Selecting the proper roller shutter for your Ontario dwelling or business is often contingent upon one critical factor: slat size. The 40mm, 55mm, or 77mm indicates the height of the individual shutter slat. Knowledge of shutter slat dimensions is helpful when selecting the right profile size for various openings. Necessary? Not really. Slat height, aluminum slat thickness, insulated or Extruded Hardened shutter Profile, construction, and installation all influence performance. Here is a brief overview of what each size provides.
What Does Shutter Slat Size Mean?
The 40mm, 55mm, or 77mm sizing relates to the height of each shutter slat. The bigger the profile size, the more rigid it is and is able to handle larger door sizes.
However, roller shutter strength is also affected by other things like the shutter slat gauge, interlocking slat design, wind resistance rating, shutter load capacity, and guide-rail construction. Bigger slats also mean that there will be a bigger shutter headbox
40mm Slats: Compact and Practical
Application: Ideal for small windows in homes, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other small openings
40mm Slat width is small in size, lightweight, and space-saving. They can offer basic security without compromising on aesthetics or consuming extra headroom space.
But they may not be suitable for bigger openings because of a lack of rigidity and wind resistance.
55mm Slats: The Versatile Choice
Application: Garage doors, patio doors, big windows, and small commercial applications.
The 55mm slat provides the perfect balance between strength, appearance, and economy. It is stronger than 40mm but still small enough. 55mm could be an excellent choice for winter weather protection shutters in Ontario homes. Because of the lack of extra weight and size of commercial shutters.
77mm Slats: Heavy-Duty Performance
Applications: Storefronts, warehouses, loading docks, and industrial entries.These 77mm slats offer outstanding strength, security, and durability. They can, however, be designed to be burglary-rated shutters for commercial and industrial purposes. The improved structure of their larger interlocking slats ensures better rigidity and impact resistance. The motorized shutter system allows more frequent movement. The downside of this system is the larger size and heavier weight. They require more space for the shutter headboxes, along with sturdier supporting structures and a motor.
Which Slat Size Is Strongest?
77mm shutters have the most structural strength, followed by 55mm and 40mm. However, the shutter size profile is not the only determinant of its performance. Other elements that are considered include aluminum slat thickness, shutter gauge, interlocking slats, wind resistance, and shutter load capacity.
- 40mm: Recommended for smaller residential window shutters and light duty.
- 55mm: Perfect for garages, patios, and large residential windows.
- 77mm: For commercial and industrial roller shutters which require strength.
New Star Roll Up Doors offers custom aluminum roller shutters to suit the size of the opening, security needed, weather conditions, and operation required.
The best shutter is the one designed to fit your property needs, not just the biggest profile.
40mm vs. 55mm vs. 77mm: Which Is Stronger?
Usually, 77mm slats provide maximum structural strength, but they are followed by 55mm and 40mm slats, respectively. But the size of the slat is not everything that matters. The quality of the material used, aluminum slat thickness, shutter durability rating, shutter gauge, guide rails, locking systems, wind resistance capability, and installation technique all play a role in determining the final performance.
Foam-Filled vs. Aluminum Extruded Slats
Foam-filled shutters will be able to add additional insulation and temperature regulation features, which could be used in residential settings. Still, insulation is not the same as security. Extruded aluminum shutters are mostly recommended when strength, impact resistance, and security for an extended period of time are critical requirements. For commercial buildings and industries, commercial roller shutter systems need to be installed considering the opening sizes, security shutter specifications, and loads.
Which Slat Size Should You Choose?
- 40mm: Perfect for small windows in homes and various other light applications.
- 55mm: Suitable for garage doors, patio doors, and big home windows.
- 77mm: Best suited for commercial storefronts, warehouses, and large loading docks.
The right choice must be based on opening dimensions, wind effect, shutter load capacity, availability of space for headbox, and frequency of operation.
Why Custom Design Matters in Ontario?
The weather conditions of Ontario, including snow, wind, cold weather, and freeze-thaw cycles, may pose some problems for exterior shutters. The shutter profile size, aluminum slat thickness, guide rails, motor, and shutter installation will help ensure proper operation. An experienced installer can advise the best system that will suit your opening, your security concerns, and environmental factors. If you require custom aluminium roller shutters, residential roll-up doors, or Fortis Guard security shutters, then we at New Star Roll Up Doors will be able to help.
Choosing the Right Shutter Slat for Your Property
Which is the toughest? 77mm will provide greater toughness and rigidity, 55mm will give good balancing and 40mm will be suitable for smaller openings. Slat size is not everything; material strength, shutter slat thickness, design, engineering, and shutter installation specifications also matter. In residential applications, a 55 mm shutter will suffice. In demanding commercial and industrial applications, a 77 mm shutter is recommended. The best shutter is the one designed to work on your property, not the biggest slat size available.
