Roller shutters & blinds: differences, advantages and suitable spare parts

1. Roller shutters: external protection for windows and doors

Roller shutters are usually mounted externally and consist of fixed slats (e.g., aluminum, PVC, or steel). They can be manually operated using a belt or crank, or raised and lowered using a motor (electric roller shutters). Their design offers:

1. Effective thermal protection : Roller shutters prevent sunlight from directly hitting the window glass, keeping the interior pleasantly cool in summer.

2. Burglary protection : Closed shutters are an additional barrier that can deter burglars.

3. Weather protection : Rain, snow or hail hit the roller shutter first, not the window glass.

4. Complete blackout : Perfect for bedrooms or children's rooms when you want to completely darken the room.

Common spare parts for roller shutters

  • Lift belts & belt winders : If the belt is broken or worn.
  • Roller shutter gear : If the drive is cranked or motor driven, the gear can wear out.
  • Slats : Damaged slats can often be replaced individually without replacing the entire roller shutter.

In our shop at jalousien-ersatzteile.deyou will find a separate category for roller shutter gears and electric drives .


2. Roller blinds: textile sun protection for indoors

A roller blind (without the double "l") is typically an interior privacy and sun protection screen with a textile covering . This means:

  • Mounting type : Usually on the window sash, on the wall or ceiling in the interior.
  • Material : Often polyester or cotton fabrics, which allow more or less light to pass through depending on the coating.
  • Design variety : A roller blind can underline the ambience in a room through a wide range of colours, patterns and fabric types.

Advantages of interior blinds

  1. Decoration & Style : A fabric roller blind can positively influence the interior design style.
  2. Flexible privacy protection : You can choose between partially or fully blackout blinds – ideal for the living room or bedroom.
  3. Easy to operate : Often via a chain, a side pull or even a motor (for comfort solutions).

Differences to roller shutters

  • A roller blind darkens the room, but does not close as light-tight as an external roller shutter.
  • No burglary protection : The roller blind is located inside and is usually made of fabric.
  • Less heat protection : Since the sunlight already heats the window glass before it is blocked by the fabric blind, the cooling effect is less than with external systems.

3. Common problems & repair tips

1. Chain break (for internal roller blinds)

With manual roller blinds, the pull chain can break or jam.

Some interior blinds use a spring-loaded system that can wear out.

2. Slat or profile breakage (for roller shutters)

Weather influences or accidental impact can damage individual slats.

A profiled armor can often be repaired segment by segment.

3. Engine malfunctions (electrical variants)

Motorized roller shutters or blinds may experience interruptions if the gears or limit switches are worn.

Check cables and connections before purchasing a new motor set.


4. Suitable spare parts for roller shutters & interior blinds

In our online shop at jalousien-ersatzteile.deyou will find categories for:

We currently offer replacement parts and accessories for interior roller blinds , such as chains and spring-loaded mechanisms. When ordering, please ensure you know the exact dimensions and diameter (e.g., of the shaft or pull chain) to ensure everything fits.


5. Conclusion: Which system is right for you?

  • External roller shutters : Perfect if you value strong heat protection, burglary resistance and maximum blackout.
  • Interior roller blind : Excellent if you value decoration more and only need moderate sun protection .

Whether roller shutters or blinds – both systems can last a long time with the right spare parts and can be easily repaired if necessary. For major defects, it's worth checking out our repair tips or contacting our customer service.


Final tip:
If you already have roller shutters or blinds and notice minor damage, don't hesitate to replace individual components. You'll save costs and significantly extend the lifespan of your sun protection – all in the spirit of a sustainable solution!

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