Home generalManual-electric shutters retrofit instructions, costs

Manual-electric shutters retrofit instructions, costs

  • Dimensions for the new roller shutter
  • Top roller shutter or front roller shutter
  • Installation of the auxiliary roller shutter
    • Step-by-Step Guide
  • Construction and components of roller shutters
  • Retrofit electric roller shutter
    • Advantages of radio for electric shutters
  • Costs for retrofitting roller shutters

Especially older houses are often not equipped with shutters. In this case, it makes sense to carry out a corresponding retrofit. The measures not only serve the comfort of living but also the burglary protection. At the same time, you benefit from improved thermal insulation. In our guide you will learn about the advantages of the different versions and how to install them.

First of all, you have to decide which type of roller shutter you would like to install. You have the choice between top-mounted shutters, front shutters, electric and manual versions. If you opt for a manually operated roller shutter, then this can be controlled with a crank or a belt. Also important is a consideration of the roller shutter, as this decides on the burglary protection. Especially in the lower floors, the risk of burglary in a non-existent or too simple shutters is large. Therefore, choose the roller shutter model wisely.

Dimensions for the new roller shutter

If you select a roller shutter, you must first of all select the appropriate size. Measure the appropriate dimensions for this:

  1. The width of the roller shutter must correspond to the width of the window or the width of the door. This is the external dimension of the window frame / door frame.
  2. The height depends on whether you have selected a front roller shutter or a top roller shutter. In addition, the mounting location affects the height.
  3. If it is an attachment roller shutter, then measure the window height first. Then add the roller shutter box height.
  4. If it is a front roller shutter, which you mount on the frame, then measure the height of the niche. Then remove the height of the box. From the niche width you have to subtract 5 millimeters.
  5. If you install the front roller shutter on the masonry, then you have to measure the height of the niche. Add to this value the height of the shutter box. To niche width you have to add 11 centimeters.

Top roller shutter or front roller shutter

  1. The tower roller shutter

An attachment roller shutter is mounted on the frame directly above the door or window and is not or only partially visible. If you install the roller shutter later, then this results in some problems that complicate the attachment. A major obstacle is that you have to remove the window and pry out some of the brickwork.

Tip: If you do not want to pry out the masonry, then you could also install the roller shutter under the lintel. However, the window size is reduced in this case.

The installation of a roller shutter is therefore only recommended if you are planning a modernization of the windows and should be combined with the retrofitting of the shutters.

Attachment and top roller shutter
  1. The attachment roller shutter

The front roller shutter is also known as Vorbaurollladen. It is placed in or in front of the soffit of the door or window. Attach the guide rails to the masonry or to the frame. The advantages over the roller shutter are the simple installation. At the same time you avoid cold spots, which benefits the thermal insulation. In addition, the risk of mold and condensation drops.

Installation of the auxiliary roller shutter

You need these materials:

  • shutters
  • Drill with matching drills
  • Cordless Screwdriver
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • ladder
  • spirit level
  • hacksaw
  • hammer
  • dowel
  • screw

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Decision for the place of installation

First of all, you have to decide how you want to attach the roller shutter. Depending on the depth of the soffit, you can either mount the roller shutter in or in front of the soffit. Please note that when installed in the soffit, a sufficient width must be available. It is important that the guide rails for the roller shutter armor have enough space. Another crucial point is that you must drill holes in the frame when installing it in the soffit. In addition, it may happen that you cover a part of the window by the installation. An installation in front of the soffit is less complicated. However, the box protrudes and the distance between the shutter and the window is larger. This may negatively affect the thermal insulation.

Measure well

Step 2 - Assemble all parts according to the manufacturer's instructions

If you have opted for a prefabricated kit, then many of the components are already pre-assembled. Read the instructions carefully and assemble the remaining parts according to the plan.

Step 3 - Stop the guide rails

Hold the frame of the guide rails to where it should be mounted. Align the frame exactly, both horizontally and vertically. Now mark the drill holes with a pin.

Step 4 - Drilling the holes.

Lay down the rack again and drill out the marked holes.

Tip: Pay attention to the correct drill, which is dependent on the material.

A look at our "Tutorial drill types" is worthwhile.

Step 5 - Put the dowels in the holes.

Step 6 - Screw the frame tight. The kit often includes special screws that you must use in any case.

Step 7 - Attach the cover of the roller shutter box. Attach the cover of the box.

Step 8 - Insert the motor for the roller shutter. This later turns the roller shutter upwards and is usually located laterally next to the shaft. Electric shutters have a motor that drives the shutter later. Manual versions are equipped with a crank or belt that move the gearbox.

Roller shutter with crank

Tip: When installing the gearbox, pay attention to the correct direction of rotation. If it is a manual control by means of crank, then an attachment in the opposite direction would change the direction of rotation of the crank. Although this is not a functional obstacle, it does mean that the roller shutter can not be turned in the usual direction.

