Aluminium Alloy Roller Shutters

These roller shutters feature slats made from high-strength aluminium alloy profiles that have been roll-formed, and are operated by winding them around a roller shaft. The surface of the slats is treated with anodising or fluorocarbon/powder coating, providing excellent weather resistance. Common types include single-layer and double-layer aluminium alloy models.

Lightweight: 30%–50% lighter than steel for the same structure, resulting in lower motor load and a lower failure rate

Rust and corrosion resistance: Naturally corrosion-resistant; withstands damp and saline-alkali environments; remains rust-free during long-term outdoor use

Aesthetically pleasing and stylish: Wide range of surface finishes available; colours can be customised; suitable for shop fronts and building façades

Excellent sound insulation and thermal insulation: The double-layer slat structure facilitates the insertion of insulation material

Easy to install: Lightweight, with low load-bearing requirements on walls

Disadvantages: Strength and impact resistance are inferior to steel; wind bracing is required for large spans

Steel Roller Shutters

These are manufactured from slats formed by roll-forming galvanised or colour-coated steel sheets, which offer high strength and are operated by winding around a roller. Steel roller shutters are highly wind-resistant and are suitable for large workshop openings; they are the most widely used type of roller shutter in industrial settings.

High strength: Excellent compressive and impact resistance, with good anti-theft performance

Superior wind resistance: Wind-resistant slats are suitable for large-span workshop and warehouse openings

Good value for money: lower cost than aluminium alloy for equivalent specifications

Available in fire-rated versions: single-layer or double-layer steel designs comply with fire-rated roller shutter regulations and are suitable for fire compartments

Drawbacks: heavy (requires reinforcement of load-bearing structures during installation); prone to rust (requires galvanisation or coating, along with regular maintenance)

Key Differences

Products	Aluminium alloy roller shutters	Steel roller shutters
Material	Aluminium alloy profiles	Galvanised steel sheet
Slats	0.8–1.2 mm, can be increased to 1.5 mm	Standard: 0.5–1.0 mm; wind-resistant: 0.8–2.0 mm
Strength	Moderate; less impact-resistant than steel	High; high compressive strength and high impact resistance
Corrosion-resistant	Excellent rust protection; resistant to damp	Generally prone to rusting over time; galvanisation or coating improves resistance
Sound insulation	Fair; insulation filling may be added	Generally, a single layer is not very effective
Burglary prevention	Strong (double-layered)	Strong (high-strength panels)
Wind resistance	Generally, strong wind-bracing members are required	wind-resistant designs are suitable for large openings
Electric motor	Low to medium power	Large spans require high-power motors + reinforced shafts
Price	Higher Lower	Good value for money
Applications	Shops, garages, residential properties, office buildings, coastal areas with high humidity	Warehouses, factories, workshops, logistics facilities, fire compartments

All things considered, there is no definitive superiority or inferiority between aluminium alloy roller shutters and steel roller shutters; the key factor depends on the specific application.

When selecting a model, simply bear in mind three key points: the environment, the opening (span and wind pressure requirements), and your budget.

If you’re looking for something lightweight, attractive and rust-resistant, choose an aluminium alloy roller shutter;

if you’re looking for something sturdy, wind-resistant and good value for money, choose a steel roller shutter.

Which one is right for your doorway?