Professional in-depth analysis of roller shutter screens | Structure, material, classification, installation, purchase and maintenance guide

Home improvement window roller shutter screen overall real scene renderings, closed and stowed state comparison chart

First, the basic cognition of rolling shutter screens: what is rolling shutter screens?

Roller screen window, also known as reel screen window and rewind screen window, is a very widely used type of product in invisible screen window. It is different from fixed screen window, folding screen window and diamond screen window. The core structure is that the screen screen is stored in the top aluminum alloy reel, and the pull-down screen is used to complete the protection. When not in use, the screen is automatically rewound and stored in the reel to achieve invisible storage effect.

Many owners in the decoration, torn screen window style, the biggest feature of the shutter screen window is that it does not take up excess indoor space, almost invisible after putting away, will not block the view of the window, simple appearance, suitable for casement windows, sliding windows, external windows and most other window types. There are many styles of roller shutter screens on the market, and the quality gap is huge. Low-priced models are prone to problems such as screen stripping, weak rebound, cards, and guide rails leaking mosquitoes.

The core positioning of roller shutter screens is mainly to prevent mosquitoes. Some upgraded models are equipped with high-transparency nets and child protective locks, taking into account lighting and protection needs. They are widely used in residential bedrooms, balconies, kitchens, and bathroom windows. They are also a popular choice for screen window replacement in second-hand houses and matching screens in new houses. This article gradually explains the professional knowledge of roller shutter screens in an all-round way from the structural principle, material distinction, style classification, installation standards, purchase avoidance pits, and later maintenance, which is convenient for owners and decoration companies to compare and select models.

Schematic diagram of disassembly of roller shutter screen reel, guide rail and screen structure

Second, the internal core structure of the roller shutter screen and the principle of rewinding

A complete set of roller shutter screens is mainly composed of upper reel assembly, left and right guide rails, bottom rod, screen mesh, spring rewinding system, positioning accessories, and magnetic suction/snap locks. The spring system is the heart of the roller shutter screen window and directly determines the rebound service life.

There is a built-in constant force spring inside the reel. One end of the spring is fixed on the reel shaft core, and the other end is fixed on the aluminum alloy reel shell. When we pull the bottom rod down, the gauze is pulled out from the reel, and the spring continues to store energy; when the bottom rod is loosened or the positioning structure is unlocked, the spring releases torque, drives the reel to rotate, and rolls the gauze back smoothly to the inside of the reel. The high-quality roller shutter screen window adopts a constant force torque spring, which has a uniform pulling force, a smooth pull-down, and a soft roll-back. It will not rebound and hit the reel suddenly to avoid tearing the gauze.

Inferior screen windows use ordinary torsion springs, which can vary in tension. After a period of use, the spring fatigue fails, and it cannot be retracted after being pulled down, or the rebound speed is too fast, and the gauze is damaged by impact. The guide rail acts as a guiding limit, allowing the gauze to move vertically up and down along the track, while blocking mosquitoes from drilling into the room through the side gaps.

Close-up details of the internal spring and shaft core of the roller shutter screen reel

III. Classification and performance comparison of mainstream screen materials for roller shutters

Screen is a component that directly contacts mosquitoes, lighting and ventilation, and is also a key point to distinguish grades. The mainstream on the market is divided into three categories: PET high-transparency mesh, glass fiber mesh, and polyester ordinary gauze, each with obvious advantages and disadvantages.

The first type, PET high-transparency gauze, is the current standard for high-end roller shutter screens. PET polymer material, fine mesh, uniform mesh, high light transmittance, transparent vision from indoor to outdoor, almost invisible from a distance; UV resistance, aging resistance, strong tensile force, not easy to hook and tear, less dust adhesion, simple cleaning, good ventilation effect, suitable for families with high requirements for lighting and appearance.

The second type, glass fiber gauze, is the most widely circulated conventional model in the market, with high cost performance, good flame retardancy, stable size and not easy to stretch and deform; the short board is generally transparent, easy to become brittle after long-term sun exposure, easy to break if pulled vigorously, and the color is mostly gray and black, which is the standard for many decoration matching screens.

The third type, ordinary polyester gauze, has the lowest price, soft texture, poor UV resistance, easy aging, brittleness, and short service life due to long-term outdoor exposure. It is mostly used for temporary use in rental housing. Long-term use is not recommended for home improvement.

There are also a few customers who will choose thickened stainless steel gauze roller blinds, which have a higher weight, high requirements for spring load-bearing, and mainly provide light protection. However, due to poor light transmission, it is difficult to achieve high-strength protection for the roller blinds structure. For protection needs, fixed diamond mesh screens are preferred.

