Roller shutters
Roller shutters in Watermael-Boitsfort
A roller shutter is, above all, a shutter box. Where the box goes, inside or outside, decides what will be seen from the street and how much space it takes up indoors. The rest, how it is operated and the slats themselves, is chosen afterwards.
On the front of the house
A shutter box fitted on a visible façade changes what can be seen from the street. Before ordering one, a question to the commune’s planning department saves you nasty surprises.
What the commune saysThe shutter box
Inside, outside or above the window
- An internal box sits inside the room, under the lintel. It cannot be seen from the street, but it must be well insulated and it takes a little height off the window.
- An external box is fixed to the façade. It goes in without touching the inside, but it can be seen.
- An integrated box is built into a new window, fitted above it. It is often the neatest solution when the windows are being replaced at the same time.
The controls
Manual or motorised
A manual shutter, with a strap or a crank, is simple and does not depend on any power supply. The strap wears over the years, but it can be replaced.
A motor really comes into its own on large glazed openings, on windows that are hard to reach, or when several shutters need to close in one go. It needs a power supply at the window, or a solar motor where running a cable is awkward.
Comfort
What a shutter really gives you
When closed, the shutter adds a layer of air in front of the glazing. This helps most on winter nights, and keeps bedrooms cooler when the sun beats down in summer. It also slows down anyone who might want to get in through the window.
Its weak point is the box. Poorly insulated or poorly sealed, it becomes the cold spot of the window, and sometimes a source of draughts.
Already have shutters
A stuck shutter or a broken strap
Not every shutter that sticks needs replacing. A strap, a strap winder or a slat that has come out of its rail can be repaired. Coming to take a look costs you nothing, and if we carry out a repair, the call-out appears as a separate line on the quote.
RepairsFrequently asked questions
Roller shutters: what people ask us
Should I choose an internal or an external shutter box?
An internal box cannot be seen from the street, but it takes up height inside the room and must be well insulated. An external box goes in without any work inside, but it shows on the façade. When the windows are being replaced too, a box integrated above the new window is often the neatest option.
Is a manual or a motorised shutter better?
A manual one is simple and needs no power supply. A motorised one makes sense on large glazed openings, on windows that are hard to reach, or when several shutters need to close together.
Does a roller shutter improve insulation?
When closed, it adds a layer of air in front of the glazing, which helps mostly at night in winter. That is provided the box itself is well insulated, otherwise it becomes the cold spot of the window.
Do I need permission for a shutter on the front of the house?
A shutter box fitted on a visible façade changes what can be seen from the street. Before ordering, put the question to the commune’s planning department, which handles enquiries and gives planning information.
Did a rule change at the commune, or do you see a mistake on this page? Let us know and we will fix it.