Slats, materials and performance · Rolling Shutter Guide
Do rolling shutters reduce noise, and by how many decibels?
Yes, while they are closed. The tested figure for Roll-A-Shield's 38 mm and 55 mm insulated slats is up to 10 dB of extra sound insulation, measured with a 100 mm (about 4 in) air gap between the curtain and an insulating-glass window. The 63 mm single-wall slat has no published noise figure.
Key facts
- Insulated 38 mm and 55 mm slats: noise insulation increases by up to 10 dB with a 100 mm air gap between the closed curtain and the glass. Roll-A-Shield data
- The figure is the slat supplier's European test value, measured under DIN EN ISO 140-5 conditions.
- Both insulated slats carry the same +10 dB figure; there is no separate noise figure for the 55 mm slat. Roll-A-Shield data
- The 63 mm single-wall extruded slat has no noise rating on Roll-A-Shield's spec sheet or slat comparison. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Rolling shutters on windows and doors; noise figures for Roll-A-Shield's 38 mm and 55 mm insulated slats; the 63 mm single-wall slat has none.
Yes, a closed rolling shutter makes a room quieter, and for Roll-A-Shield's insulated slats there is a tested number: up to 10 dB of extra sound insulation. That figure comes with conditions, and it only applies to some slats, so this page sets out exactly what was measured and what was not.
How much do rolling shutters reduce noise?
Up to 10 dB, on the insulated slats, with the shutter closed. It is the slat supplier's European test value: with a 100 mm (about 4 in) air gap between the closed shutter curtain and an insulating-glass pane, the noise insulation value increased by up to 10 dB.
| Slat | Published noise figure | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| 38 mm insulated | Up to +10 dB | Supplier test, 100 mm air gap |
| 55 mm insulated | Up to +10 dB | Supplier test, 100 mm air gap |
| 63 mm single-wall | None published | No noise rating listed |
| 63 mm perforated | None published | Holes stay open when closed |
What does the decibel figure actually mean?
It means the noise insulation with the closed shutter in front of the glass was up to 10 dB higher than without it, under the test conditions. Decibels are a logarithmic scale, not a percentage, so we do not convert the figure into "percent less noise": how much quieter a room sounds depends on the noise, the window and the rest of the wall.
Does the gap between the shutter and the window matter?
Yes. The figure was measured with a 100 mm (about 4 in) air gap between the curtain and the glass, and the test describes that as the optimized arrangement. A shutter mounted closer to or farther from the glass was not part of the test, so treat "up to 10 dB" as the best case under those conditions, not a guarantee for every window. Where the shutter sits depends on how it is mounted; see inside vs outside mount.
Which slat is quietest?
The insulated (foam-filled) slats. They are the ones with a tested noise figure, and Roll-A-Shield steers buyers who want a quiet room toward them; the extruded slats are chosen for strength. The 38 mm and 55 mm insulated slats carry the same figure, so pick between them on size and operation. See foam-filled vs extruded slats for the other differences.
The 63 mm single-wall slat has no noise figure at all, so Roll-A-Shield makes no noise claim for it. The perforated 63 mm slat has open holes even when the shutter is fully closed.
Does it work for traffic, aircraft or barking dogs?
We cannot give you a figure for a particular kind of noise. The only published value is the single overall figure of up to 10 dB; there is no frequency-by-frequency data for low rumble versus higher-pitched sound. If one kind of noise is the problem, treat the shutter as one part of the answer alongside the window itself.
Will the shutter make noise of its own?
Rattling in the wind, squeaks and clunks from the shutter itself have their own causes and fixes; see Why is my rolling shutter noisy?.
What next
Tell us about the room and the noise, and how the shutter would be mounted. Call (480) 921-0200 or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 55 mm slat quieter than the 38 mm slat?
Not on paper: both insulated slats carry the same tested figure of up to 10 dB. Choose between them on size and operation, not noise.
Have the slats been tested for low-frequency noise such as traffic or aircraft?
Roll-A-Shield has no frequency-by-frequency data. The only published figure is the single overall value of up to 10 dB.
Do rolling shutters reduce noise when they are open?
No. Rolled up in the box, the curtain is not in front of the window, so it does nothing for sound. The tested figure applies only to a closed curtain in front of the glass.
Can a rolling shutter quiet a pass-through between a kitchen and dining room?
It can help by closing the opening. For sound separation indoors, Roll-A-Shield recommends an insulated slat, but there is no test figure for that use.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
If noise is the main reason you want shutters, ask for an insulated slat and tell us how far the shutter will sit from the glass. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.