How To Measure Roller Shutters

 

Making sure you have the correct measurements for a roller shutter isn’t as difficult as it sounds, but there are some key things to consider before getting a quote. This guide will help you figure out whether a shutter will work in the space you have available, and how to make sure you have all the information you will need so you can get an accurate quote.

 

Step 1: Decide if the shutter will be interior or exterior.

 

This is important when it comes to factors such as security ratings, where interior shutters are better. However, if it’s for your home then it’s understandable that not everyone wants a bulky shutter box inside. Take a look and see what is going to work best in your application.

 

Step 2: Measure the width and the height of the opening

 

Most shutter suppliers will work on “clear opening” width and height. This is the clear space between the brickwork and from floor to ceiling that you can walk through. Most suppliers will ask for measurements in milimetres, but it’s not unusual to work in feet and inches. So feel free to work in whatever you’re most comfortable with. The more accurate you are at this stage the more likely your price is to be accurate, so it is worth getting the tape measure out.

 

Step 3: Measure the either side of the opening on the side the shutter will be installed.

 

A key thing to consider is the space around the opening where the shutter will sit. If your shutter is going to be installed on the face of the opening then you’ll need to make sure there is space for the guide rails that support the shutter. It might sound obvious, but often guttering, piping, and plug sockets can get in the way and will need to be moved. Usually a shutter won’t need any more that 65mm either side of the opening, but for heavy-duty installations you can expect to lose over 100mm of space.

 

Step 4: Measure the space above the opening

 

One of the main factors that can determine whether a shutter will or won’t work in the space is the availability of head room above the opening. The roller shutter needs space to roll up into when it’s closing, so if there isn’t room above the opening then alternative options may need to be considered, or the shutter may have to be installed within the reveal of the opening.

 

Step 5: Check what kind of power supply is available

 

For most shutters, single phase mains power will be completely fine. For more specialist applications where shutters are used very often or are very heavy, then 3 phase power is more likely to be a requirement. There are usually ways of making things work no matter what you have available, but it’s best to check and make sure you know what’s available before getting in touch.

 

Step 6: Get in touch!

 

Once you have all the above information, as well as an idea of what you are looking for, then it’s time to get in touch. We’ll be happy to provide a price for your requirement, so feel free to drop an email over to [email protected], or give us a call on 0800 112 0083