Slats, materials and performance · Rolling Shutter Guide
Will rolling shutters rust near the ocean?
The aluminum slats, rails and box do not rust the way steel does, but nothing is rust-proof in salt air: the hidden steel parts are the weak point. Near the coast, Roll-A-Shield recommends a motorized or single-wall shutter, advises against spring-operated units, and offers a rust-mitigation option that swaps steel internal parts for aluminum.
Key facts
- Roll-A-Shield's coastal guidance: motorized or single-wall shutters are recommended near the coast, and spring-operated shutters are not. Roll-A-Shield data
- The rust-mitigation option replaces steel internal parts, such as a steel axle, with aluminum ones; it is listed on the order sheet as a special-order item suggested for coastal areas. Roll-A-Shield data
- A spring-operated shutter's spring is steel and deteriorates in salt air. Roll-A-Shield data
- Clean twice a year with mild soap and water, never with a pressure washer, and lubricate only the guide rails, with dry silicone spray. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Aluminum rolling shutters (roll-down security and storm shutters) for homes and businesses near salt water; Roll-A-Shield 38 mm and 55 mm insulated and 63 mm single-wall shutters with motor, strap, crank or spring operation.
Owners near the coast ask whether an aluminum shutter will rust. The short version is that the parts you see are aluminum with a factory finish, and the parts that rust are the steel ones you do not see. Most of the protection is chosen at order time: the operator, the slat, and the rust-mitigation option.
Do aluminum rolling shutters rust?
The slats, guide rails and box do not rust the way steel does, but nothing is rust-proof. Roll-A-Shield shutters are aluminum with a factory finish, and Roll-A-Shield's own answer to coastal buyers is that nothing is rust-proof; a coastal shutter is specified so that its parts tolerate salt air.
The steel parts are the weak point. On Roll-A-Shield shutters the axle (the tube the curtain rolls onto) can be steel or aluminum, and the factory treats steel versus aluminum as the saltwater decision on coastal and rust-concern jobs.
Which kind of shutter is best near the coast?
Roll-A-Shield recommends a motorized shutter or a single-wall shutter near the coast, and does not recommend spring-operated shutters there.
| Choice | Near the coast | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Motorized shutter | Recommended | Roll-A-Shield coastal guidance |
| 63 mm single-wall slat | Recommended | Roll-A-Shield coastal guidance |
| Spring-operated (push-up) shutter | Not recommended | The spring is steel and deteriorates in salt air |
| Rust-mitigation option | Suggested for coastal areas or rust concerns | Swaps steel internal parts for aluminum |
A large spring shutter in a salt environment should be motorized instead. Salt air is hard on motors too; Roll-A-Shield's notes say even motors have a limited life in that environment.
For how the slats compare in strength, see insulated vs extruded slats. Storm and impact questions are covered in Are rolling shutters hurricane rated? and How much wind can a rolling shutter take?.
What does the rust-mitigation option change?
It replaces steel internal parts, such as a steel axle, with aluminum parts, so there is less steel inside the shutter to rust. It protects the hidden working parts; the slats, rails and box are already aluminum with a factory finish.
It does not make the shutter rust-proof, and it does not make a spring shutter suitable for the coast.
How do I order a shutter for a coastal home?
Tell the rep the shutter is for a coastal or salt-air location before the order is built; the change is made at the factory. The measure-and-order sheet lists "Rust Mitigation Treatment" as a special-order option, suggested for coastal areas or rust concerns.
- Choose a motorized or single-wall shutter.
- Ask for the rust-mitigation option on the quote.
- Check that the order shows it before you approve it.
Roll-A-Shield builds shutters in Tempe, Arizona and ships them nationwide. To compare operators first, see motor types compared.
How do I look after a shutter in salt air?
Use the standard routine; there is no special coastal schedule in Roll-A-Shield's guidance. Clean twice a year with mild soap and water, never with a pressure washer, and not in extreme heat. Lubricate only the guide rails, with dry silicone spray; never oil the motor or the crank box. Harsh household cleaners damage the finish. The full routine is on how to clean and maintain rolling shutters.
What next
To price a coastal shutter with the rust-mitigation option, request a quote or call (480) 921-0200 and say where the house is.
Frequently asked questions
Are aluminum rolling shutters rust-proof?
No shutter is rust-proof. The aluminum slats, rails and box do not rust the way steel does, but the steel parts inside a shutter can, so near the ocean you specify a shutter with as little steel in it as possible.
Do I need the rust-mitigation option if I live a few miles inland?
Roll-A-Shield suggests it for coastal areas or wherever rust is a concern. Salt air near the water is the concern; well inland, without that salt and moisture, it is less of an issue. If you are unsure, tell the rep where the house is and ask.
Can I have a spring-loaded shutter at the beach anyway?
Roll-A-Shield does not recommend it: the spring is steel and deteriorates in salt air. If you choose one anyway, the rep will make sure you know the risk before the order is placed, and a large shutter is better motorized.
Should I rinse my shutters more often near the ocean?
Follow the same routine as everywhere else: mild soap and water at least twice a year, rinse, no pressure washer, and dry silicone on the guide rails only. Never oil the motor or the crank box.
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.