Step 9 - Attach the belt tensioner / crank.

The crank is placed in the gearbox. In the case of a crank, you must attach a belt box and make sure during work that the belt is under tension.

Tip: Steps 7 to 9 must be installed exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions, the procedure varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Construction and components of roller shutters

To be able to install the shutters according to the instructions, you must know the basic structure. This consists essentially of five different components:

  • Roller curtain
  • Shutter box
  • Roller shutter shaft
  • Roller shutter drive
  • guide rails

The roller shutter is the visible element of the shutters. It consists of the profiles, which are connected by means of joints. He is used as penultimate and is on the wave. The cost of installing the roller shutter depends inter alia on the material for the profiles. Different materials are possible, for example:

  • Wood
  • stainless steel
  • aluminum

There are also differences in the individual materials. Thus, thin-walled and thick-walled aluminum profiles are offered. Thin designs are cheaper and lighter in weight, but also offer lower protection against burglars. The advantages of plastic profiles lie in the easy care option. Care is also simple and uncomplicated. In the roller shutter box sit the rolled-up roller shutter, the drive and the roller shutter shaft.

Tip: For a high anti-burglary protection, select thick-walled and bar-pressed roller shutter armor. The safest are steel profiles. They are mainly used in the commercial sector, because the costs are much higher.

outer box

Retrofit electric roller shutter

Often a manual roller shutter is already available and it will be retrofitted with an electric version. The conversion is carried out in this case in about 20 to 30 minutes and therefore particularly easy to implement. The advantage lies in the uncomplicated operation, which is advantageous for both older and younger people.

Tip: When choosing the right model, you not only have to pay attention to performance but also to quiet operation.

Step 1 - Choosing the right model

Decisive are the structural requirements. Measure the dimensions of the existing manual roller shutter, especially the size of the shaft is important. To measure, open the roller shutter box first.

The most common types of shafts include the mini-elements (wrench size 40 mm) and the maxi element (wrench size 60 mm). But also possible other variants, such as 50 mm or 65 mm. The wrench size is the diameter of the shaft.

Tip: If the right size is not available, then an adapter may also be used.

Step 2 - Drain the roller shutter completely.

To start working, you must completely drain the roller shutter. Only then can you remove the shaft, as the roller shutter is wrapped around it.

Shutter box

Step 3 - Disassemble the shaft.

After you have drained the roller shutter, you must remove the shaft. This is usually hooked on the sides, but can also be fixed with screws.

Step 4 - Insert the motor into the shaft.

Note that you need to insert the adapter recess where the inside palate of the shaft is. The component must be flush with the octagonal shaft.

Step 5 - Insert the roller capsule.
Push the roller capsule in until it stops.

Step 6 - Install the roller shutter box.

When installing, make sure you route the power cable so that it leaves the motor on the back. It must not be guided on the front. Also push the roller capsule into the ball bearing. Fix this position with a screw.

Tip: Check at this point once again whether the motor and the shaft are firmly seated in the box.

Step 7 - Mount switch and power connector

Step 8 - Hang the shutter hanging

Now let the roller shutter motor drive downwards without hanging the roller shutter curtain. The engine should stop at the pre-set final stop. Hang in this position of the shutter hanging. The accessory set must contain suitable suspension springs. Depending on the size of the shaft either two or more suspension springs are included. Your task is the optimal weight distribution of the roller shutter. Then let the roller shutters go up again.

Step 9 - Fine-tune the adjusting screw

As a tool for fine adjustment of the adjustment rod is used. Turn clockwise in the plus direction. The engine should now have reached the desired upper end position.

Tip: Often a conclusion with the window frame is desired for the upper end position.

Advantages of radio for electric shutters

If you install a roller blind retrospectively, then you must realize the drive for which often no structural precautions have been taken. Here the control by radio is an easy option. The roller shutter is attached as described and a wall control is not necessary. The drive has radio control so that it can be used directly after installation.

Costs for retrofitting roller shutters

If you decide to convert from a manual to an electric roller shutter, you will need a motor, a switch and a matching accessory set. The total cost in this case is around 50 euros. If you have to do a complete new installation, then you can buy a set so that you have all the materials you need. Cheap packages are already available for around 150 euros. If you pay attention to a high burglary protection and high-quality materials, then the necessary expenditures amount in the minimum 250 euro .

Tips for quick readers:

  • Attachment roller shutter more expensive when retrofitting
  • Front roller shutter simpler in installation
  • manual retrofit to electric shutters: 50 euros
  • Installation of new roller shutters: 150 to 250 euros
  • Determine dimensions accurately
  • Use conversion / retrofit sets
  • pay attention to the safety of the roller shutter
  • Note burglary protection
  • Consider the manufacturer's instructions
  • Install roller shutter motor with the roller shutter lowered
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