How to measure a roller shutter

Measuring front-mounted and top-mounted roller shutters

Before you order and install your new roller shutter, you need to determine the correct roller shutter size. This is made simple with our handy step-by-step instructions. For more information please also refer to our downloadable window measurement guide.

What do you need?

  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Measuring tape
  • Spirit level

There are two types of roller shutters: front-mounted roller shutters and top-mounted roller shutters.

Front-mounted roller shutters are attached to external masonry or the frame in the window reveal. With top-mounted roller shutters, on the other hand, the roller shutter box is hidden, built into the window itself. The shutter box will vary depending on the overall width and height of the shutter.

For any further clarifications, our expert team are on hand to answer your questions.

Measuring front-mounted roller shutters

Before you start to take any measurements for a front-mounted roller shutter, you need to determine whether it requires a wall or in-reveal installation.

Wall installations

For roller shutters requiring a wall installation, the roller shutter box is attached to the external masonry above it. The guide rails can be mounted to the right and left of the head box. The total dimension of the roller shutter then consists of the head box and these guide rails.

1. Measure the shutter’s width

Please measure the entire width of the wall opening. Then add 2 x 53 mm for the two guide rails.

Example:

► 1000 mm total width (A) + (2 x 53 mm guide rails) = 1106 mm

2. Measure the shutter’s height

Now please determine the total height of the wall opening before adding the height of the head box to this measurement.

Example:

► 1000 mm window (D) + 215 mm head box height (C) = 1215 mm (B)


In-reveal installation

Roller shutters requiring an in-reveal installation have the roller shutter box fitted inside the wall opening, i.e. on the upper frame extension.

1. Measure the shutter’s width

The front-mounted roller shutter’s width will be the same as the window’s. Now measure the entire width of the wall’s opening and subtract 10 mm for installation allowance.

Example:

► 1000 mm total width (A) - 10 mm (installation allowance) = 990 mm

2. Measure the shutter’s height

Measure the total height on the wall’s opening before subtracting 10 mm for installation allowance. Please note that the top frame extension is needed so that the shutter box does not end up partially covering or protruding into the window.

Example:

► 1215 mm Laibung (B) - 10 mm (installation allowance) = 1205 mm


Measuring top-mounted roller shutters

With top-mounted roller shutters, the roller shutter box is hidden, built into the window itself. Top-mounted roller shutters are ideal for new buildings or window replacements.

1. Measure the shutter’s width

The front-mounted roller shutter’s width will be the same as the window’s. Now measure the entire width of the wall’s opening and subtract 10 mm for installation allowance.

Example:

► 1000 mm total width (A) - 10 mm (installation allowance) = 990 mm

2. Measure the shutter’s height

Measure the total height of your wall’s opening and the height of the head box or upper frame extension. The head box varies according to the window height.

Example:

► 1000 mm window (D) + 215 mm head box height (C) = 1215 mm (B)

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