Slats, materials and performance · Rolling Shutter Guide
Are rolling shutters hail resistant?
Yes, when they are closed. Roll-A-Shield's insulated slats carry Swiss VKF hail resistance classes: Class 4 for the 38 mm slat (hailstones up to 40 mm, about 1.6 in) and Class 5 for the 55 mm slat (up to 50 mm, about 2 in). Severe hail can still cause minor damage, and a raised shutter protects nothing.
Key facts
- 38 mm insulated slat: hail resistance Class 4 (VKF), hailstones up to 40 mm (about 1.6 in). Roll-A-Shield data
- 55 mm insulated slat: hail resistance Class 5 (VKF), hailstones up to 50 mm (about 2 in). Roll-A-Shield data
- The classes are the slat supplier's European test values under the VKF scheme (the Association of Canton Fire Insurances, Switzerland).
- A rated slat resists hailstones up to its class size without significant damage, but may still take minor damage in a severe hailstorm. Roll-A-Shield data
- The 63 mm single-wall slat has no published hail class number or hailstone size. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Rolling shutters on windows, doors and patios; hail classes for Roll-A-Shield's 38 mm and 55 mm insulated slats; none published for the 63 mm single-wall slat.
A closed rolling shutter puts an aluminum curtain between hail and the glass, and for Roll-A-Shield's insulated slats there is a tested hail class rather than a vague promise. This page gives the classes, explains what they mean, and is plain about what they do not cover.
How big a hailstone can a rolling shutter take?
Up to 40 mm (about 1.6 in) for the 38 mm insulated slat and up to 50 mm (about 2 in) for the 55 mm insulated slat, without significant damage.
| Slat | Hail class | Hailstone size in the test | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 mm insulated | Class 4 | Up to 40 mm (about 1.6 in) | Supplier test, VKF scheme |
| 55 mm insulated | Class 5 | Up to 50 mm (about 2 in) | Supplier test, VKF scheme |
| 63 mm single-wall | No class number published | Not stated | Not stated |
Roll-A-Shield's slat comparison ticks "hail resistance class" for the single-wall slat, but no class or hailstone size is published for it, so we do not quote one.
What does a hail resistance class mean?
It is a European test result, not a guarantee. The classes come from the slat supplier's testing under the VKF scheme (VKF is the Association of Canton Fire Insurances, Switzerland). The spec sheets explain that a material in a class resists hailstones up to a certain size, at a certain velocity, without significant damage. Higher classes protect more than lower ones, but a rated material may still take some minor damage in a severe hailstorm.
So expect a closed, rated shutter to keep hail off the glass in the storms its class covers, and accept that a very severe storm can still leave some damage.
Does a rolling shutter protect my windows from hail?
Only when it is down. Rolled up in the box, the curtain is not in front of the glass. The practical question is therefore how you will close it when a storm comes:
- Motorized shutters can be closed from a remote, a keypad, a wall switch or a smartphone app; app control uses a Bond Bridge with Roll-A-Shield's Gaposa or Somfy remote-control motors. See phone and app control and timers and schedules.
- Manual shutters (strap, crank or spring) need someone there to close them.
How much wind a shutter can take is a separate question with separate test values; see How much wind can a rolling shutter take?
Which slat is best for hail?
On the published figures, the 55 mm insulated slat: it has the higher class, Class 5, against Class 4 for the 38 mm slat. The 55 mm slat is built motorized only, so it is always closed by motor rather than by hand. The 38 mm slat suits smaller openings and can also be manual. Both are insulated slats, so you also get the thermal and noise benefits; see foam-filled vs extruded slats.
What if hail damages a slat?
Damaged slats can be replaced. Roll-A-Shield supplies replacement slats for existing shutters; send photos and tell us the slat type, and the factory confirms the exact slat before quoting. See How to replace one damaged slat, or call (480) 921-0200. In metro Phoenix, Roll-A-Shield can repair it for you.
Frequently asked questions
What do the hail resistance classes mean?
Under the Swiss VKF scheme the slat supplier tested to, a Class 4 material resists hailstones up to 40 mm (about 1.6 in) in diameter, at the test velocity, without significant damage. Class 5 goes up to 50 mm (about 2 in).
Will hail dent my rolling shutter?
It can. The rating means no significant damage from hail up to the class size, but the spec sheets say a rated slat may still take some minor damage in a severe hailstorm.
Can a dented slat be replaced?
Yes. Roll-A-Shield supplies replacement slats for existing shutters; send photos and the slat type, and the factory confirms the exact slat before quoting.
Do I have to be home to close the shutters before a hailstorm?
A manual shutter needs someone there to close it. A motorized shutter can be closed from a remote, keypad, wall switch or smartphone app; phone-app control uses a Bond Bridge, which works with Roll-A-Shield's Gaposa and Somfy remote-control motors but not the OZRoll battery motor.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
In hail country, tell us which windows face the storms and whether you want to close the shutters from a remote or an app. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.