PET high-transparency mesh, glass fiber mesh, ordinary polyester gauze physical comparison close-up

Fourth, roller shutter screen profiles, guide rail styles and sealing structures

The outer frame profiles of roller shutter screens are basically aluminum alloys. The wall thickness of conventional profiles in the industry is 0.7mm-1.2mm. Home improvement is preferably ≥0.8mm thick aluminum alloy. Profiles that are too thin are easy to deform. After the guide rail is twisted, the screen screen gets stuck up and down. The surface process is divided into electrostatic powder spraying and wood grain transfer printing. The color can be unified with the original door, window and window frames, and the color can be beautiful and coordinated.

The guide rail is divided into three types: side groove guide rail, magnetic guide rail, and brush sealing guide rail. The brush guide rail is the basic model, and the nylon brush is implanted inside the guide rail. The brush is close to both sides of the gauze mesh to seal the side gap and prevent mosquitoes from entering through the side gap. The magnetic guide rail is an upgraded model. The bottom rod and guide rail have magnetic strips, which are automatically sucked down to the bottom and closed tightly. The sealing effect is better than that of the simple brush model, and the operation is more convenient.

Many low-cost roller shutter screens simplify sealing, the guide rail has no brushes, and there are gaps on the side, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to get in, which is a typical reduction. At the same time, the bottom rod is equipped with a rubber sealing strip, which fits with the window frame after closing, eliminating the bottom door seam and further improving the tightness.

Brush guide rail, magnetic guide rail, aluminum alloy drum profile real shot comparison chart

Five, the two mainstream styles of roller shutter screens: trackless magnetic suction and guide rail return

According to the structure, roller shutter screens are divided into two main streams: rail-type roller shutter screens and trackless magnetic roller shutter screens. The adaptation scenarios are different, and many customers are prone to make mistakes.

Guide rail-type roller shutter screen window (traditional model): with vertical guide rails on the left and right, the screen mesh slides up and down in the guide rail, the positioning is stable, and the wind resistance is better. When the window is windy, the screen will not bulge outward or leave the track, suitable for high-rise and windy balcony windows; the disadvantage is that there are two thin aluminum rails on the left and right, which have a slight sense of line presence. You can choose a positioning buckle, pull down to any position to lock, and realize any height stop, which is what everyone often calls any stop roller shutter screen window.

Trackless magnetic roller shutter window: cancel the side guide rail, rely on the bottom rod magnetic adsorption on the window frame magnetic suction strip, the structure is minimalist, only the top reel and the bottom rod, the visual effect is cleaner; the advantage is simple installation, high value; short board is weak wind resistance, strong wind environment screen is easy to be blown open, suitable for low-rise, indoor windows, bathroom windless environment, high-rise does not recommend trackless models.

In addition, there are also wire-controlled positioning roller shutter screens, which increase the cable positioning structure and lock accurately. They are suitable for large-sized and wide-width windows. Wide-width screens are easy to deviate by spring alone. The wire-controlled structure can stably control the screen, making it the preferred solution for large-hole windows.

Guide rail arbitrary stop roller shutter screen window, trackless magnetic suction roller shutter screen window floor comparison

Installation method of roller shutter screen window: the difference between interior, exterior and frame installation

The installation method of roller shutter screens is divided into interior, exterior, and frame installation. It needs to be selected according to the window opening, opening method, and window frame allowance. It is also a place where it is easy to step on the pit during the installation stage.

Interior (installation in the frame): The screen window reel and guide rail are all installed inside the window opening, which has the advantage of not protruding from the outer facade and not affecting the outer wall. Most properties allow it; provided that there is enough installation allowance on the inside of the window frame, and the casement window handle cannot interfere with the screen guide rail. Many inner window handles are narrow and need to be surveyed in advance to avoid.

Exterior installation (installation outside the frame): The reel is fixed on the outside of the window frame, which is suitable for windows with narrow indoor space, crowded handle position, and no installation position on the inside. To confirm the management requirements of the facade of the property in the community in advance, some communities do not allow the installation of components on the facade.

Frame addition: The original window frame has a special structure and no installation position. An aluminum alloy frame is added to expand the installation position. It is mostly used for the renovation of old second-hand houses, old-fashioned steel windows, and special-shaped windows.

The first step of professional installation is to measure the width and height of the hole on site, check the direction of opening the window, the position of the handle, and the position of the curtain, and avoid the screen window fighting with the handle and curtain after installation, which cannot be used normally.

On-site installation construction map of inner roller shutter screen and outer roller shutter screen

The advantages and inherent shortcomings of roller shutter screens, and a rational view of the product

The reason why roller shutter screens have been popular for a long time is that they have the irreplaceable advantages of other screens. First, they can be stored invisibly. After being put away, the screens are all hidden in the reel, which does not block the lighting field of view and does not affect the original appearance of the window. Second, they are flexible to open, pull down to prevent mosquitoes, roll back and pass through, and the switch is simple. Third, they are light in weight and have a small load on the window frame. There is no need to change the original windows to transform the old house. Fourth, the style is small, the bathroom, small windows, and inner open windows are friendly, and it is not easy to conflict with the window handle. Fifth, the price is moderate, the installation period

However, roller shutter screens also have congenital shortcomings, so you must have a clear understanding when purchasing. First of all, the main function is to prevent mosquitoes, anti-theft, and children's protection capabilities are weak, so it cannot replace diamond protective screens. If there are young children at home and want anti-fall protection, the simple roller shutter screens cannot meet the protection standards, so you need to install additional protective rails or choose a protective integrated screen window. Secondly, springs are consumables and have a service life. Long-term high-frequency use of springs will fatigue; finally, the wind resistance is weaker than that of fixed diamond screens, and the screens in high-wind environments are easy to bulge.

