Roller shutters are a type of door or window shutter consisting of multiple horizontal slats that can be rolled up and down to open and close an entrance. They are typically used on doors and shopfronts to provide security, privacy, and weather protection. It’s no secret that roller shutters are an incredible invention that’s been improving the security of commercial and residential. Let’s delve into the history of Roller Shutters and where it all began.
Today, roller shutters are most commonly made from aluminium. They are typically found on commercial and industrial buildings and some homes. They are a ubiquitous sight on the high street and are often used to protect shop windows and doors from vandalism and burglary. But have you ever wondered where roller shutters come from? Who invented them? And how are they made today? In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of roller shutters. From their humble beginnings to their present-day popularity. If this interests you, read on!
Who Invented the First Roller Shutter?
The roller shutters we know today date back to the 1970s, but their predecessor has far more ancient origins. Back in the 1st Century AD of Egypt, there lived a talented engineer and mathematician named Heron of Alexandria. This Greek-Egyptian inventor has been named “the greatest experimenter of antiquity” and he is said to be amongst the first researchers in the field of cybernetics. His interest in automation led him to design one of the first automatic doors – an impressive invention for its time.
Heron’s door was powered by steam and worked using a series of pulleys and water weights. Positioned at the entrance to a holy temple. A priest would light an alter fire that was connected to an array of hidden pipes beneath the doors. The fire would heat a pot of water, creating steam that would transfer the water to another container. This would act as a counterweight which pulled on the heavy door, opening it automatically. Temple visitors would enter and be awestruck by the “magical” doors that opened without anyone needing to touch them. Heron’s door was never actually built, but his design was well ahead of its time. It laid the groundwork for future inventors to create similar devices.
Jumping to 15th century England, wooden window shutters are starting to pop up across the nation. These external window coverings were a handy way to keep out the cold in winter, and they provided extra security for homes at night. Made from wood, they were cheaper than glass and much easier to construct. However, a rolling mechanism for these kinds of shutters was yet to be invented.
The Invention of the Aluminium Roller Shutter
Fast forward to 1882 in the Swiss municipality of Aadorf. A man named Anton Greisser files a patent for a new type of door – the roller shutter. Greisser set up a workshop where he designed and created rollers shutters made from wood. Which would later be used to protect local homes and businesses. Greisser’s successful business is still in existence today. Manufacturing window shutters, solar shades, facade awnings and Venetian blinds across several European factories. However, despite the local success of Greisser’s invention, the modern roller shutter did not gain mainstream popularity until a bit later.
Moving on to the early 20th century – war has broken out across Europe. Civilians are eager to protect their businesses from marauding soldiers and vandals, and as a result, the demand for roller shutters skyrockets. Businesses are quick to take advantage of this new market, with many entrepreneurs starting up companies to manufacture roller shutters. Incidentally, in 1926, a man named C.G. Johnson invented a mechanism for opening garage doors. This “up and over” mechanism, is still used today. It was adapted for use in roller shutters, making them easier to operate.
Roller shutters became more and more popular in the following years, with their use becoming widespread across Europe and the United States. In the 1970s, an energy crisis hit the Western world hard. People were desperate to find ways to save money on their energy bills. Roller shutters provided the perfect solution. As they could be used to keep out the cold in winter and the heat in summer. This led to a boom in the roller shutter industry, with new companies springing up to meet the high demand.
Today, roller shutters are used all over the world, and they are an invaluable asset to many property owners. They are used to protect homes, businesses, cars, and warehouses from the elements. They are an essential part of many security systems. Even more conveniently, they can now be opened and closed automatically, using sensors, key fobs and remote controls.
How Are Modern Roller Shutters Made?
The manufacturing process for roller shutters has come a long way since the early days of Greisser’s workshop. Today, most roller shutters are made from aluminium, which is strong, durable, and weather-resistant. The aluminium slats are interlocked to create a solid barrier, and they are held in place by brackets that are attached to the wall. The roller shutter is mounted on a track, and it rolls up or down to open and close. A motor is used to operate the roller shutter, and remote control can be used to open and close it from a distance.
There are a few different types of roller shutters on the market today, and the majority of them are made from aluminium. However, there are also roller shutters made from steel, wood, PVC, and other materials. The type of roller shutter you choose will depend on your budget. The purpose of the roller shutter and the level of security you need.
How Are Roller Shutters Used Today?
There are a few different types of roller shutters, and the most common are transparent, thermally insulated and perforated. Transparent roller shutters are made from polycarbonate, and they allow light to pass through while still providing security and privacy. Thermally insulated roller shutters have a layer of insulating material that helps to keep out the cold or heat. Perforated roller shutters have small holes that allow air to pass through while still providing security.
Roller shutters these days are used for a variety of purposes, including security, energy efficiency, privacy, and noise reduction. They are commonly used on commercial premises such as shops, offices, and warehouses, but they are also used in residential settings. Many people use roller shutters to secure their properties against burglars, and they are also used to keep out the cold in winter and the heat in summer.
Roller shutters can be controlled manually or automatically, and they are often integrated into security systems. They are available in a wide range of colours, styles and materials. So it is easy to find a set that suits your needs. Whether you are looking for security, privacy or energy efficiency, roller shutters are a great choice.
What Is The Future of Roller Shutters?
The roller shutter industry is constantly evolving, and new technologies are being developed all the time. With the growing call for energy efficiency, there is a lot of research being done into ways to make roller shutters more environmentally friendly. For example, some roller shutters are now fitted with solar panels, which use the sun’s energy to power the motor. These solar-powered roller shutters are becoming more and more popular, as they can contribute to lowering the overall carbon footprint of your home or business.
With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), some manufacturers are finding ways to integrate machine to machine communication within the modern roller shutter. This means that some models can now be controlled by smart devices such as phones and tablets. This allows you to open and close your roller shutters from anywhere in the world. It also gives you the ability to set timers and automate the opening and closing process.
Advances in security technology are also beginning to be incorporated into roller shutters, and this has led to some new innovations. For example, some roller shutters will close automatically if a break-in is detected, or a fire alarm is triggered. Innovative access control solutions have also become a feature of some roller shutters, with fingerprint or iris scanners being used to add an extra layer of security to roller shutters. This means that only authorized individuals will be able to access the premises, and it helps to prevent break-ins.
Conclusion
As you can see, the history of roller shutters is fascinating, and the future looks just as exciting. They are a versatile and effective way to secure a property, and they have a long and interesting history. If you are thinking about installing roller shutters, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable supplier.
Here at B&B Doors, we are passionate about roller shutters, and we stay up-to-date with all the latest developments in the industry. If you would like to find out more about roller shutters, or if you need help choosing the right model for your home or business, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to chat with you about your roller shutter needs.
