Polycarbonate roller shutters are designed for openings where you need security without blocking visibility. They are widely used across commercial, industrial and selected domestic settings where theft, damage, dust or vermin are a concern but you still want customers or staff to see through the space.

Unlike solid shutters, these systems maintain clear sightlines while providing a physical barrier when the premises are closed.

 

Where Polycarbonate Roller Shutters Are Commonly Used

Visibility is the main reason people choose this style.

They are typically installed in:

• Shopping centres and retail shop fronts 
• Bar frontages and serveries 
• Bottle shops and arcades 
• Counter tops and internal tenancy openings 
• Doorways and verandas 
• Commercial spaces that need after-hours display visibility

For example, a retail store in a shopping centre may want its illuminated window display visible overnight to attract foot traffic the next morning. A clear shutter allows visibility while still securing the entry point.

If your priority is complete privacy, light blockout or thermal insulation, a solid aluminium shutter may be more suitable. Polycarbonate systems are specifically chosen when visual access is part of the requirement.

How Polycarbonate Roller Shutters Are Constructed

The Polyview curtain system is manufactured by alternating and interlocking:

• 100mm x 1.5mm clear polycarbonate slats 
• 30mm extruded aluminium slats in 6063-T5 alloy

This forms a continuous hinge structure that rolls smoothly onto the drum.

Each joining slat is fitted with moulded nylon end clips. These reduce lateral movement within the side guides and help ensure smoother, quieter operation during daily use.

This construction balances strength with transparency, which is why it works well for commercial environments that open and close frequently.

 

Size Capabilities And Wider Openings

Each individual shutter can be manufactured up to:

• 3.6 metres wide 
• Or a total of 9 square metres

For wider openings, the system can incorporate standard or corner mullions. This allows multiple shutters to be installed across larger spans and makes it a practical alternative to concertina-style shop doors for broad entrances.

When assessing suitability, always confirm total opening size, headroom and stacking requirements before specifying the system.

Locking and security features

Security is built into the bottom rail system.

The bottom rail houses a keyed centre lock within the aluminium extrusion. When locked, it operates 25mm x 3mm aluminium flat bars that secure into the side guides on both sides of the opening.

Standard configuration allows for double-sided locking, meaning operation from both inside and outside. Where multiple shutters are installed, they can be keyed alike for convenience.

Side guides are manufactured from extruded aluminium sections measuring 50mm deep by 31mm wide. An optional felt brush can be included where smoother tracking or reduced noise is preferred.

 

Manual Or Motorised Operation

Polycarbonate roller shutters can be operated manually or motorised.

Manual operation involves pushing up and pulling down using a supplied pull pole. This is often suitable for smaller openings or lower-frequency use.

Motorised options can include:

• Push button operation 
• Remote control systems 
• Key switch access

Motorisation is generally recommended for larger shutters or premises that open and close daily, as it improves efficiency and reduces strain on staff.

 

Finish Options

The standard finish is clear anodised aluminium.

Powder coating is available as an option within the Dulux powder coat range, allowing the shutter to better match surrounding architectural elements or branding requirements.

 

Who Polycarbonate Roller Shutters Are Best Suited For

Polycarbonate roller shutters are best suited to:

• Retailers wanting to keep window displays visible after hours 
• Hospitality venues that need to secure bar or servery areas 
• Shopping centre tenancies requiring compliant, secure closures 
• Commercial spaces where visibility and security must work together

They are not ideal where full privacy, complete blockout or insulation performance is the primary objective.

Choosing the right shutter type depends on what the opening needs to achieve once closed. If visibility is essential, polycarbonate systems are specifically engineered to provide that balance without compromising on structural integrity or locking security.