Therefore, the selection principle: simple anti-mosquito, the pursuit of invisible beautiful roller shutter window; high-rise child protection, anti-theft, frequent strong wind priority fixed diamond mesh window.

Roller shutter screen window closed invisible state real picture

Eight, roller shutter screen purchase to avoid pits, avoid common routines in the market

The price difference of roller shutter screens on the market is very large, ranging from dozens to hundreds of screens. The core difference lies in accessories and materials. The key point of purchase is to avoid the following routines.

First, only look at the appearance and do not ask about the spring: the low-priced model uses inferior ordinary springs, and the rebound card will appear after 3-6 months. Products marked with constant force springs are preferred;

Second, the gauze mesh cuts corners, shoddy, and uses aging polyester mesh to pretend to be PET high-transparency mesh. The short-term light transmission looks about the same, and it will be brittle and stripped in half a year;

Third, the profile wall thickness is false, 0.6 thin aluminum is impersonated as 0.8 thick aluminum, the guide rail is easy to deform, and the gauze mesh is often stuck;

Fourth, simplify the sealing structure, remove the guide rail brush, and leak mosquitoes on the side;

Fifth, confuse the "arbitrary stop" function. Many low-priced models can only be pulled to the bottom and locked, and cannot be positioned halfway. Merchants falsely advertise and stop arbitrarily;

Sixth, the large window blindly chooses the trackless magnetic suction model, and the high-rise wind blows directly to desorb, losing the mosquito-proof effect.

Write clearly in the order contract or order remarks: profile wall thickness, gauze material, spring type, whether the brush is sealed, whether it stops arbitrarily, guide rail style, quality assurance period.

Inferior deformation guide rail, reverse case of broken gauze

Nine, rolling shutter screen daily cleaning, maintenance methods

Proper maintenance of roller shutter screens can greatly extend the service life of springs and screens. Roller shutter screens are different from fixed screens and cannot be roughly disassembled and scrubbed.

Clean dust catkins: Daily dust can be used to gently clean the surface of the gauze with a soft-bristled brush head of a vacuum cleaner, or gently wipe it with a damp rag; it is not recommended to remove the entire screen window and soak it in water. If the water enters the inside of the reel, it will rust the internal spring, and the spring will be directly scrapped if it rusts, resulting in rebound failure.

Spring maintenance: The spring does not need oil, the oil will absorb a lot of dust and stick to the gauze; if the card is pulled, a small amount of special silicon-based lubricant can be sprayed, and oil and butter are prohibited.

Regular inspection: half a year to check whether the guide rail fixing screws are loose, whether the brush falls off, and whether the suction force of the magnetic suction strip is weakened; if the gauze is found to be partially hooked, do not pull it vigorously. Slight hooking can be carefully trimmed with scissors, and large-scale tearing can only replace the gauze.

Storage habits: In windy weather, try to roll the gauze back and put it away to avoid the gauze being pulled by the wind for a long time and reduce the tensile damage of the gauze.

Schematic diagram of gentle cleaning and maintenance of roller shutter screens

Full text summary

Roller shutter screen is a simple and beautiful anti-mosquito screen window product that focuses on invisible storage. It relies on the reel constant force spring rewinding structure, with aluminum alloy profiles, PET high-transparency mesh or glass fiber yarn mesh, and brush sealed guide rails to achieve the effect of pulling down anti-mosquito and rewinding invisible. It is divided into guide rails for arbitrary stop, trackless magnetic suction, and wire-controlled positioning. It is suitable for different scenes such as high-rise gale windows, low-rise small windows, and wide-width large holes.

Its core advantages are invisibility and transparency, easy installation, and no damage to the original doors and windows. It is suitable for mosquito-proof needs in home improvement bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. However, its positioning is mainly to prevent mosquitoes, and its anti-theft and child protection capabilities are limited. It cannot be confused with diamond protective screens. When purchasing roller shutters, you cannot simply compare prices. Focus on checking the wall thickness of profiles, constant force springs, screen materials, and side sealing structures. Only by combining the floor wind and window size can you choose guide rails or trackless styles, standardize installation, and clean and maintain them correctly every day can you use them stably for many years.

For owners who want to maintain the original appearance of the window and only need to prevent mosquitoes in summer, high-quality rail-type PET high-transparency roller shutter screens are a cost-effective window screening solution.