Hi all,

I need some help making some security shutters for my home. I was looking at the Roll-a-way roll down shutters, but the $1500 per window price tag threw that out the window.

Instead I’ve come up with either a swing or sliding shutter style. I’ll be building the shutter from steel and would weigh about 60lbs.

The sliding style would sort of be like a barn door style but tracks on top and bottom of the shutter to slide in front of the window. However, there would still be a gap between the shutter and window when closed to pry open.

So I’m thinking the Hinged style would be the best, it would just swing closed and into the window frame essentially flush with the exterior.

Opening/closing manually is not a problem… but I want everything automated, which is where my problem comes in. I’ve been trying to find some type of automated motor swing closer but can’t seem to find anything except for this place in Italy, and it does not look to heavy duty.

​Swing Shutter Arms

Plus, once closed I need it to lock into place so it can’t be opened. I was thinking a door latch bolt with an electric strike release would work perfect for this. The strike trigger would come from the opening of the shutter motor.

Anyone have ideas on how to motorize the hinge shutter or maybe why barndoor style slide might be a better option?

Thanks all for the help!