec sheets give both. See slat specifications.
Do European and American shutters use the same motors?
Often the same makers. Roll-A-Shield fits tubular motors, which sit inside the axle, from Gaposa (its standard) and Somfy, and OZRoll battery motors; Gaposa's literature for its solar motors says they are made in Italy. Roll-A-Shield's wired motors run on 120 V AC, the North American household supply; solar and battery motors run on their own low-voltage supply.
If you are replacing a motor in an imported shutter, read the old motor's label first, including its voltage, rather than going by the shutter's brand. See a Somfy or Gaposa motor in another company's shutter.
Can I get parts or service for my rolladen?
Sometimes. Roll-A-Shield's service team in metro Phoenix works on shutters of any make. Parts for some older imported shutters are limited to what Roll-A-Shield has in stock (older OZRoll shutters are one example, because their Australian maker does not ship to the US), and a replacement slat has to match the profile already in the rails. Start with who made my rolling shutter? and parts for older or other-brand shutters, then call (480) 921-0200 with measurements and photos.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rolladen shutter the same as a roll-down security shutter?
Yes. Rolladen, roller shutter, rolling shutter, roll-down shutter and roll-up shutter all describe a slat curtain that rolls into a box above the window or door. Security shutter is the same product sold for protection.
Are Roll-A-Shield shutters European?
They are built in Tempe, Arizona, by a company founded in 1979. The insulated slats are roll-formed aluminum profiles rated to European standards, and the motors are Gaposa and Somfy, plus OZRoll battery motors; Gaposa's literature for its solar motors says they are made in Italy.
Can I buy parts for my rolladen from Roll-A-Shield?
Often, but not always. Parts for some older imported shutters are limited to what Roll-A-Shield has in stock, and a slat has to match the existing profile. Start with the pages on parts for other brands and on matching replacement slats, then call with measurements and photos.
How much do rolladen shutters cost?
The same as any custom rolling shutter: price depends on size, slat, operator and installation. See how much rolling shutters cost, or request a quote.
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.