Roller shutters or screens: How to choose the right sun protection

Buying sun protection is a smart move for many homes. It's good for the indoor climate, safety, and energy bills. But should you choose roller shutters or screens ?

Both keep the sun and heat out. Both can be mounted flush against the window. But there are significant differences. Do you want a safe, dark room? Or would you rather keep the view?

In this guide, we'll delve deeper into the differences and hope to give you a good overview of the options. Our specialist, Justin Weidenaar, explains what to look for.

Roller shutter and screen: the big difference

Both roller shutters and screens hang tightly in front of the window. They look similar, but they function very differently.

• The roller shutter: This is made of strong aluminum slats filled with foam. Together, all the slats form the shield, which completely seals your window.

• The Screen: This is a taut cloth made of special fabric. The cloth filters the sun and heat. You can still see through it during the day.

To make the right choice, look at the most important points.

Criterion	Roller shutter	Screen
Best for...	Safety, Isolation, Darkroom	Heat outside, Keep a view
Looking through	No (completely closed)	Yes (this is possible during the day)
How dark?	100% (Perfect for sleeping)	85-95% (Filters a lot of sunlight)
Stop burglary	Yes , because of the strong armor	No
Insulation (hot and cold)	Very good (works in winter and summer)	Good (works in summer)
Appearance	Sturdy, stands out on the wall	Neat and tidy, hardly noticeable

Roller shutters: For peace, safety and warmth

Roller shutters are more than just sun protection. They make your home safer and more comfortable in every season. The fully sealed shutter creates a layer of still air. This air creates an insulating layer in both summer and winter.

1. Three Big Benefits

Roller shutters work by creating a layer of air between the window and the shutter. This offers three significant advantages:

• Good Insulation: The air layer keeps the heat out in summer. It can be 5 to 10 degrees cooler inside. In winter, this works the other way around. Then the layer actually retains heat. You save energy and heating costs.

• Very Secure: A roller shutter is a heavy-duty barrier for burglars. The slats have special springs that make lifting virtually impossible.

• Completely Dark: Do you want to sleep during the day? Or does a baby's room need to be truly dark? Roller shutters block out 100% of the daylight. The compression tape ensures a light-tight seal between the shutter and the brickwork.

2. Noise and Damage

Roller shutters also help with outside noise . They significantly soften the sounds of traffic or people talking on the street. They also protect your windows effectively against strong winds and hail.

Think about this

It's important to know: when the shutters are closed, the room is completely sealed off . You can no longer see anything outside. Choose this product for rooms where privacy and tranquility are paramount. Think of bedrooms or windows facing a busy road.

Screens: For Appearance and Style

Screens are the modern choice. They're ideal if you want to block out the sun but still want to see outside.

1. Visibility and Privacy

Screens work with a fabric. This fabric has small holes and a reflective effect. This is their unique advantage:

• The view remains: You can simply look outside during the day. The holes in the fabric filter the light and sun.

• Daytime privacy: No one can see in from the street. This is convenient for the living room or a home office. You can sit quietly and see everything happening outside.

• No Glare on Screens: Screens are perfect for a home office . They eliminate sun glare from your computer or television screen.

2. Types of Screens: Standard or Zipper

Pay close attention to the type of screen you choose:

• Standard Screen: The fabric hangs loosely in the guides. This type is less expensive, but can flap in strong winds and is suitable for lower wind loads.

• Zip Screen: This is the best option. The fabric is secured with a zipper on the sides. This makes the screen extremely windproof . It closes perfectly, without gaps.

Think about this with Screens

Screens offer a lot of privacy during the day. But this works differently in the dark. If it's dark outside and you have a light on inside, the outlines of your home are visible from outside. Do you want complete privacy at night? Then roller shutters are better.

Making the Right Choice

What's the best sun protection? That depends entirely on the function of your room .

Choose Roller Shutters if:

• You are concerned about safety, noise pollution , or blackout.

• You want to insulate against the cold in winter.

• The room is on a busy or public side of the house.

Select Screens if:

• You want to keep out the sun and heat, but keep the view .

• You use it as a living space; think of work rooms or TV rooms

• You are looking for a sleek, modern look for the facade.

The best solution is often a mix: roller shutters for the bedrooms and screens for the living room .

Expert Tip: Smart Home

Make your sun protection smart. Both products come standard with electric controls . You only need to order a hub to control the sun protection via the app. You can then add sensors, such as a wind or sun sensor, to automatically raise or lower your sun protection. This provides comfort and protects your sun protection from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are roller shutters quieter than screens? Yes, roller shutters are quieter . The slats provide sound insulation. This is a major advantage when there's a lot of noise from outside. Screens block almost no sound.

2. What's the best choice against the winter cold? Roller shutters are the best . They insulate the room from the cold. This is due to the air layer. Screens are especially effective at blocking summer heat.

3. Why are zipper screens more expensive than regular screens? Zip screens are more expensive because they are windproof . The fabric is secured in the guides with a zipper. This reduces the risk of damage. They are also more effective against heat because there are no gaps.