Windows can be one of the most vulnerable points of a property, particularly on ground floors, rear elevations and areas that are less visible from the street. Metal window shutters provide a strong physical barrier across the opening, helping to protect the glass and create a visible deterrent against attempted unauthorised access.
Available for commercial, industrial and residential properties, modern security window shutters can be made to measure and manufactured in a range of designs, materials, colours and operating methods. This means security can be improved without necessarily compromising the appearance or everyday use of the building.
In this guide, we look at how metal shutters protect windows, the different options available and what you should consider when choosing the right security solution.
What Are Metal Window Shutters?
Metal window shutters are physical barriers manufactured from materials such as aluminium or steel and installed over a window opening.
Unlike decorative window shutters, security shutters use interlocking metal slats that travel vertically within guide rails. When closed, the curtain covers the window to create a robust barrier between the glazing and the outside of the property.
When access or visibility is required, the shutter rolls into a compact box above the opening.
Depending on the application, shutters can be installed internally or externally and operated either manually or electrically.
Why Install Security Window Shutters?
The most obvious reason for installing security window shutters is to improve protection against attempted break-ins and vandalism.
Glass windows can potentially provide an accessible point of entry into a building. Installing a physical shutter in front of the glazing adds another layer that an intruder must overcome before reaching the window itself.
However, security isn't the only potential benefit.
Window shutters can also provide:
- A strong visual security deterrent
- Protection for vulnerable glazing
- Increased privacy when closed
- Protection against vandalism
- Additional protection from adverse weather
- Light control and room darkening
- Potential thermal benefits with certain insulated designs
The importance of each benefit will depend on where the shutters are being installed and how the building is used.
Steel or Aluminium Window Shutters?
One of the main decisions when choosing metal security shutters for windows is whether steel or aluminium is more appropriate.
Aluminium Window Shutters
Aluminium roller shutters are lightweight, corrosion resistant and well suited to many domestic and commercial window applications.
The relatively compact construction makes aluminium particularly useful where space around the window is limited. Insulated aluminium slats are also available for applications where thermal performance, light control and privacy are important considerations alongside security.
A choice of powder-coated finishes can help the shutter complement existing windows, doors and building finishes.
Steel Window Shutters
Steel roller shutters provide a strong and durable solution and are particularly suited to commercial and higher-demand security applications.
Depending on the specification, steel shutters can protect shops, offices, warehouses, industrial buildings and other vulnerable premises.
Where a specific level of security is required, it is important to consider a shutter with appropriate independent security testing rather than assuming that any steel shutter automatically provides a particular security rating.
Internal or External Window Shutters?
Window shutters can often be installed either internally or externally, depending on the construction of the opening and the level of protection required.
External shutters create a physical barrier before someone can reach the window itself. They can therefore protect both the glazing and the opening against attempted access and vandalism.
Internal shutters are installed behind the window. This can provide a more discreet appearance from outside when the shutter is open and may protect the shutter itself from exposure to the weather.
Neither arrangement is automatically right for every property. Available fixing surfaces, window operation, security requirements and the appearance of the building should all be considered.
Manual or Electric Window Shutters?
Smaller metal window shutters can often be operated manually, while larger shutters or shutters that will be opened and closed frequently may benefit from electric operation.
Manual options can provide simple and cost-effective operation without requiring a motor or electrical supply.
Electric shutters provide convenient operation at the touch of a button and can be combined with different control systems depending on the product. These may include wall switches, key switches or remote controls.
For properties with several windows, electric operation can make managing multiple shutters considerably more convenient.
Can Window Shutters Still Allow Visibility?
Installing a security shutter doesn't necessarily mean completely covering the window with a solid metal curtain.
Depending on the required level of security and privacy, different slat designs may be available.
Solid shutters provide complete coverage when closed and are appropriate where privacy and physical protection are priorities.
Perforated or vision-style shutters can allow a degree of visibility and airflow while still creating a physical barrier across the opening. These designs can be particularly useful for retail and commercial premises where maintaining visibility through a shop window may be desirable.
Are Metal Window Shutters Suitable for Homes?
Yes. Modern metal shutters aren't limited to shops and industrial buildings.
Security window shutters can be used on residential windows where homeowners want an additional physical security measure, particularly for vulnerable ground-floor windows, secluded properties, holiday homes and buildings that may be left unoccupied for extended periods.
Domestic shutters are typically designed to be more compact and visually sympathetic than traditional heavy-duty commercial shutters. Choosing an appropriate colour can also help the shutter integrate with existing window frames and exterior finishes.
For residential applications, customers may also value benefits such as privacy, light reduction and insulation alongside security.
Are Window Shutters Suitable for Commercial Properties?
Metal shutters are widely used to secure windows in shops, offices, warehouses and other commercial premises.
They can be particularly useful for ground-floor windows containing valuable equipment or stock, as well as windows in less visible parts of a building.
For retail premises, the choice between solid and more open shutter designs can be important. A business may want maximum coverage when closed, while another may prefer customers and passers-by to retain some visibility through the window outside trading hours.
How Secure Are Metal Window Shutters?
The level of security depends heavily on the shutter's complete construction.
The material is only one part of the system. Slat design, guide rails, locking arrangements, fixings, shutter size and installation can all influence overall performance.
For everyday applications, a standard security shutter may provide an appropriate physical deterrent. Where a building has a higher security risk or an insurer, consultant or specification requires a particular performance level, a security-rated shutter may be necessary.
In these situations, look for independently tested products that meet the required security standard rather than relying solely on descriptions such as heavy duty or high security.
What Should You Consider Before Buying Window Shutters?
Before choosing metal shutters for your windows, consider how you actually need the shutter to perform.
Think about the required level of security, whether the shutter will be fitted internally or externally, how frequently it will operate and whether manual or electric operation would be more practical.
You should also consider whether you require complete privacy or want to maintain visibility through the opening, along with the available space above and around the window.
For made-to-measure shutters, accurate measurements are particularly important. The fixing arrangement and surrounding structure should also be suitable for the proposed shutter.
Choosing the Right Metal Security Shutters for Windows
There isn't one type of metal security shutter for windows that's suitable for every property.
A small domestic window may require a compact aluminium shutter, while a vulnerable commercial opening could require a substantially different security specification. Other customers may prioritise visibility, insulation, appearance or convenient electric operation.
The best starting point is therefore to identify what you need the shutter to achieve, rather than selecting a product based solely on material or price.
At Security Direct, we offer a range of made-to-measure window shutters for domestic, commercial and industrial applications, with different materials, slat designs and operating options available.
If you're unsure which type of security window shutter is appropriate for your property, our technical sales team can discuss your opening and requirements and help you compare the available options.
