Perth homeowners turn to roller shutters as security, heat and power bills bite
As Perth records another year of above-average temperatures and households face rising power prices, more local homeowners are looking to roller shutters as a practical way to cool, secure and quieten their properties.
Industry installers say demand for roller shutters has grown steadily across Perth’s suburbs over the past three years, driven by concerns about break-ins, extreme heat and the cost of running air conditioning for longer periods.
Heat, energy costs and changing weather patterns
Perth experienced one of its hottest summers on record in recent years, according to Bureau of Meteorology data, and the trend toward longer hot spells is reshaping how residents think about shading and insulation around the home.
External roller shutters, typically made from insulated aluminium slats, can significantly reduce the amount of direct sunlight and radiant heat entering through windows, which are often the weakest point in a home’s thermal envelope.
“In a lot of older Perth homes you’ve got big west-facing windows that cop the afternoon sun, and that’s where you see rooms becoming almost unusable on extreme heat days,” a Perth-based roller shutter installer said, adding that customers are increasingly asking for solutions that work alongside, rather than instead of, air conditioning.
Independent energy efficiency tests on modern insulated shutters have shown potential reductions in heat gain through glass of more than 70 per cent, depending on orientation and installation details, and local installers say those numbers are broadly reflected in customers’ bills and comfort levels.
Security concerns and visible deterrence
Alongside the weather, security remains a major driver of interest in roller shutters across Perth, with WA Police statistics indicating property offences continue to be concentrated in established residential suburbs where older housing stock may lack modern security measures.
Unlike internal blinds or curtains, metal shutters provide a visible and physical barrier on the outside of the window, a factor security consultants say acts as a deterrent to opportunistic break-ins.
“Most residential burglaries are quick and opportunistic; if a property looks like hard work, offenders usually move on,” one Perth security adviser said, explaining that locked shutters make forced entry through windows more time consuming and noisy.
For some homeowners, particularly shift workers and families who travel regularly, the capacity to completely close off ground-level windows at night or while away has become as important as alarm systems and cameras.
Noise, light control and everyday liveability
While heat and security are often cited as the main reasons for considering shutters, Perth residents living near main roads, train lines or busy commercial centres are also looking to aluminium shutters for noise reduction and light control.
Closed shutters can help to dampen traffic and neighbourhood noise, providing a darker and quieter environment for daytime sleepers, young children or those sensitive to disturbance.
“We’re seeing more enquiries from people in infill suburbs close to major transport corridors, where there’s been a noticeable increase in traffic over the last decade,” a local installer said, noting that many customers combine bedroom shutters with standard window coverings for flexible use across seasons.
For residents in coastal suburbs exposed to strong afternoon light and wind, the ability to partially lower shutters for filtered light and ventilation, while still gaining some shading and privacy, has also proven appealing.
Perth market trends: from manual to motorised systems
The Perth market for roller shutters has shifted markedly towards motorised and smart-controlled systems, according to several local businesses, with manual strap-operated shutters now making up a smaller share of new installations.
Electric motors, controlled by wall switches, remote controls or smartphone apps, are increasingly being integrated into new builds and major renovations, allowing homeowners to raise and lower individual shutters or entire banks of windows at the touch of a button.
“Ten years ago most customers were happy with manual shutters on a couple of front windows, but today more households want fully motorised systems around the whole home, including alfresco areas,” one Perth roller shutter specialist said, adding that automation has become a standard request in mid-range and premium projects.
Solar-powered motors, which use small roof or headbox-mounted panels to charge internal batteries, have also gained a foothold in Perth due to the city’s high levels of sunshine and growing interest in reducing reliance on mains power.
Local installers emphasise custom solutions
Perth’s housing stock ranges from mid-century brick-and-tile properties to contemporary townhouses and multi-storey apartments, and installers say this variety underlines the importance of tailored design and fitting.
Each opening is typically measured and manufactured to suit, with custom colour options to match existing windows, gutters and facades, and installation methods adapted to the home’s structure to minimise visual impact.
A spokesperson for 2 Brothers Roller Shutters in Perth said homeowners were increasingly taking a whole-of-home approach, rather than adding shutters to isolated windows, in order to maximise energy and security benefits while maintaining a consistent appearance from the street.
“People are more design-conscious now; they want the practical advantages but they also want the shutters to look like they belong on a modern Perth home, not like an afterthought,” the spokesperson said.
Cost, rebates and long-term considerations
The cost of installing roller shutters in Perth varies depending on window size, number of openings, choice of manual or motorised operation, and any additional smart controls or integration with home automation systems.
Home improvement consultants advise that while shutters represent a significant upfront investment, many households view them as a long-term measure that can improve comfort, security and resale appeal, particularly in suburbs where extreme heat, street noise or privacy are ongoing concerns.
Although there are currently no broad state-wide subsidies specific to residential roller shutters, some energy efficiency programs and local councils periodically offer incentives for measures that reduce peak power demand or improve building performance, and advisers suggest homeowners check local schemes before commencing large projects.
Choosing a roller shutter provider in Perth
Consumer advocates recommend Perth homeowners seek multiple quotes, confirm that installers are experienced with local building types, and enquire about product warranties, motor brands and after-sales support when comparing roller shutter providers.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning guides and servicing of motors where required, can help extend the life of shutters and maintain smooth operation, particularly in coastal suburbs where salt and wind exposure can be higher.
For many Perth households, the decision to install roller shutters in Perth ultimately comes down to a combination of security, heat control, noise reduction and privacy, together with the desire to make homes more resilient to changing weather and energy costs.
Local installers say enquiries typically increase in the lead-up to summer and again after major heatwaves, and advise residents who are considering upgrades to plan ahead, allow time for custom manufacturing, and speak with a qualified professional about the most suitable configuration for their property.