To ensure that your roller shutter is installed neatly, securely and in a way that achieves the highest performance standards, you need to measure it correctly!
Below, we’ve shared a complete guide to measuring for the installation of roller shutters. Keep reading to find a list of all the specific measurements that need to be taken, why these measurements vary between different types of shutters, and all the details that you will need to provide to your roller shutter supplier.
Why is it important to measure your roller shutter?
Providing correct roller shutter measurements is critical, because different roller shutter opening mechanisms each have their own unique measurement requirements.
So, without the right measurements, you may experience unexpected issues when it comes to installing your chosen type of roller shutter.
Common measurements for roller shutter top boxes
The total size of the roller shutter includes the top box and channel guide (which typically measures either 53 mm or 70 mm, depending on the size of the slats).
There are certain common measurements for roller shutter top boxes (this is the area where the roller shutter rolls up into when it is closed).
The size of top boxes vary, depending on the height of the roller shutter (because this dictates how much space is required within the box).
The most common standard sizes for roller shutter top boxes are:
- 137 mm
- 150 mm
- 160 mm
- 180 mm
- 205 mm
- 250 mm
How to measure your roller shutter
Firstly, you will need to decide what type of roller shutter fixture you will be choosing.
The two main methods for fixing roller shutters are external face fixes and internal face fixes.
So, before you measure your roller shutters, you will need to determine your preferred method of fixing (or, speak to a roller shutter specialist, who will be able to outline your options for roller shutter fixings).
External face fixes
These are positioned flat against the wall.
- Measure the height of the opening
- Measure the width of the opening
- Measure the distance of the wall on either side of the opening
- Measure the height above the opening
- Check that the width of the opening is the same across the middle, top and bottom
- Check that the height of the opening is the same across the middle, left and right
Internal face fixes
When roller shutters are mounted via an internal face fix, they are fastened across the rear of the opening. This means you need to check the total size available within the opening is enough to occupy both the top box and channel guides, as well as the shutters themselves.
To ensure seamless placement and smooth operation, your supplier will make the roller shutter’s total size slightly smaller than the opening that you have available.
- Measure the height of the opening
- Measure the width of the opening
- Check that the width of the opening is the same across the middle, top and bottom
- Check that the height of the opening is the same across the middle, left and right
Other details to provide to your supplier
You will also need to provide your roller shutter supplier with the type of power supply that is available, and the materials that the walls and frames are made from.
Furthermore, when you provide the measurements above, it is preferable that you give these measurements in millimetres (as they ensure a greater degree of accuracy).
If you have any further questions about measuring roller shutters, or would like to find out more about the process of roller shutter installation, speak to Safe & Secure Shutters’ expert team.