Slats, materials and performance · Rolling Shutter Guide
Do rolling shutters insulate? R-value and heat
Yes, when closed. Roll-A-Shield's insulated slats carry a tested thermal insulation value, Delta R, of 0.19 (38 mm slat) and 0.20 (55 mm slat) under DIN EN 13125. The spec sheets give no unit, so there is no published US R-value. A closed shutter also shades the glass, stopping direct sun before it reaches the window.
Key facts
- Tested thermal insulation value (Delta R): 0.19 for the 38 mm insulated slat and 0.20 for the 55 mm insulated slat, under DIN EN 13125, as listed on the spec sheets. Roll-A-Shield data
- The spec sheets state the Delta R values without a unit, so Roll-A-Shield does not convert them to a US R-value. Roll-A-Shield data
- The 63 mm single-wall extruded slat has no thermal figure; it blocks sun but insulates less than the foam-filled slats. Roll-A-Shield data
- Roll-A-Shield does not publish a percentage energy saving: real savings depend on the house, the window's sun exposure and how the shutters are used. Roll-A-Shield data
- The insulated slats are rolled aluminum around a polyurethane foam core. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Rolling shutters on windows and doors; tested thermal figures for Roll-A-Shield's 38 mm and 55 mm insulated slats; the 63 mm single-wall slat has none.
Rolling shutters cut heat in two ways: the foam-filled slats plus the trapped air gap between the closed curtain and the glass slow heat transfer, and the closed curtain shades the glass so direct sun never reaches it. For Roll-A-Shield's insulated slats there is a tested figure for the first. For the second there is no single number, and we do not invent one.
What is the R-value of a rolling shutter?
Roll-A-Shield does not publish a US R-value. What the spec sheets give for the insulated slats is a tested thermal insulation value, written Delta R, with the European standard DIN EN 13125 named:
| Slat | Thermal insulation (Delta R), as listed | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 38 mm insulated | 0.19 | Supplier test, DIN EN 13125 |
| 55 mm insulated | 0.20 | Supplier test, DIN EN 13125 |
| 63 mm single-wall | None published | No thermal rating listed |
The spec sheets list these values without a unit. Because a converted figure depends on the unit, we state them exactly as listed rather than turn them into a US R-value. The values are the slat supplier's European test figures, which Roll-A-Shield cites with the standard named rather than rounding them into a marketing claim.
Why do shutters keep a house cooler in summer?
Because they shade the glass and slow heat transfer. Fully closed, a shutter blocks direct sunlight from reaching the window, and the foam-filled slats plus the dead-air gap between the curtain and the glass slow heat moving into the house.
Two things decide how much you get:
- Close it fully. The insulated slats have small vent slots that let light and a breeze through while the curtain hangs partway down; once it reaches the bottom the slats close up on each other and the curtain is solid. A non-vented 38 mm slat is available if you want the curtain solid at every position.
- Choose the slat. Foam-filled slats insulate best; the extruded single-wall slats block the sun but insulate less. The perforated slat lets light and air through at all times, so it shades less.
How much energy will rolling shutters save?
We do not publish a percentage. Many Arizona homeowners tell us they notice lower summer cooling bills, but the saving depends on the house, the window's sun exposure and how the shutters are used, so we describe it as reducing cooling load, not as a guaranteed number. Be wary of any shutter seller who quotes a fixed percentage without saying how it was measured.
Which slat insulates best?
The insulated (foam-filled) slats: the 38 mm and 55 mm profiles are rolled aluminum around a polyurethane foam core, and both carry a tested figure. Between the two, the difference is small (0.19 against 0.20), so pick on size and operation. The 63 mm single-wall slat is chosen for strength and has no thermal figure. See foam-filled vs extruded slats.
Do shutters help in winter?
Yes. The spec sheets list the insulated slats as insulating against cold as well as heat and noise. Close them at night to keep the extra layer over the glass.
Related questions
Whether a closed shutter can trap heat against the window is covered in Do rolling shutters add heat, or keep it out?. For blackout, see Do rolling shutters black out a room?, and for sound, Do rolling shutters reduce noise?. To price shutters for the sunny side of the house, call (480) 921-0200 or see what rolling shutters cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the R-value of a rolling shutter?
Roll-A-Shield does not publish a US R-value. The spec sheets list a tested thermal insulation value, Delta R, of 0.19 for the 38 mm insulated slat and 0.20 for the 55 mm slat under DIN EN 13125, with no unit given, so we do not convert it. The value applies with the shutter closed.
How much will rolling shutters lower my cooling bill?
We do not quote a percentage. Closing the shutters reduces cooling load by shading the glass and adding insulation, and many Arizona owners tell us they notice lower summer bills, but the saving depends on the house, the sun exposure and how the shutters are used.
Is the 55 mm slat warmer than the 38 mm slat?
Only slightly on paper: a Delta R of 0.20 against 0.19. Choose between them on size and operation rather than insulation.
Do rolling shutters help in winter too?
Yes. Roll-A-Shield's spec sheets list the insulated slats as insulating against cold as well as heat.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
For heat and insulation, ask for an insulated slat on the windows that take the most sun. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.