Aluminium vs Steel Roller Shutters

Strength and Durability

When it comes to strength and durability, steel is the clear winner. Steel roller shutters are known for their robust construction, making them ideal for high-security areas such as warehouses, industrial facilities, or retail stores located in crime-prone areas.

Steel can withstand significant force and offers superior protection against attempts to breach the shutter through prying, drilling, or cutting. 

Aluminium, on the other hand, while not as strong as steel, still provides a solid level of protection for most commercial and residential applications. It is particularly resistant to corrosion, which gives it a durability advantage in certain environments.

For example, if you live by the sea where humidity and water play big parts, aluminium may weather better than steel. You can also get reinforced aluminium options if you want even more protection. 

Best option: For maximum security and resistance to force, steel shutters just edges it.

Weight and Ease of Operation

The weight of the roller shutter directly affects how easy it is to operate. Aluminium is a much lighter material compared to steel, which makes it easier to manually raise and lower the shutter. This characteristic makes aluminium shutters ideal for small to medium-sized openings where ease of use is a priority.

Moreover, aluminium's lighter weight makes it a better option if you are looking for a motorised system with less strain on the mechanism, reducing the chances of wear and tear over time. There are however heavy duty, electrical options available so do your research on the market.

Best option: If ease of operation is a key factor, particularly for smaller or manually operated shutters, aluminium is the better option. 

Aesthetic Appeal

When it comes to choosing the best roller shutter material, aesthetic appeal is still rather important. Generally speaking, there is more of an appetite for aluminium in terms of looks because it appears more sleek in design. You can also customise aluminium to suit your building more so than steel.

Steel offers a more industrial look which definitely suits some buildings anyway. They are generally available in fewer colour options and may require more frequent maintenance to maintain their appearance, especially in environments where they are exposed to the elements. 

Best option: If appearance and customisability are important, aluminium shutters offer more design flexibility and a more polished look compared to steel.

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminium has a natural advantage in resisting corrosion. Aluminium does not rust, which makes it an excellent option for environments where moisture and humidity are factors. This makes it especially suitable for coastal regions, areas with frequent rainfall, or locations with high humidity.

Aluminium can maintain its appearance and structural integrity over time with minimal maintenance. Perfect for leaving pretty much alone once they’re installed which is super convenient. Steel, on the other hand, is prone to rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture.

While galvanised or powder-coated steel can resist rust to a certain extent, over time, these coatings can wear off, especially in harsh environments, leading to corrosion.

Regular maintenance, such as repainting or reapplying protective coatings, will be necessary to prevent rust from compromising the shutter's functionality and appearance. Once again though, despite the corrosion, heavy duty steel will add the security factor over aluminium.

Best Option: Aluminium shutters are the better choice for corrosion resistance and requires less maintenance in harsh environments.

Cost Considerations

Cost is a really important factor that may help you decide more quickly.

Because of the benefits we’ve mentioned already, aluminium tends to be more expensive than steel which is understandable.

The potential was further longevity of aluminium could be argued that its a worthy investment but that’s up to you to decide.

Best Option: Steel shutters are generally more cost-effective in terms of initial outlay, but aluminium may offer long-term savings due to lower maintenance needs.

Insulation and Noise Reduction

Aluminium roller shutters often have better insulation properties than steel, as many models come with a foam-filled slat design that improves thermal and acoustic insulation. This makes them a popular choice for residential use, as they can help to reduce energy bills by keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. The noise-reducing qualities also make aluminium shutters ideal for homes or offices located near busy streets or noisy areas.

Steel shutters, though offering a high level of security, generally don’t provide the same level of thermal or acoustic insulation as aluminium.

While they can still offer some level of insulation, their primary strength lies in security rather than environmental control.

Best Option: If insulation and noise reduction are priorities, aluminium roller shutters are superior to steel options.