Reference
Roller Shutter Glossary
Roller shutter quotes are full of jargon. Here's what each term actually means in plain English, and when it makes a real difference to what you're buying.
A
- Aluminium slat
- The horizontal strip that makes up a roller shutter curtain. Most Australian roller shutters use aluminium slats, either single-skin (thin) or foam-filled (insulated).
When it matters · Foam-filled slats reduce heat better and feel sturdier; expect a 10-20% price premium.
B
- Bottom rail (end retainer)
- The reinforced bottom strip of the shutter curtain. Houses locking mechanisms and adds rigidity.
- Box (headbox)
- The housing above the window where the rolled-up shutter sits when open. Visible from outside.
- Bushfire-rated shutter
- A roller shutter tested to specific Australian Standards for ember and radiant-heat protection in bushfire-prone areas.
When it matters · Heavier bottom rails feel sturdier and lock more securely. Standard on most quality shutters.
When it matters · Larger shutters need bigger boxes. Confirm there's enough wall space above the window before quoting.
When it matters · Required by some councils in BAL-rated zones. Add 20-40% to standard shutter cost.
C
- Cyclone-rated shutter
- A shutter tested to resist wind and debris loads in tropical cyclone regions (typically Northern Australia).
When it matters · Required in some Queensland, NT and northern WA postcodes. Confirm with your local council.
E
- Electric (motorised) shutter
- A roller shutter operated by a tubular electric motor inside the barrel, controlled by a wall switch, remote, or app.
When it matters · Usually $300-$600 more per window than manual. Best for high-use, large, or hard-to-reach windows.
F
- Foam-filled slat
- An aluminium slat with insulating foam inside, providing better thermal performance and acoustic damping than a single-skin slat.
When it matters · Recommended for any window where heat reduction matters, usually 10-20% more than single-skin.
G
- Guide rail
- Vertical channels on each side of the window that the shutter curtain runs in.
When it matters · Quality guide rails reduce rattle in wind. Cheap shutters often skimp here.
H
- Hard-wired motor
- An electric shutter motor connected directly to mains power (240V).
When it matters · Most reliable option long-term; needs an electrician for installation.
L
- Locking (two-stage)
- A locking mechanism that secures the shutter curtain in the closed position. Two-stage locks engage at two heights for added security.
When it matters · Useful for ground-floor windows; adds modest cost.
M
- Manual shutter
- A roller shutter operated by hand via a webbed strap or removable winder handle.
- Motor brand
- The manufacturer of the tubular motor in an electric shutter. Major brands include Somfy, Becker, Alpha and Nice.
When it matters · Cheapest option, mechanically simple, lasts decades. Best for low-use bedrooms and studies.
When it matters · Major brands have spare parts available 10+ years later; generic motors often don't.
P
- Plantation shutter
- An internal louvered shutter mounted to the window frame, used for light control and aesthetics. Made from PVC, basswood or aluminium.
When it matters · Different product from roller shutters. Internal only, no security or external-heat benefit.
R
- Remote / wall switch
- Control devices for electric shutters. Wall switches are fixed; remotes are handheld and per-window or multi-channel.
When it matters · Confirm how many remotes are included in the quote.
S
- Single-skin slat
- A thin aluminium slat without foam filling. Cheaper but less thermally effective and more prone to dents.
- Solar-powered motor
- An electric shutter motor powered by a small solar panel mounted above the shutter, with an internal battery.
- Somfy
- A major French manufacturer of tubular motors for shutters and blinds, widely used in Australia.
When it matters · Acceptable for low-use rear-of-house windows; not recommended for main living glass.
When it matters · Avoids electrical work; best for sunny north-facing windows. Battery needs replacement every 3-5 years.
When it matters · A Somfy motor in the quote is generally a quality signal.
T
- Tubular motor
- A cylindrical electric motor that fits inside the shutter's rolling barrel and rotates it. The standard motor type for residential roller shutters.
When it matters · Brand matters more than size. See motor brand.
W
- Warranty (product/motor/install)
- Three separate warranties: the product (slats, frame), the motor (for electric), and installation labour. Each should be in writing.
- Webbed strap
- A flat woven strap on the inside of the wall used to operate a manual shutter. Pulled down to lower the shutter, releases via a built-in retractor.
- Winder (manual handle)
- A removable cranked handle used to operate larger manual shutters via a worm-gear mechanism.
When it matters · Standard: 10+ year product, 5+ year motor, 1-2 year install.
When it matters · Clean indoor finish; works well up to medium-sized windows.
When it matters · Sturdier than a strap for larger or heavier manual shutters.
Common questions
What's the difference between roller shutters and plantation shutters?
What's the difference between single-skin and foam-filled slats?
Which motor brands should I look for?
Compare before you commit.
Now that you know the jargon, compare written quotes from local installers.